If viewing rounds and unable to connect through Zoom, please contact: Jonathan Trejo, MD - jonathan-trejo@uiowa.edu
Friday, February 28, 2025
Dr. Keith Carter has announced that he will step down from his leadership post and remain as a part-time faculty member. UI Health Care will begin a national search for the next chair and department executive officer of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences.
Submitted by Melissa Monhollon-
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Ken Goins back home to Iowa City as a Clinical Professor. Dr. Goins’ first day is 2/28/25. Dr. Goins previously worked for the University of Iowa from 2003 to 2018 in roles including Associate Professor, co-medical director, and director for the cornea service. Prior to his time at Iowa, Dr. Goins worked at the University of Chicago Hospitals and Clinics and Southeastern Eye Clinic. From 2018 to present, he has remained a Professor Emeritus for our department while also working as a Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology for the University of Kansas Medical Center. We are so excited that Dr. Goins decided to return to Iowa, and look forward to welcoming him back to our department!
Submitted by Kristin Kirpes-
Shradha Darira
Postdoctoral Scholar - Institute for Vision Research
Shradha started her position as a Postdoctoral Scholar - Institute for Vision Research on 1/21/25. Shradha earned her PhD in Molecular and Cell Biology from University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) and joins the team having worked as a Graduate Research Assistant at UMBC performing research in the Department of Biological Sciences. Shradha's role with the IVR will require her to serve as a member of a multidisciplinary laboratory focused on disease modeling and therapeutics development for patients with inherited retinal disease. Her favorite color is pink. You might find Shradha snacking on fries and drinking masala chai, eating at Maggie's Woodfire Pizza, or shopping at Trader Joe's. In her spare time, Shradha loves to cook, listen to music, and read. Welcome to the team, Shradha!
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Shahad Elnour
Clinic Services Specialist
Shahad Elnour started her position as a Clinic Services Specialist on 2/10/25. She comes to the department after working as a Medical Receptionist at Town Square Family Foot Care, as well as working as a Clinical Support Associate at Iowa River Landing. Shahad's favorite color is green. Her favorite drink is Alani Energy drinks, and you might find her eating at Tribute or shopping at Ulta. In her spare time, Shahad enjoys painting, doing makeup, and watching sitcoms. Welcome, Shahad!
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Thomas Martinez
Medical Student Fellow
Thomas Martinez started his position as a Medical Student Fellow on 2/17/25, working with Dr. Sohn. Thomas is expected to graduate from Carver College of Medicine in 2027. Thomas has worked as a summer research fellow for the Carver College of Medicine, as well as held the role of an Ophthalmic Technician at Retina Consultants of Minnesota. As an undergraduate student, he worked in a research education program for the Mayo Clinic. Thomas' favorite color is blue. He loves to snack on Dot's honey mustard pretzels. You might find Thomas enjoying sushi or shopping at Urban Outfitters. His hobbies include bouldering, camping, fishing, gaming, and cooking. Welcome, Thomas!
Our new Carver College of Medicine (CCOM) website went live on Tuesday, February 18!
Check it out here: https://eye.medicine.uiowa.edu!
What this means:
The audience for this site is prospective faculty, staff, and trainees; peer institutions; and alumni.
The department has patient related content located on UIHC.org/eye, and any resources for internal use will be relocated to the Ophthalmology Intranet which is currently being built. Resident and fellow content currently on the GME website will also be migrated to the CCOM website this spring.
If you see anything that needs revised, removed, or that is missing all together and needs to be added, please let Kelsey Hunold and Matt Browning know. Redirects have been put in place on all old URLs and will take the user to the new site/page. If the redirect does not seem to be correct, also let us know.
Dr. Andrew Pouw recently participated in Advocacy Day with the American Glaucoma Society (AGS) in Washington, DC. He met with staffers from Senator Chuck Grassley's office and other legislators, including Representatives Andy Harris, Chellie Pingree, Jason Smith, and Senator Angus King. Dr. Pouw, along with glaucoma specialist, Dr. Sam Solish of MaineHealth, had the opportunity to directly discuss several critical issues:
Submitted by Chelle Lehman-
Iowa KidSight will be hosting a 25th Anniversary Open House at our office on the afternoon of April 4th from 2:00 - 4:00. This will be followed by our medical advisory board meeting that evening at 4:30.
We would like to cordially invite the Department of Ophthalmology. We will also be extending invitations to our Lions Club volunteers across the state, families who have been impacted by Iowa KidSight, former staff, our medical advisory board members, and our community partners.
Submitted by Francie Williamson-
The Dare to Discover campaign, sponsored by the Office of the Vice President of Research, showcases researchers, scholars, and creators from across the University of Iowa.
Among those featured in the campaign this year is Simran Sarin, a student in the Carver College of Medicine, whose research examines cornea transplant outcomes. Her faculty mentors from our department are Dr. Mark Greiner, medical director of Iowa Lions Eye Bank, and Dr. Christopher Sales, assistant medical director at Iowa Lions Eye Bank.
Banners of those featured in the Dare to Discover campaign currently are located throughout downtown Iowa City. The banner that features Simran Sarin is at the corner of Van Buren and Washington Streets. You can learn more about Simran Sarin and her research at https://dare.research.uiowa.edu/sarin-simran/.
Submitted by Dr. Dina Blanc-
If you have an idea about ways of making open-source training materials for Ophthalmology learners accessible, consider applying for an OPEN HAWKS grant. This grant is open to faculty, learners, and staff and supports efforts to enhance learning and training with resources that are free of cost, low-barrier, and which are legally open to public use. Open Hawks is holding an information session on the grants on Tuesday, March 11th.
Grant submissions are due on April 25. Click this link for the application.
Ophthalmology's departmental staff are here to help:
Submitted by Denise Rettig-
Dr. Kanwal Matharu recently received positive feedback from a patient.
"I am grateful Dr. Matharu was the messenger to help my healing. Dr. Matharu has delivered expert patient focused medical treatment with wisdom, compassion and professionalism. He is an exceptional doctor and agent for world renowned health services at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics."
Submitted by Tonya Looker-
On Wednesday March 5, 2025, a Priest will be available for ashes in Blodi-3 from 11:30-12:30.
Those wishing to receive the blessing with ashes on Wednesday, March 5, can do so at the university campus. A chaplain will be present to provide the blessing, and partakers are welcome to stay, pray, and reflect.
The blessing will be offered during these hours:
View information for the downtown campus.
Spring Labyrinth Walk
The UI Health Care labyrinth, a 22-foot circular path, will be available for your use 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, at the Staley East Room (Elevator F, Level 8). This meditative walk offers a space for mindfulness, prayer, and reflection.
Lenten readings and materials for the labyrinth walk will be available.
Provided by the Department of Spiritual Services.
Submitted by Molly Bell-
Save 20% on eyewear in March during UI Optical’s Spring eyewear sale. Shop sale prices on frames and lenses at UI Health Care–Iowa River Landing in Coralville.
For more information, please visit uihc.org/ui-optical.
Questions? Contact uioptical@uiowa.edu or call 319-467-2125.
Submitted by Tonya Looker-
REGISTRATION FOR DOC DASH 2025 IS NOW OPEN!
Doc Dash is an annual 5K race that has been a tradition of the Carver College of Medicine since 1989. The event welcomes not only seasoned runners but also joggers, walkers, and young children. Recently, we have begun partnering with physical therapy students to support adaptive participants who may use equipment or require assistance to complete the course. Beginning at the medical campus, participants travel the course through nearby neighborhoods and the river trail before looping back to the finish line. Prior to the main event, a shorter event for young children (dubbed ‘Docling Dash’) takes place in the courtyard of the Medical Education and Research Facility (MERF).
New Ophthalmology All-Staff Distribution List
Due to no longer having the ability to manage the Ophthalmology All Staff email distribution list, HCIS has created a new mailing list for us called: Ophthalmology Staff (OphthStaff@healthcare.uiowa.edu) that will continue to be managed internally.
Please use this new email moving forward to ensure the most up to date employee list is reached.
