Meet Our Faculty

First Appt: 2020

Academic Background:

2018: Residency, Vision Therapy, Low Vision Rehabilitation, Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation, Southern College of Optometry
2017: O.D., Inter American University of Puerto Rico
2009: B.A., The College of St. Scholastica

Biography:

Dr. Kristin Adams is an Assistant Professor and serves patients in the Pediatric, Adult, and Vision Therapy departments at The Eye Center at Southern College of Optometry. Prior to joining SCO, Dr. Kristin Adams served as a faculty member at Chicago College of Optometry where she developed courses, lectured, and supervised interns in the Pediatric and Vision Therapy departments. Dr. Adams also speaks French and Spanish. Dr. Adams is a member of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) and Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association (NORA) and a clinical associate of the Optometric Extension Program Foundation (OEPF). Her areas of interest include vision therapy and rehabilitation, acquired brain injury, and visual development. She enjoys the outdoors, traveling, languages, and volunteering.

First Appt: 2013

Academic Background:
 
1998; Residency; Pediatric Optometry and Vision Therapy, Pennsylvania College of Optometry    
1997; O.D.; Nova Southeastern University
1995; B.S.; Vision Science, Nova Southeastern University 

Biography:

Dr. Bartuccio is an associate professor at Southern College of Optometry and manages patients in The Eye Center in the Pediatric, Teen, and Vision Therapy and Rehabilitation clinics.

Previously, in addition to private practice, Dr. Bartuccio was an assistant professor at Nova in the clinical and didactic settings. Dr. Bartuccio has participated in clinical research, including the Convergence Insufficiency Treatment Trial (CITT). She has also published many articles in the area of special needs, including a book titled, Visual Diagnosis and Care of the Patient with Special Needs, published in May 2012.

Active in professional organizations, Dr. Bartuccio has chaired numerous committees and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (AAO) and of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD). She also serves on the journal review board for the Journal of Optometry and Visual Performance.

First Appt: 2013

Academic Background:

1999; Residency; Pediatrics and Binocular Vision at Pennsylvania College of Optometry
1998; O.D.; State University of New York State College of Optometry
1994; B.S.; Psychology, Fairfield University

Biography:

Following her residency, Dr. Marie Bodack was on staff at the State University of New York State College of Optometry in the Pediatrics, Adult Primary Care and Vision Therapy Departments from 1999-2006. While in New York, she also worked in a private practice. In 2006, she moved to the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center Department of Ophthalmology, where she was on staff and had a faculty appointment through the University of Cincinnati, Department of Ophthalmology. In 2013, Dr. Bodack joined the Southern College of Optometry as the Chief of the Pediatric Primary Care.

Dr. Marie Bodack is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO) and a Diplomate in its Binocular Vision, Perception and Pediatric Optometry Section. She is also a member of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) and the European Academy of Optometry and Optics (EAOO). Dr. Bodack has lectured nationally and internationally on a variety of pediatric topics. 

First Appt: 2014
Academic Background:

B.A., 2006, Central College, Pella, Iowa
O.D., 2010, Illinois College of Optometry, Chicago, Illinois
Residency, 2011, Primary Care and Ocular Disease, Illinois College of Optometry

Biography:

Dr. Chris Borgman is an associate professor at the Southern College of Optometry. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in biology at Central College in Pella, Iowa and his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry. Following graduation, Dr. Borgman completed a one-year residency in Primary Care and Ocular Disease at the Illinois College of Optometry/Illinois Eye Institute in Chicago, Illinois.

Prior to joining the faculty at SCO, Dr. Borgman spent three years in a multi-doctor, private ophthalmology practice in Des Moines, Iowa which specialized in primary care, ocular disease, cataract surgery, and laser refractive surgery. He is a member of the American Optometric Association (AOA), the Tennessee Association of Optometry Physicians (TAOP), and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. He has authored numerous articles published on the topics of various ocular disease conditions, and has also lectured in many continuing education venues, both nationally and internationally, on the topics of primary care ocular diseases, ocular pharmacology, ocular manifestations of systemic diseases, and neuro-optometric diseases.

Dr. Borgman currently sees patients and supervises students in a clinical setting at The Eye Center at SCO, and also teaches two classroom courses: Systemic Pathology and Integrative Analysis. His areas of professional interest include: primary care and ocular disease, ocular manifestations of systemic disease, and neuro-optometric diseases.

Dr. Borgman enjoys spending time with his wife and three daughters, and is a slow-pitch softball and baseball enthusiast.

PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS:

Borgman CJ. Binasal hemianopia: an observational teaching case report and review of a rare visual field defect. Optometric Education.  Fall 2022.

Borgman CJ, Krug C. Case report: asymptomatic skew deviation secondary to chronic ischemic infarction of the cerebellum. Optom Vis Sci. October 2022;9:786-790.

Borgman CJ. Cranial nerve VI (abducens nerve) paresis associated with pontine calcification. Clin Exp Optom. May 2022;105:442-444.

Borgman CJ, Duncan J, Martinez M. Temporal retinal thinning and increased foveal avascular zone blood vessel density in Alport syndrome: a case report. Clin Exp Optom. Nov 2021;104:874-875.

Borgman CJ. Compressive trochlear nerve palsy caused by ischaemic stroke. Clin Exp Optom. March 2021;104:255-257.

Borgman CJ, Haynes JA. Measuring acquired ocular torsion with optical coherence tomography. Clin Exp Optom. January 2021;104:132-134.

Borgman CJ. Dorsolateral pontine syndrome (Foville syndrome) and contralateral 4th nerve palsy in a post-stroke patient. Clin Exp Optom. November 2020;103:925-926.

Borgman CJ. Trochlear nerve palsy and contralateral internuclear ophthalmoplegia: an unusual crossed syndrome. Clin Exp Optom. September 2020;103:715-716.

Borgman CJ, Follansbee CJ. Degree of excyclotorsion in an acquired trochlear nerve palsy. Clin Exp Optom. July 2020;103:550-551.

Borgman CJ. Bilateral horizontal gaze palsy (1+1 syndrome): a supranuclear gaze palsy. Optom Vis Sci. Dec 2019;96:898-904.

Borgman CJ. Atypical junctional scotoma secondary to optic chiasm atrophy: a case report. Clin Exp Optom. Nov 2019;102:627-630.

Borgman CJ, Jackson AM. Sixteen-and-a-half syndrome: a variant in the spectrum of Fisher's one-and-a-half syndrome. Clin Exp Optom. Jan 2019;102:94-96.

Borgman CJ. Recurrent conjunctivitis secondary to gram positive bacillus, Bacillus thuringiensis. Clin Exp Optom. July 2018;101:594-95.

Borgman CJ. Ocular side effects of oxybutynin and other oral anticholinergics used in the management of overactive bladder syndrome: a review. Optom Vis Perf. Nov 2016;4(5):275-9.

Borgman CJ. Concomitant multiple myeloma spectrum diagnosis in a central retinal vein occlusion: a case report and review. Clin Exp Optom. July 2016;99(4):309-12.

Borgman CJ. Proteus mirabilis and its role in dacryocystitis. Optom Vis Sci. Sept 2014; 91(9): e230-5.

Borgman CJ. Topical timolol in the treatment of monocular oscillopsia secondary to superior oblique myokymia: a review. J Optom. 2014;07:68-74.

Harthan JS, Borgman CJ. Herpes zoster ophthalmicus-induced oculomotor nerve palsy. J Optom. 2013;06:60-5.

Borgman CJ. Horner syndrome secondary to internal carotid artery dissection after a short-distance endurance run: A case study and review. J Optom. 2012;05:209-16.

OTHER PUBLICATIONS:

Ensor S, Squier K, Borgman C. When the diagnosis doesn’t come easy: Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy. Modern Optometry. January/February 2023: 61-66.

Borgman C. Case report: OCT aids in diagnosis of band optic atrophy. Primary Care Optometry News. July 2022.

Borgman C. Foville syndrome associated with cerebellar arteriovenous malformation resection. Modern Optometry. July/August 2022.

Borgman C. Middle-aged man reports new onset diplopia. Primary Care Optometry News. December 2020.

Borgman C. Annual exam reveals hyphema secondary to iris neovascularization. Primary Care Optometry News. April 2019.

Borgman C, Kiser T, Gerstner M. Young woman presents with nonresponding conjunctivitis. Primary Care Optometry News. October 2018.

Borgman C, Woodward E. Young woman presents with near vision blur. Primary Care Optometry News. August 2018.

Borgman CJ, Hoang M. Case history crucial component of rubella retinopathy diagnosis. Primary Care Optometry News. January 2018.

Borgman CJ, Savoy RS. The poor man’s red/green test. Optometry Times. February 2017.

Borgman CJ, Kenney R. Patient presents with long-term droopy eyelid. Primary Care Optometry News. September 2016.

Borgman CJ. Traumatic choroidal rupture and macular hole in a 10-year-old child: case report and review. Clinical and Refractive Optometry (Canada). July 2016;27(3):113-9.

Borgman CJ. Early diagnosis crucial in sickle cell retinopathy. Primary Care Optometry News. March 2016.

Borgman CJ. Off-label uses of common ophthalmic medications. Primary Care Optometry News. October 2015.

Bost M, Borgman CJ. Decreased vision on the left side leads to hemianopia diagnosis. Optometry Times. April 2015.

Borgman CJ. Many common conditions respond to inexpensive treatment options. Primary Care Optometry News. January 2015.

Borgman CJ. Why residency was the best decision I ever made for my career. Optometry Times. December 2014.

Borgman CJ. Putting patients at ease in the exam room. Optometry Times. August 2014.

Borgman CJ. Neovascular glaucoma: a serious secondary condition. Review of Optometry. August 2014: 58-65.

Borgman CJ. Appropriate care, proper coding can maximize reimbursement. Primary Care Optometry News. August 2014.

Memphis Daily News. “Lower Risk of Degenerative Eye Condition”, April 23, 2014.

Memphis Daily News. “Cataracts Can Be Slowed, Treated With Proper Care”, May 8, 2014.

Memphis Daily News. “Diabetes and the Importance of Eye Care.” May 21, 2014.

Memphis Daily News. “Glaucoma’s Effects Have Broad Reach”, June 4, 2014.

The Des Moines Register. “Diabetics have greater risk of vision loss and blindness.” Nov 9, 2011.

The Des Moines Register. “Cataracts: eye problem is highly treatable.” Dec 7, 2011.

POSTERS:

AAO 2020 --- "45-Degree Horizontal Gaze Angle Estimation Among Police Officers vs. Optometrists vs. Optometry Students." Falkowski S, Borgman C, Christensen M. Nashville.

AOA 2019 ---“Orbital Pseudotumor Spectrum Disorder and Posterior Scleritis in a Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patient”. Borgman C. St. Louis.

AAO 2018 --- “Tonometry Measurements Over Soft Contact Lenses in Healthy Subjects”. Wester A, Christensen M, Borgman C. San Antonio.

AAO 2017 --- “Tonometry Over Three Different Bandage Contact Lenses.” Hill K, Christensen M, Borgman C. Chicago.

AOA 2016 --- “The Comparison of Central Corneal Thickness Amongst 4 Different Technology Devices.” Brown L, Christensen M, Borgman C. Boston.

SECO 2016 --- “The Curious Case of Pontine Infarction: The Nine Syndrome”

AAO 2015 --- “The Flipped Classroom, a platform to introduce new faculty to didactic teaching in an optometry program.” Edmondson W, Snyder J, Borgman C. New Orleans.

SECO 2015 ---“Horner Syndrome Secondary to Internal Carotid Artery Dissection”

SECO 2015 ---“What’s the Weber’s Syndrome? A Case Report.”

SECO 2011 ---“Impending Stage 5 Sickle Cell Retinopathy: Case Report and Review”

MISC:

Radio Interview with Vance Durbin for “Eye On Vision Program” FM 89.3---May 19, 2014

First Appt: 1988

Academic Background:

1988; Residency; Contact Lens Practice, University of Alabama at Birmingham/School of Optometry
1987; O.D.; Southern College of Optometry
1985; B.S.; Southern College of Optometry

Biography:

Dr. Campbell is a professor at SCO. His professional areas of interest include contact lens practice with a special emphasis on the management of presbyopia and astigmatism with contact lens correction and the development and administration of optometric residency programs.

In 2016, Dr. Campbell was appointed Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Dr. Campbell is an author on numerous publications and two book chapters dealing with his areas of interest. He has presented lectures at SCO-sponsored continuing education, at the American Academy of Optometry, and at several other organizations.

Dr. Campbell is a member of the American Optometric Association, the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians, and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry.

Dr. Campbell served on the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE) from 2009 – 2018, including serving as the chair of the organization from 2011 - 2018. He has served on numerous committees, including: a National Board of Examiners in Optometry Examination Construction Committee (chair for two years), the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry Residency Affairs Committee, the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education Residency Committee (chair for two years), the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education Leadership and Professional Development Committee, the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education Quality Improvement Committee, the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education Planning Committee (chair for one year), the American Academy of Optometry Region 2 Admittance Committee (vice chair for seven years), and the American Academy of Optometry Resident's Day Committee (chair, 2007-2012.)

Dr. Campbell received the Teacher of the Year Award from the SCO graduating Class of 1989 and the SCO President's Special Recognition Award in 2004.  In 2018, he was awarded the American Optometric Association’s President’s Award for Distinguished Service to Optometry for his work with the ACOE.
 

First Appt: 2021

Academic Background:

Residency, 2019, Hospital Based Primary Care Optometry at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Memphis, TN.
O.D., 2018, Southern College of Optometry
B.S., 2012, University of Memphis

Biography:

Dr. Cassidy earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Memphis and her Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry. After graduation, she completed her residency in Hospital Based Primary Care Optometry at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Memphis, TN.

Upon completion of her residency, Dr. Cassidy worked at a private practice in Memphis and practiced telehealth for the Atlanta VAMC before then joining the faculty at SCO. Her professional areas of interest include Adult Primary Care, and Low Vision.

First Appt: 2013

Academic Background:

1989; O.D.; Northeastern Oklahoma State University College of Optometry
1980; Ph.D.; Mississippi State University
1974; M.S.; University of Oklahoma
1971; B.S.; Southwestern Oklahoma State University

Biography:

Michael Christensen, OD, Ph.D. FAAO, is a Professor and Director of Clinical Research at Southern College of Optometry (SCO) having joined the college in 2013. Dr. Christensen received his Doctor of Optometry degree in 1989 from the Northeastern State University College of Optometry (NSUCO). Before that, he held a Ph.D. (Mississippi State University) in Zoology and was a tenured professor at Phillips University in Enid Oklahoma. After completion of his OD, Dr. Christensen worked 22 years for Alcon, rising to Associate Director II in the organization having received the Technical Excellence Award for outstanding research and contributions to Alcon. Dr. Christensen is a member of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society, the American Academy of Optometry, the American Optometric Association, and the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians. In addition to his teaching assignments, Dr. Christensen serves as a member of SCO’s Research Committee.

Dr. Christensen’s research interests include cornea, contact lenses and dry eye. He completed several clinical dry eye studies while employed at Alcon and helped to develop artificial tear products. More recently, he has served as a Principal Investigator on the multicenter NIH supported DREAM study (Dry Eye Assessment and Management). Dr. Christensen has also served as PI or sub-PI on numerous industry-supported studies by a range of companies including, Alcon, Allergan and ThermiEye. He has published peer-reviewed manuscripts and presented his work through peer-reviewed abstracts at national meetings of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, the American Academy of Optometry and the American Optometric Association meeting. Dr. Christensen has also coordinated the SCO Summer Research program for five years, and has mentored several summer research students whose projects have been presented at national meetings.
 

First Appt: 2008

Academic Background:

2005; Ph.D.; Optics and Vision Science, University of Houston College of Optometry
1987; O.D.; Pennsylvania College of Optometry
1982; B.A.; Duke University

Biography:

At the Southern College of Optometry, Dr. Cisarik teaches didactic and clinical courses. In addition to her previous private practice experience, Dr. Cisarik served as an assistant professor at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry and at the University of Houston College of Optometry.

First Appt: 2017

Academic Background:

Residency, 2017, Low Vision/Geriatric Optometry, Birmingham VA Medical Center
O.D., 2016, Southern College of Optometry
B.A., 2012, Wheeling Jesuit University

Biography:

Dr. Cottrill currently serves SCO as an Assistant Professor where she supervises student clinicians in the Adult Primary Care and Low Vision Rehabilitation departments.
 
A West Virginia native, Dr. Cottrill earned her undergraduate degree in Chemistry at Wheeling Jesuit University in Wheeling, WV. After earning her Doctor of Optometry degree at Southern College of Optometry in 2016, Dr. Cottrill completed a residency in Low Vision Geriatric Optometry at the Birmingham VA Medical Center in Birmingham, AL.
 
Dr. Cottrill is licensed in both Tennessee and Alabama. She is a member of the American Optometric Association and the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians. Her professional areas of interest include low vision, primary care, ocular disease, nursing home care and neuro-optometric diseases

First Appt: 2011

Academic Background:

2005; Residency; Family Practice, West Tennessee Eye, Memphis, TN
2004; O.D.; Southern College of Optometry
1999; B.S.; Exercise Physiology, University of Florida

Biography:

As an associate professor at the Southern College of Optometry (SCO), Dr. Dorkowski supervises student clinicians in The Eye Center in the areas of Adult and Pediatric Primary Care and Advanced Care Ocular Disease and Nursing Home Service. He is the Clinical Coordinator for the Nursing Home/Assisted Living Program. 

Prior to joining SCO, Dr. Dorkowski worked in private practice at West Tennessee Eye serving as Chief of Operations, and was an associate with Visionary Eye Care, an ophthalmic referral center specializing in pediatric and oculoplastic surgery. 

Dr. Dorkowski presents clinical workshops to practitioners at both state and national optometric educational meetings. Dr. Dorkowski is a member of the American Optometric Association.  In the state optometric association, he has served on the Board of Trustees, and Dr. Dorkowski served as Vice-President and President for the West Tennessee Optometric Physician Society. 

First Appt: 1998

Academic Background:

1997; Fellowship; Ocular Disease, Vitreo-Retinal Foundation 
1996; O.D.; Southern College of Optometry
1992; B.S.; University of Tennessee at Martin

Biography:

After completing a fellowship at the Vitreo-Retinal Foundation (now the VRF Eye Specialty Group), Dr. Duncan was on staff of the VRF referral center for a year. On the SCO faculty since 1998, Dr. Duncan is the instructor of record for Anterior Segment Disease and Management, Posterior Segment Disease and Management II, and Common Optometric Procedures Seminar. Dr. Duncan is also involved in a successful private practice. He lectures on diabetic eye disease to local HMO's and anterior segment disease for various continuing education events.

First Appt: 2008

Academic Background:

2008; Residency; Primary Care Optometry, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Memphis, TN
2007; O.D.; Southern College of Optometry
2003; B.S.; Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Biography:

An associate professor, Dr. Elkins serves as Chair of Optometric Education, Clinical Lab Director in The Eye Center, and as a clinical instructor in the adult primary care clinic of The Eye Center.  Dr. Elkins is also the faculty advisor for the SCO Virginia and North Carolina students' clubs. 

Dr. Elkins is an active member of the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians, American Optometric Association, American Academy of Optometry, and the West Tennessee Optometric Physicians Society. 
 

First Appt: 2008

Academic Background:

2013; M.S.; Pharmacology/Toxicology, Michigan State University
2004; Residency; Primary Care Optometry, VA Medical Center, Memphis
2001; O.D.; Southern College of Optometry
1996; B.S.; University of Memphis

Biography:

Dr. Scott Ensor teaches the Systemic Pharmacology Courses. Since becoming a faculty member, Dr. Ensor has lectured both locally and internationally.

Prior to joining the SCO faculty, Dr. Ensor served as Assistant Center Director at Eye Health Partners of Middle Tennessee, a multi-location optometric referral center in Nashville, Tennessee. In addition to serving a large patient base, Dr. Ensor presented lectures on ocular disease and surgical co-management to a network of over 300 optometrists and also served as the supervisor of the Ocular Disease residency program. His professional areas of interest include glaucoma, retinal pathology, surgical co-management, and the promotion of optometric residency programs. 

Dr. Ensor is a member of the American Optometric Association, Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians, and the West Tennessee Optometric Physicians Society.
 

First Appt: 2009

Academic Background:

B.S., 1993, Northeastern State University -- Tahlequah, Oklahoma
O.D., 1996, Northeastern State University -- Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Residency, 1997, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Memphis, TN

Biography:

Dr. Trish Walker received her Doctor of Optometry from Northeastern State University in Oklahoma and completed her residency training at the Memphis Veterans Affairs Medical Center. She has extensive co-management experience, including practicing in Huntsville, Alabama, where she was the Associate Center Director of Vision America, a co-management referral center, for four years. At Southern Eye Associates in Memphis, she was involved in all aspects of patient care with an emphasis on refractive surgery patients. Dr. Walker serves as Chief of Adult Primary Care.

She is a member of the American Optometric Association, the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians, and the Optometric Council on Refractive Technology.

First Appt: 2021
Academic Bacground:
Residency, 2021, Brain Injury Vision Rehabilitation and Vision Therapy, Southern College of Optometry
O.D., 2020, University of Missouri—St. Louis College of Optometry
B.S., 2016, Indiana University

Biography:

Dr. Patrick Fiddler is an assistant professor at Southern College of Optometry. He was the first resident to complete the Brain Injury Vision Rehabilitation and Vision Therapy residency established at Southern College of Optometry in 2021. He earned his Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Missouri – St. Louis College of Optometry in 2020. He earned dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Neuroscience and Biology from Indiana University in 2016. 
Dr. Fiddler’s passions are teaching students and serving traumatic brain injury patients. During his residency, he was invited to lecture to students on brain injury in their vision therapy course, and for other optometrists through the Optometric Extension Program Foundation. He also provided care to patients outside of The Eye Center at Southern College of Optometry at various rehabilitation hospitals in the Memphis area. He is a part of the Neuro-Optometric Rehabilitation Association, the College of Vision Development, and the American Academy of Optometry. He is currently in the process of obtaining his fellowship in all three organizations. Beyond optometry, Dr. Fiddler looks to pursue further education in the field Neuroscience. 
Outside of seeing patients, Dr. Fiddler enjoys spending time with his wife. They enjoy hiking, spending time with their dogs, and exploring Memphis. 

First Appt: 2007

Academic Background:

1984; O.D.; The Ohio State University
1980; B.S.; Purdue University

Biography:

Daniel G. Fuller, OD, FAAO Dipl., FSLS is a Professor and serves as Chief of the Cornea Contact Lens Service of The Eye Center at Southern College of Optometry.

He received his BS degree in 1980 from Purdue University and Doctor of Optometry degree in 1984 from The Ohio State University, College of Optometry. He began his career in a hospital-based setting in the US Navy, serving for eight years. He spent 17 years in private practice as owner of a multi-site, solo practice emphasizing medical eye, and specialty contact lens services. His career in academia began in 1987. He holds the rank of Professor, is the Chief, Cornea Contact Lens Service, and founding Supervisor of the Cornea Contact Lens Refractive Surgery residency at The Eye Center, Southern College of Optometry. He lectures nationally, has authored numerous peer-reviewed papers, posters, and performs original clinical research. He is a Diplomate in Cornea Contact Lenses and Refractive Technologies in the American Academy of Optometry, and Fellow of the Scleral Lens Education Society. He has held multiple chairs of leadership serving local, state and national organizations. He received the inaugural Educator of the Year award from the Gas Permeable Lens Institute.

First Appt: 1998

Academic Background:

1998; Residency; Ocular Disease, Southern Eye Associates, Memphis, TN
1997; O.D.; Southern College of Optometry
1993; B.S.; Biology, Indiana University

Biography:

Dr. Michael Gerstner is a professor and Chief of the Advanced Care Ocular Disease Service in The Eye Center at Southern College of Optometry. He is also a partner at Midtown Eye Care, a private practice located in Memphis. 

Dr. Gerstner is active in the West Tennessee Optometric Physicians Society, and is a member of the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians and the American Optometric Association. His professional areas of interest include cornea disease, retina disease, glaucoma and surgical co-management. 

Dr. Gerstner is married and has two children. He is a sports and music fanatic, and is a self-proclaimed grill master. 

First Appt: 2008

Academic Background:

1978; O.D.; Southern College of Optometry

Biography:

Dr. Goldring joined the faculty in 2008 after being an externship preceptor since 1993. He has maintained a successful solo private practice in Senatobia, Mississippi for over 30 years, bringing both clinical expertise and practice management experience to his time as a clinical faculty member in The Eye Center. Dr. Goldring is the faculty advisor of the Private Practice club at SCO, where he works closely with the leadership to establish long-term goals. 

Dr. Goldring holds memberships in both the Tennessee Optometric Association of and the Mississippi Optometric Association and is active in the Lions and Rotary clubs of Senatobia. 
 

First Appt: 2013

Academic Background:

2013; Residency; Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital, Sacaton, Arizona 
2012; O.D.; Southern California College of Optometry
2006; B.S.; University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia

Biography:

Dr. Rachel Grant, a native of British Columbia, is an associate professor at the Southern College of Optometry, where she supervises student clinician examinations in The Eye Center. Dr. Grant's areas of interest include ocular disease, diabetes, low vision, and public health.

Dr. Grant is a member of the American Optometric Association, and is licensed to provide care in Tennessee, Arizona, and British Columbia. She is actively involved in volunteer eye care on local, national, and international levels, and has traveled on service trips to El Salvador, Kenya, and Tanzania. Dr. Grant is fluent in French.
 

First Appt: 2020

Academic Background:

1993; O.D.; Northeastern Oklahoma State University College of Optometry 
1989; B.A.; General Science with emphasis in Chemistry and Biochemistry, Harding University

Biography:

Dr. Hall is a 1989 graduate of Harding University and earned his Doctor of Optometry from Northeastern Oklahoma State University College of Optometry in Tahlequah, Oklahoma in 1993.  After completing his degree he was in private practice in Brownsville, Tennessee.  In 1997 he joined Eldridge Eye Clinic in Okmulgee Oklahoma, and later became partners with Dr. James Ward in a multi-doctor, multi-location private practice in Okmulgee and Tulsa.  Dr. Hall practiced for 22 years in Oklahoma, specializing in complete primary eye care with emphasis on medical management of ocular pathology and trauma, as well as anterior segment lasers. Dr. Hall was the Oklahoma Young Optometrist of the Year in 2001.  He is a member of the American Optometric Association, the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians as well as the Northwest Tennessee Optometric Society and served as Society President in 1995.  Dr. Hall was also a member of the Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians having served on the Board of Directors on two occasions as well as serving as the President of the Association from 2016-2017. He has been married to his wife Suzette for over 30 years and they have two adult children as well as a wonderful daughter-in-law.  Dr. Hall enjoys spending time with his family, exercising and reading.    

First Appt: 2010

Academic Background:

1979; O.D.; State University of New York, State College of Optometry

Biography:

Before joining the Southern College of Optometry, Dr. Paul Harris was in private practice in Baltimore, MD. His accreditations include Fellowships in the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (1984), the Australasian College of Behavioral Optometry (1993), and the American Academy of Optometry (1999). He has published two series for the Optometric Extension Program Foundation (OEPF), an organization that he serves as President and a Clinical Curriculum Instructor.

Dr. Harris has published a number of articles, including award-winning ones, for the Journal of Optometric Vision Development and the Journal of the American Optometric Association. He served as the chief investigator of a vision therapy program in the Baltimore City Public Schools. 

In 1991, Dr. Harris founded the Baltimore Academy for Behavioral Optometry to expand the quantity and quality of behavioral optometric care available to the public. These courses, known as the Clinical Curriculum, are part of the OEPF's educational base.   The Clinical Curriculum provides hands-on post-graduate clinical education in the field of behavioral vision care. 

Dr. Harris brings a passion for understanding the "why" of the visual process. He enjoys directing his energies to student development through involvement in the classroom and clinic along with establishing new clinical research initiatives and then publishing the results.
 

First Appt: 2015

Academic Background:

B.B.A., 1986, Loma Linda University, La Sierra Campus
O.D., 1993, Southern California College of Optometry
M.S., 2009, The Ohio State University College of Optometry
Ph.D., 2014, The Ohio State University College of Optometry

Biography:

Dr. Kristina Haworth served as Assistant Professor at The Ohio State University from 2011-2015. While she was at Ohio State she earned both an M.S. and Ph.D. in Vision Science. Before that, she earned her O.D. from Southern California College of Optometry. Prior to her academic career, Dr. Haworth was part of an interdisciplinary ophthalmology and optometry practice for 7 years before opening her own solo optometric practice in California. 

At Southern College of Optometry, Dr. Haworth supervises clinicians in The Eye Center and at the University Eye Center. She also conducts research related to findings from her Ph.D. dissertation.
    
Dr. Haworth holds optometry licenses in California, Ohio, Oregon and Tennessee. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. Her research focus is in ocular surface and dry eye conditions. She has published manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals and has presented some of her findings at national annual meetings of the American Academy of Optometry and the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) through scientific papers and posters.
 

First Appt: 2007

Academic Background:

1993; Residency; Geriatric & Vision Rehabilitation Optometry, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Birmingham, AL
1992; O.D.; The Ohio State University
1987; B.S.; Jackson State University

Biography:

Dr. Heard was an assistant professor of Clinical Optometry at The Ohio State University College of Optometry (TOSUCO) until 2007 when she joined the faculty at the Southern College of Optometry. Now a professor, Dr. Heard’s areas of interest include diabetes patient education, nutrition and eye health, ocular disease management, and vision care for individuals with behavioral conditions. 

In 2005, she authored The Optometry Drug Guide: Informed Decision-Making at the Point of Care, which is updated annually.

Dr. Heard is a member of the American Optometric Association (AOA), National Optometric Association (NOA), Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians (TAOP), West Tennessee Optometric Physicians Society (WTOPS), Optometric Retina Society, and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. She is currently a Council on Optometric Practitioner Education (COPE) Reviewer, SCO Vision Therapy & Rehabilitation Residency co-supervisor, and Chair of the ASCO Optometry Diversity and Cultural Competency Committee. 

Dr. Heard received the Epsilon Psi Epsilon Outstanding Clinical Instructor Award in 1997 and the NOA Optometrist of the Year in 1998. She is a volunteer for AOA Vision USA. Since 2001, Dr. Heard has served as a clinical and senior examiner for the National Board of Examination in Optometry Clinical Skills Examination. Dr. Heard served as Central Ohio Optometric Association Zone Governor in 2002. She was the 19th NOA President from 2003-05.
 

First Appt: 2015

Academic Background:

Residency, 2015, Memphis Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center
O.D., 2014, Southern College of Optometry
B.S., 2007, Millsaps College

Biography:

Dr. Mary Hoang earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Millsaps College in Jackson, MS and her Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry in 2014. Following graduation, Dr. Hoang completed a one year postgraduate residency in Hospital Based Primary Care Optometry at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Memphis, TN.

Dr. Hoang currently serves as an assistant professor, supervising student clinicians in Adult Primary Care. She is a member of the American Optometric Association, Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians, and West Tennessee Optometric Physicians Society. Dr. Hoang is licensed to provide optometric care in the states of Tennessee and Mississippi. Her professional areas of interest include primary care and ocular disease.
 

First Appt: 2019

Academic Background:

Residency, 2018, Primary Care Optometry, Memphis VA Hospital
O.D., 2017, Southern College of Optometry
B.A., 2013, Davidson College

Biography:

Dr. Hogan attended Davidson College in Charlotte, NC where she earned her degree in studio art with a pre-medical concentration. She also played for Davidson’s varsity DI tennis team.  Dr. Hogan then received her O.D. degree from Southern College of Optometry in 2017, and completed her primary care residency in 2018 at the Memphis VA Hospital.  Prior to her SCO faculty appointment she practiced at a referral center, focusing on post-operative care and minor procedures.

Dr. Hogan currently serves SCO as a an assistant professor supervising student clinicians in the Ocular Disease and Primary Care departments. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry.  Her professional areas of interest include ocular disease with a focus on minor medical procedures.  

First Appt: 2001

Academic Background:

2001; Residency; Cornea and Contact Lens, The Ohio State University
2001; M.S.; The Ohio State University
1999; O.D.; Southern College of Optometry
1991; B.S.; Memphis State University

Biography:

After completing his residency, Dr. Jackson joined the SCO faculty and is currently a professor.  Dr. Jackson teaches courses in geometrical, visual, and physical optics and contact lens practice. He also performs clinical research and was the principal investigator at SCO for the ACHIEVE Study, which examined the role that glasses and contact lenses play in self-perception in children.

Dr. Jackson’s professional area of interest lies in specialty contact lenses, particularly in contact lens corneal reshaping (orthokeratology). He is the co-author of two textbook chapters on ortho-K, one in Bennett and Weissman's Clinical Contact Lens Practice and one in Bennett and Henry's Clinical Manual of Contact Lenses. He is a contributing editor for the journal Contact Lens Spectrum and has written articles on numerous contact lens topics.

Dr. Jackson is a member of the American Optometric Association, Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians, West Tennessee Optometric Physicians Society, and a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry.
 

First Appt: 2007

Academic Background:

2007; Residency; Primary Eye Care, Memphis Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center, Memphis, TN
2006; O.D.; Southern College of Optometry
2002; B.S.; Tennessee Technological University

Biography:

Dr. Jones is an Associate Professor at Southern College of Optometry.

Dr. Jones is a member of the American Optometric Association, the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians, and the West Tennessee Optometric Physicians Society.

First Appt: 2019

Academic Background:

Residency, 2019, Cornea and Contact Lens Management, Illinois College of Optometry
O.D., 2018, Southern College of Optometry
B.S., 2014, Auburn University

Biography:

Dr. Laurel Kelley earned her Bachelor of Science from Auburn University and her Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry. After graduation, she completed a one-year postgraduate residency in Cornea and Contact Lenses at the Illinois College of Optometry.

As a native Memphian, Dr. Kelley returned to SCO after residency and currently serves as an assistant professor, supervising student clinicians in the Adult Primary Care and Contact Lens departments at The Eye Center and TearWell Dry Eye Center at the Focal Point satellite clinic. She also serves as the Instructor of Record for Theory & Methods II Laboratory for first year students. Her professional areas of interest include anterior segment disease, ocular surface disease, specialty contact lenses, and research. Dr. Kelley is a member of the Scleral Lens Society, American Optometric Association, and Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry.

First Appt:1999

Academic Background:

1999; Residency; Ocular Disease Program, Omni Eye Services, Memphis, Tennessee
1998; O.D.; Southern College of Optometry
1992; B.A.; West Virginia University

Biography:

Dr. Kerr joined the faculty at Southern College of Optometry in 1999 as a full-time Instructor. She was the instructor of record for OPT 334 "Special Topics in Contemporary Eyecare" for 8 years and serves as clinical faculty in The Eye Center in Adult Primary Care Services. She also provides clinical instruction and patient care in area nursing homes and assisted living facilities as part of SCO's external clinical curriculum. Her professional interests include glaucoma management, diabetic and hypertensive retinopathy, and surgical co-management. 

Dr. Kerr is a member of the American Optometric Association, the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians, and the West Tennessee Optometric Physician Society.
 

First Appt: 2013

Academic Background:

2013; Residency; Memphis Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center
2012; O.D.; Southern College of Optometry
2008; B.A.; Wichita State University

Biography:

Dr. Keys is an Associate Professor, supervising student clinicians in Adult Primary Care and in the Nursing Home/Assisted Living Program. Her professional areas of interest include primary care and ocular disease. 

Dr. Keys is a member of the American Optometric Association, Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians and West Tennessee Optometric Physicians Society.
 

First Appt: 2017

Academic Background:

Residency, 2017, Cornea and Contact Lens Residency from Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry
O.D., 2016, Southern College of Optometry
B.A., 2012, University of St. Thomas

Biography:

Before coming to Tennessee, Dr. Tyler Kitzman received a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. He then came to Memphis where he earned his Doctor of Optometry Degree from Southern College of Optometry. After graduation Dr. Kitzman pursued a one-year residency in Cornea and Contact Lens at Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry. Upon completion, he returned to Southern College of Optometry as a Clinical Instructor. He is licensed in Tennessee and Oklahoma.
 
Dr. Kitzman currently serves as an Assistant Professor in the Cornea and Contact Lens department as well as the Adult Primary Care suites in The Eye Center. He is also a member of the American Optometric Association. 

First Appt: 2015

Academic Background:

2015; Residency; Memphis Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center 
2014; O.D.; Southern College of Optometry
2008; B.S.; University of Memphis

Biography:

Dr. Brian Knight is a native Memphian who graduated from the University of Memphis in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in biology. Dr. Knight received his Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern College of Optometry in 2014. He completed his residency in Hospital Based Primary Care Optometry at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Memphis, TN.

Dr. Knight currently serves as an Assistant Professor, supervising student clinicians in Adult Primary Care and in the Anterior Segment lab. Dr. Knight is also a member of the American Optometric Association and West Tennessee Optometric Physicians Society. His clinical interests include Primary Care and Ocular Disease.

First Appt: 2022

Academic Background:

2022: Residency, Pediatric Optometry, Vision Therapy, and Vision Rehabilitation, Southern College of Optometry
2021: O.D., State University of New York State College of Optometry
2016: B.S., Integrative Neuroscience, Binghamton University

Biography:

Dr. Lisa Wadolowski Koehler is an assistant professor serving patients in the Pediatric, Teen, and Vision Therapy departments at The Eye Center at Southern College of Optometry. Originally from New York, Dr. Koehler moved to Memphis, TN in 2021 to complete a residency in Pediatric Optometry, Vision Therapy, and Vision Rehabilitation. During residency, Dr. Koehler worked in the pediatric and vision therapy internal clinics as well as external clinics serving the greater Memphis area such as school screenings, Mobileyes, and Youth Villages. Following her residency, she joined faculty and remained at Southern College of Optometry where she teaches and works with third- and fourth-year student clinicians. Her areas of clinical interest include visual development, infant and toddler eye care, and vision therapy.

First Appt: 2007

Academic Background:

2007; Residency; Primary Eye Care, Southern College of Optometry
2006; O.D.; Southern College of Optometry 
1996; B.A.; Rhodes College

Biography:

Following graduation from SCO, Dr. Lebowitz completed a residency in primary care at the Memphis Veterans Affairs Medical Center and continues to serve patients there as a contract physician.  Dr. Lebowitz also joined the faculty at SCO is currently serving as associate professor.  

Originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, Dr. Lebowitz has been a Memphian since graduating from Rhodes College in 1996 and lives in the midtown area.

Dr. Lebowitz is a member of the American Optometric Association, Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians, and the West Tennessee Optometric Physicians Society
 

First Appt: 2013

Academic Background:

2012; Residency; Ochsner Medical Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
2011; O.D.; Southern College of Optometry
2006; B.S.; Louisiana State University

Biography:

Dr. Lepine currently serves as an Associate Professor, supervising student clinicians in Adult Primary Care and Teen Clinic. Her professional areas of interest include adult primary care and pediatrics.

Dr. Lepine is a member of the American Optometric Association, Optometric Association of Louisiana, Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians, and West Tennessee Optometric Physicians Society. Dr. Lepine is licensed to provide optometric care in Tennessee, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

First Appt: 2000

Academic Background:

2006; M.S.; Western University, School of Health and Public Administration
1995; O.D.; Illinois College of Optometry
1991; B.S.; Tulane University

Biography:

Dr. Lievens is the Chief of Internal Clinics at Southern College of Optometry. He also holds the academic rank of professor. Dr. Lievens has been employed in private practice, an ophthalmology referral center, and he served in the United States Air Force. 

Dr. Lievens has published scientific research and has lectured on topics dealing with eye disease, contact lens solutions and optometric management. Dr. Lievens is the co-creator of the funduscopic grading card. He is also a peer reviewer for six optometric and ophthalmologic journals. Dr. Lievens was the former Tennessee state consultant on Healthy Eyes Healthy People and was Southern College of Optometry's representative to the American Optometric Association. 

Publications and Presentations:

Publications

Retinal Changes during Pregnancy
Review of Optometry: March 2008

Evaluation of some factors affecting the agreement between the Proview Eye Pressure monitor and the Goldmann applanation tonometer measurements
Clinical and Experimental Optometry: 2007

Macular Degeneration
The Best Times Memphis Magazine: August 2007

Using the Original Judd-Lievens C/D ratio grading card (JLC) to Improve Interobserver Reliability
Journal of Optometric Education: Winter 2006

The Use of Nonmydriatic Cameras to diagnose DM Retinopathy
Review of Optometry, Retina Supplement: November 2006

The Thyroid Gland and its Importance to Eye Care
Review of Optometry: November 2006

Effect of Proview self-tonometry on pharmaceutical compliance
Clinical and Experimental Optometry: November 2006

Biocompatible Disinfection for Contact Lens Care
Contact Lens Spectrum, Supplement: August 2006

Ocular Surface Compromise with Contact Lens Wear
Review of Optometry, Supplement: April 2006

EHRs and the Optometric Practice
Contributor to Optometry Journal, February 2006

The Effect of Multipurpose Solutions on the Ocular Surface
Eye & Contact Lens Journal, January 2006

The Adolescent and Child Health Initiative to Encourage Vision Empowerment
Optometry and Vision Science (ACHIEVE Study Group): 2005

Why test for blood pressure?  The implications of JNC VII
Review of Optometry, November 2004

Strengthening the profession through mentoring 2004
Optometry, Journal of the AOA, June 2004

Antioxidants and Zinc reduce risk of vision loss from age-related macular degeneration
Midsouth Wellness Guide, November2003

At-home IOP monitoring accurate, repeatable
Primary Care Optometry News, October 2003

An update on AREDS
Review of Optometry, September 2003

Comparing goblet cell densities in patients wearing disposable hydrogel contact lenses vs. silicone hydrogel contact lenses in an extended wear modality
Eye & Contact Lens Journal, October 2003

Utilizing the ProviewTM eye pressure monitor in a pediatric population
Journal of Optometric Vision Development: Summer 2003

Who really has diabetic retinopathy?
Review of Optometry: September 2002

Hiring a new optometrist
Optometric Management: July 2002

Poster Presentations

Uveitis Rounds
SECO: February 2007

The Effect of Multipurpose Solutions on the Ocular Surface II
AAO: December 2006

Differential Diagnosis of Roth’s Spots
SECO: February 2006

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) rounds
SECO: February 2006

Using the Original Judd-Lievens C/D ratio grading card (JLC) to Improve Interobserver Reliability
AAO (055273): December 2005

Effect of ProviewTM self-tonometry on pharmaceutical compliance
AAO (055261): December 2005

Factors Associated With Spectacle Satisfaction of Children
ARVO (ACHIEVE Study Group): May 2005

Repeatability and validity of spectacle surveys for children
AAO & Poster Society of Clinical Trials (ACHIEVE Study Group): December 2004 & May 2005

Asymptomatic band keratopathy secondary to herpetic inflammation
SECO: February 2005

Digital grand rounds test and self assessment
SECO: February 2005

The adolescent and child health initiative to encourage vision empowerment study
AAO (ACHIEVE Study Group): December 2004

The effect of multi-purpose contact lens solutions on the ocular surface
AAO: December 2004

Epiretinal membrane 2° pseudotumor cerebri with spontaneous regression
AAO: December 2004

COACH (Computer objective analysis of conjunctival hyperemia)
AAO: December 2004

Ocular hyperemic effect of Vigamox versus Zymar
AAO: December 2004

Differential diagnosis of organic versus inorganic nearpoint symptomatology
AOA: June 2004

Thyroid eye disease update
SECO 2003

Utilizing the ProviewTM eye pressure monitor in a pediatric population
Poster AOA: June 2003

Multidisciplinary care of a rare retinal pathology:  Gyrate Atrophy 
Poster AOA: June 2003

Rare atypical sector retinitis pigmentosa
SECO: February 2003

Corneal dystrophies
SECO: February 2003

Application for problem-based learning within traditional optometric curricula
AAO: December 2002

The management of anhydrotic ectodermal dysplasia
AOA: June 2002

Gaze-evoked jerk nystagmus in multiple sclerosis
AOA: June 2002

Assessing the accuracy of the ProviewTM eye pressure monitor
AOA: June 2002

Myasthenia gravis
SECO: February 2002

Epiretinal membrane 2° pseudotumor cerebri
SECO: February 2002

Stargardt’s maculopathy masquerade as Hysterical amblyopia
AOA Congress: June 2001

Continuing Education Lectures

IOP and Glaucoma
Mississippi Optometric Association: November 2008

Multipurpose Contact Lens Solutions
Mississippi Optometric Association: November 2008

Diabetes and the Eye
Great Western Council of Optometry: October 2008

The Criticality of IOP
Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians: September 2008

Top Strategies to Avoid a Malpractice Lawsuit
Southern Eye Associates: June 2008

Multipurpose Solutions Update
Southern Eye Associates: June 2008

Injections Workshop
North Carolina Optometric Society Spring Meeting: June 2008

Multipurpose Solutions Update
North Carolina Optometric Society Spring Meeting: June 2008

Update on Glaucoma and Allergy
Sioux Falls SD Optometric Society: May 2008

The Criticality of IOP
Kansas Eye Services Annual Meeting: May 2008

Optometric Malpractice Avoidance
Michigan Eye Center Spring Conference: April 2008

Ocular Effects of Medications
Michigan Eye Center Spring Conference: April 2008

Medication Considerations for Children
Detroit/Cherry Optical: April 2008

Contact Lens Complications and Anterior Segment Disease
Arkansas Optometric Association: April 2008

Top Strategies to Avoid a Malpractice Lawsuit
Tennessee Optometric Association: February 2008

Prevention of Microbial Keratitis
Tennessee Optometric Association: February 2008

Ocular Effects of Glaucoma Medications
St. Louis Optometric Society: December 2007

Strategies for Minimizing Risk Factors for the SCL Patient: The Science and Facts
Optometric Local Society Meetings (8): 2007-08

Glaucoma Update
Pennsylvania Optometric Association: November 2007

Multipurpose Solutions Update
Armed Forces Optometric Society, AAO: October 2007

Ocular Effects of Medications
Harbor University: October 2007

Healthy Sight Counseling for Children
Harbor University: October 2007

What’s New and Old in Glaucoma and Allergy
Oklahoma Optometric Association: October 2007

Challenges with Multipurpose Solutions
Oklahoma Optometric Association: October 2007

The Ocular Surface and Contact Lenses
Southern Eye Associates: July 2007

Testing Intraocular Pressure
AOA Congress: June 2007

Have We Gotten Too Multipurpose?
Kansas Optometric Association: April 2007

Practicing “Eyes Wide Open”: Optometric Malpractice Avoidance
Kansas Optometric Association: April 2007

Entrance Testing Workshop
Kansas Optometric Association: April 2007

Emerging Trends in the Treatment of Glaucoma and Allergy 
SCO CE Program: April 2007

Corneal Integrity: Contact Lens and Solution Biocompatibility 
SCO CE Program: April 2007

Injectables Workshop
North Carolina Optometric Association: November 2006

Medical Terminology
North Carolina Optometric Association: November 2006

Update on the Use and Advances in Lensometry
North Carolina Optometric Association: November 2006

Advanced Coding Strategies for the Optometric Practice
SCO CE Program: September 2005, April 2006, October 2006, September 2007

The Ever-Evolving Pre-Examination Workup
AOA Congress: June 2006, AOA Congress: June 2007

Meet Your Patient!  Taking and Documenting a Comprehensive and Valuable Case History
AOA Congress: June 2006, AOA Congress: June 2007

Special Topic Symposium: Innovations in Contact Lens Practice
SCO CE program: April 2006

Cornea Grand Rounds
Bay Point CE Program: March 2005

Glaucoma update and Introcular pressure measurement
Kansas Optometric Association: April 2005

Diabetes impact on public health and internal ocular disease
Kansas Optometric Association: April 2005

Pre-examination workup
Kansas Optometric Association: April 2005

Case history and patient education
Kansas Optometric Association: April 2005

The public health impact of diabetes mellitus
West Virginia Optometric Association: November 2004

