Bill Hefner OD ’96, MEd ’97, associate dean of clinical programs and professor in Pacific University’s College of Optometry, has been named the Oregon Optometric Physicians Association’s (OOPA) 2026 Optometrist of the Year.
Hefner, who recently finished his term as the organization’s president, received the honor at OOPA’s annual membership meeting in Coos Bay in May.
In a release, the OOPA recognized Hefner “for his longstanding leadership and support of the profession, exemplary patient care, and administrative and clinical expertise as an optometric educator.” The organization added that his “deep and lasting care for the profession, and its students and doctors, is above and beyond expectations.”
“I was humbled beyond words to be named OOPA Optometrist of the Year,” Hefner said. “Like so many of my colleagues, service to my patients, my students, and my profession has always been my priority, and to be recognized for doing what I feel is the norm is overwhelming.”
Hefner served on the OOPA Board of Directors from 2021 to 2026, including one year as president-elect and the last year as president. He is also a member of the American Optometric Association’s Leadership Development and Faculty Liaison Committees, and the American Academy of Optometry’s Faculty-Student Liaison Committee.
A full-time member of the College of Optometry faculty since 2017, Hefner oversees Pacific’s clinical experiences for all third- and fourth-year students in the university’s five vision clinics.
Prior to returning to his alma mater, Hefner spent 20 years in private practice in Topeka, Kansas, while also serving in the 190th Medical Group of the Kansas Air National Guard. He was the group’s commander for eight years before retiring as a colonel in 2021. In recognition of his service, Hefner received the Kansas Optometric Association’s Distinguished Service Award in 2021.
Hefner received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas in 1992, a Doctor of Optometry degree from Pacific in 1996 and a Master of Education from Pacific in 1997. He also received a Master of Strategic Studies from the United States Army War College in 2011.