Mary Flynn Roberts

Mary Flynn Roberts serves as Associate Professor of Optometry at the Illinois College of Optometry (ICO), where she has been a part-time faculty member since 1992. Currently Coordinator of the Electrophysiology Service at the Illinois Eye Institute, she maintains active clinical education roles while contributing to the American Academy of Optometry as a Fellow and previously serving as Faculty/Student Liaison.

Her educational background includes a B.A. from Miami University followed by Doctor of Optometry training at ICO (1991), complemented by a Binocular Vision/Pediatrics residency (1992) and a Hereditary Retinal Disease fellowship at the University of Illinois (1999-2000).

Dr. Roberts specializes in visual electrophysiology and inherited retinal diseases, with research focusing on choroideremia, retinitis pigmentosa, and unexplained vision loss. Her work bridges clinical practice and genetic research, examining disease progression through longitudinal studies and electrophysiological diagnostics.

Her 15+ publications demonstrate consistent contributions across ophthalmology subfields including retinal dystrophies, anterior segment anomalies, neuro-ophthalmic paraneoplastic syndromes, and pediatric vision disorders. This body of work reflects interdisciplinary collaboration with institutions like UIC and international electrophysiology standards organizations.

Scientific recognition includes:

• ICO Clinical Teacher of the Year (2006)

Professional engagement spans the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) and International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision (ISCEV), alongside community service on the River Forest Community Center Board and St. Luke School leadership committees. Her Electrophysiology Service coordination integrates clinical training with cutting-edge diagnostic protocols for inherited retinal conditions.