RENTON, Wash. -- The ophthalmologist who disappeared after abruptly shutting down his business last month finally made a court appearance on Monday.

Dr. Christopher Phillips could not be found after he shut down the well-known Lomas Lasik and Eye Care Center in Renton, leaving his patients and his employees in a lurch without an explanation.

On Monday, KOMO News caught up with Phillips when he finally reappeared in the public eye in order to answer to charges that stemmed from a party at his home.

But Phillips refused to answer any of KOMO's questions about the clinic, only responding with silence. His attorney also refused to comment.

Phillips reportedly told his staff on a Friday that the day would be their last at the clinic. Even Dr. Richard Lomas, who founded the clinic and built its sterling reputation for years before recently selling the practice to Phillips, was booted out.

"This guy (Phillips) took less than five months to bring it (the clinic) down to nothing. There's something there," said former employee Jennifer Westbay said.

Thousands of patients of the business built on 30 years of trust were suddenly left abandoned.

Westbay has just about given up on ever getting an explanation from Phillips. All she wants now are her medical records.

"All of the sudden boom, done. Trying to figure out what happened to our records, can't get any answers on it," she said.

It is not illegal for any shop to go out of business. However, the state's Department of Health has been investigating the matter.

Investigators have heard complaints from 57 patients, 49 of which remain open.

Phillips appeared in court on Monday due to a different matter, however. According to court documents, he pleaded not guilty in January to three charges related to what police reports describe as a loud party at his Renton home. Phillips has been charged with supplying liquor to a minor, making a false statement and breach of peace.

After Phillips' abrupt disappearance in March, KOMO News tracked down his address, but no one answered the door. Neighbors said Phillips left his home about two weeks ago and has a former employee watching his house for him.

That former employee said Phillips went to Eastern Canada to be with his wife, but said he did not know why Phillips shut down his business so suddenly.

Phillips is no stranger to the headlines, first marrying then divorcing Olympic gold medalist gymnast Shannon Miller. In published reports, Miller called their relationship "a painful experience."

Phillips has a valid license and has had no prior complaints about his practice until now.

The Department of Health has a new number for patients who have had past problems with the Lomas Lasik and Eye Care Center -- (360) 236-4700.