Vision Therapy - Renewed Vision

A patient recently posted on Facebook the following testimonial that I would like to share. It is success stories like this one that motivates and inspires me to be the best possible doctor, each and every day, furthering my education and new methods of vision treatment.

"It's official....I've graduated from "vision therapy" and feel like my normal self again!!! It's all thanks to Dr. Douglas Smith at Bison Vision Center. He was the first medical provider to understand what was happening to me AND knew just what treatment to do. I got right in to see him just before Labor Day and following the relatively simple steps he prescribed, I'm here to report that non-stop dizziness I felt since April is gone!! Seeing him and putting the time in at home was the best thing I could do for myself. I am so thankful to have found him!!"

If you could benefit from "vision therapy" from a knowledgeable and caring doctor, call our office today at 541-773-1414 or visit www.bisonvisioncenter.com to schedule an appointment today!

33 Years of Service

As they say in the Indian Nations “Greetings All My Relations!!” (meaning family and those related through humanity and friendship).

  

I recently celebrated my 33rd anniversary of being an Optometric Physician in Medford., OR.

Before moving to Medford in 1979, I had been on the clinical staff at Pacific University and administered Indian Health Service Clinics in Montana and Washington.

In 1979 there were twelve Optometrists from Ashland to Grants Pass, and 6 Ophthalmologists.  Now there are 54 Optometric and Optical locations and 16 ophthalmologists in that same area.

Medford has grown from 46,000 people to 68,000.

In 1979 Optometrists were allowed to use drops in order to dilate patients’ eyes.  Now Optometric Physicians routinely treat eye infections, allergy attacks and glaucoma.

I began my career as an Optometrist, with a degree of   Doctor of Optometry.  Now by virtue of lifelong education and legislation I am practice as an Optometric Physician

As a guest lecturer and Adjunct Associate Professor at Pacific University College of Optometry, I have instructed undergraduate interns and fellow Doctors of Optometry in Pharmacology, Microbiology,  Patient Communication, Strabismus (cross eye), Amblyopia (lazy eye) and minor surgical procedures involving the exterior tissues of the eye.

I served on the Oregon Commission for the Blind and the State Children’s Services Advisory Panel.

I was an appointed member of the Oregon Board of Optometry for an unprecedented 12 years, where I oversaw the expansion of the four corners of professional training and licensing.

I am on the invited staff of two local hospitals working in the In-patient Rehabilitation Units, with stroke and head trauma patients.  Blows to the head frequently disorganize the visual system. I work with OTs and PTs to eliminate double vision compensate for peripheral field loss, vertigo, and balance and posture issues.

I spent several months spread over 10 years working  in The Russia Far East of Siberia as CEO and COO of the not for profit NGO GatewayAmerica, using worldwide resources of Project HOPE and Rotary International to deliver $18 million USD value  in medical and humanitarian aid…and doing a little fishing on the side.

I have rolled a suburban over a 150’ cliff landing in the Klamath River and was able to swim to safety from the submerged vehicle.

I have been held at gunpoint in Russia in a late night raid on my apartment.

I have fished Oregon, California and Alaska Rivers, and hunted free range buffalo in Colorado.

Imagine the personal satisfaction of succeeding  in straightening the turned eye of a child and  returning a lazy eye to 20/20; to creating normal  academic and social opportunity; convincing children to wear glasses now to keep them out of their wedding and sports pictures later in school and life and seeing pictures of their weddings and team photos free from glasses; alleviating previously “incurable” headaches;  restoring equilibrium in patients debilitated by See Sickness, dizziness and vertigo, and the everyday victories of being an eye care professional.

My wife of 41 years has put up with my shenanigans and together we have given the world two grown children exploring, and building lives of their own.

I have been given all these gifts, adventures and much more.

I do plan to keep “practicing”, learning and serving, probably, as my Irish forebears say “until they pat me in the face with a spade.”

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Dr. Doug, a.k.a. Doc Bison