NEW – Please use: OphthStaff@healthcare.uiowa.edu
OLD – Do not use: OphthalmologyAllStaff@healthcare.uiowa.edu
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 Kirpes-
POSITIONS AVAILABLE IN THE DEPARTMENT
Administrative Services Coordinator - Retina Service | Req #25001716
The Administrative Services Coordinator (ASC) – Retina serves as the liaison between patients and the Retina-Vitreous Specialty Service while collaborating with external resources to manage patients requiring complex vitreoretinal surgical procedures and intraocular tumors. The ASC - Retina assists vitreoretinal surgeons in the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, provides complex administrative support for the Retina Fellowship Program, organizes Retina Fellowship for the service with four, 2-year fellows and one to two, 1-year fellow(s) recruitment/placement, and oversees the fellowship process from beginning to end. This position also performs complex administrative and financial assistance for retina research and grants, requiring contact with directors, department heads, upper level executives, public and private officials, along with the general public, patients/families, faculty, and staff and assists with obtaining imaging and medical records for patients with complex retinal tumors and/or additional patient populations to ensure that information is available for physicians to provide excellent patient care.
Clinic Services Specialist - Ophthalmology | Req #24005687
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.
Clinical Trials Research Associate - Ophthalmology | Req #25001561
University of Iowa Health Care, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, is seeking a full time Clinical Trials Research Associate (PRV2; 4A). The Clinical Trials Research Associate coordinates the performance of clinical research by managing subject recruitment, scheduling, and enrollment of study subjects, administering study protocols, overseeing data processing and management, maintaining compliance with regulatory guidelines and documents, gathering information and assisting in the preparation of material for inclusion in reports and publication for the University of Iowa Health Care, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, and performing leadership and financial responsibilities as indicated.
Ophthalmic Clinical Specialist I performs technical and diverse 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.
The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences intends to hire at either the Ophthalmic Technician, non-COA certified classification, or Ophthalmic Clinical Specialist I, COA certified classification, based on the qualifications of the successful candidate. Please indicate in your application materials the position you wish to be considered for or indicate both.
60-100% Ophthalmic Photographer II (CRA or non CRA certified) - University Campus | Req #25001913
The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences is seeking a 60-100% Ophthalmic Photographer II (PT38; 45) to perform ophthalmic diagnostic photography and all other aspects of clinical teaching and research imaging as well as to assist in the design and implementation of the imaging aspects of research in ophthalmology. The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences intends to hire either an Ophthalmic Photographer I, non-CRA certified classification, or Ophthalmic Photographer II, CRA certified classification, based on the qualifications of the successful candidate.
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.
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 | Mar 3 | No Rounds - First day of new potation (pgy2-3) | |
| Tue | Mar 4 | 7:00 AM | BCSC: Oculoplastics with Dr. Keith Carter - Eyelid lesions and eyelid reconstruction |
| Wed | Mar 5 | No scheduled rounds | |
| Thu | Mar 6 | 8:00 AM | Dr. Elaine Binkley and Dr. Seongjin Seo - Research talk |
| Fri | Mar 7 | No scheduled rounds | |
| Schedule Subject to Change | |||
| Mon | Mar 10 | No scheduled rounds | |
| Tue | Mar 11 | 7:00 AM | BCSC: Optics/Refraction, OKAP review |
| Wed | Mar 12 | No scheduled rounds | |
| Thu | Mar 13 | No scheduled rounds | |
| Fri | Mar 14 | OKAP Testing | |
*P indicates rounds intended specifically for residents, fellows and orthoptic students
If viewing rounds and unable to connect through Zoom, please contact: Jonathan Trejo, MD - jonathan-trejo@uiowa.edu
Ophthalmology Morning Rounds is held from 8:00 am - 8:45 am in the Braley Auditorium (01136), Pomerantz Family Pavilion / Zoom.
Mar 21 - Clinical Conference: Glaucoma - Mansour F. Armaly Lecture
Apr 4 - Iowa KidSight 25th Anniversary Open House
Apr 11 - Clinical Conference: Comprehensive Ophthalmology - Wolfe Lecture
Apr 12 - Ophthalmology Town Hall
May 9 - Optometric Conference
May 16 - Resident and Fellow Research Day
May 29 - ILEB Celebration of Hope & Renewal
June 13-14 - Iowa Eye Annual Meeting & Alumni Reunion - Department's 100th Anniversary
June 27 - Resident and Fellow Graduation @ Hancher Auditorium
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.