Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Optometry Advocates in Washington
Optometric Physicians of Washington (OPW) has been empowering optometric professionals since 1935, serving as the state voice for optometry and an affiliate of the American Optometric Association (AOA). With over 850 members, including optometrists, paraoptometric staff, and future doctors of optometry, we combine national influence with community-focused support through 14 local societies. Our mission centers on enhancing public vision and eye health while advancing the profession through advocacy, high-quality continuing education, and scope expansion initiatives.We provide essential clinical resources, practice management tools, and member-exclusive partnerships like Otto's patient relationship platform. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion ensures equitable access to care while fostering a profession reflective of the communities we serve. Through events like the Advanced Procedures Course and advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C., we equip members to practice confidently in an evolving healthcare landscape.
Services
Continuing Education
Membership Advocacy
Career Center
Otto Platform Access
Advanced Procedures Training
Details
- Year established: 1935
Highlights and features
- We've represented Washington optometrists since 1935 with deep legislative expertise
- Our AOA affiliation provides national resources with local implementation
- Exclusive Otto platform partnership streamlines practice management for members
- We deliver 32-hour COPE-accredited advanced procedures training annually
- 14 local societies ensure community-specific professional support statewide
Services
Continuing Education Programs
We provide COPE-accredited continuing education programs that meet Washington State's 50-hour biennial licensing requirements. Our offerings include synchronous in-person courses, virtual sessions, and asynchronous learning options covering advanced procedures, health equity, and suicide prevention training. These programs ensure optometrists maintain clinical excellence while fulfilling regulatory obligations.
Membership Advocacy
Our advocacy efforts focus on expanding optometric scope of practice and protecting professional interests through legislative engagement. We represent members at state and federal levels, including annual Capitol Hill advocacy events. This includes supporting policy changes that enhance patient access to comprehensive eye care services.
Career Center Services
Our Career Center connects optometrists with practice opportunities, including job listings, practices for sale, and equipment marketplace. We provide resources for practice transitions and professional development, supporting both established practitioners and new graduates entering the field.
Otto Platform Access
We offer members exclusive access to Otto's patient relationship management platform with up to 7 months free service. This integrated solution streamlines contact lens ordering, patient communications, and practice marketing, helping clinics increase revenue while improving patient satisfaction through branded digital experiences.
Advanced Procedures Training
Our annual Advanced Procedures Course delivers 32 hours of hands-on surgical training approved by the Board of Optometry. The four-day program covers laser procedures, suturing techniques, and diagnostic methods, preparing optometrists to perform advanced eye care services while meeting state endorsement requirements.
People
DJ Gonzales
Executive Director
Leading OPW's strategic initiatives, DJ Gonzales oversees organizational operations and member services. With extensive experience in association management, they focus on advancing optometric policy and professional development opportunities across Washington State.
Allan Atienzo
Communications Coordinator
Allan Atienzo manages OPW's communication strategies, ensuring effective member engagement and public outreach. He coordinates marketing efforts and maintains the organization's digital presence to promote optometric excellence and member achievements.
Kiyomi Boyes
Grassroots & Membership Coordinator
Kiyomi Boyes develops membership growth strategies and grassroots advocacy programs. She works directly with local societies to strengthen community engagement and ensure member voices shape the association's policy priorities.
Questions
How do I become an OPW member?
Complete the membership application on our website and submit payment. Active optometrists, retirees, students, and post-graduates qualify for different membership categories.
What continuing education options exist?
We offer COPE-accredited courses including synchronous in-person training, virtual sessions, and asynchronous learning to meet Washington's 50-hour biennial licensing requirements.
Does OPW provide practice management resources?
Yes, we offer Otto's patient relationship platform with exclusive member pricing, plus career center services for practice transitions and equipment needs.
What advocacy efforts do you support?
We advocate for optometric scope expansion, participate in annual Capitol Hill events, and work with state legislators to protect and advance the profession.
Are there advanced procedure training opportunities?
Our annual Advanced Procedures Course provides 32 hours of surgical training approved by the Board of Optometry for license endorsement requirements.
How can I find a local optometrist?
Use our Find a Doctor directory to search by location, specialty, or language to locate an AOA-credentialed optometrist in Washington State.
