Dr Robert Lidkea - OPTOMETRIST

Dr. Robert Lidkea came to Fort Frances in 1952 to become part of the Fort Frances Clinic, which at that time had 2 M.D.’s, 1 Dentist, an Optometrist and a Pharmacy. When the Fort Frances Clinic decided to expand and relocate, he took the option to remain in the original space and enlarge. Over the years the practice grew and expanded with Dr. George Elliott arriving in 1975 and Dr. Bruce Lidkea in 1994. Since Dr. Bruce Lidkea has joined the practice he has adjusted his work schedule to 3 days a week. In 1995 the practice took over the entire building and did a major renovation.

Dr. Robert Lidkea graduated as a "Registered Optometrist" in 1952, from the College of Optometrists in Toronto. In 1957 and 1958 he returned for post graduate studies and earned his "Doctor of Optometry". He was President of the Ontario Association of Optometrists from 1975 to 1976. He was accepted as a fellow in the American Academy of Optometrists in 1983 and was awarded an honorary degree from the University of Waterloo in 1987.

Bob has been a member of the Kiwanis Club of Fort Frances since 1952 and has 47 years of perfect attendance. He became President in 1961 (the youngest President in the history of the Club) and was elected Lt. Governor in 1973-1974. Later he again served as President in 1996 - 1997 and currently has been the secretary for the last 4 years.

He was elected to Town Council for 2 terms (5 years) and served on many local boards. One of the appointments was as the representative on the District Health Council where he became Vice Chairman. The District Health Council asked him to remain on, as a member of the Emergency Health Committee and he worked at district, regional and provincial levels.

Bob is a very active member of St. John’s Anglican Church where he is a lay reader.

Congratulations to Dr. R.E. Lidkea for receiving the Ontario Association of Optometrists '2004 Millenium Award for Public Service'. The Millenium Award recognizes a member of the Ontarion Association of Optometrists who has performed extraordinary public service, in either a professional or non-profesional capacity. The emphasis is on public service.

Dr. R.E. Lidkea is a co-founder of the local Builders Club program, which is now available at 2 local elementary schools.

Dr Bruce Lidkea - OPTOMETRIST

My name is Dr. Bruce Lidkea. I was born and raised in Fort Frances. After Graduating Grade 13 (OAC) at Fort Frances High School, I proceeded to earn my Honours Bachelor of Science from the University of Waterloo. I received my Doctor of Optometry degree from Indiana University in 1994. My training included a 4 month Ocular Disease rotation at the F.D.R. Veterans Administration Hospital in Montrose, New York and a 4 month Ocular Disease/Pediatric rotation at the White River Apache Reservation Public Health Service Hospital in White River, Arizona. I was also fortunate to be able to be a member of the Rotary Group Study Exchange to the Alsace region of France in 1996. Upon graduation I joined the practice of Lidkea and Elliott as an associate. I became a partner in 1997.

During the Summer of 2004, I was made Adjunct Faculty of the University of Waterloo School of Optometry by supervising 4th year externs during their Primary Care clinical rotations.

In the Fall of 2004, I enrolled in a correspondence Master of Business Administration degree through the Edinburgh Business School / Heriot-Watt University. I received a Post-Graduate Certificate of Business Administration in July 2005. I expect to complete my MBA by 2008.

Dr George Elliott - OPTOMETRIST

Dr. George Elliott was born in Welland, ON and raised in Fenwick,ON. After graduating from the University of Waterloo School of Optometry in 1975, George located to Fort Frances becoming a partner with Dr. R.E. Lidkea. George has been involved with the community since arriving in Fort Frances. He has served as President and Treasurer of the Jaycees and has sat on the board of directors for the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce. George has been married since 1978 to his wife Lori (our Visual Field Technician). Currently George is Treasurer of the Fort Frances Lion's Club (who's mandate is vision care). George is active in most of the Lion's community projects. George enjoys playing violin and fiddle. He is involved with the Borderland Community Orchestra, The Rainy Lake Strings (International Falls, MN) and the Rainycrest Wheelers.