Debbie Ehlers, MSN, BSN, RN

Debbie, RN has been privileged to serve in the nursing profession for 50 years. The past 40 years have been dedicated to ophthalmology in the clinic and surgery settings alongside her husband, Dr. Richard Ehlers. Currently she provides clinical and operational leadership with a strong focus on patient safety, quality outcomes, regulatory compliance, and team development. In 2021, she was honored to receive the prestigious national "Excellence in Ophthalmic Nursing Award", recognizing her long-standing commitment to excellence in ophthalmic nursing.

Nursing is more than a profession - it is a calling. She finds great meaning in caring for patients during their most vulnerable moments, particularly those experiencing vision problems. Helping patients preserve, restore, and adapt to changes in their vision is profoundly rewarding. The art and science of nursing guide her approach, blending science with human connection.

She proudly leads an outstanding nursing team in delivering patient-centered surgical care by combining clinical excellence with genuine compassion. From pre-op through recovery, patients feel supported, informed, and confident in care. As a result, we receive high patient satisfaction scores and excellent ratings. Supporting our community through exceptional eye care remains at the heart of her work.

Her service has extended beyond direct patient care. Debbie served as President of the American Society of Ophthalmic Registered Nurses and has been called upon to provide expert nursing testimony in legal cases. Education has also been central to her work, teaching undergraduate and graduate nursing students at the University of Hawaii and the University of Oklahoma. And she was invited to teach ophthalmic nursing in Trinidad and Tobago, where she advocated for an ophthalmic nursing specialty.

Outside of nursing, Debbie and her husband are the proud parents of three children, along with 2 nieces who are an important part of her family. Together, her family is blessed with 12 grandchildren. She cherishes her active family life and enjoys spending time outdoors, - whether at the lake, along a river, or in the mountains that surround the Yakima Valley.