MyChart
A Retirement Celebration for Dr. Troy Mork
Dr. Troy Mork has been a staple in the Mora community for almost 40 years and as he and his wife, Jean, a physical therapist at Welia Health, prepare to retire on the same day, their legacy is one of kindness, commitment, and deep connections with the people around them.
Dr. Troy’s journey in eyecare began in 1988 when he returned to his hometown to practice optometry. From the very beginning, it was clear that Dr. Troy wasn’t just about eye exams—he was all about building relationships and treating people with real respect. Every morning, he’d greet the staff with a warm smile, and no matter how hectic the day got, he always made time to say goodbye to everyone. It was a small gesture that showed just how much he valued his team.
Putting patients first
Dr. Troy’s dedication to his patients went beyond what you’d expect. One winter, during a brutal blizzard, he showed up at the office in jeans, a sweatshirt, and winter boots to shovel snow and keep the clinic open. Even though only one patient made it through the storm, Troy saw them without hesitation. It was just one of the many ways he showed his commitment to those he cared for.
Giving back, at home and away
Dr. Troy’s impact wasn’t limited to his work at the clinic. He also made a big difference in the community through his work with local schools, spending years teaching elementary kids about the anatomy of the eye, even leading hands-on cow eye dissections to make science fun and engaging. Those lessons, both educational and memorable, have stuck with the kids he taught.
In addition to his work in Mora, Dr. Troy Mork also made a significant impact through his mission work. In 2015, he traveled to Guyana on a mission trip with the Fellowship of Christian Optometrists, an organization dedicated to providing eye care in underserved areas. For five days, Dr. Troy and his team offered free eye exams and glasses to local residents in need, further extending his commitment to compassionate care beyond the walls of his practice. This experience was another reflection of Dr. Troy’s dedication to helping others, no matter where they were or what their circumstances might be.
A trusted caregiver and friend
Who could forget Dr. Troy’s iconic phrase during eye exams: “Is lens 1 better than lens 2?” It became a familiar, comforting line that patients would hear as he carefully guided them through the process. It’s just one of the little things that made Troy so well-loved and trusted by everyone who came through his doors.
Dr. Troy was also a mentor to many, teaching colleagues how to approach their work with patience and understanding. One of his colleagues remembers how Troy would always say, “Rule #1: the patient is always right. Rule #2: If the patient is wrong… refer back to Rule #1!” It wasn’t always easy to follow, but it reflected his approach to care—understanding, patient, and always focused on doing what was best for the person in front of him.
Dr. Troy’s real gift has always been his ability to connect with people. Whether it was staff, patients, or fellow colleagues, everyone who worked with him knew they were valued. The clinic became a place where people felt cared for, and that sense of community will remain long after his retirement.
Dr. Troy’s first patient, Bob, and his last patient are a fitting reflection of the relationship Troy built with everyone he treated. Bob was one of Troy’s first-ever patients when he opened his practice, and years later, he came back for his final appointment as Troy’s last patient before retiring. It’s a full-circle moment that highlights Troy’s long-lasting impact on the people he served.
Looking ahead
Troy and Jean are looking forward to retirement, and it’s no surprise that fishing will be a big part of the next chapter. Troy’s passion for fishing has been a huge part of his life, especially through his annual trips to Mahkwa Lodge on Lac Seul in Ontario, Canada, which he’s been taking for about 20 years. It’s a trip he talks about often with patients. Dr. Troy is the captain of the boat, trolling for walleyes in the back, while his son, Joe, casts for northerns from the front. It’s a family tradition that has become a highlight of every year for them.
Troy’s already made it clear that his retirement will be filled with plenty of fishing. He’ll likely spend more time at local spots like Ann Lake, Fish Lake, and Knife Lake in Mora. He’s also going to focus more on his grandkids as they grow up. Troy and Jean are already passionate supporters of Mora School activities and look forward to watching their grandkids as they become involved.
The Mork legacy continues
Dr. Troy’s legacy is carried forward through his son, Dr. Joe Mork, who joined the practice in 2017. Working alongside his dad has been a great experience for Dr. Joe, not only learning the technical side of optometry but also seeing firsthand how to treat patients like family. Dr. Austin Peterson, another Mora graduate, is the most recent addition to the Eye Care Center Team. Dr. Joe and Dr. Austin bring a fresh perspective and modern knowledge while continuing the compassionate care that Troy built the practice on. Together, they’ll ensure that the Welia Health Eye Care Center is well-equipped to continue providing excellent care for years to come.
