Julie Ott DeKinder

Julie Ott DeKinder, O.D., F.A.A.O., is a Clinical Professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis College of Optometry, serving as Associate Dean of Academic Programs and Director of Residency Programs. She also holds leadership roles as Co-Chief of Contact Lens Service, Vice-chair of the Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (ACOE), and Immediate Past-chair of the Association of Optometric Contact Lens Educators (AOCLE).

• Vision, Mission, and Leadership: Dr. DeKinder shapes academic programs and residency training while contributing to national optometric education standards.
• Research Focus: Specializes in contact lens design, corneal health, and refractive technologies through collaborative research with residents and students.
• Professional Recognition: Fellowships from the American Academy of Optometry and Scleral Lens Education Society, plus diplomate status in corneal and contact lens specialties.

She actively participates in committees for the American Optometric Association (AOA), Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO), and National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO).