OOPA Leadership
Oregon Optometric Physicians Association Officers, Directors, and Staff
OOPA OFFICERS
Craig Bowen, OD
President
Craig Bowen, OD - President
Tualatin, Oregon
Dr. Bowen earned his Bachelor of Science from Alma College in Alma, Michigan. He attended Pacific University College of Optometry in Forest Grove, Oregon where he earned his doctorate.
Dr. Bowen is a past board member of the Oregon Optometric Physician Association and currently serves as its president. He has earned numerous awards and recognitions including Rotary Club's Service Above Self in 2018, Amigos Doctor of the Year in 2018 and the Oregon Optometrist of the Year in 2019. He received specialty training in the management of myopia and is certified to use treatments which can slow the rate of nearsightedness/myopia in children. Dr. Bowen also has a particular interest in the treatment and management of dry eye and macular degeneration.
In his free time, he enjoys exercising, gourmet cooking and grilling, spending time with friends, and he studies French every day. Dr. Bowen resides nearby the practice with his Shetland Sheepdog, Taza.
William Hefner, OD
President-Elect
William Hefner, OD - President-Elect
Forest Grove, Oregon
Dr. Hefner is an Associate Professor of the College of Optometry and the Associate Dean of Clinical Programs.
A native Kansan, Dr. Hefner spent 20 years in private practice in Topeka, KS specializing in pediatrics and family practice optometry before re-joining the faculty at Pacific University College of Optometry in 2017. Additionally, he continues to serve in the United States Air Force as the Medical Group Commander for the 190th Air Refueling Wing in Topeka, KS.
In his 20 years of service, Dr. Hefner has provided humanitarian health care in El Salvador, Armenia and Trindad and Tobago.
Dr. Hefner is a past president of the Kansas Optometric Association, Heart of America Contact Lens Society, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. He is also the recipient of numerous awards including the 2016 Armed Forces Optometrist of the Year for the Reserve Forces, the 2006 Air National Guard Optometrist of the Year, the 2002 Kansas Optometric Association’s Young Optometrist of the Year and the 2001 Kansas Optometric Association’s Vision Service Award.
Dr. Hefner and his wife Dawn live in Forest Grove, OR with their three children.
Derri Sandberg. OD
Past-President
Derri Sandberg, OD - Immediate Past President
Bend, Oregon
Dr. Sandberg grew up in Fargo, North Dakota. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 2003 from the University of North Dakota followed by her Doctorate of Optometry from Pacific University in 2007.
Dr. Sandberg received clinical training at the Portland Veteran’s Administrative Hospital while expanding her knowledge of glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic ocular health care. She continued her training emphasizing primary care optometry and LASIK post-surgical management. Dr. Sandberg gained experience at several specialty clinics in Portland, Oregon specializing in areas of vision therapy, strabismus (eye alignment), and ocular disease.
Dr. Sandberg began her career at Dr. Carl Ryan & Associates in 2007, which changed clinic names to Lifetime Vision Care in 2012. She is involved with numerous volunteer activities including legislative advocacy for eyecare in Oregon and nationwide, in-service community education, and serves on the board for Oregon Optometric Physician Association. In her free time, Dr. Sandberg and her husband, Mike, enjoy hiking, snowshoeing, and skiing.
Darrin Fleming, OD
Senior Past President
Darrin Fleming, OD - Senior Past President
Eugene, Oregon
Darrin Fleming, OD received his doctorate at U.C. Berkeley, and was on the faculty there for five years while practicing in the area. He has been in Eugene since 1995, mostly managing patients with glaucoma, cataracts, and chronic eye conditions and diseases. He enjoys working with challenging cases, and believes that communication is the most important part of what we do as eye care providers.
Dr. Fleming is a member of the American Optometric Association and has served for multiple years on the board of the Oregon Optometric Physicians Association. He has represented the profession with our legislators for many years, both in the state capitol and in Washington D.C. Outside of the profession, Dr. Fleming sings in a local choir, and has acted in and helped produce several movies with local independent companies.
Yelena Galuza, OD
Secretary/Treasurer
Yelena Galuza, OD - Secretary/Treasurer
Woodburn, Oregon
Dr. Yelena Galuza received her Doctorate of Optometry from Pacific University in 2015. She completed training in refractive surgery, pediatrics, and ocular disease.
Dr. Galuza emigrated from Ukraine when she was 6 years old. Her family settled in south east Portland. She graduated from David Douglas High School in 2007, and then went on to obtain her Bachelor of Science in Bio-chemistry from the University of Portland. She speaks fluent Russian, Ukrainian, and some Spanish.
Dr. Galuza is a member of the American Optometric Association (AOA), Oregon Optometric Physicians Association (OOPA), and Portland Metropolitan Optometric Society (PMOS).
