SECO 2021 Speakers
| Speakers | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AjamianP | Paul C. Ajamian, OD | SECO International | Paul C. Ajamian, O.D., a Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry, is the co-founder of the first Optometric Comanagement Center in the Country, Omni Eye Services. His monthly column known as “Clinical Quandries” has run in Review of Opometry since the 1990s. He is a past president of the Georgia Optometric Association, a founding Board Member of the American Board of Optometry, and has served as General Chairman of the Education Committee for SECO International since 2002. At SECO 2018, he was honored with the President’s Award, for Lifetime Achievement in Continuing Education. In 2014 he was the recipient of the AOA’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award for Lifetime Achievement. In 2015, he was inducted into the National Optometry Hall of Fame. | 824527 | |
| 2 | AlldredgeB | Brooks Alldredge, OD | Pacific Cataract and Laser Institute | Dr. Brooks Alldredge practices at Pacific Cataract and Laser Institute, a surgical and medical optometric referral center with locations in six western states. Prior to joining PCLI in 2008, he was a staff optometrist at VA hospitals in New Mexico and California. He was previously on the faculty at the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Denver, and the Casey Eye Institute at Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland. Dr. Alldredge has mentored many students and residents . In 2011, he was chosen as Optometrist of the Year by the New Mexico Optometric Association. | 1072134 | |
| 3 | BerdahlJ | John Berdahl, MD | Vance Thompson Vision | Practicing in Sioux Falls, SD is our board-certified ophthalmologist, John Berdahl, MD. He is widely regarded as one of the leading international cataract surgeons. He is one of the very few surgeons in the United States who is also fellowship trained in cornea, glaucoma, and refractive surgery. Dr. Berdahl has already performed more than 35,000 eye surgeries around the globe. His published work has primarily focused on the fundamental causes of Glaucoma, Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery, and Astigmatism Management, during and after cataract surgery. He has been involved in numerous FDA monitored clinical trials on some of the most exciting technologies in ophthalmology. He also founded Equinox, which is developing the first non-surgical, non-pharmacologic way to lower eye pressure for glaucoma treatment. | 1073556 | |
| 4 | BodackM | Marie Bodack, OD | Southern College of Optometry | Dr. Marie Bodack earned her OD degree from The State University of New York State College of Optometry. She completed a residency in Pediatrics and Binocular Vision at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. Dr. Bodack is a Fellow of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development and currently serves as Secretary/Treasurer. She has held faculty appointments at SUNY Optometry, Metropolitan Hospital Medical Center, and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital/the University of Cincinnati. She currently is Chief of Pediatric Primary Care at Southern College of Optometry. | 619919 | |
| 5 | BottiniA | Alexander Bottini, MD | Omni Eye Services Atlanta | Dr. Alexander Bottini is a board-certified ophthalmologist who specializes in treating diseases of the retina. A native of St. Louis, Missouri, he attended Yale University and the Emory University School of Medicine. He completed his residency in ophthalmology at New York University, where he was appointed Chief Resident. Following his residency he pursued additional training in retinal disease at The Retina Institute in St. Louis. He currently practices at Omni Eye Services of Atlanta, the nation's oldest optometric co-management center. | 1188657 | |
| 6 | BrujicM | Mile Brujic, OD | Premier Vision Group | Mile Brujic, OD, is a 2002 graduate of the New England College of Optometry. He is a partner of Premier Vision Group, a successful three location optometric practice in Northwest Ohio. He practices full scope optometry with an emphasis on ocular disease management of the anterior segment and specialty contact lenses. He is active at all levels of organized optometry. Dr. Brujic is on the editorial board for a number of optometric publications, and has published over 350 articles and has given over 1500 lectures, both nationally and internationally | 596752 | |
