If viewing rounds and unable to connect through Zoom, please contact: Oladipupo Anibire, MD at oladipupo-anibire@uiowa.edu
Friday, October 3, 2025
Submitted by Brie Roe-
We will be sharing reminders, FAQs, and resources in the Update to ensure we are prepared for the Joint Commission visit. Karen Eicholtz and Brie Roe will be doing weekly rounds in the department.
View the Ophthalmology Update archives to review information shared in past newsletters.
Submitted by Kristin Swanke-
Katie Gogola
Communications Assistant (Student)
Katie Gogola started her position as Communications Assistant on 9/23/25. Katie joins the department during her senior year at the University of Iowa Tippie College of Business and will graduate in May with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing. During her time at Iowa, Katie has been involved in Women in Business and PAWS at Iowa. Katie grew up in Arlington Heights, IL and enjoys spending time with her friends and family.
Katie reports to Kelsey Hunold and will be assisting with items such as social media, photography support, the Ophthalmology Update newsletter, and the Ophthalmology Loop site. She is located at the desk across from Kelsey’s office in the C.S. O’Brien Library (thank you for sharing your space, Rita!) and her fall semester hours are M/W/F from 8:30am-1:30pm.
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Kelli Moen
Library Support Assistant (Student)
Kelli Moen started her position as Library Support Assistant on 9/16/2025. Kelli joins the department in her freshmen year in the University of Iowa College of Liberal Arts and Sciences with a major in English. Kelli is involved in the University Concert band playing French horn. Kelli grew up in Grundy Center, IA, and enjoys reading and listening to music. Kelli reports to Caroline Allen and will be assisting with items such as collection evaluation, cataloging, reference, and updating CVs. She is located at the desk across from Kelsey’s office in the C.S. O’Brien Library (thank you for sharing your space, Rita!) and her fall semester hours are W/F 3-5, T 11:30-2:30, and Th 11:30-5.
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Dorde Racic
Research Assistant – Kuehn Lab
Dorde Racic started his position as a Research Assistant – Kuehn Lab on 9/22/25. Dorde comes to the department after graduating from Columbia College this past May with a bachelor’s degree in computer and information science. His favorite color is orange. Dorde loves to drink Horchata. You might find him enjoying a meal at Ruscianos Pizza or shopping at Hy-Vee. Dorde’s hobbies include jazz, cooking, and exploring. Welcome, Dorde!
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Peyton Stewart
Ophthalmic Technician
Peyton Stewart started her position as an Ophthalmic Technician on 9/15/25. Peyton comes to the department after working as a Technician at Vision Center PC in Tipton for 5 years. Peyton loves to drink Sprite and Gatorade. You might find her enjoying a meal at Chilis or Texas Roadhouse. Peyton’s hobbies include family time, gardening, and playing with her cats. Welcome, Peyton!
Submitted by Kristin Swanke-
Congratulations to the individuals celebrating a milestone anniversary from 7/1 through 9/30!
5 Years
10 Years
15 Years
20 Years
25 Years
30 Years
Submitted by Dr. Nasreen Syed-
We are proud to announce the F. C. Blodi Eye Pathology Lab passed their biannual lab inspection with the College of American Pathologists and is now recertified for operation.
"Thanks to my staff Sajag Bhattarai, MS, lab supervisor, Amy Knock and Chaele Matthews." - Dr. Nasreen Syed.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) 2025 Annual Meeting is coming up, taking place October 18-20 in Orlando! Check out where to find members of our department! Check out where to find members of our department!
Iowa Eye Alumni Reception @ AAO
Join us at the Iowa Eye Alumni Reception during this year's American Academy of Ophthalmology Annual Meeting in Orlando!
When: Saturday, October 18 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM
Location: Hilton Orlando – Key Largo Room
6001 Destination Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32819
Drinks and heavy appetizers will be served.
Questions? Contact Matt Browning, matt-browning@uiowa.edu
Submitted by Melissa Monhollon-
Employees left notes of remembrance for Paul which were given his wife, Brenda, to take home.
Dr. Mark Greiner has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Outstanding Mentorship in Basic Research award, presented annually by the Carver College of Medicine (CCOM). Dr. Greiner was nominated by his mentee, CCOM student, Lauren Berry, in recognition of his exceptional guidance and dedication to fostering the next generation of researchers.
Awardees were celebrated on Friday, September 19, 2025, at the official awards ceremony.