OOPA DIRECTORS
Shaina Sullivan, OD
Director
Shaina Sullivan, OD - Director
Beaverton, Oregon
Beginning as Dr. McBride’s assistant, Shaina’s kindness, intelligence and easy-going nature have always been appreciated by our patients. Shaina grew up in Tigard and graduated from Tualatin High School. Like Dr. McBride, she went to Oregon State University and later Pacific University where she earned her doctorate.
Dr. Sullivan enjoys bowling, camping and supporting the Trail Blazers, Timbers and Thorns. In September 2019, Dr. Sullivan and her husband welcomed their first child, John Joseph.
Mila Ioussifova, OD
Director
Mila Ioussifova, OD - Director
Beaverton, Oregon
It is my privilege to be your eye care provider at South Waterfront Eye Care. My goal is to take care of your eye care needs today, but also help you keep good vision and healthy eyes for life.
I am a strong proponent of preventative care and believe that nutrition and a natural lifestyle can help you be healthy and happy for life. I received my Doctor of Optometry degree in 2007 from New England College of Optometry and completed a community health-based residency program in Boston, MA. My training was extensive and diverse, including pediatric, geriatric, and primary care optometry, as well as contact lens and ocular disease management.
In 2009, I returned to Portland and re-discovered how lovely and one of a kind it is. Portlandians appreciate individuality and uniqueness. At South Waterfront Eye Care, I want my patients to feel the personal service from the moment they walk in.
While practicing optometry for the past 6 years, I have developed a special interest in ocular nutrition. Preventative care has become an important part of my practice.
As a current adjunct clinical faculty at Pacific University College of Optometry, I have the honor of working with optometric interns. I am involved in clinical education, didactics, and training of future optometrists.
I am originally from Azerbaijan; I speak Azerbaijani and Russian. Мы говорим по-русский!
Emilee Nehring, OD
Director
Emilee Nehring, OD - Director
Woodburn, Oregon
Dr. Emilee Nehring received her Doctorate of Optometry from MCPHS University, College of Optometry in 2017. Dr. Emilee will be specializing in pediatric care, however she has completed training in post and pre operative care of refractive surgery and cataract surgery, ocular disease and contact lenses.
Dr. Nehring grew up in Woodburn, Oregon. She graduated from Canby High School in 2007, and then went on to complete her Bachelor of Science in Pre Med from Oregon Institute of Technology, where she was a collegiate long jumper.
Dr. Nehring has traveled to Bolivia, Nicaragua and Mexico on vision mission trips and is continually improving her Spanish speaking skills.
Dr. Nehring currently serves on the board for the Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH). She is also a member of the American Optometric Association (AOA) and Oregon Optometric Physicians Association (OOPA).
OOPA STAFF
Geoff Knapp
Executive Director
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Geoff Knapp - Executive Director
Milwaukie, Oregon
Geoff Knapp assumed the role of executive director in January 2020. He previously served as government relations manager for Pacific Source Health Plan's Oregon market.
A graduate of Utica College of Syracuse University, he holds a degree in public relations and journalism. His career path includes multiple roles in print and electronic journalism. He also has held leadership positions in government, education, non-profits, telecommunications and more.
An avid sports enthusiast, he has also volunteered for several non-profit organizations and has served on several boards of directors.
He feels that his unique professional background has prepared him for the multiple responsibilities he holds as executive director for OOPA.
Lynne Geier-Olson
Director of Operations
Lynne Geier-Olson - Director of Operations
Milwaukie, Oregon
Lynne Geier-Olson was born in Tacoma Washington and grew up in Gladstone Oregon where she attended all 12 years of primary education. She then attended Clackamas Community College studying business administration courses.
She has been employed by the Oregon Optometric Physicians Association [OOPA] since November 1995, starting as Administrative Assistant, advancing to Executive Assistant and is now their Director of Operations. Her primary responsibilities are overseeing operations, consulting, and full charge bookkeeping for OOPA. Lynne also manages the bookkeeping for Oregon Optometric Public Affairs Council [OOPAC] and the Oregon Foundation for Vision Awareness [OFVA]. In addition, she is the property manager for the OOPA Milwaukie facility.
Lynne also owns her own bookkeeping business where she is a small business bookkeeper for several clients. In her spare time she enjoys gardening, wine tasting, antique shopping, entertaining and visiting with family and friends. She is married to Darrel Olson and they have two children, Erin Hoskins and Eric Olson and grandson Kye Hoskins. Now that she has transferred to part time employment, she is looking forward to traveling and getting a dog.
Vanessa Rush
Executive Assistant
Vanessa Rush - Executive Assistant
Milwaukie, Oregon
Vanessa Rush joined OOPA staff as executive assistant in October of 2023. She brings a diverse background and abundant energy to her position. She began her career in music education, teaching middle and high school choirs in Seaside, Oregon.
She then transitioned into real estate, thriving in the industry for the past five years. In her free time, she enjoys nature walks, crafting with her 6-year-old, singing in her community choir, and exploring Portland's finest ramen spots.
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