Diplomate Spotlight – Dr. Bonnie Gauer

A 1993 graduate of Pacific University College of Optometry, Dr. Bonnie Gauer has had the opportunity to learn and practice in a wide range of clinical settings throughout her career. Keeping up to date with current best practices and maintaining parity with her MD colleagues has always been an important factor in her professional practice.

When the opportunity presented itself to become board certified and participate in a maintenance of certification program, Dr. Gauer didn’t hesitate. She saw this as a chance to improve her level of competence as a practitioner by knowing areas of weakness, maintain current standards of care by knowing evidence-based practice guidelines and have a sense of accomplishment and professional fulfillment by demonstrating proficiency within her profession. She also wanted to be prepared for obtaining hospital privileges and for participating in National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) and Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) quality-care programs.

“Having worked on legislative matters while on the Oregon Optometric Physicians Associations’ Board, I became very aware that all physicians within the payer networks are being evaluated (aka ‘graded’) based on their qualifications and ability to meet quality, efficiency, and cost metrics. Credentialing organizations are reviewing provider applications in view of the highest standards of licensure and accreditation,” said Dr. Gauer. “In my opinion, board certification is the next logical evolvement for the profession of optometry; it allows us to be part of a variety of policy making bodies, be an equally qualified participant and to have a seat at the proverbial table. It has certainly driven me to become the best practitioner I can be.”

Currently in private practice in Roseburg, Oregon, Dr. Gauer began her career after completing a residency at American Lake VAMC under the supervision of Jeffrey Hiett, OD, MS. She then completed a retina fellowship at Retina & Macula Specialists in Tacoma, Washington. It was during this fellowship that Dr. Gauer developed an interest in retina, working under William KM Shields, MD. She then went on to work in an ophthalmology office, learning more about anterior segment pathologies and surgical care, before moving on to her full-time practice in Roseburg.

Dr. Gauer is a member of the Oregon Optometric Physician Association (OOPA), the American Optometric Association (AOA), serves as a State Ambassador for ABO and sits on AOA’s Evidence-Based Guideline Committee. She lives on a century ranch in Roseburg that dates back on her father’s side of the family to pioneer days. They raise cattle, have a few beloved horses that are living out their golden years and a flock of chickens with a prized Rhodebar rooster. She enjoys ranch life with her husband Larry, who recently retired from the local fire district and her daughter Gillian who is a senior at Pacific University majoring in English Literature.

We thank Dr. Gauer for her commitment to the profession, willingness to serve and her continued support of ABO.