| 7 | CarterS | Sharon Carter | Eye Care Optometric Consulting | Sharon Carter has over 30 years of optometric experience including working in an office as an office manager, and a sales and training expert for an optometric software company. She started her own consulting company, Eye Care Optometric Consulting, in 2001,spreading her team building philosophy. She for more than 15 years has been speaking and motivating staff at state, national and international conferences sharing her company’s philosophy of “provide the best patient care possible and the money will follow.” | 585155 | |
| 8 | CasellaB | Ben Casella, OD | Optometry Times | Dr. Ben Casella is the third generation owner of a private practice in Augusta, GA. He received his doctorate from the UAB School of Optometry and completed a residency in ocular disease at the SUNY College of Optometry. He has been named the GOA Young OD of the Year and the GOA OD of the Year in addition to being named the SECO Young OD of the South, the AOA OD of the Year, and the SUNY College of Optometry Resident Alumnus of the Year. In addition to being Chief Optometric Editor of Optometry Times, he lectures on various topics in ocular disease. | 1072145 | |
| 10 | DrakeD | Diane Drake | Diane F. Drake | Diane F. Drake has over 40 years experience in the Optical business and is an approved speaker for ABO-NCLE up to advanced level and for Paraoptometrics and JCAHPO. She has served as president for the National Academy of Opticianry, the SouthEastern Opticians and the Opticians Association of Georgia, recieving recognition and awards from all of these organizations. She is the author of several books. She proudly serves as a member of the SECO International CE Committee. | 585162 | |
| 11 | FerrucciS | Steven Ferruci, OD | Sepulveda VA | Dr. Steven Ferrucci is currently Chief of Optometry at the Sepulveda VA Ambulatory Care Center and Nursing Home. He is also the Residency Director at his sight, and a Professor at the Southern California College of Optometry. Dr. Ferrucci has lectured and published extensively, with a special interest in Diabetes, Diabetic Eye Disease, AMD, OCT and Fluorescein Angiography. He is a Past President of the Optometric Retina Society and the founding chair of the Retina Special Interest Group for the American Academy of Optometry. | 1072147 | |
| 12 | GibbJ | Joy Gibb | Daynes Eye and Lasik | Joy L. Gibb, ABOC began her optical career in 1986 and has managed an independent retail opticianry and owned a mobile optical service. She currently serves as the practice manager for Daynes Eye and Lasik in Bountiful, UT. In addition, she often consults practices about their dispensaries and improving customer service and sales. Patients often seek her help with the difficult to fit prescription, finding the perfect frame and children’s eyewear. Joy has participated in the writing of several industry guides and publications and has also served as a member of the Better Vision Institute. | 1072148 | |
| 13 | GloverD | Darryl Glover, OD | Defocus Media | Dr. Darryl Glover is an optometrist, speaker, entrepreneur, and social media lover. Dr. Glover is an optometrist with MyEyeDr., the founder of Eye See Euphoria, and co-founder of Defocus Media. Dr. Glover has a passion for global optometry with a special emphasis on education, resources and legislation. Dr. Glover has also written several articles for multiple optical outlets, and is a co-host of the The Defocus Media Podcast. He sits on the Essilor Future In Sight Advisory Committee. | 824538 | |
| 14 | HanlinW | Walter "Pete" Hanlin | Essilor of America | Pete Hanlin is Senior Director of Ophthalmic Operations at Essilor of America, where he has been employed since 2002. A graduate of Lee University, Pete is certified as a Master Optician by the American Board of Opticianry, and served on the ANSI Z80.1 committee for the 2015 version of the standard. Beginning in 1989, Pete managed Optometric practices and laboratory operations prior to his employment with Essilor. He lectures on topics ranging from practice management, to ophthalmic optics and visual health | 675861 | |
| 15 | JasperA | April Jasper | Advanced Eyecare Specialists | Dr. April Jasper is the owner of Advanced Eyecare Specialists, a group optometry practice in West Palm Beach, Florida. She has experience in almost every mode of optometric practice from her VAMC residency, teaching ocular disease at NEWNCO and benedict professor of practice management at Houston College of Optometry, as well as being a 6 year leaseholder with Wal-Mart. She is Past-President of the Florida Optometric Association, and currently serves as Chief Optometric Editor of Optometric Management magazine. Dr. Jasper’s passion is sharing with her colleagues in areas of practice management, customer service, ocular disease and technology in an effort to help them become more successful in patient care and personal growth. | 1187549 | |