Systemic retinopathies: Grand rounds
West Virginia Optometric Association: November 2004

Glaucoma update and review of landmark research
Bay Point CE Program: May 2004

Vitamins and their role in macular degeneration
SCO CE Program October 2002

Differential diagnoses of diabetic retinopathy
SCO CE program: April 2001

Other / Ongoing Research

Examination of lipid deposition on extended wear contact lenses
Multi-center (international) study Ongoing: Recruitment Phase

Examination of lipid deposition on daily wear contact lenses
Multi-center (international) study Ongoing: Recruitment Phase

Examination of changes in corneal morphology via confocal imaging with short-term wear of soft contact lenses
Ongoing: Recruitment Phase

Amblyopia Treatment Study (ATS)
Masked Examiner: Ongoing

ACHIEVE Study Group
Masked Examiner: Ongoing

Editorial comments IJO
Computer Vision Syndrome: A study of the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice in Indian Ophthalmologists: May 2006

Editorial comments IJO
Determinants of the progress of myopia among Omani school children - A historical cohort study: June 2005

Editorial comments IJO
Perceived Barriers to the Provision of Low Vision Services among Ophthalmologists in India: May 2005

Coopervision totally toric CD-ROM
Coopervision CD-ROM: June 2002

Giant papillary conjunctivitis
Review article AOCLE living library: December 2001

Effect of colored lenses on brightness perception and contrast sensitivity
Research provided for Ozmix Corporation:  July 1994-May 1995

First Appt: 2023

Academic Background:

2004; Residency: Vision Therapy and Rehabilitation State University of New York State College of Optometry
2003; O.D.: Illinois College of Optometry
1999; B.S.: Health Sciences, Benedictine University

Biography:

Following his residency, Dr. David Maze purchased a private practice with an emphasis on Pediatrics and Vision Therapy. In 2008 he began teaching 4th year interns from Illinois College of Optometry as an adjunct clinical faculty member of Illinois College of Optometry In 2019 Dr. Maze opened a second private practice, specifically a vision therapy only center. In 2022 Dr. Maze and his family decided to relocate to Tennessee from Illinois.

Dr. David Maze is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO) and a Fellow of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD).

Dr. Maze currently supervises students in a clinical setting at The Eye Center at SCO. His areas of professional interest include: pediatric eye care, vision therapy, and neuro-optometric diseases.

Dr. Maze enjoys spending time with his wife and three sons, and is an avid runner and occasional triathlete. He also enjoys rooting for his hometown baseball team the Chicago Whitesox.

First Appt: 2017

Academic Background:

Residency, 2017, Pediatric Optometry/Vision Therapy and Rehabilitation, Southern College of Optometry
O.D., 2016, Southern College of Optometry
B.S., 2012, Harding University

Biography:

Before moving to Memphis, Dr. Darah McDaniel-Chandler earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Harding University in Arkansas. After receiving her doctor of optometry in 2016 from the Southern College of Optometry, she completed a residency in pediatric optometry and vision therapy and rehabilitation. 

Dr. Chandler serves as a Assistant Professor for the MobilEyes Program, a mobile eye clinic that performs eye exams at schools throughout the community. She also supervises students in the clinical areas of pediatric optometry, vision therapy, and adult primary care. She enjoys helping patients of all ages achieve their visual needs as well as helping students become excellent doctors of optometry.  She is licensed to practice in Tennessee and Arkansas and is a member of the American Academy of Optometry (AAO) and the College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD). She enjoys spending time outdoors, hiking, and photography. 

First Appt: 2011

Academic Background:

2011; Residency; Family Practice Optometry, UAB Eye Care, Birmingham, AL
2010; O.D.; University of Alabama at Birmingham
2000; M.P.H.; University of Alabama at Birmingham
1998; B.S.; Biomedical Sciences, University of South Alabama

Biography:

Prior to entering the optometric field, Dr. McGriff worked as an epidemiology fellow for the United States Air Force at Brooks City Base in San Antonio, TX, and served as a program coordinator for the UAB School of Public Health. 

At SCO, Dr. McGriff sees patients in the Adult Primary Care Clinic in The Eye Center. Dr. McGriff teaches Basic and Medical Pathology and assists in the Public Health course. He also serves as Director of Service-Learning for FOCUS, SCO’s service-learning curriculum. 

Dr. McGriff is a member of the American Optometric Association, the Tennessee Optometric Physician Association, and the Tennessee Public Health Association.

First Appt:1998

Academic Background:

1996; Residency; Primary Care Optometry, Southern College of Optometry
1995; O.D.; Indiana University    
1991; B.S.; Indiana University

Biography:

After completing her residency, Dr. Cheryl Mengelt worked for Lifesigns, Inc. in Memphis, Tennessee before returning to the Southern College of Optometry as a full-time faculty member in 1998.  She was promoted to associate professor in 2009. Dr. Mengelt served as Coordinator of Community Outreach for The Eye Center. Dr. Mengelt has also provided didactic instruction in various lecture and laboratory courses. She has been twice named Didactic Teacher of the Year.  She is responsible for the Externship and Residency programs for the College.

Dr. Mengelt’s professional clinical areas of interest include adult primary care and ocular disease management. 

Dr. Mengelt is a member of the American Optometric Association (AOA), Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians, and the West Tennessee Optometric Physician's Society. She has been a clinical and senior examiner for the National Board of Examiners in Optometry since 1999 and as the Assistant Site Director for the Memphis exam since 2008. She has served as Southern College of Optometry's AOA Healthy Eyes for Healthy People representative, chaired the Faculty Affairs Committee for several terms and has also served the faculty in the capacity of Secretary and Vice-Chair. Dr. Mengelt has been certified as a CPR Instructor through the American Red Cross and provides CPR training to the SCO third and fourth year students.

First Appt: 2011

Academic Background:

2011; Residency; Cornea, Contact Lens & Refractive Surgery, Southern College of Optometry
2007; O.D.; Nova Southeastern University
2006; B.S.; Vision Science, Nova Southeastern University
2003; B.S.; Microbiology and Cell Science, University of Florida

Biography:

After receiving her O.D., Dr. Newman practiced at the Malcom Randall VA Medical Center in Gainesville, FL. After three years of practice, she completed a residency in Cornea, Contact Lens & Refractive Surgery at Southern College of Optometry. Dr. Newman then joined the faculty at SCO. She is a clinical instructor in The Eye Center in the Cornea and Contact Lens Service.

Dr. Newman is a member of the American Academy of Optometry and West Tennessee Optometric Physicians Society.
 

First Appt: 2017

Academic Background:

Residency, 2017, Pediatric Optometry, Michigan College of Optometry
O.D., 2016, University of Waterloo

Biography:

Morgan Ollinger, OD, FAAO, is an Assistant Professor at Southern College of Optometry. Dr. Ollinger completed his Doctor of Optometry through the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science in 2016. He went on to complete a residency in Pediatric Optometry through the Michigan College of Optometry in 2017, and joined the faculty of Southern College of Optometry the same year. Dr. Ollinger is a Fellow of both the American Academy of Optometry and the College of Optometrists in Vision Development. He is also a member of the Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group (PEDIG). Apart from research assignments, Dr. Ollinger oversees students in pediatric primary care and vision therapy clinics.

Dr. Ollinger’s areas of research interest are centered around pediatric vision and reading. He has overseen several student research projects, and is currently involved in multiple studies investigating the use of atropine for myopia control. Dr. Ollinger enjoys the challenges of working with students to conduct research, and looks forward to continuing to investigate clinical questions.
 

First Appt: 2004

Academic Background:

2004; Residency; Pediatric Optometry, Southern College of Optometry
2003; O.D.; University of Missouri-St. Louis
1998; B.S.; Truman State University

Biography:

Dr. Janette Dumas Pepper is an associate professor at Southern College of Optometry. She provides patient care as an attending optometrist at The Eye Center in Pediatric Primary Care and Vision Therapy. In the didactic setting, she teaches Optometry Theory and Methods IV and is involved with laboratories in pediatrics, vision therapy, strabismus, and amblyopia. She has served as an investigator on multi-center research studies on amblyopia and on the correction of hyperopia in children. Dr. Pepper is the Coordinator for Student Diversity & Inclusion, the Coordinator of Minority Recruitment, and advisor to the National Optometric Student Association and the Illinois Optometric Student Association at SCO. 

Dr. Pepper is a Fellow of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development and a member of the American Optometric Association, the National Optometric Association, Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians, and the West Tennessee Optometric Physicians Society. 
 

First Appt: 2022

Academic Background:

O.D., 2011 Southern College of Optometry
B.S., 2006, Mississippi State University

Biography:

Dr. Amy Perkins is a 2011 graduate of SCO. She practiced in Los Angeles at Laser Eye Center of Southern California where she saw refractive surgery patients primarily. She also practiced at Santa Monica Eye Medical Group and Vision To Learn. Since moving back to Tennessee, she has worked in private practice and consulted at SCO prior to officially joining the faculty. She serves in the Adult Primary Care Clinic as well as The Focal Point at Crosstown Concourse.

First Appt: 2018

Academic Background:

Ph.D., 2013, The Ohio State University
M.S., 2011, The Ohio State University
Residency, 1996, Ocular Disease, Eye Care Associates of Nevada
O.D., 1995, Pacific University
B.S., 1993, Pacific University
A.S., 1991, Centralia College

Biography:

Dr. Daniel Powell, an Associate Professor at SCO, serves as the instructor of record for the Human Anatomy and Physiology (OPT 112, 122) and Neuroanatomy (OPT113) courses. Dr. Powell’s professional and clinical research interests are in the areas of contact lens discomfort and dry eye. He has served as an investigator for industry-sponsored research projects, including Phase II and III FDA clinical trials involving novel dry eye therapies. Dr. Powell is currently an investigator for the multicenter Contact Lens Assessment in Symptomatic Subjects (CLASS) study group, whose aim is to learn more about the importance of ocular surface health and its contribution to contact lens comfort.

