Faculty and Physicians

Buddy Russell, COMT, FCLSA, LDO

Associate, Contact Lens Service

Buddy Russell has been designing, fabricating and fitting contact lenses over 25 years. He is involved in visual rehabilitation and or management with contact lenses for all indications including keratoconus, corneal transplants and refractive surgery.

He has a special interest in working with the pediatric patient. In addition, he is involved in the use of rigid scleral lenses for the management of ocular surface disease.

His current research activities include keratoconus, INTACS and pediatric aphakia. The Infant Aphakia Treatment Study (IATS) is a long-term NIH/NEI funded study. This important study compares visual outcomes of children with monocular cataracts.

Ophthalmic Training

Contact Lens Technician, U.S. Department of Labor, Apprenticeship Program

Licensed Dispensing Optician (LDO), Tennessee

Licensed Dispensing Optician (LDO), Georgia

National Contact Lens Registry, Advanced Level

Certified Ophthalmic Assistant (COA)

Certified Ophthalmic Technician (COT)

Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT)