You may not be able to see him yet, but you will soon.

Tony Turin is coming back to town.

And if you don’t see him, he can help you with that too.

Turin was born in Welches, graduated Sandy High in 2002, went to Mount Hood Community College for two years, earned his undergraduate degree from
Western Oregon University in visual science, received a Health Professional
Scholarship through the Army and graduated from Pacific University with a
doctorate in optometry. That led to a four-year commission in 2010 as a
captain in the Army at Fort Bragg, North Carolina – which included a five-
month hitch in a combat support unit in Kuwait. During his tour of duty he
became a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, an achievement
realized by only 10 percent of optometrists.

He then entered a business competition sponsored by Citi Bank, known as Citi
Salutes, a first-year endeavor to assist veterans in business, and garnered a
$15,000 prize to open a new enterprise.

And now, with his wife Kim, son Micaiah, and daughter Jamela, he returns to
his roots to open Mt. Hood Eye Care in Sandy – with the doors swinging open
in May.

“I can’t wait,” Turin told The Mountain Times. “I’ve been counting down the
days for many years to return to the Mountain community.”

The Citi Salutes competition was rigorous. While deployed Turin wrote his
business plan, and was selected as one of seven finalists.

First up was a 20-minute presentation to a panel of judges in Long Beach,
Calif.

Citi Salutes described Turin’s winning presentation: “Dr. Tony Turin strode in
the room, shook hands with the judges and introduced himself. He stood
Oprah style in front of the room, sans notes, and began. ‘We’re going to
produce profits by pro-viding the best eye care possible,’ Turin said.

The Army doc detailed his market, the existing competition, market strategy,
projections and expenses.

At the conclusion, Turin let out an audible ‘whoosh’ of relief. The judges,
clearly impressed, jumped in with comments, advice and several
compliments.”

Judge Larry Broughton listened intently and added: “You’ve done your
homework.”

The field was narrowed to three, with a 90-second presentation in the offing in
front of an audience of 90 attendees of the conference.

“It was hard,” Turin said. “I’m not usually one for public speaking.”
He underestimated himself, pocketing $15,000 to prove the point.

Tony Turin is the grandson of Jim Turin, owner of Jim Turin & Sons, a family
owned asphalt company on the Mountain. He is the son of Dave Turin of “Gold
Rush” television fame.

Tony Turin’s rock fell a long way from the gravel pit.

“It doesn’t quite all line up,” he said with a chuckle.

The new optometrist will be assisted by his wife Kim, sister-in-law Kelly
Obrist, mother Shelly Turin and mother-in-law Becky Titney, in keeping with
the tradition of family run businesses.

The new Mt. Hood Eye Care will be located at 36840 Industrial Way, Suite B,
in Sandy.

And when you see the new doc, tell him:

“Welcome home.”