Dr. Sarah Singh
Sarah Singh, OD, PhD, has been appointed as an Assistant Professor of Clinical Optometry, effective July 1st, 2022.
Teaching
Dr. Singh OD, PhD, is not only an accomplished researcher, but is an enthusiastic, innovative and popular teacher, who is consistently rated as one of our very best clinical instructors. A true clinician-scientist. Over the last few years Dr. Singh has facilitated a case based, problem based learning course (VS206C) and taken a lead role in revamping and teaching our core course, Anatomy and Physiology of the Eye and Visual System (VS 206B; 50%). However, as accomplished as she has been as a didactic teacher, Dr. Singh really shines when we consider her clinical teaching, an essential component of being a Professor of Clinical Optometry.
Professional Competence and Activity
Dr. Singh helped to establish the country’s first Myopia Control Clinic.
Dr. Singh worked with Dr. Maria Lui and was responsible for developing clinic protocols, teaching modules and patient materials. Dr. Singh received advanced clinical residency training in Pediatrics and Primary Care, in addition to her clinical (OD) and research (PhD) doctoral degrees. This is a rare combination and demonstrates a commitment to both clinical and research excellence. Dr. Singh has also demonstrated an exceptional commitment to her profession with significant leadership roles at the local, state and national level. These have included being appointed to the American Optometric Association (AOA) Evidence Based Practice Committee, Chair of the California Optometric Association (COA) Children’s Vision Team, and serving as the Director of Legislation, Treasurer and President of the Alameda Contra Costa County Optometric Society (ACCCOS).
This has led to her being awarded the Young Optometrist of the Year at both the local and state level in 2017; an outstanding achievement and honor that recognized her accomplishments along with her leadership. Dr. Singh has also helped establish a new international initiative, Berkeley Vision CURE (Children’s Uncorrected Refractive Error), to ensure that all children have access to vision correction services by the year 2050.
Creative Work
Dr. Singh has established Berkeley study sites for two multi-center clinical trials: The Childhood Atropine for Myopia Progression (CHAMP) study, and the Micro-dosed Atropine Ophthalmic Solutions for Reduction of Pediatric Myopia Progression (CHAPERONE) study. She has also established a study to investigate the effects of low concentration atropine on pupil size and accommodation. This is a multi-center study of which Dr. Singh is the study lead.
University and Public Service
Dr. Singh served on the School’s Admissions Committee, the S/U Initiative Task Force, is the faculty advisor for the student’s Gold Key Optometric Society, and served on a faculty search committee.
Dr. Singh’s ProfileDr. Debora Lee Chen
Debora Lee Chen, OD, MPH, has been appointed as an Associate Professor of Clinical Optometry, effective July 1st, 2022.
Teaching
Dr. Chen, OD, MPH, consistently receives outstanding teaching evaluations from students and residents. As Co-chief of Binocular Vision services for UC Berkeley Dr. Chen takes responsibility for the in-house Binocular Vision and Visual Skills Clinics. In addition, Dr. Chen has been chief mentor for the Vision Rehabilitation Residency since 2015. She is also a lab instructor for both didactic binocular vision courses (Opt 240L and 241L).
Professional Competence and Activity
Dr. Chen is a nationally renowned binocular vision expert, and this is reflected in many of her activities and honors and invited lectureships. In addition to earning a professional doctoral degree (OD), Dr. Chen completed a residency in Pediatrics at SUNY State College of Optometry, earned her fellowship of the American Academy of Optometry (AAO) and in 2015, a Masters of Public Health from the School of Public Health at UCB.
Dr. Chen promotes a multi-disciplinary approach and receives specialty referrals from local neurologists, brain injury rehabilitation specialists, neuropsychologists, occupational therapists, educational psychologists, school districts, ophthalmologists, and optometrists. She serves as the faculty liaison to the American Public Health Association and is a subject matter expert for the American Academy of Optometry, including the diplomate section in Binocular Vision. In addition, Dr. Chen is a consultant to the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE), an important federally serving Council delegated with the responsibility of accrediting optometry schools and colleges.
Creative Work
Dr. Chen is a principal investigator for site 371 of the National Eye Institute (NEI)-NIH funded Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator’s Group (PEDIG), and has been a clinical investigator with Dr. Dennis Levi on NEI funded research on amblyopia, and a collaborator on various federally funded projects with Dr. Christine Wildsoet.
University and Public Service
Dr. Chen has excelled in her service to the Berkeley Optometry community. She serves on several key committees for the school including the Clinical Faculty Review Committee, Admissions Committee, Curriculum Committee, Clinic Strategic Planning Students and Residents Team, and importantly, is Berkeley Optometry’s Disability Officer and a member of the Faculty Advisory Committee, Disabled Student’s Program.
Dr. Chen’s Profile