Devin Sasser, O.D. joined Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Medicine as an assistant of ophthalmology in May 2023. Focusing on specialty contact lenses, Sasser sees patients at Wilmer’s Odenton clinic.

What attracted you to the field of optometry?

After an introduction to the field by a local neighborhood optometrist, I quickly became enamored with eye care. Being able to provide life-changing services to patients on a daily basis is what initially drew me to the field of optometry. Additionally, I truly enjoy working within a division of health care that boasts such a variety in practice models.

How did you become interested in your specialty?

Attending an optometric institutionUniversity of Missouri- St. Louis College of Optometry — that heavily emphasized the importance of specialty contact lenses as treatment therapies for various ocular surface diseases undoubtedly sparked my interest in the specialty. Whether it be corneal refractive therapy, scleral, or gas permeable contact lenses, I believe that specialty contact lenses play a fundamental role in eye care.

What are your research interests?

Due to the increasing demands that we, as a society, place on our eyes as the technological age continues to push forward, we are now seeing a rapidly increasing incidence of dry eye disease among various patient demographics. Given my specialty, I am uniquely interested in the ways in which specialty contact lenses can continue to evolve in caring for patients suffering from dry eye and other ocular surface diseases.

What drew you to Wilmer?

Wilmer Eye Institute is known across the nation for its commitment to advancing eye care through its research efforts and its commitment to providing quality care. The opportunity to help advance eye care through research and clinic care here at Wilmer is one that I simply could not take for granted.

Where do you see opportunities for advancement or innovation in your specialty?

The clinical indications for specialty contact lenses are continuously expanding. With that expansion will come a need for further research and development when considering the clinical application of these lenses. A fantastic example of that is the work being done in usage of contact lenses as ophthalmic drug conduits for ocular disease management.