Press Release

September marks “Myopia Month” 

RELEASE:  September 4, 2024
CONTACT:  Geoff Knapp, 971-282-3292; [email protected]

Milwaukie, OR – Oregon Optometric Physicians Association (OOPA), has launched a public awareness program entitled, “Eyes on Myopia”. As of 2024, myopia is still considered a global epidemic, with some projections suggesting that it could affect one billion people worldwide by 2050.

The pandemic made the problem worse, with children spending more time on screens and less time outdoors. This has led to a change in children's anatomy, with their eyeballs lengthening to accommodate short-vision tasks. One analysis found that the incidence of pathologically stretched eyeballs in six-year-olds almost doubled during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic levels.

“A comprehensive eye examination can easily identify a child with nearsightedness or myopia. Children in elementary school through high school should get their eyes checked every year with an eye care provider to identify myopia at its earliest stages,” said Dr. Craig Bowen, President, OOPA Board of Directors. “Children and teens wearing glasses or contact lenses experience clear vision at all distances resulting in improved performance and participation in school.”

Myopia affects a child’s academic success. Children who have myopia can fall behind in school if they do not wear corrective glasses. Children with a higher degree of myopia are more likely to develop sight-threatening complications later in life, like glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and retinal detachment.

Oregon students age seven and younger who are beginning an education program for the first time must complete a “vision screening”.  Eye screenings test to identify potential vision health concerns. When a concern is detected, children should receive a comprehensive eye exam. Optometrist locations may be found at https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/find-a-doctor?sso=y.

OOPA is a statewide organization of doctors of optometry, college of optometry faculty, optometric students, and industry related associates. Its mission is to promote, protect and advance the professional practice of optometry.

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*Interviews with state optometrists may be arranged by contacting Geoff Knapp, executive director, at 971-282-3292; [email protected].

 Angela Naseri Recognized with OOPA Past Presidents Scholarship Award

RELEASE:    April 30, 2024
CONTACT: Geoff Knapp, Executive Director; [email protected]; 971-282-3292

 Milwaukie, OR - Angela Naseri, a fourth-year student at Pacific University College of Optometry (PUCO), has been awarded the 2024 OOPA Legacy Past Presidents Award. Announcement of the award was presented at Oregon Optometric Physicians Association’s (OOPA) annual meeting held April 4-6 at Salishan Coastal Lodge, Gleneden Beach, OR.

 Founders of the scholarship fund wished to honor OOPA Past President, Dr. Candace “Candy” Hamel. Dr. Hamel served as a mentor to countless PUCO students and young doctors of optometry.

 Columbia Bank is a lead supporter of the scholarship fund.

 The $3,000 annual grant is presented to an individual who has exhibited his/her involvement with either the American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) or OOPA as future leaders of the profession. All past presidents wish to foster their legacy and further OOPA’s mission of promoting, protecting, and advancing the practice of optometry in the state of Oregon.

The award is presented to either a 3rd or 4th year optometry student from PUCO or an OOPA member who has been in practice in Oregon for up to 5 years.

Students must intend to practice in Oregon upon graduation and must also be an active member of AOSA. Optometrists in practice in the State for up to 5 years must also be active in their respective optometric society and/or OOPA committee structure.

The award amount must be used to cover expenses for the recipient to attend an OOPA-sponsored or pre-approved meeting.

Naseri worked as an optometric technician for three years while attending Portland State University as an undergrad. A PUCO student since 2020, she has held internships with Hill Air Force Base Medical Group in Layton, UT; Barnet, Dulaney, Perkins in Lake Havasu, AZ; and Bauer Eye Care in Boulder, CO.

 Naseri is currently Class Secretary for PUCO, class of 2024; she is a member of AMIGOS VOSH at PUCO; president of the Optometry Club at PSU; volunteer at Rose Haven, Women’s and Children’s Shelter and Student Leader for Service at PSU.

 A native Oregonian, Naseri intends to continue leadership training and practice in her home state.

 View her acceptance video here

 Oregon Optometric Physicians Association Installs Board Members and Hosts Award Ceremony

RELEASE: April 10, 2024
CONTACT: Geoff Knapp, Executive Director; [email protected]; 971-282-3292

Oregon Optometric Physicians Association (OOPA) elected its 2024-2025 board of directors during its annual meeting held April 4-7 at Salishan Coastal Lodge, Gleneden Beach, OR.

Those elected to the board include:

President - Craig Bowen, OD (Tualatin Eye Associates, Tualatin, OR)
President-Elect – William Hefner, OD (Pacific University College of Optometry, Forest Grove, OR)
Immediate Past President – Derri Sandberg, OD (Lifetime Vision Care, Bend, OR)
Senior Past President – Darrin Fleming, OD (Sterling Vision, Eugene, OR)
Secretary/Treasurer – Yelena Galuza, OD (Woodburn Vision Source, Woodburn, OR)
Board Member at Large – Mila Ioussifova, OD (South Waterfront Eye Care, Portland, OR)
Board Member at Large - Emilee Nehring, OD (Woodburn Vision Source, Woodburn, OR)
Board Member at Large – Shaina Sullivan, OD (Charles McBride, Optometrist, Beaverton, OR)

President Ronald L. Benner, OD, representing the American Optometric Association (AOA) presided over the installation of officers ceremony.

The Annual Awards ceremony recognized the following:

Student Award – Amanda Ackerson (Pacific University College of Optometry)
Special Industry Award - Pacific Cataract & Laser Institute
Advocacy Award - Emilee Nehring, OD (Woodburn Vision Source)
President’s Award - Gabby Marshall, OD, FCOVD (Elemental Eyecare)
Young OD of the Year - Ayla Jade Himmelsbach, OD (Multnomah Vision Clinic)
OD of the Year Award - Nicole Rush, OD (Bandon Vision Center)
Social Media Award - Mila Ioussifova, OD (South Waterfront Eye Care)
Distinguished Service Award – Lynne Olson (OOPA)

*Photos available upon request.

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 Optometrists to offer free diabetic eye exams to underserved Oregonians

RELEASE:              October 31, 2023
CONTACT:            Geoff Knapp, 971-282-3292; [email protected]

Milwaukie, OR – Oregon Foundation for Vision Awareness (OFVA), in partnership with Oregon Optometric Physicians Association (OOPA), has launched a program offering no cost diabetic eye exams and glasses to patients who otherwise cannot afford care. Entitled “Eyes on Diabetes”, the program will be available at participating locations throughout the state in November in alignment with American Diabetes Month activities.

 According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 360,000 adults in Oregon have been diagnosed with diabetes. An additional 93,000 Oregonians have diabetes but are unaware of the condition and more than a million individuals have prediabetes.

 “Optometric physicians are often the first health care providers to diagnose diabetes because they are able to see changes to the retina,” said Dr. Rachel Martel, OFVA board chair. “In addition to diabetic retinopathy and refractive error changes, diabetic patients are at much higher risk for glaucoma, cataracts and other sight-threatening eye conditions,” she said.

 As part of November’s awareness campaign, participating doctors of optometry will provide care to uninsured or underinsured individuals in need.

 “Diabetes is responsible for over one million amputations each year, a large percentage of cataracts, and at least 5% of blindness worldwide,” said Dr. Derri Sandberg, OOPA president. “Many early symptoms of diabetes are too mild to notice,” she added. “Early detection is key to avoiding health complications that can often be debilitating.”

 Those who do not have insurance coverage or are underinsured and have been diagnosed with diabetes or suspect that they may have symptoms related to the disease, may learn more about a participating optometrist in their region by visiting OFVA.

 OFVA is a non-profit, charitable organization whose mission and goals are to provide education and charitable services related to eye care to various segments of the general population and underprivileged individuals. This year, OFVA’s goal is to help diabetic patients establish care with optometric physicians to prevent blindness due to diabetic retinopathy.

 OOPA is a statewide organization comprised of doctors of optometry, college of optometry faculty, optometric students, and industry related associates. Its mission is to promote, protect and advance the professional practice of optometry.

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Press Release Archives

RELEASE: July 12, 2022
Dr. Gabby Marshall Elected to National Board of Optometry

The American Optometric Association (AOA) Board of Trustees have unanimously elected Gabby Marshall, O.D. as one of four new members to the board of directors for AOAExcel.

Click here to read full release

RELEASE: October 19, 2020
Associations unite to promote comprehensive eye exams 

Salem, OR – Oregon State Sheriffs’ Association (OSSA) is partnering with Oregon Optometric Physicians Association (OOPA) to encourage all Oregonians to make 2020 the year to make an in-person comprehensive eye exam. 

More information may be found at https://oregonsheriffs.org/2020eyeexam/  

Release August 10, 2020

Nicole Rush, OD, president of the Oregon Optometric Physicians Association’s board of directors, was announced today as one of Vision Monday’s “Most Influential Women in Optical.”  Click here to read full release 

 RELEASE: July 26, 2020

Oregon Optometric Physicians Association Elects Board of Directors

Milwaukie, OR – The Oregon Optometric Physicians Association (OOPA) elected its 2021-2022 board of directors during its annual meeting held July 23. 

Click here for full release

RELEASE: January 27, 2021

Oregon Optometrists Appointed to National Committees

Dr. Ashley McFerron and Dr. Nathan Roland joining American Optometric Association committees

Click here for full press release