Reflecting on the honor, Dr. Greiner shared:
“Everyone in my lab and out department should know that we are able to have such mentorship because we take a team approach to this. I might be the one whose name is in lights this time, but truly this is me accepting on behalf of our entire team—particularly Dr. Jess Skeie, our lead PhD research scientist who takes a lot of time to teach our students like Lauren, and our fantastic research assistants, like Hanna Shevalye and Tim Eggleston, who transfer technical skills and know-how. Our culture of excellence in teaching and research has come from a decades-long investment from our department and eye bank leadership, as well as Carver College of Medicine and this program.”
This recognition highlights the department’s collaborative spirit and long-standing commitment to excellence in mentorship, teaching, and research.
Submitted by Dina Blanc-
Dr. Edward Linton will be collaborating with Iowa State University on a NASA-funded project entitled "Quantifying the Mechanisms Behind Sans-Risk in Astronauts Through Patient-Informed Mechanics-Based Simulations and Artificial Intelligence."
Dr. Ying Hsu has received a K99 from the NIH for her work on immune activation and subject-specific risk in ocular gene therapies.
Dr. Elliott Sohn has received an award from the Macula Society for a randomized, masked pilot of systemic MMP-9 inhibition in neovascular age-related macular degeneration, with an emphasis on genotype-modified biomarkers and automated AI-based OCT response.
Earlier this week, Dr. Keith Carter presented as the invited speaker of honor at Lahey Hospital’s Surgical Grand Rounds. He was introduced by Iowa Eye alumnus Dr. Alanna Tisdale (21F–Neuro-Ophthalmology), who now serves as a Neuro-Ophthalmologist and Comprehensive Ophthalmologist at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center.
Submitted by Dr. Erin Shriver-
This past weekend, Dr. Kanwal Matharu delivered a fantastic talk on his journey in global ophthalmology during Real World Ophthalmology’s (RWO) Happily Ever After Training Session at the RWO Fall Meeting.
If you have not already done so, please register for our pediatric ophthalmology clinical conference, taking place on Friday, October 31 from 8 am to noon. Dr. Mays Dairi of Duke University will join us as our guest speaker, hosted by Dr. Pavlina Kemp.
Dr. Mays Dairi is a Neuro-Ophthalmologist, Pediatric Ophthalmologist, and Professor of Ophthalmology at Duke Eye Center. Dr. Dairi attended medical school and completed her residency at the American University of Beirut in Lebanon. She then completed her Neuro-Ophthalmology fellowship and Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus fellowship at the Duke Eye Center.
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SAVE THE DATE: Oculoplastics Clinical Conference | April 24, 2026
Speaker: Jeremiah Tao, MD, FACS
Oculoplastic Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Chief, Oculofacial Plastic & Orbital Surgery of Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, University of California
Submitted by Francie Williamson-
George Rickey, whose wife Sally was a cornea donor in 2022, wrote a lovely opinion piece in The Gazette about the eye bank.
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We are thrilled to announce Pinters Gardens and Pumpkins, at 2475 State Highway 9 in Decorah, has partnered with Iowa Lions Eye Bank and Iowa Donor Network on a corn maze to raise awareness of eye, organ and tissue donation! Check it out starting Oct. 4! A portion of the entry fees will benefit Iowa Lions Eye Bank and Iowa Donor Network.
Hours: Saturdays 9–5:30 | Sundays 10–4
Admission: $20 per person
Submitted by Karen Eicholtz-
On Friday, September 26, our department hosted another successful Ophthalmology Technician Symposium. The event drew approximately 42 technicians, including strong representation from IRL. The program featured sessions on history taking, technician's role in the glaucoma clinic practices, decision-making for dilation, and emergency protocols (Code Stroke). It was a valuable opportunity for professional development, CE credits, and connecting with colleagues.
Meet Rajan Alagar, M4
We are excited to welcome Rajan Alagar, one of this year's UI Visiting Medical Student Program participants.
Raj is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and is currently a fourth-year medical student at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Raj is interested in pediatric ophthalmology and is involved in medical student education and community outreach. He is excited to learn from experts and work alongside fantastic residents with the Cornea & Anterior Segment team through the month of October.
Meet Waylon Alvarado, M4
We are excited to welcome Waylon Alvarado, one of this year's UI Visiting Medical Student Program participants. Waylon is originally from La Crosse, Wisconsin and is currently a fourth-year medical student at the Medical College of Wisconsin - Milwaukee. Waylon is very involved in medical student mentorship and is interested in uveitis and retina. He is grateful and excited to be learning from the fantastic experts in the Neuro-ophthalmology department throughout the month of October.
Submitted by Kristin Swanke-
Join us for the department's 2025 Employee Milestone Anniversary Reception on Thursday, November 13, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. We will be honoring 10 colleagues who reached 25, 30, 35, or 40 years of service with the department this year. More details to come!
