Meet our orthoptists

Orthoptic fellowship

University of Wisconsin
School of Medicine and Public Health
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Board Certified 1999

Do good. Be better. Help others. The driving forces for me while choosing my given profession. The desire to not only serve but also be an active part of something bigger, ingrained in me from a very young age. Children’s Wisconsin Eye Clinic affords the opportunity for accomplishing just that, encompassing and effortlessly integrating compassionate patient care, family education, ophthalmic research and teaching future eye providers. Orthoptics is a niche profession that blends critical thinking, diagnostic skills, and deductive reasoning as it relates to disorders of binocular vision, the treatment and diagnosis thereof, all while being wrapped up in a playful, engaging and low stress environment. I’m so very fortunate to be part of a phenomenal team that prioritizes patient care and places families first.

“It isn’t merely a job, but a quest to make an impact “
~ Kourtney Ferrua, Kate Barker, and Rachael George, Principaled

Awards

• Richard G. Scobee Student Award winner for excellence in orthoptic scholastic achievement. 1999
• AACO and AOC Honor Certificate recipient, recognizing Certified Orthoptists® whose experience, leadership, and professional contributions are advancing the profession of Orthoptics. 2004
• PEDIG (Pediatric Eye Diseases Investigator Group) Performance Award. 2002
• PEDIG (Pediatric Eye Diseases Investigator Group) Recruitment Award. 2000

Presentations

• A Browns out of the Blue: Acquired Pediatric Brown Syndrome, American Association of Certified Orthoptists National Conference, Chicago, IL, October 2022
• The Great Masquerader: A Case Presentation and Review of Myasthenia Gravis, American Association of Certified Orthoptists National Conference, Chicago, IL, October 2022
• A Browns out of the Blue: Acquired Pediatric Brown Syndrome, American Association of Certified Orthoptists Joint Regional Meeting, Portland, OR, May 2022
• Skew Deviation, AACO/AOC/AAO National Conference: Joint Sunday Symposium, Chicago, IL, October 2010
• What do you tell parents who ask why their preschooler can’t see out of one eye: Expert lessons on talking with parents about complex issues, AACO/AOC/AAO National Conference: Joint Sunday Symposium, New Orleans, LA, November 2001
• My head hurts: Diagnosis & treatment of the pediatric headache, AACO National Conference, New Orleans, LA, November 2001
• Joubert Syndrome – Ophthalmic Considerations, AACO Joint Regional meeting, St. Louis, MO, June 2000
• Here today & gone tomorrow – Cyclic Esotropia, AACO Midwest Regional meeting, Minneapolis, MN, June 1999

Publications

• Picard,V: Vertical deviations secondary to supranuclear origins. American Orthoptic Journal 2011 Volume 61.
• Picard,V: What do you tell Parents who ask why their Pre-Schooler can’t see out of one eye. American Orthoptic Journal 1999 Volume 49.

Orthoptic fellowship

Washington University
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
St. Louis Children's Hospital
Board Certified 2003

The profession of orthoptics encompasses many wonderful facets that allow me to contribute to a person's health and quality of life. My favorite facets of orthoptics are problem solving, precision, the playfulness of pediatric eye exams, and working with a great team.

Presentations

• A Browns Out of the Blue: Acquired Pediatric Brown Syndrome, American Association of Certified Orthoptists National Conference, Chicago, IL, October 2022
• Strabismus Associated with Plagiocephaly Secondary Unicoronal Synostosis, American Association of Certified Orthoptists National Conference, Anaheim, CA, November 2003
• Binocular Vision in Children with Cerebral Palsy, American Association of Certified Orthoptists Spring Joint Regional Meeting, Jacksonville, FL, May 2002

Publications

• Arnoldi KA, Pendarvis LM, Jackson J, Batra NNA: Cerebral palsy for the pediatric eye care team part III: Diagnosis and management of associated visual and sensory disorders.  American Orthoptic Journal 2006; 56: 97-107.

Orthoptic fellowship

University of Iowa
Carver College of Medicine
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Board Certified 1995

My experience of growing up in a small town in Iowa nurtured my beliefs that everyone should be treated with respect. I had to wear an eye patch to correct amblyopia when I was young. My many visits to the eye clinic influenced my curiosity and interest in this field. I love working with children and trying to help them feel comfortable when their eyes are evaluated.

Awards

• Richard G. Scobee Student Award for excellence in orthoptic scholastic achievement. 1995

Orthoptic fellowship

University of Michigan
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Kellogg Eye Center
Board Certified 2019

Orthoptics is a perfect blend of patient care while being a kid at heart. I love that our exams range from getting kids to watch movies, to making the goofiest animal noise possible. We will do just about anything to try and get a look at a child's alignment! It's a collaborative environment and a great career for anyone interested in the medical field.

Awards

• 2018 FOREA Scholarship Recipient

Orthoptic fellowship

Medical College of Wisconsin
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Children’s Wisconsin
Board Certified 2021

My interest in orthoptics began when I was a technician working in the eye clinic at Children's Wisconsin. I was intrigued by the testing performed by our orthoptists and the wealth of knowledge they possessed. Once the Children's Wisconsin Orthoptic Fellowship program became official, I knew I needed to apply! I feel very fortunate to have trained here and now call former instructors my colleagues. My passion for orthoptics continues to grow as I am able to help more patients, children and adults, with their binocular vision needs!

In my free time, I like to read, game, and spend time outdoors with my family. I am currently training for my first degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do.

Presentations

• The Great Masquerader: A Case Presentation and Review of Myasthenia Gravis, American Association of Certified Orthoptists National Conference, Chicago, IL, October 2022

Awards

• 2020 FOREA Scholarship Recipient

Orthoptic fellowship

University of Iowa
Carver College of Medicine
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Board Certified 2022

I love being an orthoptist because I can use both my analytical side to be involved in the diagnosis and treatment plans and my playful side to make the eye exam fun for the kids.

Presentations

• Nyctalopia; What does that mean? American Association of Certified Orthoptists National Conference, Chicago, IL, October 2022

Orthoptic fellowship

University of Minnesota
University of Minnesota Medical School
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences
Board Certified 2022

I chose a career in orthoptics because I enjoy working with children and learning about the complexity of the visual system. The orthoptic examination requires attention to detail, investigation skills, and critical thinking --all while keeping the atmosphere engaging and playful for the patient. I am so grateful for a career that allows me to work with adults and children with complex strabismus and challenges me to think outside the box.

Presentations

• Inferior Oblique Overaction (IOOA) after Sixth Nerve Palsy, American Association of Certified Orthoptists National Conference Scientific Session, November 2021
• Oculomotor Apraxia: A Case Presentation, American Association of Certified Orthoptists National Conference Instructional Course, Chicago, IL, October 2022

Publications

• Jacobson, BA. Ahmad, Z. Chen, S. Waldusky, G. 4Ei-10 interdiction of oncogenic cap-mediated translation as therapy for non-small cell lung cancer. Springer Science Business Media, LLC. Nov. 18, 2020

Awards

• 2021 FOREA Scholarship Recipient

Orthoptic fellowship

Medical College of Wisconsin
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Children’s Wisconsin
Board Certified 2023

I developed an interest and a desire to further my career in eye care after working as a technician over the last several years. I was introduced to orthoptics by a fellow coworker and after learning more about it, I was drawn to the challenging and rewarding aspects of the career. I have had the privilege to do my fellowship training at Children's Wisconsin which has helped me grow not only personally but professionally as well. I look forward to continuing to grow in the orthoptic field and provide quality care to all patients I see.

Presentations

• Cyclic Esotropia: A Case Presentation, American Association of Certified Orthoptists Joint Regional Meeting, Portand, OR, May 2022
• The Great Masquerader: A Case Presentation and Review of Myasthenia Gravis, American Association of Certified Orthoptists National Conference, Chicago, IL, October 2022

Orthoptic fellowship

Medical College of Wisconsin
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Children’s Wisconsin

After being a pediatric technician for four years, I want to further my career and become more involved in patient care and treatment options. Strabismus, amblyopia, diplopia and nystagmus really interest me and I want to learn more about the etiology. I'm ready for the challenge of helping children and adults achieve binocular vision.

Presentations

• Chiari & Crossing: A Case Presentation and Review of Chiari Malformations, American Association of Certified Orthoptists Joint Regional Meeting, Baltimore, MD, May 2023.

Orthoptic fellowship

Medical College of Wisconsin
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Children’s Wisconsin

My interest in orthoptics began while working as a technician at Children’s Wisconsin. I am so excited to begin my career as a future orthoptist here as well! My passion for Ophthalmology, along with the challenges and critical thinking skills orthoptics requires, are some of the driving forces that pushed me to apply for the fellowship position. I love getting to work with kids and adults in a career that allows me to push my limits and think outside the box!

Awards

• 2023 FOREA Scholarship recipient