By Betsy Brewer Brantner
Contributing Writer

Dr. Malcolm H. Kelly, Jr. is the third generation of the Kelly family to practice optometry in Oxford. The Kelly family has provided eye care to the Oxford community continuously for over 100 years. That almost changed when Oxford Borough purchased what was once the Peoples Bank of Oxford parking lot, which surrounds the optometry business. After purchasing the lot, the borough constructed the Multi-Modal Transportation Center and the Borough Hall on the site. The Center also houses two other offices.

When the prospect of a year or more of construction came up, Kelly was looking for a location outside the borough to serve as the home for his optometry business. Instead, he stayed put. Construction of the Transportation Center was completed and Kelly’s optometry office is still located at 49 S. Second Street, and he still retains parking spaces around his building. 

Dr. Malcolm H. Kelly, Jr.’s grandfather, Dr. Hollis G. Kelly, graduated from the Pennsylvania State College of Optometry in 1916. His aunt, Grace Kelly, graduated from Pennsylvania College of Optometry in 1927. In 1942, his father, Malcolm H. Kelly, graduated from Pennsylvania College of Optometry in 1942. The current Dr. Kelly graduated from Pennsylvania College of Optometry in 1975. His great-grandfather, Dr. Samuel Rae, was Oxford’s town physician who made house calls by horse and buggy. 

The Kelly family has served the community for over 100 years. Dr. Malcolm H. Kelly, Jr. is likely the last family member in this Kelly line to be trained as an optometrist.

“I have two daughters. Katie is a reading specialist and Laura is a nurse. Penny (my wife) was my office manager,” he said.

The town has certainly changed a lot in the 49 years that Dr. Kelly has been practicing. There have been many new businesses, a parking garage, and the town now has Oxford Mainstreet Inc. to plan First Friday events and work to promote the downtown.

When asked what it was like having a business in his hometown, Dr. Kelly said that he has many good memories.

“I have enjoyed having patients and developing relationships from Oxford and the surrounding area,” he said. “It’s been great to carry on the Kelly Optometry legacy while practicing in my hometown. There has been tremendous growth in the area. There was a time when you shopped local you would know most people by name. Now there are many new faces.”

Kelly explained, “When I sold my Optometric practice to “My Eye Doctor” three years ago, I wanted to know my values of eye care would continue for my patients. They buy successful practices and manage them under the umbrella of “My Eye Doctor.”

The business continues to thrive and Kelly is still working there, but he will be leaving shortly for a well-deserved retirement.

Kelly readily admits optometry has changed in many ways.

“It used to be mainly about making sure patients had 20/20 vision,” he said. “Now, the profession has evolved more into the overall health of the patient, as well as the health of the eye. As an optometrist I am certified in minor surgery (foreign body removal, corneal abrasion treatment) Glaucoma, Cataract and Lasik surgery co-management.”

Generations of families in the Oxford area have relied on him for the health of their eyes. That is why he is still working, even though he sold the business. He is trying to tie up loose ends for the many patients who have become his friends.

“I tell my patients that I have mixed emotions about retirement… joy and happiness,” he said. “But in all seriousness, I have learned a lot from my patients. They are my second family. I have seen them for many years and have seen their children grow up and marry. I will miss relationships with my patients and staff. It’s been enjoyable to help people see their best.”

And speaking of family, his plan is to spend more time with his family when he retires. He also intends to pursue his hobbies like macro photography and riding his electric bike. He and his wife enjoy exploring rails and trails and seeing the countryside.

“Technology has certainly changed,” he said. “Over the years I have invested in high tech equipment that has helped me diagnose and treat different eye conditions. It’s expensive to offer the best in technology, but worth the reward knowing my patients are getting the best care.”

One thing that has not changed is the quality of care that Kelly bestowed upon his patients. 

“My Eye Doctor” will continue giving the same quality of care that I did,” Kelly said. “I wanted to make sure of that before I left. I know I’m leaving my patients in very good hands, and that is important to me.”