Chief Optometrist, Director of Clinical Research
and Adjunct Clinical Professor
Dr. Jerry Robben grew up in Sharon Springs, Kansas; a small farming community of fewer than 800 people. There he learned a strong work ethic, growing up working on the Robben Family Farm. He is very proud of is an agricultural background but he and his family knew that farming wasn’t his path.
He attended Kansas State University where he was active in a research lab group doing work on cataract prevention and other eye research. Portions of his work, as an undergraduate, were published in peer-reviewed journals.
He graduated from K-State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biochemistry. He then used his background in ocular research to attend and graduate from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he received a second Bachelor’s Degree in Vision Science and his Doctorate of Optometry.
After his graduation, he was recruited by a prestigious private ophthalmology practice in South Florida where he continued his training in ocular disease and surgical care as the clinical supervisor of the practice. He was also in charge of their large student doctor externship program. He held this position for two years before looking to further his career at Bowden Eye & Associates. Dr. Robben feels the extra training at this practice was vital to prepare him for that next step.
Dr. Robben came to Bowden Eye & Associates to expand his scope of practice in ocular disease; specifically, glaucoma, dry eye disease, eye infections, and primary eye care including glasses and contacts. He loves to continue to learn from Dr. Frank W. Bowden, III, and the other physicians as the technologies and knowledge in eye care continue to advance. Dr. Robben is now a senior member of our provider team and is the Chief Optometrist at Bowden Eye.
Having a background in clinical education, Dr. Robben has started a student doctor externship program here at Bowden Eye. He is an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor for the Arizona College of Optometry where he supervises the 4th Year Optometry Resident Doctors that are currently completing their externships for graduation at Midwestern University-Arizona, College of Optometry.
Dr. Robben’s background in research has helped to grow an active clinical research team within Bowden Eye & Associates. He is the Director of Clinical Research for our practice and heads the team in multiple clinical studies that are investigating new treatments and diagnostics in the fields of Glaucoma, Dry Eye Disease, Conjunctivitis, and other ocular diseases. Bowden Eye & Associates has been recognized as a new leader in research for eye care and we are currently working with companies globally to help them with their studies.
Dr. Robben has become a leader in the treatment and management of Dry Eye Disease and has been recognized as a national speaker and educator on the subject. He frequently speaks in educational settings for optometrists, technicians, and ophthalmologists all across the country. He has also been recently added as a glaucoma speaker and educator for a national speaking bureau.
In his spare time, he enjoys watching football, being a Dad, and traveling with his family. Dr. Robben is proud to make Jacksonville his home and loves to build lasting relationships with his patients in the community.
Quick Facts
- Clinical Research Director
- Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor for the Arizona College of Optometry
- Attended graduate school at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Graduated from Kansas State University
