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David A. Damari, OD, FCOVD, FAAO, Dean Damari’s present professional service includes president for the College of Optometrists in Vision Development and co-chair at the Summer Institute for Faculty Development for the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry. He also serves in numerous roles for the Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry. Damari was awarded the Southern College of Optometry President’s Special Recognition Award and the Fredrick W. Brock Memorial award for Outstanding Performance in Vision Training. Damari earned a Doctor of Optometry degree from State University of New York College of Optometry, and he was a 2002 fellow-in-resident for the National Board of Examiners in Optometry in Bethesda, Maryland. |
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Bob Buckingham, OD, PhD, FAAO |
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Dr. Dinardo is an Assistant Professor at the Michigan College of Optometry. She graduated with high distinction from the Michigan College of Optometry in 2007. One year later, she completed a residency focusing on corneal diseases and specialty contact lenses. In 2011, she earned a Master of Business Administration with an Advanced Studies Certificate in Management Tools and Concepts. Dr. Dinardo has experience working in various modes of practice. Her interests include advanced contact lens fitting, anterior segment disease, pharmacology, and practice management. Dr. Dinardo is very active in organized optometry. She is the past-presidentof the West Michigan Optometric Association (WMOA) and serves on committees for the American Optometric Association (AOA) and the American Academy of Optometry (AAO). She is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. Dr. Dinardo's top priorities are to provide an innovative learning experience for her students as well as provide the highest quality eye care to her patients. Contact: amydinardo@ferris.edu |
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Sarah Hinkley, OD, FCOVD |
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Roger Kamen, OD, MS, FAAO |
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Michael P. Keating, PhD, FAAO
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Joshua Lotoczky, OD
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Dean Luplow, OD |
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Brian McDowell, OD
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James R. Miller, OD, FAAO |
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Bruce W. Morgan, OD, FAAO |
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John J. Pole, OD, MS, FAAO |
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Vandana Rajaram, OD, PhD |
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Michael D. Ryan has a Ph.D. in Medical Microbiology and Immunology from the Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, State University of New York at Buffalo. He teaches a variety of microbiology and immunology courses to students in colleges of Allied Health, Arts and Sciences, Pharmacy and Optometry as well as continuing education for nurses, optometrists and pharmacists. He is also the chair of the Pre-medicine Advisory Committee. Dr. Ryan's microbiology interests include microbial virulence, host correlates for protective immunity and contemporary vaccine research. He is a Pittsburgh Steeler fan, enjoys biking and is a strong advocate for the rights of students and faculty within FSU's academic community. |
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Received his BS in Fisheries and Wildlife (1978) and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University (1981). His undergraduate studies included a minor in Botany and Ornamental Horticulture. He has practiced Veterinary Medicine in Big Rapids since 1981. Dr. Scott started his employment at FSU in 1986 teaching courses in the Biology Department including Anatomy and Physiology, General Biology, Comparative Anatomy, General Botany and Plant Propagation. He teaches Anatomy and Physiology at the Michigan College of Optometry. |
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Mark Swan, OD, MEd, FAAO Dr. Swan has served the profession of optometry at the national level having been appointed to several volunteer and leadership positions in the American Optometric Association including the Aviation Vision Committee, Health Information Technology and Telemedicine Project Team, Faculty Relations Committee, InfantSEE state coordinator and the Research and Information Executive Committee. He has also served on the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education and with the Association of Schools and College of Optometry; Binocular Vision and Informatics special interest groups and the Association of Contact Lens Educators. Within the State he has been active in the leadership structure of the Michigan Optometric Association having served on several committees, Children's Vision Care, Environmental Vision, Legislative, Medicaid and Industry Relations. He was elected to serve on the Board of Directors for seven years and was elected as President of the Michigan Optometric Association and the West Michigan Optometric Association. He also serves as a vision consultant for the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards, and the Department of Community Health Vision Screening Program. He is a member of the physicians Advisory Committee for the Kent County Community Health Department and the Michigan Department of Community Health. Dr. Swan was recognized by the Grand Rapids Lions Club as Visionary of the Year, 2008 and by the Michigan Optometric Association as Optometrist of the Year, 2009 and by Ferris State University as Distinguished Alumnus in 2010. He has lectured both nationally and internationally and has participated in several
international vision care missions and serves as an editorial reviewer for the Journal
of Optometric Education, Review of Optometry and the Michigan Optometrist. |
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J. Randall Vance, OD, MS, FAAO |
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Philip E. Walling, OD, FAAO |
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Daniel Wrubel, OD |
Dr. David Damari was named Dean of the Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State
University on March 28, 2013. Damari was most recently chair for the Department of
Assessment and professor at Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tenn. Since
1995, he has been a consultant on visual disabilities, advising national and state
testing organizations on candidates who have requested special testing accommodations
under the Americans with Disabilities Act including the National Board of Medical
Examiners, National Board of Examiners in Optometry, CFA Institute, Graduate Management
Admissions Council, National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners, National Conference
of Bar Examiners, Law School Admissions Council, and State Bar Examiners including
Minnesota, Texas and Virginia. His previous administrative experience also included
serving as chair of the Department of Optometry at Southern College of Optometry.
