A Norfolk-based eye doctor with more than 50 years of experience has expanded to Suffolk and held an open house this week to celebrate its new office.

Virginia Eye Consultants will practice at 2463 Pruden Blvd. With locations in Hampton, Smithfield and Norfolk, Suffolk was the next logical step, chief executive officer Karen Spencer said.

“We have been looking for an opportunity to geographically spread our practice,” she said. “Suffolk was the likely next location for us.”

She said the company did research and found there were no “subspecialty” services in Suffolk for glaucoma, retina disorders, oculoplastics for cosmetic or reconstructive surgery, and other needs.

“We are able to fill a need in this area that these patients are having to travel outside the community for,” she said.

The search began last year, but in the fall Dr. Gary Sajko called and inquired about Virginia Eye Consultants taking over his practice as he prepares to move into retirement, Spencer said. From there, things moved quickly. The office reopened on Jan. 13 after improvements that included three more patient exam rooms and new equipment for laser care.

“We’re excited,” Spencer said. “We’re looking forward to being a part of the Suffolk community.”

The office already has partnered with the Western Tidewater Free Clinic to help provide care to patients who need it, Spencer said.

“Access to high-quality medical care is such an important aspect of a community’s quality of life,” Suffolk Mayor Linda T. Johnson said in a press release. “We are so pleased Virginia Eye Consultants has expanded their medical services to Suffolk.”