The LASIK surgeons of Pacific Northwest Eye Associates are board-certified ophthalmologists who specialize in vision correction surgery. These gifted surgeons are recognized throughout Tacoma and the Pacific Northwest for their success in LASIK refractive surgery. Many patients have sought their skilled hands for the correction of nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism. These surgeons take a personalized approach and ensure that a LASIK surgeon is involved with every patient during each step of the vision correction process, from evaluation to surgery.

The eye doctors of Pacific Northwest Eye Associates have provided the highest quality eye care to the patients in the Tacoma area for more than 30 years. Our LASIK surgeons continue this tradition of superior patient care and focus on providing excellent LASIK surgical outcomes for each patient.

More about Pacific Northwest Eye Associates

The three highly experienced LASIK surgeons of Pacific Northwest Eye Associates use only the best excimer laser technology to perform conventional and state-of-the-art wavefront guided custom LASIK surgery. The VISX STAR S4 wavefront excimer laser system is used for laser vision correction for our patients. This highly advanced system provides a precise measurement of the corneal curvature. This "corneal map" is then programmed into the laser so that a customized ablation profile is used to reshape the cornea. In addition to LASIK, our surgeons also offer PRK refractive surgery. The first step in eliminating your dependence on contact lenses or glasses is to contact us for a free LASIK evaluation.

The Pacific Northwest Eye Associates is also a comprehensive eye care facility that provides the newest technology in cataract surgery, treatment for macular degeneration, glaucoma diagnosis and treatment, treatment of diabetic eye disease, pediatric eye care, as well as routine eye examinations. Please contact us to learn more about the superior care offered by our ophthalmologists and staff.

Richard C. Bowe, M.D. obtained his undergraduate degree from University of Washington and his medical degree from the University of Washington, School of Medicine. Dr. Bowe entered the United States Army after medical school and performed his residency in ophthalmology at the Brooke General Hospital, Fort Sam Houston, Texas. He has practiced ophthalmology in the Tacoma area since 1971 and is considered a pioneer in refractive surgery in this area. He was the first ophthalmic surgeon in Pierce County to perform RK (radial keratotomy), PRK, and LASIK. Dr. Bowe is very active in the local and national medical and ophthalmology societies.

Dr. Bowe is well known in the local medical community, having started his ophthalmology practice in Tacoma in 1971, and serving as past president of the Pierce County Medical Society. He pioneered laser refractive surgery in Pierce County, performing the first Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) procedure done in Tacoma in 198X. He continues to provide the life-enhancing benefits of laser vision correction for his patients using today’s popular LASIK laser technology.

Dr. Bowe graduated from the University of Washington and UW Medical School, completing his residency in Ophthalmology while serving in the U.S. Army at Fitzsimmons General Hospital, Denver, Colorado. He also practiced at Fort Eustis, Virginia, Brook General Hospital, Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and Madigan Army Medical Center at Fort Lewis, Washington, before entering private practice.

An avid golfer and former Crystal Mountain Ski Patrol member, Dr. Bowe and his wife make their home in Gig Harbor and are active patrons of the Tacoma-area arts community.


Andrew B Kopstein, M.D. received his undergraduate degree, with honors, from the University of Michigan and his medical degree from the University of Minnesota Medical School. He performed his residency in ophthalmology at Loyola University Medical Center. Dr. Kopstein has received many awards, including being recognized as the James B. Angell Scholar and the American Heart Association Fellow. He has performed thousands of LASIK surgeries and is highly active in the major medical and ophthalmology societies.

Dr. Kopstein graduated with honors from the University of Michigan and the University of Minnesota Medical School, completing his training and residency in Ophthalmology at Loyola University Medical Center. He was a
James B. Angell Scholar and American Heart Association Fellow, and holds
many other awards and recognitions.

A skilled surgeon, Dr. Kopstein has performed thousands of LASIK procedures and thousands of cataract and lens implant microsurgery procedures. In addition, he routinely performs glaucoma surgery, corneal transplantation, pterygium surgery and numerous eyelid procedures. He has developed a particular interest in treating patients suffering from complications of previous implant and corneal refractive surgery. In his clinic he enjoys seeing children and diabetics for yearly eye exams.