The honorees are:
Bobbie O'Brien (25 years)
Chris Rath (25 years)
Greg Schmidt (25 years)
Jill Adams (25 years)
Xiuying Liu (30 years)
Dr. Sindt (30 years)
Louisa Affatigato (30 years)
Malia Collins (35 years)
Luan Streb (40 years)
Rita Gallo (40 years)
Thank you to all that attended the Retina Clinical Conference last Friday with Dr. Stephen Kim of Vanderbilt Eye Institute, hosted by Dr. Tahreem Mir!
Dr. Kim presented two engaging lectures, "Top 10 Clinical Pearls for Managing Uveitis" and "INflammatory MediatorS in the PathophysIology of Diabetic REtinopathy (INSPIRE) Study", plus case presentations with discussion and Q&A from residents Noor-Us-Sabah Ahmad, MD (PGY2); Donavon Dahmer, MD (PGY3); Adetayo Oladele-Ajose, MD (PGY3); and fellows Rami Abu Sbeit, MD (medical retina); Justin Grassmeyer, MD, PhD (surgical retina); Saloni Kapoor, MD (surgical retina); Nicole Somani, MD (surgical retina); and Richard Yi, MD (surgical retina).
Submitted by Tonya Looker-
Wellness Committee Updates
We recently had one of the therapy dogs stop by our department!
Coming up...!
We can't wait to see you at these events and continue building a vibrant healthy community together!
Stay in the Loop...
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October Wellness Updates
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ANNUAL FLU VACCINE CAMPAIGN
Take advantage of the free vaccinations provided by the university. Getting vaccinated is convenient and considerate. Protect yourself, your families, and your coworkers by getting a vaccination and avoiding the spread of this year’s flu.
All employees and volunteers are required to receive the influenza vaccine (from the University Employee Health Clinic or elsewhere) or decline it in ReadySet.
How to Complete Your Compliance (3 options):
OPTION 1: Get vaccinated through the University Employee Health Clinic or one of our vaccination clinics
*Volunteers and agency workers: Log into ReadySet with these instructions.
*Downtown campus independent and contracted providers follow these instructions.
OPTION 2: Get vaccinated elsewhere in the community
*Volunteers, independent providers, contracted staff, and agency workers: Log into ReadySet using this link.
OPTION 3: Decline the flu vaccination
*Volunteers, independent providers, contracted staff, and agency workers: Log into ReadySet using this link.
You will also use ReadySet to complete the COVID-19 vaccination survey, should you choose to receive it.
For more information visit The Loop. Please contact University Employee Health with questions or concerns.
Contact Ophthalmology IT
Please use these contact methods helps us prioritize your request:
Phone: 78107
Email: OphthIT@healthcare.uiowa.edu
ESC Portal: https://service.healthcare.uiowa.edu (New to ESC? Learn how to submit a help desk ticket)
Submitted by Kristin Swanke-
POSITIONS AVAILABLE IN THE DEPARTMENT
Clinic Services Specialist - Ophthalmology | Req #25004465
The Clinic Services Specialist schedules patient appointments/inquiries for the Department of Ophthalmology for multiple sub clinics and ensures that patients are scheduled to the right department based on their urgency. Ensures the correct visit types, provider, date, length of visit, and time are utilized. Schedules into the appropriate timeframe in alignment with requested plan of care, urgency and desired appointment date. Ensures appropriate appointment prerequisites are completed and obtained. Responsible for maintaining the Patient and Referral Work queues and assigning responsibilities among employees to ensure that these work queues are completed in a timely and accurate manner. Monitors progress of work queues and reports any issues and concerns to administration. Coordinates all necessary preparatory tests and obtains records to maximize the efficiency of the visit. Informs patient of their visit specific preparatory instructions and ensures notification about their upcoming appointments via their communication method of choice. Follows the appropriate workflows to confirm the patient is financially secured for their visit. Anticipates the needs of the patient and serves as a patient advocate. Assists and problem solves any scheduling issues that arise. Uses independent judgement in determining how to assist patient requests outside of the scope of scheduling. Upholds the department's best practices, quality, and professionalism standards and policies. Serves as a mentor, coach, role model, and service excellence ambassador for staff, co-workers, patients, and visitors. May complete special projects for the department. May attend clinic or department meetings to serve as a scheduling content expert. May perform other duties as assigned.
University of Iowa Health Care, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, is seeking a 100% COA or non COA certified Ophthalmic Technician (Visual Field Perimetrist) to perform visual field tests on patients. May also include tonometry, visual acuity testing, and eye drop instillation. Preferred schedule Monday – Friday, 8:00a-5:00p. Schedule may be modified to fit candidate and clinic needs.