| 16 | JedlickaJ | Jason Jedlicka, OD | Indiana University | Dr Jedlicka is an Associate Professor at Indiana University School of Optometry, and the Director of the Cornea and Contact Lens Service. He is a Diplomate in the American Academy of Optometry's Cornea, Contact Lens, and Refractive Technologies Section, a past President of the Scleral Lens Education Society, and a Fellow and past board member of the Contact Lens Society of America. He has contributed to multiple textbooks as an author on the topic of scleral lenses. He is the developer of the Zenlens and ZenRC scleral lenses and is a consultant to Bausch and Lomb. | 824544 | |
| 17 | JohnsonR | Rebecca Johnson | Eyefinity | Rebecca Johnson has spent over 3 decades in the eyecare industry. She has spoken at optometry meetings in 49 of the 50 US states and throughout Canada. She is the third edition editor of the Self-Study Guide for Paraoptometic Certification, has received the AOA Special Service Award, and was recognized as one of Vision Monday's Most Influential Women in Optical. She is currently working as the Director of Education at Eyefinity. | 824545 | |
| 19 | KarpeckiP | Paul Karpecki, OD | Kentucky Eye Institute | Dr. Paul Karpecki received his doctor of optometry degree from Indiana University and completed a fellowship in Cornea in Kansas City in affiliation with the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. He currently serves as Director of Cornea Services for Kentucky Eye Institute in Lexington KY, Gaddie Eye Centers in Louisville KY, Midwest Center for Sight in Carmel IN. He is the Chief Medical Editor for Review of Optometry and Medical Director for KEPLR Vision. He was appointed co-chair for the previous two Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society Symposia and served on the DEWS II Diagnostic Methodology Committee. In 2017-2018 he completed a full year preceptorship in advanced retinal disease at Retina Associates of Kentucky, one of the top 20 retina programs in the country. He currently serves as an Associate Professor at the Kentucky College of Optometry | 675873 | |
| 20 | KlingM | Mick Kling, OD | Impact Leadership | Dr. Mick Kling is the founder and CEO of Invision Optometry, one of the largest, single location optometric practices in San Diego, California. Recognized as one of the most unique and innovative practices in the country, Invision Optometry was named “America’s Finest Optical Retailer” by INVISION Magazine in 2017. In addition to private practice, Mick is a consultant and speaker for Impact Leadership, which provides leadership, culture and business consulting for eye care professionals. | 1072149 | |
| 21 | LawrenceL | Lynn Lawrence | See The Light Consulting | Lynn E. Lawrence is a national lecturer, staff development coordinator and an ophthalmic technician for Mills Eye and Facial Plastic Surgery. He has a Master of Science Degree in Organizational Leadership. He is the owner of SeeTheLight Consulting, LLC., where he creates staff development, educational, and compliance materials. An US Air Force 30 year retiree, Lynn was appointed by the Air Force Surgeon General as the Ophthalmic Career Field Manager where he oversaw Optometry/Ophthalmology technicians at 90 locations. | 585184 | |
| 22 | LeeA | Andrew Lee, MD | Blanton Eye Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital | Dr. Lee is a Professor in the Departments of Ophthalmology, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Weill Cornell Medical College. He is a Neuro-ophthalmologist and is the Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology, Blanton Eye Institute, at Houston Methodist Hospital. He is also an adjunct Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Iowa. Dr. Lee came to Houston Methodist Hospital after serving on the faculty at both the University of Iowa, Baylor College of Medicine and the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. He was an Alpha Omega Alpha Graduate of the University of Virginia School of Medicine (MD, 1989). Dr. Lee did his Ophthalmology Residency at the Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas (90-93, Ophthalmology Chief resident, 92-93). He did a Neuro-Ophthalmology Fellowship at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland, and was a Fight for Sight (Herbert Tenzer Memorial) Post-doctoral Research Fellow at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Department of Neuropathology. Dr. Lee has published over 400 peer reviewed publications and been the invited speaker at over 200 regional, national, and international medical meetings. He has been on the editorial board of 14 scientific journals including JAMA Ophthalmology, the Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology, the American Journal of Ophthalmology, the Japanese Journal of Ophthalmology, Eye, and the Journal of Neuro-ophthalmology. | 1072150 | |
