Dr. Burke quickly became young William Filchak's inspiration - he found going to the eye doctor fascinating.

"Dr. Burke helped guide my interest and encouraged me to think about this career path," Dr. Filchak told Voices.

After graduating from the University of Connecticut and the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis Tenn., Dr. Filchak returned to Connecticut to open a solo practice as an optometrist.

Dr. Filchak explained when he opened his Southbury office in June of 1988, his goal was to create a practice where he could see every patient personally and create a personal eye care practice for the entire family.

His business cards, business stationary and website state that goal: "Personal eye care for the entire family, by the doctor whose name is on the practice."

Dr. Filchak sees every patient personally and provides one-on-one exceptional customer service.

He spoke of his staff as excellent multi-taskers.

"We don't keep people waiting and your eye needs are very important to us," Dr. Filchak said. "We work hard on our scheduling to achieve this success."

He thanked his staff, comprised of Joan Doxsey, Mary Neal, Sheila Bernabi, Caroline Hodak and Tony Aversa, for all of their help and dedication to the practice.

"Our goal is to accommodate everyone and as the need arises," he said. "Our staff helps make this happen."

The practice provides eye exams, glasses and contact lenses; treats eye infections; offers state-of-the-art testing for cataracts, glaucoma, retinal disease, Lasik consultations and refers patients to experts in the field.

Dr. Filchak said the best part of his job "is helping people, meeting new people and developing many long term relationships.

"I have been treating children, who are now grown and married and am now treating the next generation."

Dr. Filchak shared that one of the biggest changes in his career is the advance in technology and the ability to treat diseases so much sooner.

He recommends that children have their eyes examined before they start school. He asks parents to look at the subtle clues children give, noting that squinting, rubbing their eyes or a change in habits may be a sign of an eye issue.

"We don't want anything affecting the learning process," Dr. Filchak stressed.

He offers his young patients exceptional contact lenses training. He and his staff sit with parents and the potential lense-wearers and go over the process.

"We see many fifth and sixth graders ready to handle the responsibility," Dr. Filchak said. "We teach them how to properly wear and clean the lenses. We see them back for follow-up visits."

His staff helps patients find the perfect pair of glasses and makes sure they fit properly.

He reflected that the past 22 years have gone by quickly and thanked all of his patients. He promises to be here for many years to come.

The office has evening hours and Saturday hours.

Dr. William J. Filchak's office is located at 775 Main Street South, Southbury Green. The office may be reached by calling 203-262-6752. The website is at www.drfilchak.com.