The End Of An Era: What Former Bond Eye Associates Pekin Patients Need To Know In 2025

Contents

The landscape of specialized eye care in Pekin, Illinois, underwent a significant change with the permanent closure of Bond Eye Associates. As of the current date, December 20, 2025, former patients of the long-standing practice, which served the Pekin and Peoria areas since 1981, are actively seeking guidance on how to manage their ongoing vision and medical records, creating a crucial need for updated and accurate transitional information.

This comprehensive guide provides a critical look at the closure details, the celebrated legacy of Dr. William Bond, and a practical, step-by-step roadmap for former patients to seamlessly transition their care to new providers within the Tazewell County area, ensuring their specialized ophthalmology and optometry needs continue to be met without interruption.

The Legacy of Dr. William Bond: A Profile

Dr. William I. Bond, MD, was the cornerstone and medical director of Bond Eye Associates, building a reputation for advanced surgical and medical eye care in Central Illinois. His career spanned decades, marking him as a highly-rated ophthalmologist in the Pekin community.

  • Full Name: William I. Bond, MD
  • Primary Specialty: Ophthalmology
  • Practice Affiliation: Bond Eye Associates, S.C. (Pekin and Peoria locations)
  • Medical Education: Graduated from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in 1978.
  • Hospital Affiliations: Carle Health Methodist Hospital and Carle Health Pekin Hospital.
  • Top Areas of Expertise: Dr. Bond was highly rated for treating a wide range of eye conditions, including but not limited to:
    • Foreign Body in Eye
    • Herpetic Keratitis
    • Hordeolum
    • Hyphema
    • Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension
    • Ischemic Optic Neuropathy
    • Lagophthalmos
    • Macular Degeneration
    • Cataract Surgery
    • LASIK (known for expertise in Wavefront-optimized LASIK technology).

Dr. Bond's practice was known for its commitment to excellence and investment in the latest diagnosis and treatment technology, providing state-of-the-art vision care to the Pekin community.

The Permanent Closure of Bond Eye Associates

The announcement of the closure of Bond Eye Associates, which had been a fixture in the Peoria-area medical community since 1981, marked a significant event for local patients. The practice, with locations in both Peoria and Pekin, officially closed its doors for good on June 27th.

The owner, Dr. William Bond, released a statement confirming the closure. While the specific reasons for the shutdown were not detailed in all public statements, a circulating rumor suggested Dr. Bond's retirement due to health concerns, with an estate sale reportedly held at the former building.

Impact on Ongoing Patient Care and Records

For thousands of patients in Tazewell County and surrounding areas, the closure created an immediate need to secure a new eye care provider. This is particularly critical for patients requiring ongoing management of chronic conditions such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or those who had recently undergone surgical procedures like cataract or LASIK surgery.

The continuity of care relies heavily on the secure and timely transfer of medical records. These records, including surgical history, diagnostic test results, and prescription details, are vital for any new ophthalmologist or optometrist to provide informed and safe treatment. Patients should be aware of their rights to obtain copies of their records or have them transferred directly to a new physician.

A Practical Transition Guide for Former Patients

The most pressing question for former Bond Eye Associates patients is: "Where do I go now?" Fortunately, the Pekin area offers several highly-rated alternatives for comprehensive eye care, including the practice explicitly recommended by Bond Eye Associates itself.

1. The Recommended Alternative: Vision Care

In the official statement regarding the closure, Bond Eye Associates encouraged current patients in Pekin to transition their care to a local entity referred to as Vision Care. While "Vision Care" can be a general term, it is advisable for former patients to contact their former office or search for the specific "Vision Care" clinic that received the patient records to ensure a smooth transition. Dr. Brendon J. Johnson O.D., a Vision Source practice, is a prominent local provider of optometry services and vision care products in Pekin since 2002, making them a strong candidate for general eye exams and vision needs.

2. Seeking Specialized Ophthalmology Services

For patients requiring continued specialized ophthalmology—the surgical and medical treatment of serious eye diseases—alternatives with strong medical affiliations are crucial. The Illinois Eye Center, with an office located in Pekin, is a major regional provider specializing in ophthalmology and is affiliated with OSF HealthCare. They are equipped to handle complex conditions and surgical follow-ups, offering a reliable option for specialized care.

3. Essential Steps for a Smooth Transition

To ensure your eye health remains a top priority, follow these crucial steps immediately:

  • Contact the Former Office: Attempt to contact the former Bond Eye Associates office phone number to inquire about the exact procedure for medical record transfer. They are legally obligated to provide a method for patients to access their records.
  • Identify Your New Provider: Choose a new Ophthalmologist (for medical/surgical needs) or Optometrist (for routine exams, glasses, and contacts). Consider options like the recommended Vision Care, Illinois Eye Center, or other local providers such as Bard Optical.
  • Request Record Transfer: Once you have selected a new provider, sign a medical records release form (HIPAA form) with the new office. They will then initiate the process of requesting your complete file from the former Bond Eye Associates custodian.
  • Schedule a Comprehensive Exam: Even if you recently had an exam, schedule a new, comprehensive appointment with your new provider to establish care. This allows the new doctor to review your history, assess your current vision, and create a baseline for future visits.

The closure of Bond Eye Associates marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in Pekin's eye care history. By acting proactively and utilizing the available resources, former patients can ensure their vision health remains protected and seamlessly managed by a new, trusted provider in the community.

The End of an Era: What Former Bond Eye Associates Pekin Patients Need to Know in 2025
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bond eye associates pekin

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