Karen Allison

Dr. Karen Allison is an Associate Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, affiliated with the Flaum Eye Institute. She specializes in glaucoma and anterior segment diseases, providing expert medical and surgical care, including complex cataract surgery and minimally invasive glaucoma procedures. Dr. Allison’s academic roles include teaching residents and contributing to clinical research.

She holds an MD from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and an MBA from George Washington University. Her training includes ophthalmology residency at SUNY Brooklyn (serving as Chief Resident) and a glaucoma fellowship at Ochsner Medical Institutions. Previously, she founded and led Allison Glaucoma Consultants in New York City.

Her research focuses on glaucoma clinical trials, improving healthcare access for underserved populations, and addressing disparities in minority participation in medical careers. She advocates for policy reforms to enhance vision care equity and has pioneered initiatives to increase diversity in STEM.

Dr. Allison’s clinical expertise spans medical glaucoma therapy, trabeculectomy, laser procedures, and drainage valve surgeries. She collaborates closely with primary care providers to ensure integrated eye care. Her work emphasizes patient-centered approaches, leveraging telemedicine and AI-driven tools to address systemic healthcare challenges.

Her recent studies explore socioeconomic factors influencing glaucoma prevalence, disparities in diabetic retinopathy outcomes, and the role of AI in ophthalmic diagnostics. She remains committed to advancing equitable healthcare through education and advocacy, bridging gaps between clinical practice, research, and public health policy.