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.”
---
Dr. Doug, a.k.a. Doc Bison