| 23 | LighthizerN | Nathan Lightizer, OD | Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry | Dr. Nate Lighthizer is a graduate of Pacific University College of Optometry. Upon graduation, he completed a residency in Family Practice Optometry with an emphasis in Ocular Disease through Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry. Dr. Lighthizer has since joined the faculty at the Oklahoma College of Optometry and serves as the Chief of Specialty Care Clinics and the Chief of Electrodiagnostics Clinic. In 2014, he was named the Director of Continuing Education as well as the Assistant Dean for Clinical Care Services at the Oklahoma College of Optometry. He is a founding member, and currently serves as Vice President, of the Intrepid Eye Society which is a group of emerging thought leaders in optometry. Dr. Lighthizer lectures nationally on numerous topics, most notably advanced ophthalmic procedures, electrodiagnostics, and ocular disease. | 585186 | |
| 24 | McElroyT | Ted McElroy, OD | Vision Source Tifton | Ted McElroy, OD, founded his practice, Vision Source Tifton, in 1994 in Tifton, GA. In 2004 he served as the Georgia Optometric Association President and in 2016 as President for SECO International. Ted was the recipient of the 1997 GA Optometric Association’s Young Optometrist of the Year, the 2005 GOA Optometrist of the year and the 2009 GOA Bernard Kahn Award Recipient. Ted enjoys speaking to optometric students on the joys of private practice and assisting aspiring practice owners. Ted is an author, having published in Invision and Optometric Management, and has also served on the Optometric Management editorial board. He currently serves SECO International as the Chair for the MedPRO 360 committee, the Business Education Program of SECO International. | 1072151 | |
| 25 | MeltonR | Ronald Melton, OD | Educators in Primary Eye Care | Dr. N. Ron Melton is an optometrist who specializes in comprehensive eye exams and contact lenses in Charlotte, NC. His special interests include ocular disease/glaucoma as well as anterior segment conditions. He received his undergraduate degree from Greensboro College and his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. He also served as a captain in the US Army as a clinical optometrist at Hawley Army Hospital. He is an adjunct faculty member of the Indiana University School of Optometry and the Pennsylvania College of Optometry. He is a member of the American Academy of Optometry, the American Optometric Association, the North Carolina Optometric Association, the Optometric Glaucoma Society, and the Piedmont Optometric Society. | 1073534 | |
| 26 | MoscowS | Scott Moscow, OD | Roswell Eye Clinic | Dr. Scott Moscow is the clinical director of Roswell Eye Clinic where he focuses on fitting specialty contact lenses and treating eye disease with a certification to perform subcutaneous and subconjunctival injections. In addition to lecturing, he consults on vision therapy and primary care billing and coding. He has contributed to articles in Review of Optometry, Optometric Management, The IDOC Quarterly, Invision and Optometry Times. | 620724 | |
| 27 | OdellL | Leslie Odell, OD | Medical Optometry America | Dr. O’Dell is the Clinical Director of Medical Optometry America in York, PA. She graduated from Salus College of Optometry in 2003 and completed a residency at the Baltimore VA Hospital. She is a diplomate of the American Board of Optometry and a member of the Optometric Glaucoma Society, Tear Film, and Ocular Surface Society (TFOS). Most recently, Dr. O’Dell has been selected to participate in the TFOS Dry Eye Workshop (TFOS DEWSII) initiative and is one of six TFOS Global Ambassadors for the United States. | 1084109 | |