Prior to his career at Southern College of Optometry, Damari operated a private solo
practice in New York and was an assistant clinical professor at the State University
of New York College of Optometry.
Dr. Buckingham is the Associate Dean for Student and Academic Affairs of the Michigan
College of Optometry. He earned his doctorate in Optometry at The Michigan College
of Optometry. From 1981 through 2001, he served in the United States Air Force. While
in the Air Force, he was chief of numerous optometry clinics; course supervisor for
optometry technician training; chief of standardization/evaluations for medical training;
and course director for the Department of Defense vision conservation and vision readiness
training. Dr. Buckingham is a past president of the Armed Forces Optometric Society
(AFOS). He was named the AFOS optometrist of the year for 2000 and the Association
of Military Surgeons United States Optometrist of the Year for 2001. He is past recipient
of Ferris State University Distinguished Alumnus Award. In addition, he received the
Army's Order of Military Medical Merit. He has lectured extensively on the topics
of occupational vision, environmental vision and eye safety throughout the country
and in Europe. He is the author of numerous journal articles.
Dr. Durkee is currently the Assistant Dean for Clinical Education at the Michigan
College of Optometry (MCO). He is also currently serving as the interim Director of
Externships. Dr. Durkee is a 1981 graduate with High Distinction of the School of
Optometry, Ferris State College. Academic awards included the Harold Kohn award for
research projects and a Nikon Scholarship. Upon graduation, he became a part time
clinical faculty with MCO at Duane Waters Hospital, Jackson Prison until 2012. While
working his own private practice in Lowell, MI for 31 years, he also had part time
duties on occasion seeing patients in nursing homes. He was very active in his local
and state professional associations, having been president of both the West Michigan
Optometric Association and the Michigan Optometric Association (MOA). The MOA awarded
him the Emil Arnold award twice for literary contributions, along with a Keyperson
and a Distinguished Service award. He currently serves on the Electronic Health Records
Committee and Third Party Benefits Committee of the MOA, and has written many articles
on technology and optometric applications. He enjoys working at MCO for the opportunity
to work on research projects and with tomorrow's future optometrists.
Dr. Sarah Hinkley is an Associate Professor and Chief of Low Vision Services. She
completed her undergraduate education at Ferris State as a member of the Honors Program
in its first year of inception. After graduating from the Michigan College of Optometry
in 2004, she began a position in a large private practice in Maumee, Ohio, concentrating
on contact lenses, pediatrics, vision therapy and learning-related vision disorders.
Dr. Hinkley presented inter-disciplinary education seminars in the areas of age-related
eye disease, pediatric vision and binocular vision disorders. She is a member of the
American and Michigan Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association
Low Vision Rehabilitation Section. Dr. Hinkley is the Chair of the Michigan Optometric
Association's Healthy Eyes Healthy People 2010 Committee and the recipient of three
national grants for the Association focusing on sports eyewear protection for children,
low vision rehabilitation and glaucoma awareness. She is a member of the American
Optometric Association's Health Promotion Committee. Additionally, she has a passion
for student recruitment into the Optometry profession and working with adults and
children who are visually impaired or legally blind. She is a certified Michigan Low
Vision Specialist. Dr. Hinkley is also a new Fellow of the College of Optometrists
in Vision Development, an organization devoted to advancing excellence in optometric
vision therapy through education and board certification. Dr. Hinkley was awarded
2009 Michigan Young Optometrist of the Year.
Dr. Alison Jenerou is an Assistant Professor at the Michigan College of Optometry.
