Communty Portrait: Optometrist keeps eye on the future

Dr. Robert "Bob" Hoffman focuses on his vision for the future of his family and community."It was a real milestone. It doesn't feel like it's been 20 years," Hoffman said about his optometry practice.Hoffman describes himself as an optometrist, a family man and a community volunteer who is deeply rooted in Folsom.Before finding contentment in Folsom, Hoffman looked for an eye-opening career.He graduated from the University of California at Davis and the Southern California College of Optometry in Fullerton.While in Fullerton, he also opened his eyes to love by meeting his wife Lianne Inouye. Together, the couple graduated in 1989 and moved to Folsom.In the next year, the couple opened their Folsom optometry practice and by 1992 they were married.Hoffman continues to practice at the Folsom office in the Raley's Shopping Center on East Bidwell Street and Inouye practices in a related Cameron Park office they opened in 1993."The Folsom community has been supportive to the practice," said Inouye.They provide vision examinations, contact lenses, treatment of some eye diseases and orthokeratology, said Hoffman."It's fun. We can do a little of everything," Hoffman said.During their 20 years in Folsom, the couple have had three children, Steven, 15, Jennifer, 13 and Shelly, 11.They also explored the surrounding communities. They've lived in Rescue and are now in El Dorado Hills.Still, Hoffman always finds time to give back to the historic town.He is an active member of Folsom Rotary Club and has served as co-chairperson of the Folsom Rodeo with his brother Joe Hoffman. Joe has practiced law in his Folsom law office since 1995."It's a way to give back to the community and stay involved," Hoffman said.He has also participated in the Folsom Biz Expo, Board of Directors for Folsom Chamber of Commerce and is a past member of the Architectural Review Board. Hoffman also coaches various sports within the community."I'm coaching my girls' basketball right now. It's fun, but sometimes it seems like it never ends with seasons that run all year round," Hoffman said laughing.He said he was recently named to the Folsom Chamber of Commerce Wall of Fame, along with his brother, for their various contributions to the community."For the past 15 years, I have been a facilitator at the annual Ethics and Leadership Day sponsored by the Folsom Chamber and Rotary Club," Hoffman said. The program pairs local High School juniors with local business leaders to introduce students to ethical behavior and different possible future careers said Hoffman. It also provides a forum for students to ask any questions they might have."If you want to make something happen, you really have to put yourself into it," Hoffman said. "I'm looking forward to the challenges of the next 20 years."* * *IN THE KNOW:Favorite food: Sky Sushi in El Dorado HillsFavorite hobby: Coaching sports, especially his daughter's basketball team Personality secret: "He is a jokester," said his wife Lianne Inouye.Interesting fact: "I ran the California International Marathon in 2001 and finished," Hoffman said.Something funny: "He is known in the community for driving a red 1968 VW Bug," laughed Inouye. "People know when he is around the corner because they can hear him coming in that bug."