Dateline Dixon: Lawless honored for work behind the lenses

DIXON – Thomas Lawless' vision for providing patients with exceptional care came into focus recently.

The Dixon optometrist has serviced the community's eye-related needs for more than 4 decades, and KSB Hospital honored his longtime commitment by putting his name in a position where everyone could see it.

The sign at 511 Palmyra St. now reads the Lawless Eye and Vision Center.

"With what he has invested in the community and invested in his patients, this is a great way to honor that," said Kevin Marx, vice president and chief practice officer at KSB.

Optometrist Emily Sorenson said Lawless has built an extensive following of patients, and the staff strives to achieve the level of care he has demonstrated throughout the years.

"His patients are like his family," she said. "This has been his pride and joy for so many years."

Prior to seeing the new sign revealed on May 25, Lawless also was honored by the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago, where he received an honorary doctorate of science in optometry on May 21.

Sorenson said before going on medical leave, Lawless was active in the Illinois Optometric Association and dedicated to improving the profession.

Lawless operated a private practice in Dixon for about 40 years, and he joined the KSB Medical Group in 2010 while retaining the office on Palmyra.

"What he has built here truly is a legacy," Sorenson said. "He has put so much importance and stress on patient care, and we plan to continue that care."

Healing is skin deep

Another event happening in the local medical realm is that CGH dermatologist Marc Stees plans to begin a year-long sabbatical this month to study a specialized technique for removing skin cancers.

Stees, who has a practice at 1321 N. Galena Ave., accepted a fellowship position at the University of Wisconsin at Madison to study Mohs surgery, a technique where thin layers of cancer-containing skin are progressively removed and examined until only cancer-free tissue remains.

"I am excited to be able to bring this expertise to the area," Stees wrote in a letter informing patients of his sabbatical.

He plans to return from the fellowship next summer.

OFFICE HOURS

Dixon reporter Rachel Rodgers holds "office hours" from 1 to 2 p.m. Wednesdays at Books On First, 202 W. First St.

Feel free to pitch her a story, leave a news tip, or just say hi.

You also can email her at rrodgers@saukvalley.com or give her a call at 815-625-3600, ext. 5529.