Correction: the billion dollar annual revenues were generated as CEO/President of Optimist International.

While a revolutionary war to overthrow Jean-Claude Duvalier raged in the streets of San Rafael, Haiti, in 1986, Niles’ Dr. Michel Listenberger sought somewhere safe for his volunteers from the Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity to hunker down until they could catch a plane out of the country.

The group had arrived with the aim to provide free eye care to those in need, but conflict across the country added an additional hurdle.

For three days, Listenberger and volunteers waited inside a hotel. Outside, they heard gun shots and saw acrid smoke that poured into the sky. At last, the volunteers hitched a ride to the airport and were able to catch their plane.

Looking down at the war-torn country from the plane was something Listenberger never forgot. When a rainbow filled the sky ahead, he said felt safe at last.

This experience did not deter Listenberger from his travels to other countries facing conflict. The need to help those who did not have access to eye care fueled even the most dangerous of missions, while his passion for the profession has continued to fuel his career.

Listenberger is the founder of the Niles Vision Clinic, which serves tens of thousands of patients across Michiana. In addition, the optometrist has been a leader to a number of nonprofit initiatives.

Though he is retiring Sept. 1, the doctor’s 45-year legacy will leave a lot behind, including a vision of care for those who need it now and in the future.

More than just a job

On a warm Friday afternoon last week, Sue Brown accompanied her aunt Margaret Peterson, 97, who suffers from dementia, to the Niles Vision Clinic.

That afternoon, Peterson was in dire need for her glasses to be adjusted. But she discovered that the office at 9 S. St. Joseph Ave. was temporarily closed for a staff training.

Noticing a customer in need, one of the doctors lets her inside anyways and makes the needed eye glass adjustment.

As a longtime patient at the clinic, this treatment is not anything out of the ordinary, Brown said.

“They have always accommodated her,” Brown said. “She has dementia and [Listenberger] is very compassionate and understanding and knowledgeable about the disease.”

Since Listenberger founded the Niles Vision Clinic in 1980, it is clear that the business is more than a job, but rather a passion.

Since the business’ early days being run by only two employees — Listenberger and a secretary the clinic has grown to a team of five optometrists, including Jeff Becraft, Shannon Avena, Tamara Schalbe, Deb Searles and the newest employee — Orlando Avena, who will be replacing Listenberger.

Looking back on his time running a business and serving the community as an optometrist, Listenberger said hiring quality staff who shared the same goal as him is one of his proudest accomplishments.

A couple of years ago, Listenberger sold the practice to Becraft, who he said has been an invaluable partner to the practice.

“It’s [Dr. Becraft’s] influence that really shared the success and helped [the company] grow largely,” Listenberger said.

For his part, Listenberger’s staff credits him for bringing “record-breaking growth” to the company, 

The right time for retirement

With a sound staff in place to continue to operate the Niles Vision Clinic, Listenberger said he felt the practice was in good hands and it was time to retire.

Still, after more than 40 years working in the Niles community, Listenberger knows at least one aspect of the job he will miss.

“There is an emotional element [to retiring] because I have done this for so long and I will miss the people and patients,” Listenberger said. “That is the reservation.”

Listenberger’s passion for math and science began when he was in high school. That passion would carry into college where Listenberger was torn between studying to become an optometrist and pursuing a career in astrophysics. But to earn a degree in astrophysics, Listenberger learned he would have to become fluent in German.

Not wanting to learn the language, Listenberger graduated from Indiana University, where he earned a bachelor of science and doctor of optometry. He also completed a certification program at Notre Dame in creative management.

Following graduation Listenberger worked briefly in South Haven before coming to Niles, which is near his hometown of South Bend, Indiana.

Around the world

While running the Niles Vision Clinic served one community, Listenberger said he also felt compelled to serve other communities around the globe, providing quality eye care to those that might not have access to it.

Listenberger is the founder of the Michigan chapter of Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity.

Through his work with the nonprofit, Listenberger said he has since taken more than 50 trips to various locations, including Peru, Africa and Haiti.

Listenberger has also been pivotal to the formation of the Niles Education Foundation and was the first president of the board. He also has served as president to the Optimist International and Noon Optimist Club of Niles. Through his tenure, he helped accrue billion dollar annual revenues as CEO/President of Optimist International.

Listenberger has also been recognized as Professional Man of the Year by the “Michiana Journal Magazine.”

“I have always had an affinity for growing and building organizations,” Listenberger said. “One thing lead to another and the [organizations] have had some very good success.”

With more free time ahead, Listenberger plans to spend time with his four grandchildren and continue his work with VOSH and travel to other countries in need, including an upcoming trip to Peru with his daughter, Laura, who is a biochemist.

Additionally, Listenberger plans to work on his writing career. He has so far published three books, including “Self-Utility: A Theory of Everything,” “LEAD by Driving Action to Outcomes,” and “Bringing the World into Focus.”

Looking back on all he has accomplished, Listenberger said he is proud of his positive relationship with those who needed care.

“Connecting with people and providing really good service [are the greatest accomplishments],” Listenberger said.