Roya Attar, OD
Associate Professor
Department:
SOM-Ophthalmology
Email:
rattar@umc.edu
Work Phone:
(601) 984-5020
Biography
Dr. Roya Attar, O.D., M.B.A., D.H.A, is an accomplished Associate Professor and Director of Optometric Services at the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC). As a licensed and credentialed Optometrist, Dr. Attar brings a wealth of expertise and experience to her role.
Dr. Attar obtained her Doctorate of Optometry from the UIW Rosenberg School of Optometry and holds a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Pikeville College of Business. With a strong commitment to providing exceptional patient care, Dr. Attar specializes in the evaluation and treatment of complex refractive needs, delivering comprehensive optometric services to all her patients.
In 2018, Dr. Attar made history by becoming the first optometrist to join the faculty of the Department of Ophthalmology at UMMC. Her contributions to teaching and patient care have garnered regional and national acclaim. In recognition of her outstanding achievements, she was awarded the Young Optometrist of the Year by the American Optometric Association and the Southern Council of Optometrists in 2020. Additionally, in 2022, Dr. Attar was selected for the prestigious Young Optometrist of the Year award by Women in Optometry, further highlighting her excellence in the field.
Dr. Attar's dedication to professional growth led her to pursue a second doctorate degree, graduating in 2023 with a doctorate in health administration from the UMMC School of Health Related Professions. This additional qualification enables her to make valuable contributions to the advancement of healthcare administration and further enhance her ability to provide exceptional care to her patients.
In addition to her clinical expertise, Dr. Attar is a highly respected and sought-out educator. She is frequently invited to provide educational lectures at local, state, regional, and national meetings, sharing her knowledge and insights with fellow professionals. Her expertise and reputation have earned her positions on several advisory boards, where she serves as a key opinion leader, providing valuable guidance and shaping the future of the field.
A distinguished fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (AAO), Dr. Attar actively serves on the executive committee for the AAO Retina Special Interest Group. She is also a valued member of the American Optometric Association Leadership Development Committee and currently serves as the president of her local optometric society.
Prior to joining UMMC, Dr. Attar held the position of Assistant Clinical Professor and director of professional relations at The University of Pikeville, Kentucky College of Optometry. Her diverse experiences and expertise strengthen her ability to address the complex needs of her patients and contribute to the field of optometry.
With her extensive expertise, dedication to patient care, and multiple accomplishments, Dr. Roya Attar is a highly respected professional in the field of optometry and a valuable asset to the Department of Ophthalmology at UMMC.
Education
| The University of Pikeville, MBA, Business | 2017 |
| The University of the Incarnate Word Rosenberg School of Optometry, Doctorate of Optometry, Optometry | 2013 |
| The University of Memphis, BA, Biology | 2003 |
Specialty Certification Licensure
| DEA | 05/2016 - 06/2025 |
Current Positions
| Assistant Professor, School of Medicine | 07/2018 - Present |
| The University of Mississippi Medical Center Jackson, Mississippi 39216 | |
Academic Appointments or Other Previous Appointments
| Assistant Professor, The University of Pikeville | 11/2014 - 06/2018 |
Publications
Journal Article | |
| Rafieetary M, Haynes J, Attar R Get Serious About Central Serous Chorioretinopathy Review of Optometry. 2021 | 2021 |
| Rafieetary M, Huddleston S, Attar R Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment: How to Detect, How to Manage | 2017 |
| Rixon AJ, Trevino RC, Attar R Arm Yourself for Dry AMD | 2017 |
| Attar R All about red caps: Mydriatics & cycloplegics, Understand how and why pupil dilation works itech: Supplement to Ophthalmology and Optometry Times, Summer 2019:7-8 | 2019 |
Book Chapter | |
| Rosenfield M, Lee EM, Goodwin D Clinical Cases in Eye Care Wolters Kluwer, Philadelphia, 2019 | 2019 |
Presentations
| National and International Invited Seminars/Lectures, Review of Commonly Used Drops, American Optometric Association, Chicago, IL | 06/2022 |
| National and International Invited Seminars/Lectures, Basics of Refraction, American Optometric Association, Chicago, IL | 06/2022 |
| National and International Invited Seminars/Lectures, Introduction to Refraction Learning Lab, American Optometric Association, Chicago, IL | 06/2022 |
| National and International Invited Seminars/Lectures, Retina Summit, American Academy of Optometry, Nashville, TN | 06/2022 |
| State/Local Invited Seminars/Lectures, STDs: A Comprehensive Clinical Review for Eye Care Providers, Southern College of Optometry, Memphis, TN | 04/2022 |
| National and International Invited Seminars/Lectures, Innovations and Advances in Eye Care, Southern College of Optometry, Memphis, TN | 04/2022 |
| National and International Invited Seminars/Lectures, Global Retina Summit, Academy of Ophthalmic Education | 02/2022 |
| National and International Invited Seminars/Lectures, Soft Contact Lens: Fitting, Evaluation, and Troubleshooting, Academy of Ophthalmic Education | 02/2022 |
| National and International Invited Seminars/Lectures, Life of A Novel Drug: From Birth to FDA Approval, American Academy of Optometry, Boston, MA | 11/2021 |
| National and International Invited Seminars/Lectures, OCT Served Layer by Layer, American Academy of Optometry, Boston, MA | 11/2021 |
| State/Local Invited Seminars/Lectures, Innovations and Advances in Eyecare, Mississippi Optometric Association, Flowood, MS | 10/2021 |
| State/Local Invited Seminars/Lectures, STDs: A Comprehensive Clinical Review for Eye Care Providers, Mississippi Optometric Association, Flowood, MS | 10/2021 |
| State/Local Invited Seminars/Lectures, A Clinical Review of Ocular-Systemic Syndromes, Mississippi Optometric Association, Flowood, MS | 10/2021 |
| State/Local Invited Seminars/Lectures, Artificial Intelligence: Friend or Foe?, Mississippi Optometric Association, Flowood, MS | 10/2021 |
| National and International Invited Seminars/Lectures, An Interactive Review of Ocular-Systemic Syndromes, American Optometric Association | 10/2021 |
| National and International Invited Seminars/Lectures, A Guide to Effectively Communicating Patient Education, American Optometric Association | 10/2021 |
| National and International Invited Seminars/Lectures, Clinical Review of Ocular Trauma: Diagnosis and Management, American Optometric Association, Denver, CO | 06/2021 |
| National and International Invited Seminars/Lectures, Comprehensive Review of Imaging Technologies for Posterior Segment Disease, American Optometric Association, Denver, CO | 06/2021 |
| National and International Invited Seminars/Lectures, Retinal Potpourri, The Academy of Ophthalmic Education, Virtual Education Livecast | 05/2021 |
| National and International Invited Seminars/Lectures, Contact Lens Related Complications and Infections, The Academy of Ophthalmic Education, Virtual Education Livecast | 05/2021 |
| National and International Invited Seminars/Lectures, Retinal Grand Rounds: Diagnosis and Management, he Academy of Ophthalmic Education, Virtual | 11/2020 |
| National and International Invited Seminars/Lectures, Imaging Technologies for Posterior Segment Disease, he Academy of Ophthalmic Education, Virtual | 11/2020 |
| National and International Invited Seminars/Lectures, STDs: A Comprehensive Clinical Review, American Academy of Optometry, Virtual | 10/2020 |
| National and International Invited Seminars/Lectures, Ocular-Systemic Syndrome Jeopardy: An Interactive Presentation, American Academy of Optometry, Virtual | 10/2020 |
| National and International Invited Seminars/Lectures, Diabetic Retinal Disasters: A Roadmap to Prevention, American Academy of Optometry, San Antonio, TX | 11/2019 |
