Paula McDowell, OD, FAAO

Paula McDowell, OD, FAAO

Chief of Pediatrics, Pediatric Residency Supervisor
Optometry
Phone: (231) 591-2182
Email: [email protected]

Education

• Certificate, Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University, Pediatric Optometry Residency
• OD, Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University, Optometry
• BS, Ferris State University, Vision Science/ Minor in Philosophy

Biography

Dr. Paula McDowell is an Associate Professor at the Michigan College of Optometry. She completed her undergraduate training at Ferris State University, where she minored in Philosophy. She graduated from the Michigan College of Optometry in 2009, and was the founding resident of MCO’s Pediatric Optometry Residency. She currently serves as the Chief of Pediatrics, and is the Pediatric Residency Supervisor.

In addition to being an investigator for the Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group (PEDIG), she is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, and holds memberships in the Michigan Optometric Association’s Children’s Vision Care Committee, the American Optometric Association, and the Optometric Extension Program. Clinical and academic interests include special needs populations, vision therapy, visual processing disorders, promoting access to early eye care, and optometric ethics.

Publications and Intellectual Contributions

• Journal Article
  McDowell, P. (2022). "Improving the Patient Experience: Inclusive Care for LGBTQ+ Patients," Review of Optometry. 159 (1). pp. 48-51.
• Magazine/Trade Publication
  McDowell, P. (2021). "COVID and Kids: Eye Care Challenges," Michigan Optometrist. 101 (1).
• Journal Article
  McDowell, P. (2021). "Vaccines and Vulnerable Eyes: What to Look for." Review of Optometry.

Presentations

• Webinar
  McDowell, P. (Presenter), American Academy of Optometry Online Education, "Optometric Care of Transgender Patients," American Academy of Optometry, Virtual, (2021).
• Webinar
  McDowell, P. (Presenter), Building an Inclusive Practice Part I - Optometric Care of the Transgender Patient, "Optometric Care of Transgender Patients," SUNY College of Optometry, Virtual, (2021).
• Oral Presentation
  McDowell, P. (Presenter), Michigan College of Optometry Summer Educational, "Pediatric Prescribing: An Evidence-Based Approach," Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI, (2021).
• Webinar
  McDowell, P. (Presenter), Michigan Vision Therapy Study Group, "The Great Balancing Act: An Academic Approach to Teaching “Vision Therapy,” Michigan Vision Therapy, Live Virtual Meeting, (2021).
• Oral Presentation
  McDowell, P. (Presenter), Michigan College of Optometry Summer Educational, "Try These Genes on for Size: Pediatric Genetic Disease in Eye Care," Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI, (2021).
• Lecture
  McDowell, P. (Author & Presenter), Kalaczinski, L. (Author & Presenter), State University of New York, College of Optometry, "Optometric Care of Transgender Patients," New York, (June 2021).
• Lecture
  McDowell, P. (Author & Presenter), Kalaczinski, L. (Author & Presenter), UC Berkeley School of Optometry, "Optometric Care of Transgender Patients," (April 2021).
• Lecture
  McDowell, P. (Author & Presenter), Kalaczinski, L. (Author & Presenter), American Academy of Optometry At Home, "Optometric Care of Transgender Patients," AAO and WCO, (January 2021).
• Oral Presentation
  McDowell, P. (Presenter), Michigan College of Optometry Summer Educational, "Digital Devices: Screens, Strain, and Stats," Michigan College of Optometry at Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI, (2020).
• Oral Presentation
  McDowell, P. (Author & Presenter), Michigan Vision Therapy Study group, "Exploring the Evidence: What can we learn from large-scale studies on amblyopia and strabismus," Grand Rapids, MI, (2020).