A new ophthalmology and optometry business that opened in Smithfield this week is a return to the town for Suffolk Eye Physicians and Surgeons.

Smithfield Eye, which held a grand opening Tuesday evening, is a satellite of the Suffolk business, according to ophthalmologist Andrew O’Dwyer.

O’Dwyer, who sold the business to Jennifer Schneider — also an ophthalmologist — 2 ½ years ago, said Suffolk Eye Physicians and Surgeons had a Smithfield location about a decade ago.

“We were in there for a while,” O’Dwyer said Thursday at the new Smithfield location, suite 114 of Smithfield Commons Shopping Center, 1809 S. Church St. “(But) we found it more effective to stay in Suffolk.”

Since then, the situation has changed, O’Dwyer indicated. “With the area growing, it became obvious that we should be out here,” he said.

“We still see a lot of patients from Smithfield coming to Suffolk, and they remember me being here years ago. We figured it was a good idea to come back here.”

Selecting a suitable new location, O’Dwyer said, they looked for the right square footage and something that was already furnished.

The busy shopping center they selected is on one of the main roads into Smithfield’s town center. Key tenants include Papa John’s Pizza and Verizon.

“We’re next to a shopping center here, and there’s adequate parking,” O’Dwyer said.

Smithfield Eye is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m.

Along with ophthalmologists Schneider and O’Dwyer, optometrists Samantha Triplett and David Lotz also visit, while Smithfield Eye also sells eyeglasses.

“Like any new practice, it started off slowly,” O’Dwyer said. “Dr. Triplett saw four or five patients yesterday. I have four or five scheduled today. That’s a good start.”

O’Dwyer says he’s pleased to return to Smithfield.

“We saw a need, we found the location, and we are looking forward to spending a long time here,” he said.

“I have always enjoyed Smithfield. If it saves the folks the trip down to Suffolk, that’s what it’s all about.”

As for more Suffolk Eye Physicians and Surgeons satellites in the future, the potential exists, according to O’Dywer.

“There are always thoughts, but nothing concrete,” he said. “We’ll get this going and see what happens after that.”