12/16/2025
After twenty-six years of practicing Optometry, the majority of which have been at “Northway Eye,” I am ready to say my last day of patient care will be December 17, 2025.
As many know, I grew up in St. Cloud, MN. As many won’t know, I was asked at a young age if I’d follow in my Dad’s (Dr. David H. Sufka) footsteps. Honestly, back then in my early years, I didn’t know. As fate would have it, after attending St. Peter & Paul’s grade school, Cathedral High School (class of 1992) and while studying Biology at St. John’s University (class of 1996), I enrolled and was accepted to the Illinois College of Optometry (class of 1999).
Following graduation in Chicago, I returned to St. Cloud, MN, and with my Dad paving the way, joined “Northway Eye” in July of 1999. Within a year, I found myself a minority owner in the “MN Eye Institute LASIK Clinic,” also in St. Cloud, MN. I split time working between the two clinics. My Dad retired in 2004, and I fully committed to “Northway Eye”. It was also during this time that a new associate joined us, Dr. Aaron R. Boatz. He quickly became a best friend and business partner. Sadly, he left us and this world in 2021.
Along this journey, I had dozens of great people that offered advice and staff that worked with a smile. First, a special thanks to my Dad (Dr. David H. Sufka), my Mom and my Sister. In addition, on a professional level, Dr. Tony Verachtert, Dr. Brian Benitz, Dr. Rodney Melgard, Dr. Kent Carlson, and Dr. Brad Anderson all contributed immensely to my career. As I mentioned earlier, I had wonderful staff over the years that truly made my life easy. Special thanks to Kim, Erin, and Boni. For the last fifteen plus years, they took care of me - I’ll never forget it. Lastly, Jen, who follows the same philosophy of “work hard, play harder.”
To my patients (some who started with my Dad back in 1971), all I can say is “thank you.” It is an incredible feeling to think that you supported and trusted me the past twenty-six years. Many of you became “friends,” as we traded stories and laughed, deviating from the actual exam. It’s been an honor and a privilege.
I would quickly like to specifically address my long-term glaucoma patients. I will be referring you for continued care to Dr. Kimberly H. Watson, a 2001 graduate of the Ohio State University School of Optometry. She has been practicing at “Northway Eye” since 2014, and also grew up in St. Cloud, MN, having attended Tech High School.
Moving forward, I plan on spending the majority of my time on “the Whitefish Chain” in Crosslake, MN. Both boating and motorcycling have been, and will hopefully continue to be, hobbies of mine. If I can get some sun in the winter and stay healthy, I’ll be able to look back, smile, and say “what a ride.”
Sincerely,
Michael D. Sufka, O.D.
