Helping patients since 1947...There's so much to see!
Valley Vision Clinic, an optometric practice, has provided Eye Health Management and eyewear products for the Walla Walla Valley since 1947. The primary goal at Valley Vision Clinic is to provide unsurpassable vision care coupled with a friendly and warm environment for our valued patients.
Anchoring the north side of West Main Street, Valley Vision’s presence has expanded over time from one building into three additional adjacent buildings. The 22 West Main Street building was built in 1875 by William Phillips, it was one of Walla Walla's first two-story commercial structures with the first section used as a tin shop. The clinic’s most recent renovations improved the interior and exterior of their combined four buildings. While the expansion and subsequent remodels made room for state-of-the-art equipment and technology, the Clinic held true to its roots in historical downtown Walla Walla. In fact, Valley Vision has been a leader and partner during the ongoing revitalization of the historical downtown district.
Dr. Byron Friedman (1947-1977) opened his optometric practice on January 4, 1947, at our current location of 22 West Main Street. In 1973, Dr. Dennis Poffenroth (1973-2017) joined the practice of Drs. Byron Friedman and Richard Winnett (1952-1988). The practice was then renamed to Valley Vision Clinic. In addition to Dr. Poffenroth, the following physicians joined the clinic in successive years: Dr. Kelly Cochrane (1975-2007), Dr. Luther “Lonnie” Ness (1987), Dr. Rebecca “Becky” Musick (1995-2011), Dr. Angela Ferguson (2000), Dr. Jeremy Beam (2004), Dr. Bradley Nielson (2008-2012), Dr. Richard Harrison (2012-2020), Dr. Justin Dalke (2015), Dr. Chad Burton (2020), and Dr. Hoai Le (2022). Drs. Ferguson, Beam, and Dalke employment marked their return to Valley Vision, as each was either an employee or intern at the clinic during their college and professional schooling.
The Optical Department at Valley Vision boasts an impressive selection of spectacle lenses, contact lenses, frames, and sunglasses, all of which allow the Clinic’s patients to customize their looks for work, fashion, and play.
Valley Vision has invested heavily in technology and diagnostic equipment, which allows the staff to offer advanced eye health management, most notably in the areas of glaucoma, cataract, diabetic and macular degeneration care. However, the primary goal of providing unsurpassable vision care could not be met without also providing superior customer service. The highly experienced staff at Valley Vision is friendly and knowledgeable and they excel in customer service.
Over the past 30 years, the clinic has grown in the number of employees. The employees, the greatest asset of the practice, have an average length of employment of eight years. With this mature, well-trained staff, the Clinic creates a setting in which patients experience a sense of confidence, familiarity and comfort. Anxieties that often arise in a medical setting vanish when an experienced and trusted employee offers a reassuring and fine-tuned explanation of a procedure or condition.
Valley Vision has been voted the Valley's Best Vision Center in the annual Walla Walla Union Bulletin's readers' poll since 2005. In 2007, the Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce selected Valley Vision as the “Large Business of the Year”.
Rounding off Valley Vision’s list of impressive best practices and standards is its commitment to community. The Clinic is proud to sponsor and donate to many local causes and events, including supporting high school and college sporting events, Little League, Girls Softball, Children’s Home Society, Walla Walla Symphony, YMCA’s Peach Basketball Classic, Fort of Walla Walla Museum, and the Walla Walla Balloon Stampede. We also provide free vision screenings for school age children in the Walla Walla Valley.
Valley Vision is one of those local businesses of which we can all be proud. As the Clinic has grown over 75 years, it has served the needs of Walla Walla’s residents with the expansion and responsible development of four buildings in historic downtown, state of the art technology, a well trained and experienced employee base, and a commitment to partnering with community organizations.
New patients are always welcome at Valley Vision Clinic, appointments may be scheduled by calling 509-529-2020. You may also make an appointment online.