University of Iowa Health Care, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, is seeking a 100% Ophthalmic Clinical Specialist I to perform technical and optical testing as a portion of the complete ocular exam, in addition to obtaining patient histories, meds and allergies for the supervising physician. This position will work an 8 hour shift between the hours of 8:00 am - 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
Ophthalmic Clinical Specialist II | Req #25003956
The University of Iowa Health Care Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences is seeking an 100% Ophthalmic Clinical Specialist II (GC83) responsible for performing highly technical optical testing as a major portion of the complete eye exam, prior to the dilated fundus exam (DFE), in addition to obtaining patient histories, medications, and allergies, and visual acuity for the supervising physician.
Orthoptist ($5,000 Sign-On Incentive for hires new to UI) | Req #24005227
The Orthoptist provides direct patient care by performing sensorimotor testing, evaluating and treating eye movement disorders and binocular vision, participating in the evaluation and diagnosis of patients with amblyopia, diplopia, genetic disorders of the eye, pediatric and adult strabismus, and other eye movement conditions. The Orthoptist also assists in coordinating and educating fellows, residents, orthoptic students, and doctors who rotate through the services, participates in clinical research into eye movement disorders, diplopia, strabismus, nystagmus, and inherited eye disorders, and serves as a liaison between the ophthalmology clinics and other areas in the Department of Ophthalmology and other clinics throughout the hospital.
Pediatric Ophthalmic Technician | Req #25002714
The University of Iowa Health Care Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences is seeking an 100% Pediatric Ophthalmic Technician (GC84) responsible for performing an extensive number of routine and advanced technical procedures, as delegated by the physician, to collect medical data and assist in patient care.
UI Health Care Department of Nursing is seeking a Staff Nurse to perform specific tasks to assist members of the Nursing team in providing patient care under the direct supervision of the Eye Clinic Procedure Suite Nurse Manager.
We are also recruiting for multiple faculty positions. Direct links to these postings are available here: https://jobs.uiowa.edu/jobSearch/faculty/
| Schedule Subject to Change | |||
| Mon | October 6 | 8:00 AM | Retina fellow presentations (Retina interview date) |
| Tue | October 7 | 8:00 AM | BCSC: Oculoplastics - Dr. Keith Carter |
| Wed | October 8 | 8:00 AM | Chair Candidate Presentation |
| Thu | October 9 | 8:00 AM | Marshall Henrie, MD, PGY3 |
| Fri | October 10 | 8:00 AM | Chelle Lehman - Iowa KidSight and Wellness |
| Schedule Subject to Change | |||
| Mon | October 13 | 8:00 AM | Dr. Joanna Silverman (25R) |
| Tue | October 14 | 8:00 AM | Chair Candidate Presentation |
| Wed | October 15 | 8:00 AM | On call rounds |
| Thu | October 16 | 8:00 AM | First 10 min - Chelle Lehman - Wellness/ Peter Sanchez, MD, PGY2 |
| Fri | October 17 | 8:00 AM | Visiting Lecturer |
*Indicates rounds intended specifically for residents, fellows and orthoptic students
If viewing rounds and unable to connect through Zoom, please contact: Oladipupo Anibire, MD at oladipupo-anibire@uiowa.edu
Ophthalmology Morning Rounds is held from 8:00 am - 8:45 am in the Braley Auditorium (01136), Pomerantz Family Pavilion / Zoom.
UI Health Care Medical Center | UI Carver College of Medicine | Institute for Vision Research
Copyright © 2019 - All Rights Reserved - The University of Iowa
CME ACCREDITATION: The University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
CME CREDIT DESIGNATION: The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 0.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
SPONSORED BY: The University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences.
CONTENT: Determination of educational content for this educational activity and the selection of speakers and facilitators are responsibilities of the activity director. Any commercial firms providing financial support did not have input in these areas.
DISCLOSURE POLICY: Everyone in a position to control the content of this educational activity will disclose to the CME provider and to attendees all relevant financial relationships with any commercial interest. They will also disclose if any pharmaceuticals or medical procedures and devices discussed are investigational or unapproved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
TARGET AUDIENCE: Faculty, residents, fellows.
EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES FOR THE ENTIRE SERIES: Upon participating in this educational series, the participant should be able to discuss interesting and challenging clinical cases in a didactic and interactive format.
CME CREDIT AND ATTENDANCE: Captured by self-texting a 5-digit activity code to 319-519-0048. The code is provided each day during Rounds. Before texting your attendance for the first time, you will need to text your Uiowa.edu email address to 319-519-0038. For questions, contact matt-browning@uiowa.edu.