World Orthoptic Day, June 5, 2017

Tara Bragg, CO, is an Orthoptist for the University of Iowa Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, as well as the director of the Orthoptic Training Program. 

The Orthoptic Training Program at the University of Iowa is the longest running program in the nation. The program and students have received the Scobee National Award for highest achievement on board exams several times.

How long have you worked for the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics?

I trained to be an orthoptist here from 2008-2010 and then stayed on as staff after graduation; so 7-9 years depending on when you start counting.

What does your role as an Orthoptist entail?

Orthoptists work in a team with pediatric ophthalmologists to diagnose and treat strabismus and amblyopia for all ages. We are specialists in the non-surgical management of binocular vision disorders. We work with the ophthalmologists most days, but also have orthoptic clinics in which we do vision exams for kids that are patching for amblyopia as well as prism refractions and diagnostic measurements for adults with double vision.

What is your favorite part of your job?

I have lots of favorite things about my job! I think the best part of my job is getting to share my knowledge and professional enthusiasm with our orthoptic students. I have a lot of fun with our kiddos every day and I really like the complex strabismus and double vision patients that come through orthoptic clinic. Double vision is not an easy or straight forward thing to manage for a lot of patients; we are able to help in a very meaningful way and that is very rewarding.   

What do you like to do in your free time?

I like to garden, cook, knit and spend time with my three dogs.