Dr. Tere Porter has retired after working as an optometrist for about 44 years in Oxford Hills.

NORWAY — An optometrist who has practiced in the area for more than 40 years is ready to rest his eyes and enjoy retirement.

Dr. Tere Porter, who has been practicing since 1965, says he intends to continue his work with volunteer organizations and recreational pursuits. He also intends to keep discussing macular degeneration with people who have been affected by the condition.

Porter was born in Aroostook County and grew up in Belfast. His father also worked as an optometrist, running the business out of their home. Porter spent one year at Nasson College in Springvale before going to the Massachusetts College of Optometry, now the New England College of Optometry. He graduated from the school in 1965 with a bachelor of science and doctor of optometry degrees.

Porter’s business originally opened on Cottage Street in October 1965. Ten years later, it was moved to Paris Street. He purchased the building in 1983, and an addition was built in 2000.

Porter said that since he began the business, optometry has gone through significant changes. He recalls that cataract surgery was once put off until it was absolutely needed, due to the likelihood that a patient would have to spend time in the hospital and need to wear thick eyeglasses that caused distortion and magnification problems. Now, such surgery can be done in a matter of hours, with the patient able to wear regular lenses afterward.

Contact lenses have also been improved, with softer lenses being developed.

He said difficulties have also increased in that there are higher costs and lower insurance reimbursements. Porter said optometrists have often been forced to work longer hours or spend less time with patients.

Porter said the field has also expanded more into therapeutic work. He said he was worried that it might be moving away from the traditional practice of prescribing eyeglasses and contacts and into ophthalmology, which includes surgery.

“I’m concerned they’re getting away from their roots and just becoming another medical eye doctor,” he said.

He recalled attending to one child who was doing poorly in school. After Porter determined that the boy needed glasses, his progress improved dramatically.

“This child went from being in remedial classes to being a straight A student,” he said. “Those things happened again and again and again.”

In 1983, Porter was found to have macular degeneration, a deterioration of the retinas. When he attended a conference 15 years later, an ophthalmologist looked at photos of his retinas and determined that Porter would have to cease practicing within one or two years. At the same conference, however, he spoke with a macular degeneration specialist and found a new supplement which was able to keep his vision intact. Porter said promising efforts to undo macular degeneration problems are under way, including the use of non-embryonic stem cell and gene research.

Porter has also been active in nature photography, barbershop singing, Boy Scout leadership, Christmas for Teens, and other organizations and activities.

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