OUR TEAM

Meet our Team of Vision Care Experts

Our board certified physicians have over 60 years of combined experience and advanced training from leading institutions and have successfully performed more than 15,000 cataract procedures for Boise-area residents.

Cataracts, LASIK, and Glaucoma Surgeon

Jacob A. Mong, D.O., FAOCO

  • Northwest Nazarene University
  • Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Residency: Detroit, Michigan. Beaumont/Oakwood Hospital & Medical Center
  • Board Certification: American Osteopathic Board of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology (AOBOO)
  • Fellow: American Osteopathic Colleges of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AOCOO-HNS)
  • Member: American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS), American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), Christian Medical and Dental Association (CMDA), American Osteopathic Association (AOA), American Medical Association (AMA)
Meet Dr. Mong

Know Your Doctor
For nearly every person, vision is the most precious sense. Your eyes can't be entrusted to just anyone. You should know that I am a person just like you. I was born and raised in the Treasure Valley. I attended a local university before serving with the Idaho National Guard in Iraq. I attended medical school in Michigan then completed a residency in ophthalmology in Detroit. My experience includes repairing the most complex ocular and facial trauma as well as treating rare ophthalmic diseases not seen in most parts of the developed world. Although there is no place like home, I have been blessed with the opportunity to hone my surgical skills around the world in North America, Central America, South America, Asia and the Middle East.


My Care Philosophy
Your body is more than your eyes and you are more than just a body. While my specialized training is in Ophthalmology, as an osteopathic surgeon I will always treat you as a whole person. Every dimension of "you" plays a role in the way your body responds to treatment. I will take the time to help you define your goals in order to develop a treatment plan with which you are comfortable. I'm here to help you achieve your best vision possible. I treat every patient like a family friend; I will never recommend a procedure or treatment that I do not believe will benefit you. Communication is the key when it comes to your health and I try diligently to answer your questions. I look forward to an opportunity to partner with you on this exciting quest for the very best vision.

Cataracts, LASIK, and Glaucoma Surgeon

Michael B. Merkley, M.D.

  • Undergraduate: Illinois Institute of Technology and Boise State University
  • MD: Saint Louis University
  • Residency: San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium
  • Board Certification: American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO)
  • Member: American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS), American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), Refractive Surgery Alliance (RSA)
Meet Dr. Merkley

The Importance of Vision
Before joining Vision Quest, I worked at David Grant Medical Center; the Air Force's largest hospital. It was a great privilege to serve in the Air Force caring for the nation's military, retirees, and their families.


After growing up in Boise I am thrilled to be returning to serve the community that helped raise me. I am passionate about sight and helping my patients achieve their best vision. It is truly a privilege and an honor to be entrusted with the care of such a precious and sensitive part of the body as the eyes. Though my work is very small and focused, I try to never lose perspective on how important having good vision is for the rest of your life's mission; your work, hobbies, goals, dreams, families, and friends.


I had LASIK myself so I know personally how life changing a vision restoring surgery can be. My military medical training had a twofold focus; a commitment to the very best care, and an uncompromising concern for safety. I have carried these principles forward into my practice and they have always served my patients well. My goal is to treat you as if you are family, and treat your eyes as if you are going to be flying a fighter jet.

Oculoplastic Surgeon

Cassandra White, M.D.

  • Texas A&M
  • MD: University of Texas Health Science Center
  • Internship: Sacred Heart Hospital
Meet Dr. White

Compassionate Care
Dr. White is an experienced oculoplastic surgeon who utilizes the most advanced technologies and surgical approaches to create a personalized treatment for each person. She believes in a compassionate and patient centric approach to help identify the areas in need of treatment and goals expected.

She was born and raised in Northeast Texas. She went on to Texas A&M University to receive her Bachelor of Science in Psychology. She then pursued medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. After completing her M.D., she moved across the country to Spokane, Washington for her internship at Sacred Heart Hospital. It was at this time that she fell in love with the great Northwest and knew she wanted to return in the future. She then moved to North Carolina where she received her residency training in ophthalmology and was awarded resident of the year during her final year. She then joined Dr. Zaldivar for further training in oculoplastic surgery. Subsequently she joined Dr. Zaldivar’s practice as well as spending part of her time teaching residents and taking care of veterans at the VA teaching hospital.

She enjoys traveling and trail running and is so excited to be back in the Northwest exploring Idaho’s beautiful trails and scenery.

Medical Optometrist

Stephen T. Reinschmidt, O.D.

  • College of Idaho
  • OD: Pacific University of Oregon, primary care optometry, with an additional focus on ocular disease management.

Meet Dr. Reinschmidt
After growing up in Mountain Home, Idaho, Dr. Reinschmidt received his undergraduate degree from the College of Idaho, where he graduated with honors with dual degrees in biology and exercise science and was a four-year member of the men's soccer program. He then attended optometry school at Pacific University of Oregon, where he also graduated with distinction. Dr. Reinschmidt's clinical training covered all aspects of primary care optometry, with an additional focus on ocular disease management.

His experience includes pre- and postoperative surgical consulting for cataracts, LASIK (and other refractive surgeries), and management of other forms of anterior and posterior eye diseases. Additionally, he has training in specialty contact lens fittings (for such conditions as keratoconus and post-corneal transplant patients).

In his free time, Dr. Reinschmidt enjoys traveling, hiking/running, cooking, and playing guitar.

Our surgeons are supported by an exceptional team of individuals who value empathy and professionalism in a patient first environment.

Leadership Team

  • Danika Haynie
  • Supporting Staff

  • Surgical Coordinators
  • Patient Experience
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