A Pacific Northwest native, Dr. Powell earned his undergraduate degrees in Biology and Vision Science from Centralia College and Pacific University, respectively. After earning his Doctor of Optometry degree from Pacific University, Dr. Powell completed an Ocular Disease residency in Reno, Nevada. After several years in clinical practice in a various practice settings, Dr. Powell relocated to Columbus, Ohio to complete his MS and PhD degrees in Vision Science at The Ohio State University. Before coming to SCO, Dr. Powell was faculty at the University of Houston where he taught anatomy and public health/healthcare policy in the College of Optometry in addition to his duties as a clinical scientist and faculty senator.

Dr. Powell is a member of the American Optometric Association, Association for Research and Vision in Ophthalmology and Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society. He serves as a Section Counselor for the Vision Care Section of the American Public Health Association.
 

First Appt: 2017

Academic Background:

Residency, 2017, Primary Care, Memphis Veterans Affairs Medical Center
O.D., 2016, Southern College of Optometry
B.S., 2012, University of Georgia

Biography:

Dr. Shaleen Ragha is an Assistant Professor at Southern College of Optometry, where she also received her Doctor of Optometry in 2016. Following graduation, she completed her postgraduate residency in primary care at the Memphis VAMC. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology at the University of Georgia.
 
Dr. Shaleen Ragha currently sees patients and supervises students in a clinical setting at The Eye Center at SCO, in the primary care and ocular disease department, as well as at The Focal Point. Dr. Ragha is licensed to practice in Tennessee and is a member of the American Optometric Association (AOA) and Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians (TAOP). Her areas of professional interest include primary care, ocular disease, and ocular manifestations of systemic disease. She has authored numerous publications on various topics in ocular disease. She particularly enjoys volunteering on a local and international level. Dr. Ragha also enjoys exploring Memphis and spending time with her friends and family.

First Appt: 2021

Academic Background:

Residency, 2021, Cornea and Contact Lens/Refractive Surgery, Southern College of Optometry and Eye Specialty Group
O.D., 2020, Southern College of Optometry
B.S., 2015, Christian Brothers University

Biography:

Dr. Chawan Rasheed is a native Memphian and earned both her Bachelor of Science (Christian Brothers University) and Doctor of Optometry (Southern College of Optometry) degrees in Memphis, TN. She completed a one-year postgraduate residency in Cornea and Contact Lens/Refractive Surgery at SCO and Eye Specialty Group. 

Her passion for academia encouraged Dr. Rasheed to remain at SCO after residency to join faculty supervising student clinicians in the Adult Primary Care, Contact Lens, and Nursing Home/Assisted Living departments.
 
Her professional areas of interest include anterior segment disease and specialty contact lenses. Dr. Rasheed is a member of the American Academy of Optometry, American Optometric Association, and the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians. Outside of optometry, she enjoys visiting Shelby Farms Park, exploring around Memphis, and trying new restaurants.

First Appt: 2022

Academic Background:
2022: Primary Care Residency; Southern College of Optometry
2022: MBA; Christian Brother’s University
2020: OD; Southern College of Optometry
2016: BS; Boise State University
2014: AS; College of Western Idaho

Biography:

Dr. Rayborn moved to Memphis, TN in 2016 to attend optometry school at the Southern College of Optometry. After graduation, she completed a two-year combined residency in Primary Care at the Southern College of Optometry with a Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management from Christian Brother’s University. During residency she also participated in ASCO’s Future Faculty Program. Upon completing residency, Dr. Rayborn joined the faculty at the Southern College of Optometry, where she works with third year student clinicians in Adult Primary Care. Her professional interests include ophthalmic optics, practice management, and telehealth.

First Appt: 2008

Academic Background:

1999; Ph.D.; University of Houston 
1989; Residency; Low Vision Rehabilitation, Pennsylvania College of Optometry 
1988; O.D.; University of California at Berkeley

Biography:

After completing his residency at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO), Dr. Reich joined PCO as a faculty member and researcher. In 1991, Dr. Reich left to enter the graduate program in physiological optics at the University of Houston and soon after was hired there as a Research Assistant Professor. After receiving his Ph.D., Dr. Reich joined the faculty of Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry (NSUCO) as Associate Professor.  He was Assistant Dean for Student Affairs from 2003 to 2008. In July 2008, Dr. Reich joined the Southern College of Optometry as Professor and Vice President for Academic Affairs. After serving as Interim President for nine months, Dr. Reich was named President by the Board of Trustees in January 2016.

Dr. Reich has a wealth of experience in teaching and research.  His research has been funded by the National Eye Institute as well as the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research. Dr. Reich has received extensive industry support, including funding for a summer student research program that he established in 2001. He has over a dozen peer-reviewed publications and has presented his research at dozens of national and international meetings. Dr. Reich is an active manuscript reviewer for major optometric and vision science journals and has served as a vision expert in legal cases.

Dr. Reich is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and serves on the Maintenance of Fellowship Committee and the Optometric Education Section's Diplomate Program Committee. He has served the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry as the Chair of the Optometry Admissions Test Committee, Chair of the Chief Academic Officers, and was the inaugural Chair of the OptomCAS Committee, leading the profession in the implementation of a centralized application service.
 

First Appt: 2006

Academic Background:

2006; Residency; Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Memphis, TN
2005; O.D.; Pennsylvania College of Optometry
2000; B.S.; Queens University, Kingston, Ontario

Biography:

Dr. Sanderson, a London, Ontario native, is an associate professor at the Southern College of Optometry where she supervises the primary care examinations of patients in the affiliated eye center. She assists in the second year anterior and posterior segment laboratories, teaches in a theory and method lab and is the instructor of record in a class that focuses on various diseases in a clinically relevant manner. She is the Assistant Director of Residency Programs.

Dr. Sanderson is a member of the American Optometric Association, Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians and West Tennessee Optometric Physicians Society. She is a consultant to the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, and is a regular instructor of the Injections Workshop held at the annual meeting.

First Appt: 2006

Academic Background:

2012; M.P.H.; University of Memphis        
1983; O.D.; Illinois College of Optometry
1977; B.S.; University of California, Riverside

Biography:

Upon graduation from the Illinois College of Optometry, Dr. Richard Savoy entered the United States Navy as an officer and optometrist. His military career lasted 23 years. Duties included assignments to various naval hospitals, naval air stations, and marine/navy recruit training bases. Dr. Savoy served as the Chief of Optometry at the Naval Air Station at Meridian, Mississippi and at the Naval Support Activity Mid-South at Millington, Tennessee. The highlight of his military career was duty as the officer responsible for two large military ambulatory care clinics in Pensacola, Florida from 1997 to 1999. In 1999, he received his Fellowship in the American Academy of Optometry (AAO). Dr. Savoy received numerous military awards while serving on active duty in the navy. 

Dr. Savoy joined the faculty at Southern College of Optometry immediately upon retirement from the military in 2006. In addition to assignment as a clinical instructor, he has taught laboratory courses in geometrical optics, ophthalmic optics and the theory/methods of optometry. Dr. Savoy headed the small-group clinical integrative analysis course at SCO for several years and is currently the lead instructor for the didactic ophthalmic optics course tract and the didactic public health course. He was named teacher of the year by the class of 2011 for the academic year 2007-2008 and by the class of 2015 for the academic year 2012-2013. 

In addition to membership in the AAO, Dr. Savoy is a member of the American Optometric Association, the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians, the American Public Health Association and the Tennessee Public Health Association. He is also a life member of the Armed Forces Optometric Association. Dr. Savoy has a special interest in short term overseas medical/optical missions and has accompanied SCO student mission groups to Nicaragua, Guatemala, Honduras, Belize and Haiti as the faculty advisor for the Fellowship of Christian Optometrists at SCO.

First Appt: 2011

Academic Background:

2002; Residency; Pediatric Optometry, State University of New York College of Optometry
2001; O.D.; Southern College of Optometry
1996; B.S.; University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Biography:

After completing her residency, Dr. Pamela Schnell became a faculty member at the State University of New York College of Optometry where she taught courses and supervised interns in the Pediatric and Infant Vision Clinics. She held clinical privileges at Woodhull Medical Center in Brooklyn, where she supervised externs and residents in the outpatient, inpatient, and emergency departments.  Dr. Schnell joined the SCO faculty in August 2011, where she works in the Pediatric and Vision Therapy Clinics. Her primary areas of interest include infant and toddler eye care, visual development, and the treatment and management of special populations.

Dr. Schnell has lectured at home and abroad, including several courses at the Israel Council of Optometry's annual meeting. She also taught the Binocular Vision course for the Master's Degree program at the Universidad de Aguascalientes in Mexico. She has presented posters at the American Academy of Optometry (AAO) and College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) national meetings, and has authored several textbook chapters in the area of pediatric eye care. 

Dr. Schnell is a Fellow of the AAO and a member of the COVD.
 

First Appt:1999

Academic Background:

1999; Residency; Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Memphis, Tennessee
1998; O.D.; Southern College of Optometry
1990; B.S.; Memphis State University

Biography:

Dr. Sparrow is an associate professor at SCO and is actively involved in clinical education. Dr. Sparrow is also the supervisor of the Residency in Primary Eye Care at SCO. Further, she was the staff optometrist at the Church Health Center, a multidisciplinary clinic that serves the working uninsured, for over 20 years. There, she was a preceptor for SCO's externship program.

Dr. Sparrow has been chosen for numerous teaching awards over the years. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Dr. Sparrow serves as the faculty advisor for Student Volunteers in Optometric Service to Humanity and Gamma Omicron, and is an active member of the SCO Lions Club. She is a member of the West Tennessee Optometric Physicians Society, the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians, a member of the American Optometric Association, and Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry.
 

