By Cindy Roller
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/ketr/local-ketr-984184.mp3
Paris – Life has been more like a medical book than a story book for Doctors Colton and Katie Wicks of Charleston.
However with their recent endeavors these Cooper High School sweethearts will be writing the first new chapter of their dream future with the grand opening of Paris Optical, newly acquired from the former owner Dr. John Carter Jr. OD.
On Aug. 1 the doctors started their careers together expanding the one doctor practice into a two and extending office hours while emphasizing customer service as priority No. 1.
Following their graduation from the College of Optometry from the University of Houston in May, Colton said, "It just fell into our lap."
It was during a winter holiday break the two had been to visit some area doctors just to get acquainted. It was during this time they learned of Dr. Carter looking for a buyer for his practice.
Colton recalled, "We came straight over [to Paris Optical] right then. But he didn't really realize we were serious until our phone call the next day."
The couple admired Dr. Carter's "intense care for the future of his practice." Dr. Carter has been practicing in downtown Paris since 1997. He has been called to the ministry and has started a church in McKinney and will be leaving Paris along with his wife June and their four children.
"We always knew we were going to come back," he said. "Dr. Carter wanted to keep his practice local and what was best for the community. We are hoping the people of Delta County will be happy to see a physician that is from here and knows their background."
Colton is the son of Randy and Charlotte Wicks of Kensing, and Katie is the daughter of Dennis Wheat of Tyler and Karen Wheat of Cooper. Together they have a two-year old son Keyton following their marriage in May 2007. They are expecting their second son in December.
The couple is more than just lucky in love and careers. They also have educational similarities almost as if it was an optimistic case of double vision. They are both salutatorians of their respected classes of CHS - Colton is a graduate of the Class of 2001 while Katie is of the Class of 2004. Each graduated from Texas A&M University with Bachelor of Science degrees. Katie graduated magna cum laude from the University of Houston.
"She is sharp on pathologies," Colton said on his wife with a smile. "She was my inspiration."
The duo believes their internships gave them a great insight into the field of optometry. Katie was at BridgeBuilders Eye Clinic while at the other end of the spectrum Colton was at First Eye Care Infinity Laser Vision both in Dallas.
"They put a lot of trust in you and that's good," Katie said on her work with the indigent.
As therapeutic optometrists and glaucoma specialists at Paris Optical they will offer services for macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic eye complications and cataracts. They will also be visiting nursing homes and performing school screenings. They also plan to get involved in the Chiggerfest health fair by performing vision screenings at no charge to the community.
Their office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday will be extended to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and open on Saturdays. Paris Optical is located at 15 East Plaza in Paris or call 903-784-6649.
"We have been gone longer than anyone in my family. It was time to come back."
"It will all get here soon enough," said his expectant wife. "We just want the best care we can give to our patients."