Mark E. Wilkinson, OD, FAAO
Introduction
Dr. Wilkinson's research interests are in two general areas; inherited eye diseases and driving with a reduction in visual functioning. Dr. Wilkinson works with Dr. Edwin Stone and the other researchers in the Iowa Institute for Vision Research (IVR) to evaluate and quantify the phenotypic differences in visual functioning of individuals with inherited eye diseases. In the area of driving with a reduction in visual functioning, Dr. Wilkinson has worked with the FDA's Ophthalmic Device Division to evaluate how contrast sensitivity loss affects driving performance under mesopic lighting conditions. Driving performance was evaluated at the University of Iowa National Advanced Driving Simulator and Simulation Center (NADS). Additional studies Dr. Wilkinson was involved with include a study that looked at the driving behaviors of individuals who have experienced a permanent reduction in their visual fields from conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa and stroke. Another study evaluated an advanced optics aspheric intraocular lens under night driving conditions. Another study evaluated the benefits of an advanced optics aspheric contact lens while driving. Finally, a study is currently being developed that will look at automation as it related to driver's safety when driving with a visual impairment.
Current Positions
- Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
- Director, Vision Rehabilitation Service, UI Carver Family Center for Macular Degeneration
- Medical Director, UI Optical
Education
- BS in Zoology, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, United States
- OD in Optometry, Illinois College of Optometry, Chicago, Illinois, United States
Center, Program and Institute Affiliations
Research Interests
- Dr. Wilkinson's research interests are in two general areas; inherited eye diseases and driving with a reduction in visual functioning. Dr. Wilkinson works with Dr. Edwin Stone and the other researchers in the Carver Family Center for Macular Degeneration (CFCMD) to evaluate and quantify the phenotypic differences in visual functioning of individuals with inherited eye diseases. Dr. Wilkinson is also working with the CFCMD on Project 3000, a study designed to genotype and phenotype all individuals in the United States with Leber's Congenital Amaurosis. In the area of driving with a reduction in visual functioning, Dr. Wilkinson recently worked with the FDA's Ophthalmic Device Division to evaluate how contrast sensitivity loss affects driving performance under mesopic lighting conditions. Driving performance was evaluated at the University of Iowa National Advanced Driving Simulator and Simulation Center (NADS). Additional studies Dr. Wilkinson will be involved with in the first quarter of 2007, which will also be contacted at NADS, include a study that will look at the driving behaviors of individuals who have experienced a permanent reduction in their visual fields from conditions such as retinitis pigmentosa and stroke. Another study will evaluate an advanced optics aspheric intraocular lens under night driving conditions. Finally, a study to evaluate the benefits of an advanced optics aspheric contact lens while driving is under development at this time
- Outcome measures for vision rehabilitation services
- Vision Screening for birth to 18 years
- Driving with visual impairment
- Literacy as it relates to children who are visually impaired
Licenses & Certifications
- Optometric Certification, National Board of Optometric Examiners
- Iowa Optometrist Licensure (Permanent, Therapeutically Certified), Iowa Board of Optometry, Iowa
Selected Publications
- Coussa RG, Binkley EM, Wilkinson ME, Andorf JL, Tucker BA, Mullins RF, Sohn EH, Yannuzzi LA, Stone EM, Han IC. (2022). Predominance of hyperopia in autosomal dominant Best vitelliform macular dystrophy. Br J Ophthalmol. 106(4):522-527. DOI: 10.1136/bjophthalmol-2020-317763. PMID: 33243830.
- Fenner BJ, Whitmore SS, DeLuca AP, Andorf JL, Daggett HT, Luse MA, Haefeli LM, Riley JB, Critser DB, Wilkinson ME, Dumitrescu AV, Drack AV, Boyce TM, Russell JF, Binkley EM, Sohn EH, Russell SR, Boldt HC, Mullins RF, Tucker BA, Scheetz TE, Han IC, Stone EM. (2024). A Retrospective Longitudinal Study of 460 Patients with ABCA4-Associated Retinal Disease. Ophthalmology 131(8):985-997. DOI: 10.1016/j.ophtha.2024.01.035. PMID: 38309476.
- Ricca A, Boone K, Boldt HC, Gehrs KM, Russell SR, Folk JC, Zimmerman MB, Wilkinson ME, Sohn EH. (2020). Attaining functional levels of visual acuity after vitrectomy for retinal detachment secondary to proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Scientific Reports 10(1):15637. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-72618-y. PMID: 32973186. PMCID: PMC7519031.
- Wilkinson, M. E. & Shahid, K. S. (In Press). Evaluation and management consideration for children who are visually impaired. In Pediatric Retina. (3rd edition) Wolters Kluwer Health Medical Practices.
- Wilkinson, M. & McGehee, D. (2019). Looking Beyond Bioptic Telescopes. University of Iowa.
- Moore, V., Dufour, R. & Nemargut, J. P. (2019). Letter to the Editor: Auditory Global Positioning System and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems: A Safer Alternative to Bioptic Telescopes for Drivers Who Are Visually Impaired?. Optometry and vision science : official publication of the American Academy of Optometry 96 (5) 382. DOI: 10.1097/OPX.0000000000001376. PMID: 31046023.
- Wilkinson, M. E. & McGehee, D. V. (2019). Auditory Global Positioning System and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems: A Safer Alternative to Bioptic Telescopes for Drivers Who Are Visually Impaired?. Optometry and vision science : official publication of the American Academy of Optometry 96 (2) 130-132. DOI: 10.1097/OPX.0000000000001326. PMID: 30601361.
- Wilkinson, M. & Shahid, K. (2018). Proceed with Caution: Low Vision and Driving. Review of Optometry 40-44.
- Wilkinson, M. & Shahid, K. (2018). Low vision rehabilitation: An update. Saudi Journal of Ophthalmology. DOI: 10.1016/j.sjopt.2017.10.005.
- Wilkinson, M. & Shahid, K. (2017). Going Old School: A Refresher on Retinoscopy. Review of Optometry 56-61.