Dry Eye Access Expert Advisors
We are guided by an experienced and diverse advisory board.
2018-2019 Board Members
Ophthalmology:
Frank W. Bowden, III, MD, FACS
Frank W. Bowden, III, MD, FACS
Bowden Eye & Associates
Jacksonville, FL
Dr. Frank W. Bowden, III, had his fellowship as a cornea specialist at Wills Eye. He is President, Medical Director and Founder of Bowden Eye & Associates, President and Medical Director of Eye Surgery Center of North Florida, LLC. He is also a Founding Partner of Dry Eye University and a Founding Member, Advisory Board and Contributor of Dry Eye Access. Previously, he was an Assistant Clinical Professor at University of Florida, Jacksonville.
Dr. Frank W. Bowden, III, founded Bowden Eye & Associates in 2001, focusing the practice on comprehensive eye care; custom cataract surgery; refractive and LASIK surgery; glaucoma surgery and laser therapy; treatment of Dry Eye Disease and other ocular surface disorders; corneal transplantation; and corneal and external diseases. As a fellowship-trained cornea specialist, he is uniquely qualified to treat Dry Eye Disease; corneal abrasions, inflammations, ulcers, scarring, injuries and infections; keratoconus; as well as pediatric corneal diseases. He also specializes in corneal transplantation using advanced techniques such as PKP, DSAEK, and DALK.
Sarah Darbandi, MD
Sarah Darbandi, MD
Bowden Eye & Associates
Jacksonville, FL
Dr. Sarah Darbandi is a fellowship trained cornea specialist. She is the Vice-President, Owner and Director of Aesthetic services for Bowden Eye & Associates. She is also a Founding Partner of Dry Eye University and a Founding Member, Advisory Board and Contributor of Dry Eye Access.
She attended Medical School at West Virginia University, then went on to residency in Ophthalmology at the West Virginia University Eye Institute. With her interest in corneal transplantation and refractive surgery, she then completed a fellowship in Albany, New York, in Cornea and Refractive Surgery. In 2015, she became partner and Vice President of Bowden Eye & Associates. Dr. Darbandi provides general ophthalmic care, custom cataract surgery, corneal transplantation, ocular surface reconstruction, and refractive surgery.
Richard Adler, MD, FACS
Richard Adler, MD, FACS
Belcara Health
Baltimore, Maryland
Dr. Richard Adler is an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at the Wilmer Eye Institute and Director of Ophthalmology at Belcara Health in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Adler completed his medical training and residency at Johns Hopkins as well as a fellowship in Cornea and External Disease at the Wilmer Eye Institute. Dr. Adler has published numerous papers and speaks nationally on topics related to the unique challenges of Dry Eye Management.
Cynthia Matossian, MD, FACS, ABES
Cynthia Matossian, MD, FACS, ABES
Matossian Eye Associates
New Jersey and Pennsylvania
Cynthia Matossian, MD, FACS, is the founder, CEO, and medical director of Matossian Eye Associates with multiple offices in PA and NJ. She specializes in refractive cataract surgery and dry eye disease. She was named one of Ocular Surgery News’ Premier Surgeon 300—an elite group of 300 premium refractive cataract surgeons in the US. She was the 2017 winner of the Ophthalmic World Leaders Visionary Award. She has been named one of the Top 25 Leading Women Entrepreneurs in New Jersey and one of New Jersey and Pennsylvania’s Best 50 Women in Business. She is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology (Adjunct) at Temple University School of Medicine. Contact Info: cmatossian@matossianeye.com.
Laura M. Periman, MD
Laura M. Periman, MD
Evergreen Eye Center
Seattle, Washington
Laura Periman, MD is a board-certified ophthalmologist, fellowship-trained cornea and refractive surgeon and Ocular Surface Disease Expert. She knew she wanted to be a doctor since the age of 12 and always seen eyes as the key defining feature of every person. Her interests in molecular biology began with winning the Terry Spies Memorial Scholarship at the Oregon Regional Primate Research Center as an undergraduate at Willamette University in Salem, OR.
Her interests in immunopathophysiology took root during her work in Research and Development at Immunex Corporation in the Molecular Biology Department prior to attending medical school at the University of Washington in Seattle, WA. During medical school, she received the Rex and Arlene Garrison Oncology Fellowship, the Western Medical Student Research Committee Award for Excellence and was elected to the honor society, Alpha Omega Alpha. Upon graduation with honors, she also received the Georgianna Kirby Award for outstanding patient dedication and compassion.
