Elli J. Kollbaum

Dr. Elli J. Kollbaum serves as a Clinical Professor at Indiana University School of Optometry, where she holds dual leadership roles as Chief of Vision Rehabilitation Services and Director of the External Rotation Program. Her clinical practice focuses on treating patients with visual impairment caused by ocular disease, stroke, and brain injury, developing personalized treatment plans to enhance daily functionality and quality of life.

Her academic credentials include:

• Doctor of Optometry, Indiana University School of Optometry (1997)
• Bachelor of Arts, University of Notre Dame (1993)

Dr. Kollbaum's research centers on advancing vision rehabilitation through microperimetry applications, low vision assessment tools, and evidence-based management strategies. She investigates practical interventions to improve patient outcomes while addressing challenges in functional vision loss, with emphasis on translating theoretical frameworks into clinical practice.

Analysis of her 2005-2013 publications reveals consistent thematic focus on standardizing low vision rehabilitation education and clinical protocols. Key contributions span competency development for optometric training, comparative analysis of rehabilitation methodologies, and safety assessments for specific visual field defects like homonymous hemianopsia. Her work bridges clinical innovation with educational advancement in vision science.

As chair of the Low Vision Educators’ Special Interest Group, she spearheads national initiatives to enhance optometric curricula. Her teaching portfolio includes Low Vision Optics (V 631), Vision Rehabilitation (V 751), and multiple Primary Care Clinic rotations, where she mentors students through direct clinical supervision in both campus-based and external settings.