First Appt: 2011

Academic Background:

2011; Residency; Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Memphis, Tennessee
2010; O.D.; Southern College of Optometry
2004; B.S.; Northeastern State University

Biography:

Dr. Esla Speth, a native of Durres, Albania, serves as Associate Professor supervising student clinicians in the areas of Adult Primary Care and School Screening Services. Her professional areas of interest include primary care, ocular disease, low vision rehabilitation and contact lenses. 

She is a member of the American Optometric Association and is licensed to provide optometric care in the states of Tennessee and Oklahoma. 
 

First Appt: 2015

Academic Background:

2017; M.S.; Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
2002; Residency; Low Vision Rehabilitation, William Feinbloom Low Vision Rehabilitation Center, Philadelphia, PA
2001; O.D.; Pennsylvania College of Optometry
1998; B.S.; Pennsylvania College of Optometry
1997; B.S.; University of Pittsburgh-Johnstown

Biography:

Prior to joining the SCO faculty, Dr. Squier was a staff optometrist at The Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired  and Illinois Eye Institute in Chicago, IL. She relocated to Memphis in 2015 to join the faculty at Southern College of Optometry.

Dr. Squier is the Chief of Low Vision Services and is also the Instructor of Record for SCO’s Vision Rehabilitation Course. Dr. Squier teaches interns and residents in the Low Vision Service as well as Adult Primary Care Clinic. Her research interests include low vision rehabilitation as well as public health aspects of visual impairment.

Dr. Squier is a Diplomate of the Low Vision Section of the American Academy of Optometry and is a member of the Executive Committee of the Low Vision Section. She is also a member of the American Public Health Association, Tennessee Public Health Association and the American Optometric Association. Dr. Squier has lectured and presented her research at local and international conferences on low vision.
 

First Appt: 2007

Academic Background:

2022: EdD, Higher and Adult Education, University of Memphis
2010; M.S.; Clinical Vision Research, Nova Southeastern University
2004; Residency; Primary Care with Emphasis in Pediatrics
2001; O.D.; Pennsylvania College of Optometry
1998; B.S.; Pennsylvania College of Optometry
1997; B.A.; Washington University

Biography:

Dr. Marc Taub is a professor and Chief of Vision Therapy and Rehabilitation Services at Southern College of Optometry. He teaches in the vision therapy and pediatric clinics. He is also the co-supervisor for the Pediatric and Vision Therapy Residency.

Dr. Taub is the Editor-in-Chief of the Optometry & Visual Performance and serves on the review board of Optometry Times. He has written numerous peer reviewed articles and has lectured and presented posters at international, national, and local conferences. He is the lead editor and a multiple chapter author on Visual Diagnosis and Care of the Patient with Special Needs and editor and chapter author on Visual Development, Treatment, and Diagnosis of the Pediatric Patient.

Dr. Taub is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and the College of Optometrist in Vision Development and is active in the Optometric Extension Program Foundation.

First Appt: 2004

Academic Background:

1994; Fellowship; College of Optometrists in Vision Development
1989; O.D.; Southern College of Optometry
1985; B.S.; East Tennessee State University

Biography:

Since entering optometry practice in 1989, Dr. Venable has served as Director of Special Services, Director of Referral Services, and Clinical Director for group private practices and referral centers while concentrating his clinical practice in pediatrics and binocular vision, laser vision correction and glaucoma. He has also been active in intern and resident programs having held adjunct faculty status at Southern College of Optometry, The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Optometry, and the University of Houston College of Optometry. 

In 2004, Dr. Venable joined the Faculty at SCO as an Assistant Professor and served as Chief of Vision Therapy Services in The Eye Center. He provided patient care and clinical instruction in the Adult Primary Care, Pediatric Primary Care and Vision Therapy Services and provided didactic instruction in 1st, 2nd and 3rd Professional Year courses. Since 2009 Dr. Venable has served as the Vice President for Clinical Programs. 

An accomplished speaker and specialist in vision care, Dr. Venable is a board certified Fellow in Pediatrics, Binocular Vision and Vision Therapy by the College of Optometrists in Vision Development. Dr. Venable is Past-President of the Tennessee Optometric Association (TOA), is the Chair of the American Optometric Association Pediatrics & Binocular Vision Committee, and has served on the National Speakers Bureau for Allergan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. He was the TOA's Optometrist of the Year for 2005. Dr. Venable's research interests center in binocular and pediatric vision and he served as co-investigator in the Correction of Hyperopia in Children Study (CHICS). Dr. Venable is a Peer Review Board member of the Journal of Behavioral Optometry.
 

First Appt: 1985

Academic Background:

1987; M.P.A.; University of Memphis
1985; Residency; Southern College of Optometry
1984; O.D.; Southern College of Optometry
1982; B.S.; Southern College of Optometry

Biography:

Dr. Wade has served in many capacities during her tenure at Southern College of Optometry (SCO). She has taught in both the didactic and clinical programs, served as Director of Applicant Resources, Chair of the Admissions Committee, and as the Director of Continuing Education. In 1994, she was named Vice-President for Institutional Advancement in which she served until 2006 when she left SCO to pursue an entrepreneurial enterprise. In 2014, Dr. Wade returned to SCO to teach Practice Management, and was named Director of the Hayes Center for Practice Excellence in 2015.

Dr. Wade has served the profession through numerous activities on behalf of the National Institutes of Health-National Eye Institute, the American Optometric Association, the Tennessee Optometric Association, Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry, the Southern Council of Optometrists, and the National Board of Examiners in Optometry. She has lectured extensively in the areas of public health, vision and learning, and business principles. 

She is a recipient of SCO’s Lifetime Achievement Award, the President’s Special Recognition Award for Service to the Profession, and was awarded the distinction Professor Emerita. Dr. Wade was named Executive of the Year by the Memphis Business Journal and one of the Top 50 Business Women in Mississippi by the Mississippi Business Journal. As a recipient of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company’s Platinum Bar and Shield Award, Dr. Wade’s business was recognized as one of the Top 6 Performing Dealerships in the US. Dr. Wade is a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International and recognized as Who’s Who in Mississippi.

First Appt: 2019

Academic Background:

Residency, 2019, Cornea/Contact Lens and Refractive Surgery, Southern College of Optometry
O.D., 2018, University of California at Berkeley’s School of Optometry
B.S., 2014, Indiana University Bloomington

Biography:

Dr. Lily Wang is an assistant professor at Southern College of Optometry, where she completed her postgraduate residency in Cornea/Contact Lens and Refractive Surgery. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry at Indiana University Bloomington and her Doctor of Optometry degree from University of California at Berkeley’s School of Optometry.

Dr. Wang currently serves as an assistant professor supervising student clinicians in Contact Lens and Primary Care clinic. She is a member of the American Optometric Association and Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians. Her professional areas of interest include specialty contact lens fitting, anterior segment diseases, and myopia control. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and rock-climbing.

First Appt: 2015

Academic Background:

2008; M.P.H.; University of Illinois at Chicago

2002; Residency; Ocular Disease & Low Vision Rehabilitation, Jesse Brown VA Medical Center - Chicago

2001; O.D.; Pennsylvania College of Optometry

1998; B.S.; Pennsylvania College of Optometry

1997; B.S.; Ohio University

Biography: Following residency, Dr. Wolfe joined the faculty of the University of Illinois at Chicago Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science serving as assistant professor and Clinical Director of the UIC Eye Clinic at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago, IL. In 2008, Dr. Wolfe joined the staff at the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System in Tucson, AZ serving as the Residency Coordinator for the ocular disease & low vision rehabilitation residency program. In 2015, Dr. Wolfe joined the faculty of the Southern College of Optometry as associate professor.

Dr. Wolfe has served as a select member of the National Eye Institute's National Eye Health Education Planning Committee and has held various volunteer appointments within professional associations. Currently, he serves as the Vice Chair of American Academy of Optometry's Chapters Committee, sits on the Action Board of American Public Health Association, and is a member of American Optometric Association’s Evidence-Based Optometry Committee.

First Appt: 2012

Academic Background:

2010; Residency; Vision Therapy, Rehabilitation, and Pediatric Optometry- Pacific University College of Optometry

2009; O.D.; Illinois College of Optometry

1997; B.S.; Virginia Tech

Biography:

Melissa Zarn Urankar is an Assistant Professor of Optometry at Southern College of Optometry (SCO). She attained a BS in Engineering Science and Mechanics from Virginia Tech and an OD from Illinois College of Optometry. After completing residency training in Vision Therapy, Rehabilitation, and Pediatrics at Pacific University College of Optometry, she worked at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center where she helped to establish Optometry and Vision Therapy services in the multidisciplinary traumatic brain injury clinic.

Dr Zarn evaluates and manages patients with traumatic and acquired brain injuries (TBI/ABI) at the SCO clinics as well as at local rehabilitation hospitals. She has been a member of NORA since 2008 and is working toward her FNORA. She is the faculty advisor for SCO’s Student NORA Chapter and has coordinated the NORA poster session during the annual meeting since 2012. She has presented workshops on evaluating and managing TBI/ABI at the American Academy of Optometry meetings since 2015. At SCO, she is the Director of Interprofessional Education (IPE). She is the lead instructor for the Interprofessional Education series and is engaged in curriculum development to enhance IPE and collaborative practice opportunities for students at SCO. Through this work she has helped create a network of health professions educators in the Memphis, TN area who are developing unique opportunities in health professions education. She is a member of the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) IPE and Collaborative Practice (IPECP) Committee and chair of ASCO’s IPECP Special Interest Group, the Midsouth Interprofessional Health Education Collaborative, Co-Chair of Tennessee Interprofessional Practice and Education Consortium’s (TIPEC’s) Membership and Communications Working Group, and Co-Chair of the American Interprofessional Health Collaborative Program Committee’s Mentoring Program Workgroup.