She completed her bachelor's degree in Psychology and Chemistry at Central Michigan
University in 2007. She then attended NOVA Southeastern University College of Optometry
in Ft. Lauderdale, FL where she obtained her Doctorate in Optometry in 2011, receiving
Honors and was awarded the Pediatric and Binocular Vision Clinical Excellence Award.
One year later she completed a residency in Pediatrics and Binocular Vision at the
Michigan College of Optometry. Her areas of interest include vision related learning
problems, strabismus, amblyopia and vision therapy, with current research in preschool
vision screenings and peripheral visual awareness. Her current teaching responsibilities
include supervising 3rd and 4th year interns at the University Eye Center’s Pediatrics and Binocular Vision Clinic
and Primary Care clinic. As well as assisting in the Vision Therapy lab. Dr. Jenerou
is currently pursuing a fellowship from the College of Optometrists in Vision Development
and is a member of the American Optometric Association, the Michigan Optometric Association,
the Michigan Optometric Association’s Children’s Vision Committee, and the American
Academy of Optometry.
Dr. Kamen is a Professor at the Michigan College of Optometry. He earned his B.S.
in mechanical engineering from Tulane University and his Masters of Science and Doctorate
in Optometry from The Ohio State University. His teaching and research interests are
practice management, public health, managed care, financial management, Medicare coding
and billing, European optometry, and optics. He completed a sabbatical (Spring semester
2010) in Milan Italy as a visiting researcher at the Bocconi University. Dr Kamen
served as the MCO Director of Clinics from 1991 to 2001. He currently serves as Chair
of the MOA Practice Management Committee as well as the Chair of MOA Medicare Committee.
Dr. Kamen serves as a member of the Career Advisory Committee, Michigan Medicare Part
B and is an editor of the textbook, Business Aspects of Optometry 2nd Edition and
has authored four chapters in the 3rd edition of Business Aspects of Optometry. Dr.
Kamen has lectured, published, and presented nationally and internationally. He is
a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and a member of the European Academy
of Optometry and Optics.
Professor of Optics. PhD in physics from Indiana University (1972). Has taught optometric
optics courses at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (3 years), University of Houston
College of Optometry (1 year – while on sabbatical leave from MCO), and for 30 plus
years at MCO. In the spring of 2006, was a visiting professor at the College of Optical
Sciences, University of Arizona (sabbatical leave from MCO). Currently teaches Geometric,
Physical, Visual, and Ophthalmic Optics, and Optics of Low Vision Aids. Author of
"Geometric, Physical, and Visual Optics" - a 613 page textbook, now in its second
edition published by Butterworth-Heinemann, St Louis. Recipient of 1972 Indiana University
Physics Department Award for Outstanding Performance as an Associate Instructor, 1994
Michigan Association of Governing Bodies Distinguished Faculty Award, 1996 Ferris
State University Distinguished Teacher Award, 2002 Michigan Optometric Association
Optometric Educator of the Year Award, 2008 Ferris State University Student Government
Faculty of the Year Award, 2005 & 2009 Michigan Optometric Student Association First
Year Student Choice for Outstanding Professor. Research Interests are in Visual Optics
particularly the matrix analysis of astigmatism and refractive errors. Regularly serves
as an optics reviewer for "Optometry and Vision Science" and "Ophthalmic and Physiological
Optics." Served as MCO Associate Dean (84-92), and twice served as MCO Interim Dean
(88-89 and 90-91).
Dr. Lotoczky is an Associate Professor at the Michigan College of Optometry (M.C.O.).
He earned his B.S. from Central Michigan University in 1998 and his doctorate in Optometry
from M.C.O. in 2004. The following year he completed a Cornea and Contact Lens residency
also at M.C.O. As part of his residency, Dr. Lotoczky trained with a cornea specialist,
glaucoma specialists, and a specialty gas permeable contact lens designer. His research
interests include diagnostic instrumentation for ocular disease and specialty contact
lens management in corneal reshaping and treatment of keratoconus.
