Darrell E. Groman, O.D.

04/02/2026

Mariah (L) and Kirsten (R) have been exceptional help for our patients and me. I am most grateful for their cheerful and calm demeanor whether “triaging” on the phone to schedule patients, assisting them with their selection, dispensing their new eyewear, assisting me with our vision therapy services, etc.

On the first Wednesday of April 1986, a mere 40 years ago today, I opened my solo optometric practice in Pandora. Unimaginable.

“Thank you, Pandora, and the surrounding community, for your generous support to allow me to help change lives for the better, ‘one-at-a-time’.”

Optometry is an unique profession which offers simple lenses and / or prisms, “to help people to ‘focus’, ‘attend’ and ‘sit still’.”

“Thank you, Mariah and Kirsten, for helping me to “pace myself” towards my (planned) retirement at age 100, ‘unless Jesus arrives beforehand’.”

Above All, “ I Thank You, Jesus and Your Divine Interventions, for bestowing the privileges, granting me the wisdom and the opportunities for me to extend Your Love and Compassion for Others, especially to those individuals who are struggling in their lives.” It has been a privilege, of which I do not take for granted, “to help the Blind to See”.

09/17/2025

Thank you, Gideon, for your kind video and tribute song for the celebration of the privilege of offering 40 years of optometric vision care …

(Verse 1)
Dr. Groman, steady hands, a gentle heart,
Forty years of vision care, and that’s just the start.
More than an optometrist, you’ve always been,
A comforter, a neighbor, a lifelong friend.

(Chorus)
We can see that you care,
Through every moment, you’re there.
With a God-given purpose, a legacy strong,
What a gift to Pandora and beyond.

(Verse 2)
You’ve given sight, but so much more,
Opened hearts, and opened doors.
After leaving your office, every patient knows,
there’s a kindness in you that overflows

(Chorus)
We can see that you care,
Through every moment, you’re there.
With a God-given purpose, a legacy strong,
What a gift to Pandora and beyond.

(Chorus)
We can see that you care,
Through every moment, you’re there.
With a God-given purpose, a legacy strong,
What a gift to Pandora and beyond.

We can see that you care,
Through every moment, you’re there.
With a God-given purpose, a legacy strong,
What a gift to Pandora and beyond.

09/15/2025

Thank you: for family, friends, patients, the local chamber and all who came for the ribbon-cutting and open house at our office yesterday, September 13. It was a wonderful celebration of the privilege bestowed on me to offer functional optometric vision care in the village of Pandora, “The Garden Spot of Ohio” and surrounding communities for 40 years.

My Two Sons: Misha (and Emma) came from Salt Lake City and Christian (and Alicia) came from Findlay. Many offered regrets for not being able to attend, including friends and family from Australia and Ukraine.

The Nook Cafe and Bakery provided the special cookies and beverages.

Christine Clymer helped with upgrading and refurbishing our waiting room. She and Mariah, our office assistant, came up with ideas for the celebration, including games for the kids. The kids had fun with the hula hoops, co****le games and chalk drawings.

Three vintage vehicles rolled in: Mark DePue’s 1949 MG model YA, my brother Dan and Brenda’s 1954 Chevrolet 210 and Cal and Vicky Clickman’s 1963 Corvette. Very nice.

Dan reminded me his daughter, Krysti, was my first patient, a mere two hours of age who had arrived on the same day (and moment) I had found my Ohio optometry license in the mailbox at home.

“To God be the Glory! Thank you, Jesus” for the privileges You have bestowed upon me: the privileges to help transform innumerable struggling individual’s lives, “one-at-a-time,” to achieve successes in school, in the workplace and in life; with optometric care. 40 years of care: in Bluffton, in Pandora, in prison and around-the-world.

Here are a few photos from the day:

09/14/2025

Prior to the Ribbon-Cutting ceremony and our Open House today, Ben Moser, PCofC President, proclaimed, “Today we celebrate 40 years of service from someone who has not only helped us to see more clearly, but also shown us what true care looks like. For four decades, you’ve cared for patients of all ages - from kids trying on their very first glasses to grandparents holding on to their independence. You have done it with skill, kindness and a touch of quirky charm. Forty years is more than a milestone; it is a legacy. You have not just run a business, you have built trust and strengthened our community. Thank you for reminding us that real success is measured not only in years, but in the lives you have touched along the way. Congratulations on forty years; from the Pandora Chamber of Commerce, the Community, the County and beyond!”

