Ashley Deemer

Ashley Deemer, OD, FAAO, is an Assistant Professor at Marshall B. Ketchum University, specializing in low vision rehabilitation and optometry. She holds dual affiliations with University Eye Center at Ketchum Health in Anaheim and Los Angeles. Dr. Deemer completed her BS at University of California San Diego and OD at New England College of Optometry, followed by a residency at the Jamaica Plain Veterans Affairs Medical Center and a Lions Vision Rehabilitation Fellowship at Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute.

Her research focuses on low vision enhancement systems using head-mounted displays (HMDs) and virtual reality (VR), telemedicine applications for visually impaired patients, and depression prevention in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Notable contributions include randomized controlled trials on telerehabilitation efficacy, comparative studies of HMD systems, and investigations into caregiver dynamics for elderly patients with vision impairment and dementia.

Dr. Deemer has received multiple scholarships including the Charles Robert Soltes and Beider Scholarships, and grants for her work on functional outcomes in AMD. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and actively contributes to clinical care at Wilmer Eye Institute and Ketchum Health clinics.

Her academic work emphasizes translating technological advancements into practical solutions, such as smartphone-based HMD systems and accessible magnification devices. Current research trends include optimizing telehealth delivery models for low vision care and developing objective metrics to measure visual function improvements.