Dr. Kopstein belongs to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Washington Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. Originally hailing from Minnesota, Dr. Kopstein, his wife, and three children make their home in Seattle. They enjoy many outdoor activities and traveling.


Mark W. Taylor, M.D. graduated, with honors, from the University of Washington and received his medical degree from the Northwestern University School of Medicine. He completed his residency in ophthalmology at the McGaw Medical Center. Dr. Taylor is certified, along with the other LASIK surgeons at Pacific Northwest Eye Associates, on the Wavescan custom LASIK procedure. He is an active member of the local and national ophthalmology societies.

A native of Seattle, Dr. Taylor graduated with honors in biology from the University of Washington, and then Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago, Illinois, completing his residency in ophthalmology there at McGaw Medical Center. In addition to general ophthalmology, Dr. Taylor is one of our superior team of refractive surgeons here at Pacific Northwest Eye Associates.

Like his colleagues, Dr. Taylor is a member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, and has advanced certifications and expertise with a variety of laser vision correction technologies. Together, their stellar record of LASIK procedures number in the thousands. More adults than ever are enjoying the life-changing benefits of the simple surgical procedure. Dr. Taylor heads the team at our Gig Harbor office, located in the Medical Professional Center at 4700 Pt. Fosdick Dr. NW.

Dr. Taylor and his wife list many outdoor pursuits among their favorite activities including skiing, hiking, cycling and running.


John O. Goodin,M.D. graduated from Mercer University in Macon, Georgia and the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. Following an internship at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, Dr. Goodin completed residencies in ophthalmology at Letterman Army Medical Center in San Francisco and Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington DC. Dr. Goodin completed his training in 1979, and has practiced ophthalmology continuously since that time. He was Assistant Chief of Ophthalmology at Madigan Army Medical Center. \n

In 1989, Dr. Goodin began working with Dr. Baer, and they partnered with Dr. Bowe, leading to the formation of Pacific Northwest Eye Associates in 1995. From routine care through complex surgery, our mission is to enhance the quality of our patients’ lives by providing exceptional eye care, and Dr. Goodin exemplifies every word. Commitment to each patient and their individual well-being is a hallmark of our practice – and a great source of pride for our doctors and staff.

Born in Palo Alto, California, Dr. Goodin is an avid cook, and he and his family enjoy sports, hiking, and travel. He is also a struggling golfer.


Joseph T. Pham,M.D. is a leading glaucoma consultant. Glaucoma is called the “silent eye disease” because early symptoms often go unnoticed by the patient and their primary care physician. Unlike other serious eye conditions, glaucoma is detected only through regular eye exam screenings.

Dr. Pham graduated magna cum laude from the Oregon Health Sciences University Medical School in Portland, where he was named Outstanding First Year Medical Student and Outstanding Medical Graduate. Following his residency at the respected OHSU Casey Eye Institute, Dr. Pham won a Glaucoma Fellowship at the University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center where he was a clinical instructor in ophthalmology.

He continues to be active in glaucoma research forums and presentations nationally, and has been published in The Journal of Cell Biology. Dr. Pham and his wife Pam, a Doctor of Optometry, enjoy traveling and outdoor adventures.


Deborah L. Lam M.D graduated with honors from Northwestern University in Evanston Illinois; she attended Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago, Illinois where she earned her Medical degree. Dr. Lam returned to the Pacific Northwest where she completed her internship in Internal Medicine, and residency in ophthalmology at the University of Washington.

There, her training involved work at the University of Washington Medical Center, Harborview Medical Center, Children's Hospital, and the Puget Sound Veterans Affairs Medical Center, where she is currently a volunteer instructor and trains ophthalmology residents in the finer aspects of cataract surgery and is also an active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Washington Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, and the American Society of cataract and Refractive Surgery.

 Dr. Lam is practicing at our Puyallup office, located at 11025 Canyon Rd. E as well as our Allenmore office, located at 1901 S. Union and is dedicated to providing high quality comprehensive medical and surgical eye care and looks forward to developing long-lasting relationships with her patients and their families.