Leigh M. Gongaware, OD, MS
Leigh Gongaware, OD, joined the Northwest Eye Surgeons team in 2018. She provides medical eye care, in addition to pre- and postoperative care, at the Bellingham and Mount Vernon locations. She is very excited to serve her community and continue to grow as a provider.
Dr. Gongaware grew up as an Army brat and found the Pacific Northwest felt the most like home. Both she, and her husband, were happy to move home, after she completed a three-year contract with the Army at the rank of Captain.
Education and Training
- Western Washington University; Bellingham, WA; BS Biology, Minor Chemistry
- Pacific University College of Optometry; Forest Grove, WA; OD, MS in Vision Science
Previous Experience
After graduating from Pacific University, Dr. Gongaware attended the Army Basic Officer’s Leadership Course and was stationed at Fort Drum in upstate New York. She worked in the optometry clinic as a Captain, serving over 18,000 active duty soldiers. Her duties included primary care optometry, medical optometry, Warfighter Refractive Surgery Program pre- and postoperative care, clinic chief of optometry and pharmaceutical rep for optometry. She worked as a general care optometrist at an eye care practice in Ferndale before accepting a position with Northwest Eye Surgeons.
Professional Memberships
- American Optometric Association
- Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association
“I believe the gift of sight is precious, especially when we live in such a beautiful part of the world. I strive to take care of my patients with compassion and understanding to help their eyes and vision to be as strong as possible.”
