EPISODES

Zac Denning,

Zac Denning is the Product Science Specialist at ScienceBased Health (SBH), which he joined in 1999. Following his passion for science, Mr. Denning studied biology and biochemistry at Evergreen where he received his Bachelor of Science. Working alongside scientists, clinicians and researchers, he has helped SBH pioneer new categories of eye supplements that are now widely recognized and utilized in eye care. 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 health, AREDS plus multi combinations, optic nerve health and other major eye supplement areas. In support of these efforts, Zac travels and presents widely, educating eye doctors and medical groups about the scientific basis for eye nutrition. Reflecting SBH’s mission, Zac strives to keep nutritional eye care in the hands of the eye doctor, since patients without medical guidance may make uninformed or less appropriate supplement choices. As part of SBH’s scientific approach, Zac has also helped 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 serves on the Corporate Advisory Board for Dry Eye Access, and has been profiled or featured in a variety of eyecare publications.

Damon Dierker, OD, FAAO

Dr. Dierker is the Director of Optometric Services at Eye Surgeons of Indiana. He is a graduate of the Indiana University School of Optometry and has completed fellowship training in consultative optometry. He specializes in the diagnosis and management of eye diseases.

Clinical interests:

• Advanced ocular surface disease treatment, including LipiFlow, Prokera, and IPL
• Retinal disease, including diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration
• Glaucoma/optic neuropathy
• Pre and post-operative care

In 2007, Dr. Dierker was awarded Fellowship in the American Academy of Optometry. This prestigious honor is given to only a small number of optometrists throughout the country. As an adjunct faculty member at the Indiana University School of Optometry, he directs the clinical externship program at Eye Surgeons of Indiana. He currently serves his profession as President of the Indiana Optometric Association. Additionally, he frequently presents continuing education lectures to other doctors throughout the country and works closely with leaders in industry on various endeavors that are focused on improving patient care.

Douglas K. Devries, OD

Douglas K. Devries, OD co-founded Eye Care Associates of Nevada in 1992, and since then, has limited his practice to surgical co-management and diseases of the eye. His specific area of interest has been in ocular surface disease, which makes up the majority of his clinical practice. Dr. Devries lectures to colleagues extensively, both nationally and internationally, on anterior segment eye disease. He is the director of the optometric residency program and optometric fourth year intern program at Eye Care Associates and is an Associate Clinical Professor of Optometry.

Dr. Devries received his bachelor’s degree in Financial Management from the University of Nevada, Reno and received his Doctor of Optometry degree from Pacific University in 1989. He has been awarded the Optometrist of the Year from the State of Nevada Optometric Association and from the Great Western Counsel of Optometry, where he served as President of both organizations. He currently serves on the Medicare Carrier Advisory Committee, as well as the Counsel on Optometric Education.

Dr. Devries is a life-long Nevada resident, and currently resides in Sparks. He is a multi-engine instrument rated pilot, and flies with Dr. Hiss monthly to smaller Northern Nevada communities to assist in surgery. When he is not working, he enjoys traveling and scuba diving internationally, and riding his motorcycles. He is also an avid skier, hiker and marksman.

Mila Ioussifova, OD

Dr. Mila Ioussifova, O.D. is a Dotor of Optometry in Portland, OR. It is my privilege to be your eye care provider at South Waterfront Eye Care. My goal is to take care of your eye care needs today, but also help you keep good vision and healthy eyes for life. I am a strong proponent of preventative care and believe that nutrition and natural lifestyle can help you be healthy and happy for life. I received my Doctor of Optometry degree in 2007 from New England College of Optometry and completed a community health-based residency program in Boston, MA. My training was extensive and diverse, including pediatric, geriatric, and primary care optometry, as well as, contact lens and ocular disease management. In 2009 I returned to Portland and re-discovered how lovely and one of a kind it is. Portlandians appreciate individuality and uniqueness. At South Waterfront Eye Care I want my patients to feel the personal service from the moment they walk in. While practicing optometry for the past 6 years, I have developed a special interest in ocular nutrition. Preventative care has become an important part of my practice. As a current adjunct clinical faculty at Pacific University College of Optometry, I have the honor of working with optometric interns. I am involved in clinical education, didactics and training of future optometrists. I am originally from Azerbaijan; I speak Azerbaijani and Russian

Selina McGee , OD, FAAO, Dipl ABO

Dr. McGee is the visionary founder of Precision Vision of Edmond, a boutique-style eyecare practice that specializes in dry eye disease, specialty contact lenses, and aesthetics. She is also the co-founder of Precision Vision of Midwest City, an MD-OD practice specializing in premium IOL and cataract surgery. She earned her OD degree from Northeastern State University College of Optometry, graduating Summa Cum Laude. She is a member of the Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians and the American Optometric Association. Currently she serves as the Immediate Past-President the OAOP. She is also an adjunct faculty member of Northeastern State University College of Optometry. She was named Young Optometrist of the year in 2012 by the OAOP.

Mile Brujic, O.D., FAAO

Dr. Brujic graduated from the New England College of Optometry in 2002. He practices full scope optometry with an emphasis on ocular disease management of the anterior segment, contact lenses and glaucoma. Dr. Brujic is on the editorial board for a number of optometric publications. He has published over 200 articles and has given over 1000 lectures, both nationally and internationally on contemporary topics in eye care. He is a member of the American Optometric Association and the American Academy of Optometry. He enjoys spending time with his wife Sonia, and daughters Zoe and Ava.

Laura Periman, MD

“Doc With Heart” who goes the extra mile to bring top line clinical science and services to her patients. Care is delivered with equal measures passion and compassion. Eyes are part of a whole person.

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 has nine peer reviewed publications 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. Whether delivering top line care in the sacred 1:1 patient encounter or expanding awareness on the world wide impacts of Dry Eye Disease, Dr Periman thrives on contributing to the greater good.

As Director of Dry Eye Services and Clinical Research in Seattle, WA she combines her clinical care passion, scientific drive and innovative creativity to provide first class Ocular Surface Disease management.