Dr. Dean Luplow is an Associate Professor at the Michigan College of Optometry. He
began his career teaching senior and junior high school courses for nine years prior
to attending and graduating from the Michigan College of Optometry in 1989. After
graduation Dr. Luplow practiced in the 410th Strategic Hospital at K.I. Sawyer Air
Force Base until the base closed. Prior to coming to MCO, Dr. Luplow had a private
practice in a small rural Michigan community, providing primary care optometric services
to the local area. Dr. Luplow had a substantial glaucoma patient base, monitored the
ocular condition of chronic and acute systemic disease patients, and provided emergency
ocular care to the community. Dr. Luplow has also participated in several international
eye care missions. Dr. Luplow is teaching primary care optometry at MCO and has special
interests in ocular disease, emergency eye care, visual fields, and the use of diagnostic
instrumentation in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of ocular conditions.
Dr. Brian McDowell is an Assistant Professor at the Michigan College of Optometry.
He received a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biomedical Science from Western Michigan
University with a minor in Applied Ethics. After completing his Optometry degree at
the Michigan College of Optometry in 2011, he went on to be the founding resident
of Henry Ford OptimEyes’ Primary Care residency where he worked in a high patient
volume practice as well as supervising 4th year interns. 
Dr. Paula McDowell is an Assistant Professor at the Michigan College of Optometry.
She completed her undergraduate training at Ferris State University, where she minored
in Philosophy. She graduated from the Michigan College of Optometry in 2009, and was
the founding resident of MCO’s Pediatric Optometry Residency. After her residency,
she sampled various modes of practice ranging from community health care to the Veteran’s
Association to corporate optometry before landing in academics. In addition to pursuing
her Fellowship in the American Academy of Optometry, Dr. McDowell is a member of the
Michigan Optometric Association’s Children’s Vision Care Committee, the American Optometric
Association, the American Society for Bioethics and Humanities, and the Pediatric
Eye Disease Investigator Group. Clinical interests include special needs populations,
vision therapy, visual processing disorders, optometric ethics, and promoting access
to early eye care. 
Dr. Miller is a Professor at the Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University.
He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Central Michigan University
and his Doctorate in Optometry from Ferris State College of Optometry in 1985. He
teaches two Clinical Optometric Procedures courses in addition to courses regarding
Optometric Gerontology, Ethics and the Doctor/Patient Relationship, and Clinical Problem
Solving. He is a clinical instructor and serves as the Chief of Primary Care Services
for the MCO University Eye Center. He is active in FCO (Fellowship of Christian Optometrists)
and VOSH (Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity) and has lead and/or assisted
in numerous international eye care missions. Dr. Miller was an Olympic level athlete
and coach. He is a frequent speaker in the areas of Team Building, Professional Relationships,
Ethics, Leadership, and Optometry as a Profession.
Dr. Morgan is a Professor at the Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University
and is currently serving as the Director of Residencies. Dr. Morgan graduated from
Northeastern State University College of Optometry in 1987 and completed the residency
in Cornea and Contact Lenses at the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 1989. He has
taught in the areas of Ophthalmic Optics, Contact Lenses and Ocular Disease. Dr. Morgan’s
clinical and research interests include gas-permeable contact lenses, keratoconus,
and corneal reshaping. He specializes in the design and fitting of orthokeratology
lenses for the purpose of non-surgical reduction of myopia and has published research
in this area. Dr. Morgan has lectured both nationally and internationally in the area
of contact lenses and anterior segment disease and currently serves as president of
the Association of Contact Lens Educators.
John J. Pole, O.D., M.S., is a Professor at the Michigan College of Optometry. He
earned his doctorate in optometry from the Ohio State University College of Optometry.
He later completed a combined M.S. and clinical residency in cornea and contact lenses
at the same institution. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. Dr.
Pole’s clinical and research interests include Keratoconus, corneal physiology and
anterior segment eye disease. He teaches in the areas of contact lenses and anterior
segment eye disease. He specializes in the care of patients with Keratoconus and other
corneal irregularities.
Vandana Rajaram, B.S. (Optom), Ph.D., O.D., is an Associate Professor at the Michigan
College of Optometry at Ferris State University. Dr. Rajaram received her undergraduate
degree in optometry from the Elite School of Optometry, Chennai, India. She then
earned a Ph.D. in Vision Science/Physiological Optics at the University of Missouri-St.
Louis (UMSL) and subsequently was admitted to the O.D. professional degree program
with advanced standing at UMSL. Her major area of research is in the area of visual
attentional deficits in reading disabled children. Other research interests include
binocular vision and visual psychophysics as well as statistical analysis and experimental
design. She was previously a faculty member at the Elite School of Optometry in India.
Avesh Raghunandan, B.Optom, CAS, MS, OD, PhD., is a Professor who received an Optometry
degree from the University of Durban-Westville (South Africa) in 1995, completed certification
in advanced diagnosis and treatment of ocular diseases from the New England College
of Optometry in 1998, obtained a Masters degree in Physiological Optics in 2000, and
later obtained a joint OD/ PhD degree from the University of Houston - College of
Optometry. Awarded the Fulbright Scholarship in 1998 and Erhardt Fellowship in 2000.
Lectured in areas of Physiological Optics, Vision Science, ocular disease diagnostic
procedures and actively engaged in research in both basic visual science and epidemiology.
Research interests include binocular vision, eye movements, motion processing, and
spatial vision in normal and abnormal visual systems.
Dr. Swan is a Professor at the Michigan College of Optometry, located at Ferris State
University in Big Rapids, Mich., where he serves as Chief of the Pediatrics and Binocular
Vision Service. He is also the Chief of the Optometry Service at Saint Mary's Health
Care in Grand Rapids, Mich.
Dr. Randall Vance is a Professor at the Michigan College of Optometry. He received
his Masters degree and his doctorate in Optometry from The Ohio State University.
He served as an optometry officer in the United States Army Medical Department at
Fort Campbell, Kentucky before being appointed to the faculty of the College of Optometry,
Ferris State University. He has served as Assistant Director of Clinics, and Director
of Clinics. He currently teaches in the clinical optometric procedures courses, visual
fields course, and Web seminar courses, and serves the University’s Center for Teaching
and Learning as E-Learning Consultant on a part-time basis. In this capacity, he is
responsible for planning and conducting faculty training in online delivery and assessment
of instruction, and consulting with faculty and administration regarding online teaching
and learning issues. He has presented lectures and workshops in the areas of indirect
ophthalmoscopy, visual fields instrumentation and interpretation, new technologies
for glaucoma detection and management, and Web-based instruction. He is a past recipient
of Ferris State University’s Distinguished Teacher Award, and the Award for Academic
Excellence. He is a consultant for the National Board of Examiners in Optometry, and
the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education.
Dr. Walling is a Professor at the Michigan College of Optometry. He received his
doctorate in Optometry from the University of Houston College of Optometry and is
TPA certified in Michigan and Texas. Following graduation, he was an Associate Clinical
Professor at the University of Houston's University Eye Institute and practiced in
a multidisciplinary setting until moving to Michigan. After relocating to Michigan,
Dr. Walling practiced at the University of Michigan Health Service, Associated Eye
Institute and Surgical Center and in private practice. He is currently the Chief
of the Medical and Surgical Service at the University Eye Center and teaches classes
in Anterior and Posterior Segment Ocular Disease, Glaucoma, Laser & Refractive Surgery
and Injectable Pharmaceuticals. He has lectured exclusively on ocular disease, pharmacology,
contact lenses and primary care procedures. He was voted "Educator of the Year" by
the Michigan Optometric Association in 2000. Dr. Walling is currently the director
of continuing education at MCO and serves as faculty liaison on the Academic Relations
Committee, Professional Affairs Division of the Michigan Optometric Association. Outside
of optometry, he is the Assistant Men's and Women's Golf Coach at Ferris State University.
Daniel Wrubel is a Professor at the Michigan College of Optometry and in private practice
in Eaton Rapids, Michigan. Dr. Wrubel's chief areas of clinical practice and teaching
are: pediatric vision care, visual related learning problems and vision therapy to
remedy these anomalies. Dr. Wrubel is a graduate of the Michigan College of Optometry
(1980). He is also an Associate Member of the COVD (College of Optometrists in Vision
Development). Dr. Wrubel is currently a Team Leader and Student Liaison for VOSH (Volunteer
Optometric Services to Humanity) and has lead several Eye Care international missions.