| 28 | OKeefeCulpC | Candace O'Keefe-Culp | Younger Optics | Candace O’Keefe Culp is a licensed Optician with over 30 years of experience in Ophthalmic Dispensing and Territory Management. As an accredited speaker for the American Board of Opticianry, she is dedicated to serving the optical industry with the latest technical knowledge and service. Candace was awarded Vision Monday’s “Most Influential Women in Optical” in 2009. She is currently employed by Younger Optics as a Wholesale Manager for SC, GA, FL and the Caribbean. | 1072153 | |
| 29 | OKeefeJ | Jackie O'Keefe | O'Keefe Optical Consultants | Jackie O'Keefe is licensed in Virginia and has been in the Optical industry since 1981. She is a contributing writer for 2020 Magazine, on Essilor of America and Transitions Optical Speakers Bureaus, a course preparer for Quantum Optical and consults in the Virginia Beach, VA area. Jackie has written, published and presented numerous CPC/ABO courses and lectures on a variety of optical topics. She was recently honored as one of the top 10 speakers for Vision Expo/Opticon East 2019. Jackie is a second generation Optician along with her two sisters, Candace O'Keefe Culp and Laure O'Keefe Pierce. | 824561 | |
| 30 | ParkerR | Ryan Parker, OD | Essilor | Dr. Ryan Parker, Director of Professional Education, Essilor Of America opened Ardmore Premier Eyecare in 2007 and is among a select group of Optometrists in the state of Oklahoma that have completed the training to become licensed to perform PRK eye surgery. In 2018 he joined Essilor full time. Dr. Parker has been featured in many articles and television interviews talking about various programs and technologies that Essilor utilizes to achieve its mission of improving lives by improving sight. He has lectured extensively on practice management, spectacle lens technology, and myopia management to numerous eye care professionals. | 675862 | |
| 31 | PateC | Caroline Pate, OD | UAB School of Optometry | Dr. Caroline Pate is an Associate Professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry in Birmingham, AL. Dr. Pate earned her undergraduate degree from Gettysburg College, her OD degree from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, and completed a residency in Family Practice at UAB. She has been a member of the UAB Optometry faculty since 2005, where she teaches Clinical Procedures and Diseases of the Anterior Segment and serves as the Director of Residency Programs. Dr. Pate received the Alabama Optometric Association’s Young OD of the Year in 2014 and the UAB President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2017. In 2020, she was honored by the American Optometric Association as the National Educator of the Year. | 585196 | |
| 32 | PierceL | Laurie Pierce | Hillsborough Community College | Laurie Pierce is an instructor in the Opticianry program at Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, Florida. Laurie is a graduate of Newbury College’s opticianry program in Boston, and managed Lugene Opticians, an upscale optical boutique in Boston’s Copley Place. Ms. Pierce lectures extensively on optical theory and management topics at local, regional and national optical conferences. Ms. Pierce is an ABO Master Optician and is certified by the National Contact Lens Examiners. She received the National Federation of Opticianry Schools Educator of the Year award, 2003, and was named by Vision Monday one of America’s Most Influential Women in Optics, 2010. | 824566 | |
| 33 | PigneriF | Frank Pigneri | Essilor of America | Frank Pigneri is currently the Director of Customer Education for Essilor of America, Frank is responsible for developing and delivering top shelf Eye Care Professional (ECP) education programs focusing on the development and growth of ECPs from their first day in the industry through retirement. Frank has helped hundreds of practices and their staff achieve new levels of success and has also helped dozens of Essilor employees to prepare for and pass the NOCE. Frank is the Vice-Chair of the North Texas Opticians Association and enjoys volunteering for various organizations. | 675895 | |
| 34 | RodmanJ | Julie Rodman, OD | Nova Southeastern University | Dr. Julie Rodman received her doctorate in optometry from the New England College of Optometry. She then completed a residency in hospital-based optometry at the VA Medical Center Brockton/West Roxbury, Massachusetts. Since completing her residency, Dr. Rodman has worked in various settings, including an ophthalmology private practice and an HMO-based practice. Dr. Rodman joined the Nova Southeastern College of Optometry in 2000 and currently holds the rank of Full Professor. In 2014, Dr. Rodman received her Master of Science in Clinical Vision Research from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Rodman is actively involved in patient care, clinical teaching and lecturing in the area of vitreoretinal disease. She serves as the Chief of the Fort Lauderdale Eye Care Institute where she has been seeing patients for over twenty years. She is instructor of record for the retina course at NSU College of Optometry. Dr. Rodman has been the recipient of numerous teaching awards, including the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Clinical Precepting, and Preceptor of the Year. | 1131961 | |