Dr. Periman completed her Ophthalmology Residency as well as Cornea/Refractive Fellowship at the University of Washington in Seattle. She is an international lecturer on Ocular Surface Disease. She has nine peer reviewed publications, two chapters, a review article and independent study in press, and has written extensively on the topic of Ocular Surface Disease. Her unique and passionate perspective on OSD stems from her work in immunopathophysiology. She is an innovator and enthusiastic speaker who loves bridging the gap between basic science, clinical practice and patient compassion.
As Director of Dry Eye Services and Clinical Research at Evergreen Eye Center Seattle, WA she combines her clinical care passion, scientific drive and innovative creativity to provide first class Ocular Surface Disease management.
For more information on Dr. Periman, please visit her website www.dryeyemaster.com.
Optometry:
Jerry Robben, OD
Jerry Robben, OD
Bowden Eye & Associates
Jacksonville, Florida
Dr. Robben is the Chief Optometric Physician at Bowden Eye & Associates. He is also an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Arizona College of Optometry. He is a Founding Partner of Dry Eye University and a Founding Member and contributor of Dry Eye Access. He attended graduate school at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he received a second bachelor’s degree in Vision Science and his Doctorate in Optometry. During his externships, Dr. Robben had extensive training in binocular vision disorders and vision therapy. He also focused on pediatric care, contact lenses, low vision, and ocular disease. With a background in clinical education, Dr. Robben started a student doctor externship program, and is also an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor for the Arizona College of Optometry where he supervises the 4th Year Optometry Resident Doctors who are completing their externships for graduation. Dr. Robben is a leader in the treatment and management of Dry Eye Disease and has been recognized as a national speaker and educator on the subject. He frequently speaks in educational settings for optometrists, technicians and ophthalmologists across the country.
Caroline Blackie, BOptom, MPhil, OD, PhD, FAAO
Caroline Blackie, BOptom, MPhil, OD, PhD, FAAO
Medical Director, Ocular Surface Disease
Johnson & Johnson Vision
Caroline Blackie is an internationally recognized clinical and scientific expert in the field of dry eye with specific focus on meibomian gland dysfunction. She has authored and published over 40 scientific articles in this area. She currently serves as the Medical Director for Ocular Surface Disease for Johnson and Johnson Vision, providing medical and scientific leadership to drive and shape innovation in this therapeutic area.
Dr. Blackie joined Johnson and Johnson Vision after 12 years with TearScience. At TearScience, she served on the small team of individuals who imagined, designed, developed, tested, and brought to market all of the TearScience Products. Passionate about the patient experience, she also successfully divided her time between clinical research and development and private practice, accruing approximately 20 years of direct patient care experience in her career. Her years in direct clinical care fuel her desire to elevate and transform the standard of care towards a more proactive approach to the ocular surface health.
Caroline received a Bachelor’s of Optometry followed by a Master’s degree in South Africa, a PhD in Neurobiology and Behavior from Cornell and an OD from UC Berkeley. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, and also a long-standing member of the American Optometric Association, the Massachusetts Society of Optometry and the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.
Art Medina, OD
Art Medina, OD
Medina Eye Care
San Antonio, Texas
Dr. Arthur A. Medina Jr. was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas and attended Central Catholic High School. He received his doctorate of optometry in 1972. The University of Houston, College of Optometry, appointed him to the faculty.
Medina continued his postdoctoral training with Dr. Louis Girard, M.D, who chaired the department of ophthalmology at Baylor College of Medicine. That experience enhanced the philosophy that still serves as the foundation for his practice.
Dr. Medina opened his private practice in 1983, after a decade as an associate of two prestigious ophthalmological practices. His experience with pre and post-operative care of cataract and refractive surgery patients led to working relationships with leading ophthalmic surgeons throughout Texas and the western United States. His incredible passion for the profession and quality patient care led to unique relationships with renowned, like-minded national and international physicians.
Adam Ramsey, OD
Adam Ramsey, OD
Iconic Eye Care
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Adam Ramsey, OD serves as the Medical Director of Iconic Eye Care in Palm Beach Gardens FL. Dr. Ramsey’s practice encompasses ocular surface disease, glaucoma, surgical co-management, macular degeneration care and diabetic eye exams. Dr. Ramsey is the current President of the Palm Beach County Optometric Association and is also the Vice-President of T. Leroy Jefferson Medical Society an affiliate of National Medical Association. He also serves as the Chief Optometric officer for Seminole Health Indian Reservation for the state of Florida servicing 3 locations.
