We travel! Our polish travel trips are for those who are unable to travel to Spokane bi-annually to have their prosthetic eye cleaned and polished. We travel to: Richland, WA (4x/year), Wenatchee, WA (2x/year), Boise, ID (2x/year), and Montana: Bozeman, Helena, Missoula (2x/year) and Kalispell (1x/year - Fall).
Columbia River Eye Center
475 Bradley Blvd
Richland, WA 99352
For more than 60 years, ocularists within the Erickson family have been committed to refining every aspect of the prosthetic eye making process. At Erickson's Eyes our objective is not only to engineer your prosthetic eye for superior fit, comfort and movement, but to recreate a work of art that is as beautiful and unique as your natural eye. Ours is truly personalized work, and the quality and realistic appearance of your ocular prosthesis is our number-one priority.
We recognize that the loss of an eye can be an exceptionally difficult personal experience. Once you have decided that a prosthetic replacement is right for you, we are there to help you every step of the way. From your first consultation to billing your insurance company, you can always expect the highest level of professionalism and understanding from Erickson's Eyes.
Monica Erickson is a licensed ocularist in the state of Washington, a Board Certified Ocularist, and a Board Approved Diplomat Ocularist. She participates on the education committee of the American Society of Ocularists and has taken over the Erickson’s family business as of 2020.
She trained under her father, Kim Erickson, for the last 8 years and is a third generation ocularist. Her goal is to carry on the family business and tradition of innovative ocularistry.
Monica is also a certified k-8 teacher and completed her undergraduate degree at The Evergreen State College and her teaching credential through Western Governors University. She enjoys working with children in the office and uses her teaching skills in educating patients and helping them adjust to wearing an artificial eye. Monica’s talents as an artist and compassionate person are well suited to being an eye maker. She cares deeply for her patients and about her work.
Kim Erickson is retired and has handed over the Erickson’s business to his daughter, Monica Erickson as of 2020. Kim completed the education program through the American Society of Ocularists, as did Monica. Kim is a valued contributor to the Erickson's history and made a stamp in the eye making industry. Kim's credentials consisted of being a member of several professional associations including the American Society of Ocularists, the National Examining Board of Ocularists, and the Washington State Society of Ocularists.
Kim carried on a rich, multi-generational commitment to innovation that began with his father and uncle, Jack Erickson and Charles Erickson, who started manufacturing custom prosthetic eyes in the 1940s. Kim took over his father's practice in 1984 and was devoted to refining both the process and the techniques of the ocularist profession. The result of this dedication and refinement is a one-of-a-kind approach in offering artificial eyes of unsurpassed detail and function
"I have been to ocularists from Boston to Beverly Hills, with varying results. The result that I got from Kim Erickson was far superior to anything I'd ever had before. I would travel a great distance to go wherever he is."
~ Robert, Idaho Falls, Idaho
"My eye moves really well because of the way Erickson's makes it, and that's because of the method they have developed. This is why I come here, and everyone should come here."
~ Mandy, Sydney, Australia
Eighteen years ago, at the age of nine, an injury left me blind in my right eye. Until recently I knew very little about what options there were available to me. I can remember, when I was young, the doctor telling me that I could have my eye removed and a glass eye put in its place, but needless to say, I was horrified and scared by the thought of it.
Through the years I have dealt my injury and it has shaped who I am and how others perceive me, but I would be lying if I were to say that I didn't wish that I could, at least, cover it up. My decision to get an artificial eye, with support from my family, the local Lyons Club and Erickson's Eyes, gave me that opportunity.
Working with Erickson's Eyes has been a great experience. Not only has it had an impact on my appearance, but most important to me is the impact that it has had on me mentally and emotionally.
Thanks, Erickson's Eyes.
~ Augustin - Eastern WA
I received my first scleral shell at six years old, but oddly enough, I rarely wore it. When I was young, I chose to be free of the discomfort they caused, except for school picture day and special occasions. I was referred to Kim at 20 years of age for my fourth scleral shell and after three days, I walked out with the most comfortable shell I had ever experienced.
Kim pays incredible detail to fit, agonizing over minute adjustments to get it perfect. The reward is everyday comfort. Since that first shell of his, I have not gone a day without my prosthesis; and attention to fit is not where the product ends. The likeness of the shell to my "good eye" is so exact that most people have no idea I wear a prosthetic eye.
As a patient of Kim's I have come to enjoy he and his office staff immensely. They are helpful, courteous, quick to smile, and diligent about accommodating all patients needs as best they can. I wholeheartedly recommend Erickson's Eyes. You will walk away in awe.
~ Liza - Western MT
Tate was diagnosed with Retinoblastoma at the age of 2 years. It was difficult having a child that young lose an eye. But, on the positive side, he doesn't remember having sight in both. It is amazing how he adjusted to having sight in only one eye. He performs in theatre; he plays soccer, baseball and gymnastics; he plays the piano; and is a wiz at video games. He says the only thing he wishes he could do is see 3D movies.
The prosthetic eye that Kim fashioned for Tate is truly a work of art. People don't even know that he has a fake eye. I had the privilege to watch him hand paint Tate's last eye and the process was fascinating.
Having Kim Erickson as Tate's ocular specialist has made our journey much easier. Tate has grown up with Kim and only trusts him to work with his eye. Kim has incredible patience with children. They are a really great team.
~ Steve, Linda & Tate - Western MT
