Eye Services
Dr. Benson's practice emphasis is on treatment of glaucoma, diabetic eye dises, macular degeneration, dry eye, and other eye problems in addition to providing quality eye care to all ages.
Meet Dr. Benson
Dr. Benson is both types of eye doctors: Optometrist AND Ophthalmologist. Practicing with the motto, "Caring for you, not just your eyes," he has been attending to his patients for more than 25 years.
Frequently Asked
What is an ophthalmologist?
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Meet Dr. David Benson
Dr. David Benson is a Tacoma native. He left Tacoma in 1969 to matriculate at the University of Washington in Seattle where he obtained a Bachelors of Science degree in Psychology. He obtained his second and third degrees, a Bachelor of Science in Visual Science and a Doctor of Optometry, from Pacific University. There followed a Residency in Hospital Based Optometry at the Portland VA Medical Center, Vancouver branch. This optometric program was just the start of his rigorous professional training that led to becoming an ophthalmologist.
With this experience he was asked to develop an eye clinic at a large Veterans Administration Medical Center in Topeka, Kansas and joined the faculty at the University of Houston. While at the VA, he developed an Internship and Residency for Optometrists under the auspices of the University of Houston.
Always questing to be the best, he decided he needed a Residency in Ophthalmology to complete his training. Unfortunately, there is no direct path from optometry to ophthalmology so he matriculated at the University of Kansas School of Medicine where he obtained his Doctor of Medicine (four years). From there, he did his internship (the first year of an Internal Medicine Residency). From there, he moved back east for his internship (University of Massachusetts). Finally, the path led to a Residency in Ophthalmology at the University of Arizona (three years).
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| As a leader in the medical community, Dr. Benson frequently takes positions of leadership to help bring about the best possible care for patients. |
With 18 years of training under his belt, he returned to Tacoma in 1991 where he has practiced eye care since. While here in Washington he chaired a committee that formed an insurance type company, EyeCare Washington, chaired a Scientific Session for the Washington Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, has lectured on numerous occasions and has been on several hospital and network committees.
He loves his work and the relationships that develop with his patients over the years. While there certainly are shorter and easier paths to reach the goal of “Eye Physician and Surgeon”, he feels that every aspect of the extensive training has served to make him a better physician.
