Dr. David Shin, OD

Optometric Physician

Dr. Shin received his undergraduate degree from Northwestern University and his Doctor of Optometry from Marshall B. Ketchum University where he received 11 distinct awards for clinical excellence and community leadership.

He is board certified by the National Board of Examiners, the American Board of Optometry, and is a fellow of the Scleral Lens Society, a distinction that no other optometrist in Washington state holds. He is also a member of the American Optometric Association, the Optometric Physicians of Washington, and the Gig Harbor Chamber of Commerce.

Dr. Shin practices all forms of primary care optometry. He is an expert in myopia management, keratoconus, and specialty contact lenses for corneal disease.

“I love my profession because it allows me to meaningfully improve the quality of someone’s life every hour of every day. I get to meet interesting people, talk about eyeballs (my favorite subject), and provide the best care possible to my friends and community.”

Dr. Pherrah Gosnell, OD

Optometric Physician

Dr. Gosnell completed her Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of Washington in Seattle, and received her Doctor of Optometry from the University of California, Berkeley, School of Optometry. Her clinical training included rotations in pediatric optometry, contact lens, ocular disease, and low vision, which she completed at the Meredith W. Morgan Eye Center, the University Health Services Tang Center, Vandenberg Air Force Base, and American Lake VA hospital.

Dr. Gosnell tailors each exam to the patient’s individual needs. She strives to make each visit a thorough and enjoyable experience, and places top priority on making sure every patient has all of their questions answered and concerns addressed. Her goal is always to do what is best for the patient to achieve and maintain the best vision and eye health possible.

"I enjoy being part of a team that strives to make patients feel well cared for and at ease. The most gratifying part of my job is being able to improve patients’ quality of life, and providing a high standard of care that patients love."

Christine

Office Manager

"Being a specialty contact lens clinic and being able to see my hard work directly affecting our patients is the reason why I come into work every day.

I love seeing patients who wish they could see better come in unsure if we can do anything to help leave looking like different people because they are able to see things they haven't been able to see in years! It is very motivating and gratifying to help facilitate positive changes in our community."

Something most people don't know about me...

Before working as a patient care manager, I worked as a state-licensed manager applied behavioral analyst/behavioral interventionist for children with Autism spectrum disorders and sensory issues.

Stephen

Billing Specialist

"The welcoming environment and the dedicated team are my favorite things about working at Gig Harbor Eye Care. It’s so rare and gratifying to find a company more focused on helping people instead of making a dollar."

Something most people don't know about me...

"I’m a semi-professional sound technician on the Digital & Dice podcast and a voice actor on the D&D show “Hazardous Endeavors."

Jamie, LDO

Optical Manager

Licensed Optician

"When I was told that our goal, as a part of the Gig Harbor Eye Care team, was to treat everyone who comes through the door like family, I knew I found something uniquely special. I’ve never worked for a company that goes above and beyond for each person the way we are encouraged to here.

Every single day our team measures our success by how much we’ve been able to positively impact patients and customers lives. That’s what I look forward to each and every day I head in to work."

Something most people don't know about me...

"I am a Certified Life and Wellness Coach. I’ve always had a passion for helping others feel a greater determination to live their lives with more hope, clarity and intent. Life is too short to not live it with more passion and purpose despite illness, trauma, or other hardships."

Christy, CDO

Certified Dispensing Optician

"What I love about working at Gig Harbor Eye Care is the atmosphere that we provide for our patients. We all strive to welcome, listen and make all of our patients feel that they can trust us with their eye care. I love that Dr. Shin gives hope to his patients to one day see better than they did before they came into our office. I look forward to each day having the moments with our patients choosing their style of glasses. I love going above and beyond to create a personalized look and comfortable fit with the latest technology our office has to offer."

Something most people don't know about me...

"Prior to becoming an Eye Care Provider, I worked in skincare. I was able to provide solutions for all kinds of skin types. I've also worked as a make-up artist for brides and high school seniors. I love the creative process of finding a unique look for every personality."

How Long Can I Wear Scleral Lenses During the Day?

There is no standard wear time. Some patients are able to comfortably wear their lenses a few hours at a time and others can wear them the entire day.
Should I Insert My Lenses Before or After I Apply My Make-Up?

Before. Oils and creams can compromise the vision and comfort of your lenses.
My Vision Is Blurrier or Foggier Than Usual. What Can I Do To Make It Better?

This is often caused by not having enough solution in the bowl of the lens. It is possible your face was not completely parallel to the floor and the saline spilled out before the lens reached your eye. Look for air bubbles beneath your lenses. If you see them, remove and reapply the lens. If you continue to encounter difficulty, contact us for help.
Why Do I Keep Getting Bubbles With Insertion?

There may not be enough solution in the bowl of the lens. It is possible that you are not raising the applicator straight up into the eye and the saline is spilling out before the lens reaches your eye. Contact us if you need help with lens insertion.
My Eyes Are Red When I Have My Lenses In. What Can I Do?

Note any associations and how quickly they turn red. Make an appointment with your doctor to evaluate the lenses and limit the lens wear until your exam.
Can I Use a Soft Contact Lens Multi-Purpose Solution to Rinse and Clean My Lenses?

No. Scleral lenses are made out of different materials and require different solutions to fuction properly. Use the cleaning solution recommended by your doctor.
Can I Use Tap Water To Rinse My Lenses?

No. This may introduce bacteria to your lenses, which is especially risky because the liquid in the bowl touches your eye throughout your entire wear time. Also, tap water can strip special coatings on your lenses that increase comfort and optimize your vision.
My Eyes Feel Dry. What Can I Do to Lubricate Them When I'm Wearing My Lenses?

Preservative free artificial tears can be used throughout the day. Some people find adding 1-2 drops of preservative free artificial tears into the lens bowl before application increases their comfort.
Can I Shower With My Lenses?

Avoid showering with lenses because shower water is not sterile and could introduce bacteria into your eyes.
Can I Swim With My Lenses? Hot Tubs? Lakes? Oceans?

No. Any body of water can be a breeding ground for bacteria which can lead to infection. If you accidentally swim with your lenses, remove them immediately, clean them, disinfect them and reapply them with fresh solution.
Can I Sleep With My Lenses? What About Naps?

No. Sleeping with your lenses deprives your eyes of oxygen and will cause swelling of your corneas. You will likely wake up with blurry vision and uncomfortable eyes. It also significantly increases your risk of infection.
How Long Will My Scleral Lenses Last?

With normal wear and tear, most lenses last about 1-2 years. Over time, lenses develop microscratches and warpage that will compromise your vision and comfort.