The Owner And Builder

Paul S. Koch, MD is a prominent figure in Rhode Island ophthalmology, known for his long clinical career, innovative techniques and surgical textbooks.  His professional story spans the founding and expansion of a major regional eye‑care network, and leadership roles in surgical innovation.

In 1981, Koch founded Koch Eye Associates, a practice that would grow into one of Rhode Island’s most recognizable ophthalmology groups. Over the decades, the practice expanded to become a major regional eye-care network, with multiple locations in three states. Koch served as Medical Director, shaping the organization’s clinical standards and public identity. Koch Eye Associates became known for adopting new technologies early, particularly in cataract surgery. This positioned Koch Eye as a regional leader in refractive and cataract procedures, attracting patients across Connecticut, Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. His contributions to regional eye care—clinical innovation, practice expansion, and surgical leadership—remain part of the state’s medical landscape.

In 2012 the practice became the first in the country to be acquired by private equity, giving him the opportunity to later retire and take up boatbuilding.

The first sailboat he raced was a Beetle Catboat in 1964. He later owned and raced an Explorer, a Lightning and a Laser before turning to bigger boats (See Post on Changing the Sail Number for more about his early sailing).  He had a successful 28-year run racing Jazz Fish, his Freedom 35 sloop, winning events under six rating Rules: One-Design, NYYC Cruising Rule, IMS, AmeriCap, and IRC. He also raced Jazz Fish under ORC but he could do no better than second. So close.

In 1990 Jazz Fish was Boat of the Week at the U.S. Naval Academy’s Sesquicentennial Race Week, winning each race in her class.  He was one of the earliest members of the NYYC team racing team.

Paul started planning for his retirement about ten years ahead of time. He had many friends who either continued working well past their due date or were lost without someplace to go in the morning. Determined to avoid that dilemma, he imagined a new and different career. A lifetime puttering around boats pointed him to making annual trips to the WoodenBoat School. He started modestly, building stitch-and-glue boats, and then he moved on to cold molding and strip planking. Later he took courses in finishing out new boats and reconstructing old boats.

Eventually he found he was filling his yard with small boats that he had built or restored, and if he didn’t cut back, he would soon have no yard at all. He decided to give up the small stuff and move on building to his forever boat, and that’s how Ponyo was born. From its lofting in 2015 to its launch in 2021 Ponyo was an enjoyable build. He did about 80% of the work by himself, but an assortment of relatives and friends helped him with advice, sweat and inspiration.