Why ICO?
After a successful career in private practice for nearly 10 years, I wanted to fulfill a lifelong interest of education and clinical research, which led me back to ICO. I also feel that I add a different dimension to the clinical program by bringing my experiences back to ICO. Diversity of faculty, strong clinical training, and established traditions afford students the best optometric education!
Biography
Dr. Opitz received his undergraduate degree from Loyola University Chicago and proceeded to earn his doctorate of optometry from the Illinois College of Optometry in 1996. Following graduation, he completed a hospital-based primary care/ocular disease residency at the Hampton Virginia Veterans Administration Medical Center from 1996-1997. In July 2006, Dr. Opitz accepted a full-time faculty appointment at the Illinois College of Optometry, where he serves as associate professor in the Department of Clinical Education. He is the Senior Director of Ophthalmology Services and Practice Development for the Illinois Eye Institute. Prior to his academic appointment, Dr. Opitz was partner in a multidisciplinary medical/surgical eye care center. His areas of interest include glaucoma, uveitis, ocular surface disease and clinical research. Dr. Opitz is a member of AOA, IOA, OGS and ARVO. Fellow, AAO and Past-President of the Illinois Chapter of AAO.
Special Interests
Glaucoma, uveitis, surgical management of cataracts, ocular surface disease
Education
1996 Illinois College of Optometry, OD
1992 Loyola University, BS
Experience
2006-present Illinois College of Optometry
1997-2010 Midwest Eye Professionals
Awards & Honors
Fellow, American Academy of Optometry
Member, American Optometric Association
Member, Illinois Optometric Association
Optometric Glaucoma Society
Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology
Professional Organizations
Publications
Opitz DL, Tyler KF. Efficacy of azithromycin 1% ophthalmic solution for treatment of ocular surface disease from posterior blepharitis. Clin Exp Optom. 2011 Mar;94(2):200-6.
Opitz DL, Tung S., Jang US, Park JJ. Silicone punctal plugs as an adjunctive therapy for open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. Clin Exp Optom. 2011 Sep;94(5):438-42.
Opitz DL, Harthan JS. Review of azithromycin ophthalmic 1% solution (AzaSite®) for the treatment of ocular infections. Ophthalmol and Eye Dis. 2012:4 1-14.
