Brett Bowers, O.D.
MEET BRETT BOWERS, O.D.
Dr. Brett Bowers joined our practice at Arena Eye Surgeons in 2021. Prior to joining our practice, Dr. Bowers worked as a resident optometrist at the Columbus and Chillicothe Veteran’s Affairs hospitals after graduating from The Ohio State University College of Optometry.
CURRICULUM VITAE
RESIDENCY:
Chillicothe VA Hospital and Columbus VA Hospital
Residency in Hospital-Based Optometry
June 2020 – July 2021
MEDICAL SCHOOL:
The Ohio State College of Optometry
Columbus, Ohio
Doctor of Optometry
May 2020
St. John’s University
Queens, New York
Biology
2008-2012
- Green Disease: Diagnosis of Preperimetric Glaucoma
February 2021
The Ohio State University College of Optometry - Herpetic Eye Disease: Diagnosis and Management
December 2020
VISN 10 Optometry Education Workgroup - We’ve Sprung A Leak: Idiopathic Juxtafoveal Telangiectasis
October 2020
American Academy of Optometry Residents Day - Why Is My Eye Red? Differential Diagnoses and Treatments
August 2019
Journal Club, White River Junction VA Medical Center - Dry Eye in Eczema Patient Treated With Dupilumab
June 2019
Journal Club, White River Junction VA Medical Center - Case Presentation on Patient with Hydroxychloroquine Retinopathy
August 2018
Grand Rounds, The Ohio State University College of Optometry
Presented with Monica Braun, Theresa Watt, Emily Zimmermann
Ocular Disease Residency, Columbus/Chillicothe VA Hospitals
June 2020-July 2021
One-year ocular disease residency working at two different VA facilities in central Ohio. Focus on diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma. Triaged and treated patients with urgent eye concerns, including foreign bodies, sudden vision loss, and double vision. Served as a clinical attending doctor for fourth-year optometry students.
Erdey Searcy Eye Group
Jan 2020-Apr 2020
Worked in an ophthalmology setting under three corneal surgeons to manage eye disease in a diverse patient population. Emphasis on anterior segment disease and surgery including keratoconus, Fuch’s endothelial dystrophy, and post-transplant corneas.
The Ohio State College of Optometry, Contact Lens Clinic
Aug 2019-Dec 2019
Fitted and evaluated soft, gas permeable, and scleral contact lenses. Diagnosed and treated anterior segment conditions, such as keratoconus, corneal scarring, and recurrent corneal erosions. Utilized contact lenses to manage refractive error, presbyopia, post-transplanted corneas, and corneal ectasias.
The Ohio State College of Optometry, BV/Pediatrics Clinic
Aug 2019-Dec 2019
Attended to pediatric patients and patients with binocular vision disorders to manage ocular conditions. Treated pediatric patients ranging from 6 months to 13 years old with an emphasis on detecting and treating amblyopia, strabismus, and latent hyperopia. Evaluated patients with traumatic brain injuries and formed treatment plans for their binocular vision and visual perception disorders.
The Ohio State College of Optometry, Wilce Student Health Center
Aug 2019-Dec 2019
Provided primary eye care, urgent care, and contact lens fittings to The Ohio State University students. Managed common conditions of a young adult population, such as viral conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis, dry eye, and convergence insufficiency.
The Ohio State College of Optometry, Low Vision Clinic
Aug 2019-Dec 2019
Evaluated patients with low vision conditions, such as albinism, macular degeneration with geographic atrophy, retinitis pigmentosa, and vascular occlusions. Assisted low vision patients with the selection and training of vision devices. Evaluated drivers for the renewal of driver’s licenses, with and without use of bioptic telescopes.
Central Ohio Eyecare
Nov 2019-Dec 2019
Worked under Dr. David Zigler to provide primary care eye exams to patients in a private practice setting. Directed aspects of practice management, such as insurance, billing, and staff relations.
Ohio State Havener Eye Institute
Aug 2019-Oct 2019
Worked under Dr. Amit Tandon to evaluate one-day cataract post-operative patients. Managed microcystic edema, intraocular pressure spikes, and anterior chamber reactions seen after cataract surgery. Worked under Dr. Barbara Mihalik in managing patients with retinal conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy, ARMD, and sickle cell anemia.
White River Junction VA Medical Center
May 2019-Aug 2019
Provided primary ocular care, urgent care, and long-term management of ocular diseases to the veteran population in the greater New England area. Diagnosed and treated ocular diseases with a focus on ARMD, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts.
The Ohio State College of Optometry, Primary Vision Care Clinic
May 2018-May 2019
Provided primary vision care for patients in the greater Columbus area. Detected and diagnosed early stages of diseases, such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and multiple sclerosis. Referred patients requiring additional care to appropriate specialists.
The Ohio State College of Optometry, Vision Therapy Clinic
Jan 2019-May 2019
Performed vision therapy for patients with binocular vision issues, such as convergence insufficiency, accommodative insufficiency, vertical heterophorias, and saccadic dysfunctions. Rehabilitated patients with traumatic brain injuries in the recovery of their visual systems post-concussion.
The Ohio State College of Optometry, Eyewear Gallery
Aug 2018-Dec 2018
Assisted patients with the selection and fitting of single vision and multifocal glasses. Repaired and adjusted frames to maximize comfort and vision for patients with spectacles.
The Ohio State College of Optometry, Advanced Ocular Care Clinic
May 2018-Aug 2018
Treated and managed chronic ocular conditions, with a focus on glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Monitored glaucoma progression by performing threshold visual fields, fundus photos, gonioscopy, and OCT scans. Diagnosed and treated urgent ocular conditions, such as red eyes, foreign bodies, corneal abrasions, and uveitis.
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals
2013 - 2021
ARENA EYE SURGEONS
Joined the team of Arena Eye Surgeons in August 2021.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
Dr. Bowers received his bachelor’s degree in biology at St. John’s University in Queens, New York. Soon after he attended college, he received his Doctor of Optometry from The Ohio State University College of Optometry. Eager to further his education, Dr. Bowers’ next step was the completion of his ocular disease residency at the Columbus and Chillicothe VA hospitals.
SKILLS & EXPERTISE
Dr. Bowers practices Optometry at Arena Eye Surgeons. He provides primary eye care to patients of all ages, with special interests in glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and macular degeneration. He has extensive experience with fitting glasses and contacts, as well as treating dry eye, eye infections, and urgent eye problems.
EXTRACURRICULAR INVOLVEMENT
Dr. Bowers is a recent graduate of The Ohio State University College of Optometry and participates in alumni events with the college.
HOBBIES & PERSONAL INTERESTS
Originally from Maryland, Dr. Bowers now enjoys living in Columbus’ German Village where he likes to take his dog, Rosie, on walks. In his free time, he enjoys hockey, photography, and cheering on The Ohio State Buckeyes.