Dr. Curt Simmons
Retired
About
My Story
My wife, Karen, and I were lucky enough to land in Santa Cruz thirty five years ago. After spending several years in Fresno in a large medical practice, I wanted to have my own office and live in a more pleasant environment. Santa Cruz filtered to the top of our “where we should settle” list of; clean air, mild weather, university town, major airport nearby, scenic and natural beauty. The ocean wasn’t a requirement, but what a big plus! We moved to Santa Cruz with our two-year-old daughter and I was able to take over an existing practice. As many of my long-time patients will remember, it was located where Mo Bo Sushi currently sits. Eric’s Deli was where FedX now resides. CVS was Longs. Trader Joe’s was Albertsons. Cafe Mare was Hobee’s (my favorite breakfast place), the Cooper House was, well, the Cooper House. We bought many of our home furnishings at the lovely Haber’s Furniture store downtown. Remember Chi Pants on Pacific? Am I dating myself?
Then came the earthquake and Downtown was shaken to its core. But after that dark cloud came the silver lining of a rebuilt Pacific Avenue and my own new office building. I moved there in 1995 with my good friend Dr. David Farberow and we have had many years of happy association. I have immensely enjoyed meeting each of you over the years and doing my best to assist you in your visual needs. Mine has been a truly satisfying career.
Now it is time for me to consider the next phase of my life. I hope to spend more time doing the things I love while I still can – cycle touring, backpacking, snow boarding, gardening and playing my guitar. So as of June 30, with both sadness and anticipation, I will be leaving Plaza Lane Optometry.
You will not have to worry about searching for another eye care provider. I have been working closely with my current partner, Dr. Buell since 2013 and Dr. Heyano since 2019. If you haven’t met them by now, you will be thrilled to have them care for your eyes. I have full confidence in their clinical abilities. The transition will be seamless.
I thank you for your loyal support these past 35 years. I hope to see you in and around town and maybe even back at the office from time to time as I do vacation fill-in work.
Warmly,
Curt Simmons, OD
Diagnostics
Comprehensive Exams
Our doctors at Plaza Lane Optometry provide detailed, thoughtful exams. We pride ourselves on listening to your unique needs and recommending the most appropriate solutions to your vision and eye health needs.
Eyewear
Glasses & Contacts
Whether you need glasses or contact lenses, daily disposable or monthly, single vision or multi-focal, part time wear or full time, we will work with you to find the most successful fit for your lifestyle.
Care
Eye Care & Treatment
Comprehensive eye care is about more than just getting glasses or a regular checkup. We support you through any eye care contingency, including emergencies, corrective surgeries, and your other eye needs.