Senior Connections Senior Connections Jan 2019 | Page 5

OPTOMETRIST from Pg 1 or therapeutic medication ... everything had to be referred to an ophthalmologist. It was a struggle to get that legislative change.” This meant optometrists could not use diagnos- tic drugs for dilating or numbing the eye during an examination. They also could not prescribe thera- peutic medications for treating eye conditions of bacterial infection or glaucoma. Minnesota passed its therapeutic pharmaceuti- cal agent (TPA) legislation in May 1993. Now, op- tometrists have more power to help their patients directly and immediately without the need to refer them to another doctor for relief. When discussing what words of wisdom he would like to pass on to the next generation of op- tometrists, Eklof said the best advice he can give is to listen. “You can start to pick up things, and even make a diagnosis from the details of what they say,” he explained. Future plans So what is next for the doctor? He laughs at this. “I haven’t played golf in 20 years ... I’m thinking I might try it again,” he said. Most importantly, he looks forward to spending more quality time with his wife, Belinda, and two daughters, Erin, 29, and Leah, 26, who both live in the Minneapolis area. Eklof said he is thankful for the staff of Cokato Eye Center and to the people of the community for the last 43 years. He said he appreciates everyone who “has allowed me to participate in the care of their eyes or the preservation and enhancement of their vision over the years.” ����������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������ ����������������������������� ���������������� ����������� �������������� �������������������� ������������������ ������������������������ �������������������������� ����������������� This article about Dr. Paul Eklof appeared in the Sept. 27, 1973 issue of the Cokato Enterprise. W ish it A w ay by C alling To day • Video Inspection & Location • Maintenance Agreements • Commercial, Residential, & Farm • Hydro Jetting • Environmentally Safe Products Call Genie Drain Cleaning today! Your drain and sewer specialists FAST, EFFECTIVE, SERVICE ������������������������������� [phone] www.geniedrains.com Senior Connections HJ.COM Senior Do you know a senior that should be in the spotlight? Please send your information to us by calling 320.485.2535 or by emailing [email protected]. Connections January 2019 5