Optometrist Michael Coffman of Express Optical Bend Oregon

Michael A. Coffman, O.D.

Doctor Coffman grew up in Eugene, Oregon. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at Oregon State University in 1991. He wrote his doctoral thesis on the visual changes experienced by runners participating in the Seattle Marathon in 1994. He graduated with honors from Pacific University College of Optometry in Forest Grove in 1995 to receive his Doctorate of Optometry.

Dr. Coffman started his career in Corvallis working in a private practice three days a week. On the other two days he commuted to Eugene to work in a corporate optical setting. During this time, he gained further knowledge and insight into both types of work settings. In Corvallis, he organized vision screenings for schools and developed a vision therapy program. Later, he moved to Silverton where he worked in a practice specializing in vision therapy.

He purchased Express Optical in 1998 and has created a state-of-the-art optometric practice. He plans to serve the people of Central Oregon until he retires sometime in the distant future.

Today Doctor Coffman participates with the School-To-Career program, mentoring students interested in optometry and other medical professions. He also lectures at elementary, middle, and high schools on “Career Day.” He is interested in visual performance, and tests for dyslexia in patients with reading problems. He is a member of the Central Oregon Optometric Physicians Society, Oregon Optometric Physicians Association, and the American Optometric Physicians Association.

Doctor Coffman enjoys basketball, spelunking, acting, and singing. He performs regularly at Cascades Theatrical Company, 2nd Street Theater, and the Obsidian Opera Company in Bend

Derri J. Sandberg, O.D.

Dr. Sandberg grew up in Fargo, North Dakota. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. She attended Pacific University College of Optometry in Forest Grove, Oregon where she earned her Doctorate of Optometry degree in May, 2007. While in school, Dr. Sandberg worked to strengthen her knowledge by completing a thesis on soft contact lenses. She received an Award of Excellence in Contact Lens Patient Care for her clinical work as a student.

Dr. Sandberg received clinical training at the Portland Veteran’s Administrative Hospital while expanding her knowledge of glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic ocular care. She continued her training at a private clinic setting in Snoqualmie, Washington while emphasizing primary care optometry and LASIK post-surgical management. Dr. Sandberg gained experience at several clinics in Portland offering specialty care in vision therapy, strabismus (eye alignment), and ocular disease. Finally, while at Allina Medical Center in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, Dr. Sandberg honed her skills with treating ocular disease and immediate ocular medical care.

Express Optical welcomed Dr. Sandberg to Central Oregon in July, 2007. She has been involved with numerous volunteer activities including screenings for The Lion’s Club, Special Olympics, and various schools. In her free time, Dr. Sandberg and her husband, Mike, enjoy local hiking and skiing.

Optometric Education

Optometrists must pass a rigorous examination administered by the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO). The three-part exam includes basic science, clinical science, and patient care.
All optometrists are required to participate in ongoing continuing education courses to stay current on the standards of care.
Curriculums and continuing education are updated on an ongoing basis to reflect technological advances, including surgery techniques, prescriptive medications and other medical treatments related to eye diseases and disorders.
In addition to being experts on eye and vision diseases and disorders, doctors or optometry have the education and training to diagnose the ocular manifestations of diseases that affect the entire body such as diabetes and hypertension. They also are qualified to evaluate their patients for surgery when appropriate and mange their patients care pre- and post-operatively

Doctors of Optometry

As primary eye care providers, doctors of optometry are an integral part of the health care team, earning their doctoral degree just as dentists, podiatrists, and other doctors do.

Prior to admittance into optometry school optometrists typically complete four years of undergraduate study, culminating in a bachelor’s degree. Required undergraduate coursework for pre-optometry students is extensive and covers a wide variety of advanced health, science and mathematic courses.
Optometry school consists of four years of post-graduate, doctoral level study concentrating on the eye, vision and associated systemic disease. In addition to profession-specific courses, optometrists are required to take systemic health courses that focus on a patients overall medical condition as it relates to the eye.
Upon completion of optometry school, candidates graduate from their accredited college of optometry and hold the doctor of optometry (OD) degree.
Some optometrists participate in residency programs following optometry school. This experience offers doctors of optometry training in an optometric sub-specialty such as pediatric optometry, low vision care, or geriatrics.