BINYON VISION CENTER - Key Persons
Calana joined us as our receptionist in the end of October of 2020 in the midst of the pandemic and moved into the bookkeeping position only six months later! Quickly realizing her leadership skills, she moved into the Office Manager position in September She moved to Bellingham from Seattle temporarily in 2009 but loved it here and has been here ever since. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her fiancé, Rory, baking and cooking, and curling up with a good book with one of her three cats.
Dr. James R. Binyon opened the first Binyon Optical Company in 1911 on First Avenue in Seattle. He went on to open several other offices in Everett, Tacoma, Spokane, Richland, Yakima, Bremerton and Bellingham, which opened in 1934. At one time, it was estimated one of every three Washington families wore glasses dispensed by Binyon Optometrists. Today there are three remaining operating clinics with the Binyon name, operating independently.
The Binyon office in Bellingham has always operated out of downtown- on Holly, Cornwall, Railroad Avenue and since 1993 on the corner of Garden and Magnolia Street. In 1951, Dr. Binyon sent his nephew Dr. LeRoy Freeman to practice in the Bellingham office. He owned the practice until his passing in 1985. Dr. Mark McEathron joined the practice in 1980 became the owner in 1985. In 1992, the practice moved three blocks east on Magnolia to the former Pietro's Pizza. This location offers over 1,000 square feet dedicated to the frames displays and off-street parking. In 2019, Dr. Heather LeClaire joined the Binyon Vision Center as an associate. After spending years working in Seattle, she'd dreamed of the quieter Bellingham life and was excited to establish herself in our community. In two years, she purchased the practice from Dr. McEathron, making her the first woman owner. She is thrilled to continue the longstanding tradition of eyecare excellence.
Binyon Vision Center has thrived in downtown Bellingham, continuing a longstanding tradition of outstanding full optometric care and staying on the cutting edge of all advancements related to vision and eyewear. We enjoy being a member of Sustainable Connections and give to local non-profit organizations through our We're Thankful We're Giving program.
Dr. Squires grew up in St. Louis and graduated from the University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Optometry with honors. He has spent most of his career working in community health clinics in Seattle. Dr. Squires helped establish a diabetic clinic for the Puget Sound Neighborhood Health Clinics, where he did retinal screenings. He volunteered with UW Faculty and medical students, "Sight Savers", and local health fairs including Seamar's Latina Health Fair. He was also a past director and a volunteer at the Millionair Club Eye Clinic in Seattle. Dr. Squires' wife is from Glasgow. While pursuing her, he spent four years working abroad in Germany and Scotland. During his time in Germany, Dr. Squires set up contact lens clinics as a civilian for the Department of Defense. In his free time, Dr. Squires travels the I-5 corridor driving his son to his next soccer match. Being an avid baseball fan, he is a season ticket holder to the Everett Aquasox, and frequently attends Bellingham Bells games.
After putting up with one too many summers in the California desert, Heather moved to Bellingham in October 2020. She joined the Binyon team as a receptionist in May 2021 before moving to the optical department in August 2022. In her free time, she likes kayaking on Lake Padden, playing board games with her family, and singing along with the radio anywhere and everywhere she goes. On Tuesday evenings, you can often find her at Bellingham Evening Toastmasters. She looks forward to one day seeing the bottom half of everyone's faces!
Dr. LeClaire landed in Bellingham in 2018 by way of Minnesota (born and raised), Ohio (optometry school) and Seattle (after falling in love with the city on a visit during optometry school). She loves exploring the PNW with her family and friends, especially the restaurant scene and art galleries. At home you'll find her with her nose in a book or being creative. She gifted each staff member with a beautiful cross stitch versions of their glasses! In September 2021, Dr. LeClaire became the owner of Binyon Vision Center, proudly continuing a great legacy of exceptional eye care.
From the sapphire blue lakes of Chile, to the crystal springs of New Zealand, to the coast of Santa Cruz California, Jordan eventually found his way to Bellingham Washington - and Binyon! After working in cosmetology and the world of paint as a color design specialist, he decided to take a leap into the wonderful world of optics as an optician apprentice. In his spare time you can find Jordan (glass of red wine in hand) gently misting his vast array of air-plants and Spanish mosses. Alas, as proud first time parents to their new Chihuahua pup JoJo, Jordan and his husband have officially made Bellingham the place they call home.
Dr. McEathron served patients at Binyon Vision Center for over 40 years before retiring in July 2023. He graduated from the Southern California College of Optometry in 1980, and entered practice here the same year. Dr. McEathron has been a member of the American Optometric Association since 1976, and of the Washington Optometric Association since 1980. He's completed every leg of the Ski to Sea race. His family, including seven grandchildren, keeps him busy and filled with joy. In retirement he looks forward to traveling with his wife Mary, kayaking near Cap Sante Marina and turning exotic woods. From time to time, he will continue to fill in for Dr. LeClaire.
Reigning from Port Orchard Washington, Nikkii moved to Bellingham in 2015 to attend college. While attending WWU, she fell in love with the town of Bellingham and decided to make it her new home, residing here for the last 7 years. In her spare time Nikkii enjoys nature walks, watching horror films with friends, and a good nap. You may see her out and about downtown as she loves to frequent thrift stores in search of albums to add to her record collection. Nikkii hopes to add a fur baby to her life in the near future.