Walter Whitley, OD, MBA, FAAO
Walter Whitley, OD, MBA, FAAO
Virginia Eye Consultants
Norfolk, Virginia
Walter Whitley, OD, MBA, FAAO serves as the Director of Optometric Services and Residency Program Supervisor at Virginia Eye Consultants in Norfolk, Virginia where his practice encompasses ocular surface disease, glaucoma, surgical co-management, clinical research and the supervision of an extensive referral network. Dr. Whitley is a nationally recognized author and lecturer on topics ranging from ocular disease, surgical co-management, pharmaceuticals and practice management topics. He serves as Co-Chief Medical Editor for CollaborativeEYE and contributing editor for the Review of Optometry.
Practice Administration:
Patti Barkey, COE
Patti Barkey, COE
CEO
Bowden Eye & Associates
Jacksonville, Florida
Patti Barkey created Dry Eye University and is a member of the ASOA Board of Directors which works with ASCRS to bring an annual program for education. Ms. Barkey is CEO of Bowden Eye & Associates and the Eye Surgery Center of North Florida, an ambulatory surgery center which specializes in dry eye. She is also a founding member of Dry Eye Access, and Director of Dry Eye University and Dry Eye Partners, the consulting side of Dry Eye University.
Karen S. Bachman, COE
Karen S. Bachman, COE
2018 ASOA President
Karen is the 2018 ASOA President and holds certifications as a COE, COMT, OCS, ROUB and CCRC. She has a strong background in clinical operations, ophthalmic practice administration and practice compliance for over 25 years.
Margie Brill, RN
Margie Brill, RN
Chief Operating Officer
Magruder Eye Institute
Orlando, Florida
Margie Brill was born in Kentucky and moved to Orlando to accept the OR Manager position at G. Brock Magruder, Sr, MD’s surgery center in 1988, where he was the sole surgeon. The surgery center, at that time, was a two OR facility located in downtown Orlando. Margie now serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Magruder Eye Institute and the Administrator of Lakeside Surgery Center. Magruder Eye Institute has grown over the years to 8 ophthalmologists, 2 optometrists and Margie has overseen the expansion of the clinic to 4 locations and a 4 OR ASC.
Margie oversees the day to day operations of all locations and is continually striving to offer state of the art technology and exemplary customer service to all patients. In 2017, she added a dry eye clinic with the assistance of Dry Eye University to ensure a successful execution of the program. Margie, her docs and her staff have been in attendance at multiple Dry Eye University programs.
Karen Spencer
Karen Spencer
Chief Executive Officer
Virginia Eye Consultants
Norfolk, Virginia
Karen Spencer is the CEO of Virginia Eye Consultants with over 26 years of experience in healthcare administration. She is a frequent lecturer and a respected industry leader in the field of practice management, governance, leadership, and integrated care delivery.
Karen started her career after college in the non-profit governmental sector of healthcare as a health educator/health promotions coordinator for a County Health dept. Two years later, she moved on to lead a large grant funded Healthy Communities project in NC which was designed to use healthcare as the catalyst to enhance quality of life in a 9 county region in rural NC. This work included collaborative efforts between all health departments, hospitals, school systems, Chambers of Commerce, and the Economic Development Corporations throughout the region. When the grant project came to an end, she took over as the Executive Director of a local non- profit agency which provided financial assistance for healthcare needs for the uninsured population. From there, she moved to Colorado where she became the Practice Administrator of a 6 provider Gastroenterology group in Colorado Springs. She held this post for about four years then moved on to become the CEO of South Denver Gastroenterology where she spent the next 7 years. During her tenure there, she grew the practice from 8 providers to 20 providers and the staff to over 175. She also successfully managed the expansion of the practice footprint/catchment area to a new up and coming community south of the city. This expansion included the development of a new 15,000 sq. foot office space which also housed a second- state licensed, Medicare certified ambulatory surgery center for the group.
In 2011, Spencer was honored as one of Hampton Roads Top Women in Business and was also named among the Top 10 Female Executives in Hampton Roads.
Under Ms. Spencer’s leadership, Virginia Eye Consultants earned recognition from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as the Top U.S. Small Business in the Southeastern United States in 2012. The company also received the Hampton Roads Small Business of the Year Award in 2011 and has been recognized for four years (2012-2015) as one of the “Roaring 20” – the top 20 fastest growing businesses in the Hampton Roads region.
