Optometry

Our optometrists provide patient-centered eye care across the lifespan, serving as a critical entry point and continuity anchor within our multidisciplinary eye care system. Comprehensive optometric care is foundational to high-quality ophthalmic care. By providing accessible, longitudinal eye care and early disease detection, optometrists help patients receive the right care at the right time while simultaneously strengthening outcomes across our subspecialty and surgical services.

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Clinical Care

In partnership with UW Health and our ophthalmology colleagues, our optometrists provide comprehensive eye care ranging from routine vision services to the diagnosis and management of complex ocular disease. Our team emphasizes continuity of care, early detection, and collaborative treatment planning to support the best possible outcomes for patients.

Our Areas of Care

  • Comprehensive Eye Exams & Vision Care
    Routine and preventive eye exams, vision assessments, and prescriptions for glasses and contact lenses, with an emphasis on long-term eye health and disease prevention.
  • Medical Optometry
    Diagnosis and management of ocular diseases including glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, dry eye, ocular surface disease, macular degeneration, and inflammatory conditions.
  • Contact Lens Services
    Specialty contact lens fittings, including scleral lenses and other advanced designs for patients with complex visual or corneal needs.
  • Dry Eye & Ocular Surface Disease
    Comprehensive evaluation and management of dry eye and ocular surface disorders using advanced diagnostics and individualized treatment plans.
  • Co-Management of Surgical & Specialty Care
    Pre- and post-operative care for patients undergoing cataract, glaucoma, cornea, and retina procedures, as well as coordinated care with ophthalmology subspecialists.
  • Urgent & Problem-Focused Eye Care
    Evaluation and management of red eye, infections, inflammation, acute vision changes, and other urgent ocular concerns.

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Education

Our optometrists play a vital role in the education and clinical training mission of the department. Through close collaboration with ophthalmology residents, fellows, and medical students, optometry faculty contribute to a team-based learning environment that emphasizes clinical excellence, communication, and patient-centered care.

  • Hands-on clinical teaching in comprehensive and medical eye care
  • Interprofessional training alongside ophthalmology residents and subspecialty faculty
  • Emphasis on diagnostic reasoning, disease management, and continuity of care
  • Support for trainees as they develop into well-rounded clinicians prepared for collaborative practice

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Research

Our optometrists actively contribute to clinical research and innovation aimed at improving patient care, diagnostic accuracy, and treatment outcomes. Areas of involvement include ocular surface disease, contact lens technology, glaucoma management, and collaborative clinical research initiatives across the department.

Through participation in clinical studies and interdisciplinary research efforts, our optometry team supports the advancement of evidence-based eye care and the translation of research into clinical practice.

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