09/12/2025

Open House at 204 Hilty Drive tomorow, Sat 13 September from 10 - 1. Ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10. Thank you, Pandora, and the surrounding communities for your gracious support for during my 40 years of optometric vision care practice.

09/08/2025

From The Lima News, Sunday 7 September. ...

PANDORA — A local optometrist is celebrating 40 years in business.

08/22/2025

announcing ... an Open House, 10-1, to Thank the Pandora and surrounding communities for 40 years of practice.

08/09/2025

Update: The 2025 Pandora - Riley Creek Car Show was well-attended. Including those who “snuck in” ( without registering ), just over 200 vehicles rolled into town. My phone battery went out by 4:45 PM. Unfortunately, I did not get a photo of Joe Hershey who was surprised to receive “Dr. Groman’s Accessory Windshield Wiper Award” for his 1951 red & white 4-door Chevrolet DeLuxe. The Pandora Jr High baseball team offered “walking tacos” and the Pandora Jr High cheerleaders offered lemonade shake-ups. Greg Lugibill had his food trailer, Pandora’s Lunch Box served outside and the Lugibihl Homemade Ice Cream were quite busy all day / evening. The Pandora United Methodist Church offered popcorn and the bouncy house for kids. The face-painting by ? was quite popular for kids and (not a few) adults. 1st National Bank of Pandora also had popcorn and give-aways. Awards were given to the Top 25, People’s Choice, Mayor’s Trophy, Police Chief’s Award, Best Engine Bay, Best Paint, Best Motorcycle and Best of Show. ( please forgive me for missing some here and not knowing all award recipients). Rudy Lomeli was an excellent MC with music and announcing. Mike Maag interviewed several with his mobile broadcast for WPNM internet radio. Jeff Parsons of Parsons Auto Repair and his extended family had organized and kept the car show rolling (pun, intended) along well. Thanks also to all of the sponsors from the community for such success and fun for all. Thanks, also, for the people who brought the beautiful vehicles … of which, without, there wouldn’t be a show. Sorry, I didn’t take photos of every vehicle nor activities … as I had forgotten to have a full charge on my phone. (Please accept my humble apologies for missing anything / anyone and misspelling names).

08/05/2025

Don’t miss The Pandora - Riley Creek Car Show this Driday, 8 August 2025, from 3-8 PM. Located Uptown on Main Street in the Beautiful “Garden Spot of Ohio”. Pleasant weather, a great crowd, kid’s activities, food & ice cream vendors and over 200 vehicles are anticipated for the day.

08/03/2025

Update: 131 meals (90 take-out & 41 dine-in) served at the 30 July community meal, Pandora United Methodist Church. This is one small way for me to thank the Pandora community for the privilege to have offered 40 years of optometric vision care in town. Thank you to all who helped for the nice evening: Lita Siefker, Ted Sigler, Shirley & Kieth Sommer, Christine Clymer, Nancy Hovest and others who I, regrettably, have missed naming here. Thank You Very Much, Pandora!

07/28/2025

We are sponsoring the community meal at Pandora UMC. Wednesday 30, The Penultimate Day of July, from 5 to 7.
Back by popular demand, the dinner will be chicken salad on a large croissant, Lita’s Famous “SEVERAL Bean Salad,” applesauce, strawberry cake and drink.
Please come early for the meal and fellowship. The church is at 108 E Washington St / OH SR 12 in town.
Dine-In or Take-Out to our Shut-Ins.
This is one small way for me to “Continue to Thank the Pandora Community” for your generous support during my 40 years of solo optometry practice in town.
Please do not hesitate to ask me for a “10-minute Tour” of the VOSH-Ohio Eyeglasses Sorting Center, located in the church since 1988. Last year, over 295,000 used eyeglasses were donated for our overseas vision-care missions. We are sending two separate teams to Romania in Sept with 10+K pre-sorted eyeglasses. “Without Fanfare,” the running tally is now over 4.8 million eyeglasses dropped off here in Pandora. Please tour the Eyeglasses Center to see the ongoing effort.