| 35 | RothschildM | Mike Rothschild, OD | Leadership OD | Mike Rothschild, OD is founder of Leadership OD, a company dedicated to excellence in optometric practice. He is an international practice management speaker and presenter, most well-known for his innovative "Leadership Team" approach towards practice management . He lectures frequently on team building and practice communications, and consults with practice owners in every phase of business growth, from startups to seasoned veterans. Mike also founded Small Town Eyecare Partners, a company dedicated to bringing high quality care to underserved areas through technology and support for entrepreneurial providers. | 824570 | |
| 36 | RussellB | Buddy Russell | Thomas Eye Group | After a career at Emory University, Buddy left academia to accept a position at Thomas Eye Group in Atlanta. In addition to patient care, Buddy is involved in teaching, product development and validation. He has been certified by J.C.A.H.P.O. since 1986 and is a Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist. Buddy is a Fellow member of the Scleral Lens Society and the Contact Lens Society of America. He lectures frequently at national and international meetings on contact lens related topics. Buddy has written articles for various publications, two chapters for CLSA’s advanced training manual and is a peer reviewer for the Cornea and the Eye and Contact Lens journals and also serves on the editorial board for the Contact Lens Science and Research publication. | 824572 | |
| 37 | SaenzB | Bobby Saenz, OD | Parkhurst Nuvision | Dr. Bobby Saenz is currently the Clinic and Residency Director at Parkhurst Nuvision, a referral based, tertiary center in San Antonio, TX. He completed a residency in refractive surgery and ocular disease at the Eye Center of Texas in Houston, TX. Bobby teaches ocular anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and ocular disease for KMK to students studying boards throughout the nation. Bobby also lectures nationally on optic disk edemas, dry eye, refractive, cataract, and glaucoma surgery. | 824574 | |
| 38 | ScweitzerJ | Justin Schweitzer, OD | Vance Thompson Vision | Dr. Justin Schweitzer specializes in advanced glaucoma, refractive surgical clinical care, and anterior segment pathology at Vance Thompson Vision. He received his professional training and Doctor of Optometry degree from Pacific University College of Optometry in Forest Grove, OR. In 2012 he pursued his dream to focus on glaucoma, advanced anterior segment surgery care and pathology, joining Vance Thompson Vision in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He is the Optometric Externship Director at Vance Thompson Vision, and Adjunct Clinical Professor of the Illinois College of Optometry and Kentucky College of Optometry. Dr. Schweitzer regularly lectures on glaucoma, anterior segment pathology, refractive surgical clinical care, and surgical management at meetings nationwide. He is currently the Chief Medical Editor for Modern Optometry and has contributed book chapters, journal articles, and case studies in peer reviewed and non-peer reviewed journals | 1072154 | |
| 39 | SmithW | Will Smith, OD | Seeciety | Dr. Will Smith is a private practitioner in Jacksonville, FL. He was the Optometric clinic director at Advanced Vision Care in Beverly Hills, California, after a residency at the VA. Dr. Smith has participated in multiple clinical studies, has published peer reviewed literature, and lectured on many topics related to the eye and eye disease. | 1072155 | |
| 40 | SteeleG | Glen Steele, OD | Southern College of Optometry | Dr. Glen Steele is a professor at the Southern College of Optometry Pediatric Service placing emphasis on the vision care needs of the infant and young child during the process of development. A past president of both the College of Optometrists in Vision Development and the Optometric Extension Program Foundation, he is also past chair of the American Optometric Association InfantSEE® and Children’s Vision Committee. He has lectured extensively throughout the USA and internationally in the area of infant vision development and care. He has received numerous awards for his work in the area of infant and child development. He was inducted into the National Optometry Hall of Fame in 2019. | 824581 | |
| 41 | SteenJ | Jessica Steen, OD | NSU College of Optometry | Dr. Jessica Steen is an Assistant Professor at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry where she serves as Director of the Glaucoma Service at the College’s Eye Care Institute. Dr. Steen also serves as the Primary Care and Ocular Disease Residency Coordinator. Dr. Steen graduated from the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science and completed her residency in Primary Care with Emphasis in Ocular Disease at Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Steen’s main clinical interests include glaucoma, retinal disease, neuro-ophthalmic disease with an emphasis in medical and surgical management. | 1072156 | |
| 42 | ThanT | Tammy Than, OD | Carl Vinson VAMC | Dr. Tammy Pifer Than received her Doctorate of Optometry from Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, TN. She then completed a residency in Primary Care with an emphasis in ocular disease in Tahlequah, OK. She has a Master of Science degree in physical chemistry. Prior to her current position, she was a professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry and a full time staff OD at the Carl Vinson VA Hospital in Dublin, GA. She publishes in several of optometric journals and lectures nationally on various subjects including therapeutics, dermatology, and ophthalmic lasers. | 585210 | |
| 43 | ThomasR | Randall Thomas, OD | Educators in Primary Eye Care, LLC | Dr. Thomas is a 1981 graduate of the Pennsylvania College of Optometry, and a 1976 graduate of the School of Public Health at the University of North Carolina. He is in full-time clinical practice in Concord, North Carolina. He was presented the “Glaucoma Educator of the Year” award by the American Academy of Optometry in 1997. He and Dr. Ron Melton co-author Review of Optometry’s “Annual Drug Guide to Ophthalmic Drugs”, now in its sixteenth year. He is on the Professional Staff at Carolinas Medical Center-Northeast where he also serves on the teaching faculty of the Cabarrus Family Medicine Residency Program. Dr. Thomas has served as a consultant to the American Optometric Association on its Council on Clinical Optometric Care and Hospital Privileges Committees. He has served as an ophthalmic drug principal investigator for the FDA. Dr. Thomas has lectured world-wide with Dr. Melton on the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases. | 1073535 | |
| 44 | WalkerP | Phernell Walker | Pure Optics | Phernell Walker is the author of the textbook, Pure Optics, which is used in several optometry and opticianry colleges. Mr. Walker is a Past Adjunct Professor of Ophtahlmic Optics at Pacific University College of Optometry. Mr. Walker is one of only a few hundred people to earn the Master in Ophthalmic Optics (ABOM). He currently serves as the Director of Optometric Relations at VSP Ventures, proudly serves on the board of directors for the National Academy of Opticianry and the American Board of Opticianry. His educational achievements include an MBA, BS in Business, and an AS in Ophthalmic Optics. He is certified by the both the American Board of Opticianry and National Contact Lens Examiners. | 1072162 | |
| 45 | WelchM | Michelle Welch, OD | Choctaw Nation Health Services | Dr. Michelle Welch is a 1995 graduate of Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry. After graduation Dr. Welch joined the NSUOCO faculty and served the college as a clinical attending faculty member, a professor and Associate Dean for several years. Dr. Welch is currently a staff optometrist with the Choctaw Nation Health Services Authority and enjoys providing direct patient care at the Idabel clinic. Dr. Welch was chosen as the OAOP Optometrist of the year in 2013 and awarded the Distinguished Service award in 2020. Dr. Welch is a Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry, and enjoys providing continuing medical education lectures and workshops on the topics of Ocular Disease, Lasers in Optometry and other in office optometric surgical procedures. | 1072164 | |
