Marina
Dr. Michael Reynolds, a respected ophthalmologist and partner in Reynolds and Anlikar Eye Physicians and Surgeons, has announced his retirement after 30 years of service to patients in Emporia and surrounding communities. His retirement is scheduled for June, marking the end of an era in local eye care.
Reynolds and his wife, Joyce Reynolds, will relocate to Colorado to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren. Looking ahead with excitement, Reynolds shared:
“My kids and grandkids weren’t here, and I was missing out on a lot of their activities, their birthday parties and things like that.”
He added that once a qualified successor was found, he felt comfortable stepping away from the practice.
Educational and Professional Journey
A native of Paola, Kansas, Dr. Reynolds graduated summa cum laude from Baker University and earned his medical degree with honors from the University of Kansas School of Medicine.
He completed his internship in Wichita and went on to finish his ophthalmology residency and medical retina fellowship at the prestigious Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at the University of Miami.
A Commitment to Underserved Communities
Dr. Reynolds arrived in Emporia in 1994, fulfilling a medical school scholarship obligation to serve an underserved area. He joined the practice of Dr. Bergersen, purchasing it in 1999. A few years later, Dr. Wayne Anliker became a partner around 2002.
Under his leadership, the practice grew to become one of the largest ophthalmology clinics in Kansas, with satellite offices in cities like Pittsburg and Manhattan.
A Focus on Surgical Excellence
Reynolds’ work has centered around eye surgeries, with roughly 80% of his procedures being cataract-related and the remaining 20% involving laser and other delicate eye surgeries. He typically performed surgeries two to three days a week.
In the mid-90s, Reynolds began traveling to rural hospitals across Kansas to bring surgical care to areas without access to an optometrist. He described the precision of eye surgery:
“Everything for the most part takes place through an operating microscope. Your world is about an inch square… you have to get very comfortable working through a microscope on very small delicate tissues.”
A Legacy of Patient Impact
One of the most rewarding aspects of his career, Reynolds noted, was seeing how his work improved patients’ lives. Many arrived with fears about surgery and left with renewed confidence and vision.
“It was incredible to get to follow them along afterwards and see how it affected their quality of life. All of a sudden, they might be able to start driving again… and over time, you see them and then you see their kids. It goes on and on through the generations.”
Passing the Torch
Dr. Reynolds leaves the practice in the capable hands of Dr. Christopher Pole, who has now stepped into his role.
“He’s picking up the reins from me and doing a great job. I feel really comfortable. I feel like I’m leaving the patients in great hands and the staff is good.”
After three decades of restoring sight, building one of the largest practices in Kansas, and caring for generations of families, Dr. Michael Reynolds leaves behind a remarkable legacy in the Emporia medical community.
His patients, colleagues, and staff will surely miss his dedication—but wish him well as he steps into a well-earned retirement close to family.