Associate Professor of Optometry
Dr. Wendy Marsh-Tootle obtained her Bachelor of Science with Honors in psychology from the University of Wisconsin, and Master of Science in Physiological Optics and Doctor of Optometry from the University of Alabama. She completed a residency in hospital-based optometry at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Tuscaloosa, Al. Dr. Marsh-Tootle is the Director of the Pediatric Optometry Service at UAB School of Optometry, which provides clinical services for children aged birth to 18 years, including special populations with multiple handicaps and low vision. Pediatric patients may enroll in any of a number of clinical trials that are presently conducted within the clinic, including studies of myopia, reliability of visual field testing in children, vision therapy for convergence insufficiency, and amblyopia treatment studies. Dr. Marsh-Tootle maintains a combined vision education and screening program in neighboring schools called Eye Can See / Preschool Peepers. She also helps her three sons with homework when she must, and practices the French Horn when she can.
Wendy Marsh-Tootle is principal investigator in a clinical trial called COMET (Correction of Myopia Evaluation Trial) which is funded by the National Eye Institute. COMET is a longitudinal study of refractive development and growth of the eye in nearsighted children who are randomly assigned to wear glasses with single vision or progressive addition lenses (no-line bifocals). Enrollment for COMET study is closed, and children are in a long-term follow-up phase. Dr. Marsh-Tootle is also an investigator for the PEDIG Amblyopia Treatment Studies, also funded by the NEI. The ATS studies enroll children with diagnosed amblyopia (lazy eye), aged 2 years to 6 years, into treatment trials comparing various treatment regimens using drops or patching. Currently, eligible children may enroll in ATS 4, which compares daily versus weekend drop regimens.