Optometrist Ryan Wood, O.D., Joins UAMS Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute
| LITTLE ROCK — Ryan Wood, O.D., has joined the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences’ (UAMS) Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute as an optometrist and assistant professor of ophthalmology.
Wood’s primary clinical focus is specialty contact lens care with expertise in scleral lenses for patients with conditions like keratoconus, or bulging of the cornea, corneal irregularity, and ocular surface disease. Specialty lenses for these patients are required to correct vision, but can also help restore daily functionality and independence.
Wood received his Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro and his Doctor of Optometry from Midwestern University’s Arizona College of Optometry in Glendale, Arizona. His clinical training included rotations in private practices in Franklin, Tennessee, and Phoenix, as well as the Department of Veterans Affairs in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Tallahassee, Florida.
Wood joins UAMS from Natural State Eyecare in Little Rock, where he was owner and optometrist. He has held past roles as clinical director for TLC Laser Eye Centers in Little Rock, as well as optometric positions at Physicians Eyecare Group in Little Rock, National Eye Care in Jacksonville, and EyeCare Plus in Franklin, Tennessee.
“Dr. Wood is an experienced optometrist with expertise in glasses and challenging contact lens fittings,” said Paul Phillips, M.D., the institute’s director. “His skills will be a great asset to the Jones Eye Institute.”
“I’m happy to join the team at the Jones Eye Institute,” Wood said. “This is an incredible institution with a talented staff that truly serves the people of Arkansas. My goal is to help patients with the most challenging visual needs find solutions that make a real difference in their daily lives.”
Wood is a member of the Arkansas Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association.
He is accepting new patients. To make an appointment, call 501-686-5822.
UAMS is the state’s only health sciences university, with colleges of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Health Professions and Public Health; a graduate school; a hospital; a main campus in Little Rock; a Northwest Arkansas regional campus in Fayetteville; a statewide network of regional campuses; and eight institutes: the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, Jackson T. Stephens Spine & Neurosciences Institute, Harvey & Bernice Jones Eye Institute, Psychiatric Research Institute, Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging, Translational Research Institute, Institute for Digital Health & Innovation and the Institute for Community Health Innovation. UAMS includes UAMS Health, a statewide health system that encompasses all of UAMS’ clinical enterprise. UAMS is the only adult Level 1 trauma center in the state. UAMS has 3,553 students and 1,015 medical residents and fellows. It is the state’s largest public employer with about 12,000 employees, including 1,200 physicians who provide care to patients at UAMS, its regional campuses, Arkansas Children’s, the VA Medical Center and Baptist Health. Visit www.uams.edu or uamshealth.com. Find us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube or Instagram.###