New faculty spotlight: Erik Zingler, O.D.

Erik Zingler, O.D.

Erik Zingler is a new faculty member at UNMC.

  • Name: Erik Zingler, O.D.
  • Hometown: San Francisco
  • New title and department at UNMC: Instructor, ophthalmology and visual sciences, Truhlsen Eye Institute

Research/professional interests:

  • Laser refractive eye surgery (LASIK and PRK);
  • Corneal disorders;
  • Dry eye disease;
  • Contact lenses; and
  • Clinical education.

How I fell in love with science and optometry:
At an early age, I was fascinated by the complexity of the human body and interested in medicine and health care. Because I was also very nearsighted (prior to having LASIK), I was especially interested in eyes and vision, which led to choosing the profession of optometry.

I enjoy and am passionate about helping people to see the best they possibly can, including people with limited eyesight. I believe that the application of technology to treat common vision problems is one of the ultimate applications of modern ophthalmic surgery and allows for very safe and highly effective alternatives to the traditional means of vision correction with spectacles and contact lenses.

I am excited to become a member of the clinical faculty at a time of significant growth in the UNMC Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, as we will soon be offering laser vision correction procedures in addition to the other sub-specialties at Truhlsen Eye Institute.

Degrees:

  • Doctor of Optometry, University of California, Berkeley, 1996

Memberships:<

  • American Academy of Optometry
  • American Optometric Association
  • Nebraska Optometric Association
  • Optometric Cornea, Cataract and Refractive Society
  • Lion’s Club.

Three things people may not know about me:

  • I am a captain in the U.S. Army Reserve.
  • I am a former amateur motorcycle racer.
  • I am a competitive cyclist (both road and mountain biking).