NEW BUSINESS: EYE-CARE FACILITY WORK

Construction is under way on a new eye-care facility at Mount Auburn Road and Blattner Drive, across from Doctors' Park in Cape Girardeau.

The medical office will house the following eye-care providers:

-- Cape Retinal Surgery Center: Drs. David Westrich and Neal Honickman.

-- Center for Pediatric eye Care: Dr. Marybeth Kapp.

-- Center for Glaucoma Management: Dr. Todd Altenbernd.

-- Low Vision Clinic: Dr. Michael Katich.

Columbia Construction of Cape Girardeau is the general contractor for the 13,000-square-foot facility.

The new center, which will provide space for eye-care evaluation and testing and outpatient surgical areas. The building will also feature dispensing areas for pharmacy and low vision optical aids.

Westrich brought vitreoretinal surgery to the area in 1989 and was joined by Dr. Honickman in 1996. The doctors provide diagnostic treatment for retinal disorders such as macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease and retinal detachment.

Kapp opened the Center for Pediatric Eye Care and Adult Eye Muscle Surgery in 1995. She manages pediatric eye disorders and adult eye muscle disorders.

Altenbernd is the first fellowship-trained glaucoma surgeon in the area. He started his practice in 1997.

Katich provides low vision rehabilitation options for patients with limited vision and will coordinate a low fission optical at the new facility.

Stephanie Kasten, practice administrator, said the new center was expected to be ready for occupancy next summer. "The design of the new building will enable us to continue a tradition of excellence and meet the needs of an expanded patient population."

The current practice will continue to operate at Numbers 18 and 19 Doctors' Park until the new building is completed.