| 46 | WilliamsonJ | Jim Williamson, OD | MEMPHIS VAMC | Dr. Jim Williamson is the residency supervisor at the Memphis VAMC. Dr. Williamson holds faculty positions at multiple optometry schools, and at several allied-health university programs. He serves on the Clinical Skills Examination Committee for Part III of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry. Dr. Williamson contributes to optometric publications – both as a reviewer and author – and lectures at local, regional and national meetings. | 585215 | |
| 47 | WolfeC | Chris Wolfe, OD | EyeCode Education | Dr. Christopher Wolfe is a graduate of Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry. In 2013 and 2015 he was awarded Young Optometrist of the Year for the Nebraska Optometric Association. In 2016 he was awarded the Optometrist of the Year for the Nebraska Optometric Association and the Young Optometrist of the Year for the American Optometric Association. In 2014 he was awarded Political Keyperson of the Year for the Nebraska Optometric Association and Alumni of the Year from Skutt Catholic High School. Dr. Wolfe has a passion for education. He is a co-founder of KMK Board Certification Review Services, a company specializing in preparing Doctors of Optometry to take the American Board of Optometry examination. He is the founder of EyeCode Education, a company specializing in clinical and billing education. He is the co-author of the book: KMK Optometry Board Certification Review Manual and KMK Update and EyeCode: Billing and Coding. Dr. Wolfe is a fellow in the American Academy of Optometry and a Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry. | 1072165 | |
| 48 | WoodardL | Lawrence Woodard, MD | Omni Eye Services | Dr. Woodard is a board certified ophthalmologist who serves as Medical Director of Omni Eye Services of Atlanta. He specializes in cataract surgery, including multifocal and toric intraocular lenses, as well as corneal surgery. Dr. Woodard was the first cataract surgeon in the Atlanta Metro area to offer bladeless laser cataract surgery to his patients in January, 2013. As one of the nation’s leading cataract surgeons, he lectures extensively at national and international meetings, educating other doctors on cataract surgery techniques and new technologies. He has been featured in EyeWorld magazine, Review of Optometry, and other national publications due to his expertise. Dr. Woodard is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Morehouse College. He completed medical school at Duke University, followed by internship at Mount Sinai Medical Center of Case Western Reserve University. He completed residency at the University of Pennsylvania’s Scheie Eye Institute. He then completed a Corneal and Refractive Surgery fellowship with Dr. Richard Eiferman in Louisville, KY. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, a founding member of the American College of Ophthalmic Surgery and a member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. He has been practicing in the Atlanta area since 1999, and has been Omni’s Medical Director since 2003. | 1073536 | |
| 49 | WrotenC | Chris Wroten, OD | Bond-Wroten Eye Clinic | Dr. Chris Wroten, a diplomat of the American Board of Optometry, graduated from Southern College of Optometry (SCO) before completing a Residency at the Memphis Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Now a partner at the Bond-Wroten Eye Clinics, he supervises its Primary Care & Ocular Disease Residency, has served as President of the Optometry Association of Louisiana (OAL), Vice Chairs the SECO International Education Committee, and holds appointment to the Louisiana State Board of Optometry Examiners & the SCO Board of Trustees. He is laser certified in the state of Louisiana, and has conducted clinical research & lectured internationally | 636186 | |
| 50 | YadgarovA | Arkadiy Yadgarov, MD | Omni Eye Services, Atlanta, GA | Dr. Arkadiy Yadgarov is a board-certified ophthalmologist who graduated summa cum laude from Georgia Tech, and received his MD degree from the Medical College of Georgia. He completed his ophthalmology residency at the Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science of Rutgers University in New Jersey. He was also honored with the Alfonse A. Cinotti M.D. award for academic and professional excellence. Dr. Yadgarov then completed his glaucoma fellowship at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary. Dr. Yadgarov is currently the Director of Glaucoma with Omni Eye Services in Atlanta, GA. He performs cataract surgery and provides comprehensive glaucoma care with a special interest in minimally invasive glaucoma surgery. He participates as a principal investigator in various clinical trials. | 1072166 |