| National and International Invited Seminars/Lectures, Clinical Review of Ocular Trauma: Diagnosis and Management, World Congress of Optometry, Orlando, FL | 10/2019 |
| State/Local Invited Seminars/Lectures, Pain Management and Drug Abuse Prevention, Kentucky Optometric Association, Lexington, KY | 04/2018 |
| Regional Invited Seminars/Lectures, All About the Red Caps: Mydriatics and Cycloplegics, Southeast Congress of Optometry (SECO), Atlanta, GA | 03/2018 |
| Regional Invited Seminars/Lectures, Fundamentals of Biomicroscopy: The Slit Lamp Exam, Southeast Congress of Optometry (SECO), Atlanta, GA | 03/2018 |
| Regional Invited Seminars/Lectures, Slit Lamp Learning Lab, Southeast Congress of Optometry (SECO), Atlanta, GA | 03/2018 |
| State/Local Invited Seminars/Lectures, Retinal Grand Rounds: When to Manage, Who to Refer, How to Co-Manage, Mississippi Optometric Association, Jackson, MS | 10/2017 |
| State/Local Invited Seminars/Lectures, Management of Ocular Injuries, Mississippi Optometric Association, Jackson, MS | 10/2017 |
| State/Local Invited Seminars/Lectures, Retinal Grand Rounds: When to Manage, Who to Refer, How to Co-Manage, Arkansas Optometric Association, Rogers, AR | 09/2017 |
| State/Local Invited Seminars/Lectures, Management of Ocular Injuries, Arkansas Optometric Association, Rogers, AR | 09/2017 |
| State/Local Invited Seminars/Lectures, Management of Central Serous Retinopathy, Arkansas Optometric Association, Rogers, AR | 09/2017 |
| Poster Presentation, Management Options for Central Serous Retinopathy, American Optometric Association, Washington DC | 06/2017 |
| Poster Presentation, Optometric Healthcare in Rural Appalachia, American Academy of Optometry, Anaheim, CA | 11/2016 |
| State/Local Invited Seminars/Lectures, Pain Management and Drug Abuse Prevention, Kentucky Optometric Association, Louisville, KY | 09/2016 |
Honors, Awards, and Recognition
| Heartbeat Award, The University of Mississippi Medical Center Emergency Department | 2021 |
| Young Optometrist of the Year, American Optometric Association | 2020 |
| Young Optometrist of the South, Southern Council of Optometrists | 2020 |
| Helen St. Claire Mississippi Young Optometrist of the Year, Mississippi Optometric Association | 2019 |
Professional Membership and Service
| American Optometric Association, Member | |
| American Public Health Association, Member | |
| American Academy of Optometry, Fellow | |
| Mississippi Optometric Association, Member |
Committee Service
| SECO University Committee, Member | 2021 - Present |
| MEDICAL CENTER-DIVERSITY, Member | 2019 - Present |
| Program Evaluation Committee, Member | 2018 - Present |
| Industry Relations Committee, Member | |
| Retina SIG, Member | |
| Leadership Development Committee, Member |
Community Service
| Toys for Tots, Organizer | 12/2021 - 12/2021 |
| Mississippi's Walk for Diabetes, Participant | 10/2021 - 10/2021 |
| Capital Vision Screening, Participant | 01/2020 - 01/2020 |
| Mississippi's Walk for Diabetes, Participant | 10/2019 - 10/2019 |
| Vision Screening for High School Athletes, Participant | 05/2019 - 05/2019 |
| Capital Vision Screening, Participant | 01/2019 - 01/2019 |
Other Service
| Specialty Training of Emergency Room Physician/Residents/Nurses on use of Ophthalmic Equipment | 05/2021 - Present |
| Specialty Training of Emergency Room Physician/Residents/Nurses on use of Ophthalmic Equipment | 05/2021 - Present |
Teaching Experience
| Medicine, Lecture, Lecturer, BSBC Optics | Annual |
| Medicine, Lecture, Lecturer, Introduction to Refraction | Annual |
| Medicine, Lecture, Lecturer, Optical Instruments | Annual |
| Medicine, Lecture, Lecturer, Soft Contact Lenses 101 | Annual |
| Medicine, Lecture, Lecturer, Visual Acuity | Annual |
| Medicine, Lecture, Lecturer, Physical Optics | Annual |
| Medicine, Lecture, Lecturer, Prisms and Diplopia | Annual |
| Medicine, Lecture, Lecturer, Optics of the Human Eye | Annual |
| Medicine, Lecture, Lecturer, Introduction to Low Vision Patient Care | Annual |
| Medicine, Lecture, Lecturer, Prescribing Considerations and Case Studies | Annual |
Residency Training
| Ophthalmology, Training Faculty | 2018 - Present |