Richard Ryan, O.D. of Spokane, Wash. was recently named President Elect of the Optometric Physicians of Washington (OPW) at their annual convention held May 10-13, 2006 in Spokane, Wash.  As President Elect, Dr. Ryan will provide the OPW Board of Trustees, membership committees, staff, and general membership with valuable experience and leadership.  Dr. Ryan will serve as President of the association in 2007.

The Optometric Physicians of Washington (OPW) is the professional association of Washington State optometric physicians affiliated with the American Optometric Association. The OPW is comprised of 13 optometric societies throughout the state numbering 560 optometric physicians.

“I am proud to be part of such a great leadership team that will work to positively impact vision care throughout the state,” said Dr. Ryan.  “Throughout my term as President Elect, I look forward to talking with community members across the state to learn more about their eye care needs and guide my year as president in 2007.”

Dr. Ryan currently practices with Five Mile Eye Care, Inc. He received his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Pacific University where, in 1979, he also obtained his Doctor of Optometry degree.  Additionally, he received a Master of Science in Education with an emphasis on learning disabilities from the University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh in 1985. 

Dr. Ryan has been an active member of the OPW since 1989, serving in a variety of roles and on several committees.  As a practicing professional, Dr. Ryan has been named the Inland Society’s Optometrist of the Year several times and is a seven-time recipient of the Optometric Recognition Award from the AOA for his efforts in keeping up-to-date on the rapidly changing research and technology of eye care.  Dr. Ryan served two terms as Chairperson of the Washington State Board of Optometry (2002-2003), and was named the OPW “Optometric Physician of the Year” in 2004.  

The mission of the Optometric Physicians of Washington is to advance, improve and enhance the vision care and eye health of the public and to promote the continued development of the profession of optometry.

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Contact Information
•	Lisa Cargill OPW Communications Representative (509) 444-2350 lisac@desautelhege.com