HISTORY

Rochester Orthopedic Laboratories, Inc. began its long-standing family business as Rochester Artificial Limb Company in 1903 and was incorporated in 1948.

By the mid 1960’s, Rochester Artificial Limb had opened their second facility in Syracuse, New York under the name of Empire Orthopedic Laboratories. The early 1970’s were a very busy time. The company’s name was officially changed to Rochester Orthopedic Laboratories, Inc. Empire Orthopedic Labs expanded to Utica, opening a facility in the Children’s Hospital under the supervision of David Forbes, CPO. Gerald Tindall, CP joined the staff at the Rochester office, which moved to a new location on Monroe Avenue.

In 1977, Empire Orthopedic Laboratories in Utica moved to its own building where it is still located at 44 Oriskany Boulevard in Yorkville, New York. This 3,500 square foot building was completely remodeled in 1989 and features easy ground level accessibility to the waiting and fitting areas. EOL’s location allows convenient access to all of the area’s hospitals and nursing homes.

In October of 1985, the Rochester office moved into its current location at 460 White Spruce Boulevard in Rochester, New York. This large 12,000 square foot facility has ample fitting and fabrication areas and was designed and built for safety, accessibility and growth.

Throughout all of these changes what has remained constant is our commitment to the patients and community that we serve. The corporation has always felt that an established national standard of care supervised by ABC is critical to maintain a high level of patient care and satisfaction. ROL and EOL maintain active memberships to professional organizations on the state and national level. Both of the facilities are ABC accredited. All certified practitioners are members of The American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists and The American Orthotic and Prosthetic Association. Several of our certified practitioners have held offices in these organizations at both state and national levels.

In 2001 and 2004, we said goodbye to our two long-time owners and practitioners, David J. Forbes and Gerald A. Tindall. Dave retired in 2001 & Jerry retired in 2004, and we wish them joy and happiness in their retirement. The company is what it is today due to Dave and Jerry’s hard work and dedication over the past 25 years.

As the two offices of Rochester Orthopedic Laboratories, Inc. move into the 21st century, they continue to evolve and expand. The staff, with over 150 years of combined experience, continues to stay current with the latest education, technology, and componentry. ROL’s plan for the future is to continue to draw on our 100 plus years of experience as a company to maintain our high standard of patient care and satisfaction, while incorporating the most cost-effective modern technology available.

Community Events in ROL/EOL

Rochester Orthopedic Laboratories, Inc. continues to sponsor the Run for Hospice ten-mile road race held each October in Greece, NY. Details for the race can be found at www.runforhospice.com.

Empire Orthopedic Laboratories was one of the sponsors for the 1st Annual Utica Arthritis Walk held on Sunday, May 23, 2004.

Rochester Orthopedic Laboratories, Inc. continues to be one of the sponsors for the Annual SportsNet All-Star Challenge. SportsNet is a program offered by Rochester Rehabilitation Center to provide sports and recreation activities to those with disabilities.

Rochester Orthopedic Labs, Inc. attended the Spina Bifida Resource Center 2003 Conference on October 27, 2003. This event was held at the R.I.T. Inn and Conference Center. The conference focused on the Developmental Implications of Executive Dysfunction in Spina Bifida, Assistive Technology for Students with Spina Bifida, and Healthy Transitions for Adolescents with Spina Bifida. Rochester Orthopedic Laboratories, Inc. also sponsored the printing of a number of copies of a Resource Guide for parents with infants and toddlers with Spina Bifida. For information on the conference or the resource guide, please contact Linda Burdett at the Spina Bifida Resource Center, a program of Regional Center for Independent Living. Center for Independent Living.

Empire Orthopedic Laboratories sponsored the Falling Leaves Race held on September 28, 2003. This annual race is held in downtown Utica. Details from the race can be found at www.uticaroadrunners.org/fallingleaves/index.html.