Myrtletown, Calif.-based North Coast Ophthalmology and Humboldt Physicians Surgery and Laser Center will permanently close in February as both ophthalmologists are set to retire, Times Standard reported Oct. 31.
The practice, which provides eye surgeries, intravitreal injections and treatment for glaucoma and cataracts, has been unable to recruit new physicians despite years of effort.
“We have been actively seeking another physician to join our practice for several years. Despite investing a significant amount of time and resources, our efforts have been fruitless,” according to a letter to patients posted on the practice’s social media.
The group has spent about seven years searching for a replacement, posting multiple calls on social media warning that without new ophthalmologists, “thousands of patients may lose access to essential cataract surgery, glaucoma care and vision-saving injections.”
According to the post, Gregory Gibb, MD, 77, delayed his retirement while trying to recruit new physicians, but will stop surgeries at the end of 2025 and cease seeing patients Feb. 20. He has operated the practice for about 30 years.
John Mastroni, MD, initially planned to scale back operations to serve the most vulnerable patients but the model “not a viable business solution,” according to the report, leaving retirement as the only option.
The closure affects about 25 to 30 employees across both sites, who were informed in September after final recruitment efforts fell through.
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