Meet the Doctor
Dr. Ric Peterson dedicated more than 40 years to caring for eyes in some of the most demanding environments imaginable—from Air Force flight lines to university clinics to community exam rooms. He began his journey in the military, rose to Lieutenant Colonel, and built a reputation as a trusted expert in aerospace vision, optics, and human performance. As Director of the Air Force Optical Research Laboratory, he shaped national eye-care standards, designed medical facilities, mentored young clinicians, and drove breakthrough research that strengthened the way military members see and perform.
Despite the advanced technology and high-level projects, Dr. Peterson always focused on one passion: protecting the gift of sight. Over the years, he caught early signs of glaucoma, retinal problems, diabetes, and other sight-threatening conditions long before patients noticed anything was wrong—saving thousands from losing vision. Patients trust his calm, thorough approach and his ability to explain complex issues in a way that finally makes everything “click.”
After retiring from the Air Force, Dr. Peterson continued serving others as a professor, clinic director, and consultant. He also earned a patent for innovative multi-coated contact lenses that give patients clearer, safer vision. Today, he brings all of that experience to Peterson Vision Center, where he gives every patient—from children to seniors—the same level of care, attention, and respect he once gave to those who served our country.