For patients in Stillwater and surrounding communities, a visit to Drummond Eye Clinic often means being cared for by two generations of ophthalmologists working side by side. For Allison and Jonathan Drummond, collaboration isn’t just a philosophy — it’s part of everything they do.
When Allison Drummond joined Drummond Eye Clinic nearly three years ago, it wasn’t simply a generational transition. Instead, it created an opportunity for a father and daughter to combine decades of experience with the latest medical training, benefiting patients throughout the community.
“We naturally divided responsibilities over time,” Jonathan says. “But the foundation was learning how to listen to each other and trust each other’s judgment. She’s been teaching me that since she was five years old.”
That trust carries into every aspect of patient care. As Allison transitioned from residency into independent practice, she brought new techniques and fresh perspectives into the operating room, while Jonathan shared the lessons he’s learned throughout his career.
His early advice to her — “be a sponge” — continues to guide both physicians.
“The way you learn in training isn’t the way you have to practice forever,” Allison says. “You have to stay open to better ways of doing things.”
That mindset has led the practice to adopt advanced surgical technology, including heads-up 3D visualization systems that allow both surgeons to operate and observe simultaneously.
“We can both be in the room, watching and learning from each other,” Jonathan says.
As members of the medical staff at Stillwater Medical, the Drummonds regularly collaborate with primary care providers, specialists and other healthcare professionals throughout the health system to help coordinate care for patients. Because the eyes can reveal signs of broader health conditions, that teamwork often extends far beyond vision care.
Longtime patient Stacey Frazier experienced that collaboration after developing blurred vision in one eye. Her primary care provider referred her to Jonathan Drummond, who then worked with specialists at Dean McGee Eye Institute and Stillwater Cancer Center to determine she had experienced an optic nerve stroke.
“It was so seamless,” Frazier says. “They were all working together to identify what was wrong with me and support me through the process. It’s years later, but I will never forget the great care.”
Allison describes ophthalmology as “live-action pathology,” explaining that eye exams can often reveal early signs of health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, helping patients get the care they need sooner.
The Drummonds also value the long-term relationships they’ve built with families over the years. Caring for patients across decades allows them to anticipate changing needs, guide treatment decisions and tailor care to each person’s lifestyle and goals.
“You start to see where someone is headed clinically,” Jonathan says. “That allows you to prepare them, not just treat them.”
For Allison, personalized care means recognizing that every patient is different.
“It’s about meeting patients where they are and aligning with what matters most to them,” she says.
The father-daughter team says their willingness to learn from one another has strengthened both their practice and their patient care.
“If something works better, we adopt it,” Jonathan says.
They are also quick to credit the nurses, technicians and support staff who help patients navigate every step of their care, ensuring they have the support they need throughout treatment.
For Allison, practicing alongside her father has made the experience especially meaningful.
“It’s about learning what works — and being willing to change,” Allison says. “Working with my dad is one of my favorite things because he’s been a big mentor to me my whole life. Now we get to learn side by side.”
Together, the Drummonds’ shared commitment to lifelong learning, collaboration and personalized care reflects a simple belief: when healthcare professionals work together, patients benefit.