Virginia Eye Consultants is one of the largest ophthalmic medical/surgical specialty practices in the Southeastern United States and is among the most recognized in the nation for clinical excellence and world class surgical outcomes. The company employs 200 people and cares for over 90,000 patients each year at its five locations.
Spencer attended graduate school at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and holds a bachelor’s in Health Administration from the University of Toledo.
She serves on the Hampton Roads Regional Executive Board of the Chamber of Commerce, The Executive Board of the Virginia Ambulatory Surgery Association (VASA), and is a member of the Medical Group Management Association, the American Society of Ophthalmic Administrators, and the American Academy of Ophthalmic Executives. Karen formerly also served on the American Society of Ophthalmic Administrators Editorial Advisory Board.
A native of Ohio, she resides in Chesapeake, Virginia with her husband Arick, a retired Navy veteran, their four amazing children and three sweet fur babies!
Jane T. Shuman
Jane T. Shuman
President
Eyetechs, Inc.
Ashland, Massachusetts
Jane T. Shuman, MSM, COT, COE, OCS, CMSS, OSC brings a unique perspective to her clients. She began her career as a scribe, then a technician, and later a department manager in a multidisciplinary setting. In this role, she integrated efficiencies and enhanced patient satisfaction to yield the highest ratings among the surgical specialties. She then went on to serve as the administrator for a private practice after working hand in hand with the physicians and builders to open its doors.
Jane is a nationally recognized authority on patient flow, practice efficiencies and technician training. Jane is Co-Editor in Chief of Ophthalmic Professional, and Director of the Allied Health Track of the Hawaiian Eye Meeting. She proudly serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors of the Hawaiian Eye Foundation and is a Member at Large of the National Board of Certified Ophthalmic Executives.
She presents regularly at the Annual Congresses of the American Society of Ophthalmic Administrators, American Academy of Ophthalmic Executives and meetings of various state and regional societies.
Eye Care Industry:
Clay Daniells
Clay Daniells
CEO, QooQoo
Clay is a founding member of Dry Eye Access. He is also a seasoned healthcare marketing professional and a serial agency entrepreneur. His experience extends from large global brands to niche technologies that are changing the standard of care. A unique agency model, QooQoo is both a marketing services provider and product development “skunk works,” with multiple developmental ventures ranging from education in healthcare to unique community-building communication platforms.
Don Hess
Don Hess
Sr. Product Manager, Ocular Surface
Johnson & Johnson Vision
Prior to joining J&J Vision in 2018, Don spent the previous 15 years with Allergan in a variety of ocular surface commercial and marketing roles, supporting brands REFRESH®, RESTASIS® and TrueTear®. His experience provide him a unique appreciation and understanding of the Dry Eye space from both a consumer/patient and clinical perspective.
Currently, he is responsible for all U.S. commercial marketing efforts for Johnson & Johnson Vision’s MGD portfolio of products (formerly TearScience), which includes LipiScan®, LipiFlow® and LipiViewII®.
Zac Denning
Zac Denning
Product Science Specialist
ScienceBased Health
Zac Denning is the Product Science Specialist at ScienceBased Health (SBH). Having joined the company in 1999, Zac has been with the company since soon after its founding in 1997. After studying biology and biochemistry at Evergreen where he received his Bachelor of Science, Mr. Denning has always had a passion for science. Working alongside scientists, clinicians and researchers, he has had the opportunity to help SBH pioneer new eye nutrition products and categories. Supported by a growing body of scientific research on the role of nutrition in eye health, SBH was first to offer nutritional supplements to support dry eye, macular degeneration and other major eye supplement categories.
In support of these efforts, Zac has had the opportunity to travel and present widely, educating eye doctors and medical groups about the science behind eye nutrition. In keeping with SBH’s mission, Zac believes strongly in keeping nutritional eye care in the hands of the eye doctor, since patients without medical guidance may not always make informed or optimal health choices. As part of this scientific approach, Zac has also been involved in helping maintain the company’s focus on primary clinical research in areas like dry eye and glaucoma. As a leader in eye nutrition and dry eye, Zac has been interviewed or asked to respond to major eye nutrition news, appearing in publications and sites such as: Advanced Ocular Care, Ophthalmology Management, Optometry Times, EyeNewsTV and the Dry Eye Coach podcast.