Dr. Roya Attar of Madison named Mississippi Optometric Association’s 2019 Young Optometrist of the Year
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Roya Attar, OD, MBA, FAAO, an assistant professor and director of optometric services at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC), has been named the 2019 Helen St. Clair Young Optometrist of the Year. The award is presented annually by the Mississippi Optometric Association (MOA) to an optometrist who has been practicing for 10 years or less to recognize significant contributions to the profession of optometry and the general public.
Dr. Attar received her doctorate of optometry at the Rosenberg School of Optometry in 2013. Additionally, she holds double bachelors of science degrees (biology and chemistry) from the University of Memphis and an MBA from the University of Pikeville, College of Business.
The coauthor of several scientific presentations and publications in peer-reviewed professional journals, she is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and an active member of the MOA, the American Optometric Association and the Mississippi Public Health Association.
In 2018, she became the first optometrist to be hired at UMMC where she provides clinical services in addition to training and lectures for ophthalmology residents.
“Dr. Attar is loved and praised by her patients, staff and colleagues (ophthalmologists and optometrists) and makes patients and faculty alike feel valued and appreciated,” said Kimberly Crowder, MD, chair of UMMC’s Department of Ophthalmology. “She is a woman with solid ethics, principles, and one who understands the importance of fostering relationships to move forward.”
In addition to her professional accomplishments, she is committed to public service. She has volunteered with various non-profit organizations as well as serving as a vision screening volunteer for high school athletes and for employees at the Mississippi capitol.
“I am truly honored and humbled to receive the 2019 Helen St. Clair Young OD of the Year Award. It is all the more meaningful as my journey in optometry began as a 'non-traditional' student, having a family and a previous career,” said Dr. Attar. “I was motivated to seek a career in a rewarding profession that provided financial security, professional growth and also directly served the health of the public. Optometry is a perfect fit.”
Dr. Attar previously resided in Kentucky before moving to Mississippi.
