Spokesperson Biography

Mark E. Wilkinson, O.D.

National Eye Institute (NEI),
National Institutes of Health

• National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP) Planning Committee
• Chair, NEHEP Low Vision Subcommittee

University of Iowa (UI) Carver College of Medicine

• Clinical Professor, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
• Director, Vision Rehabilitation Service, UI Carver Family Center for Macular Degeneration
• Medical Director, UI Optical

Specialties

• Optometry
• Low Vision
• Vision Rehabilitation

Research Highlights

Dr. Wilkinson's research interests include: driving competency with visual acuity, visual field, and/or cognitive impairments. He also is studying the benefits of rehabilitative interventions for individuals with visual impairments. In addition, Dr. Wilkinson is researching the phenotypic differences of individuals with inherited eye diseases.

Publications

Dr. Wilkinson is the author of research articles based on his studies of driving with visual impairments, including articles published in Optometry, the Journal of the American Optometric Association, Journal of Neuro-Ophthalmology, Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Insight, and the Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness. He also co-authored a book for patients: Protect Your Sight: How to Save Your Vision in the Epidemic of Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Professional Highlights

Dr. Wilkinson is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and a charter member of the American Optometric Association's Vision Rehabilitation Section. Dr. Wilkinson is a past chair of the Executive Committee of the Vision Rehabilitation Section of the American Optometric Association.