Kara Hanson, OD
Associate Professor, Ophthalmology
Graduate School
- OD, University of Houston (1998)
Undergraduate School
- BA, University of Minnesota–Twin Cities (MN) (1987)
Languages
EnglishDepartment
OphthalmologyProfessional Titles
- Director, Low Vision Rehabilitation Service
Recognitions
- Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, American Academy of Optometry (2004)
-
Healthy Eyes, Healthy People grant recipient, American Optometric Association
(2011)
The grant's funding helped to provide low vision evaluations for multiply-handicapped children in an under-served area of southwest Colorado.
Research Interests
My research interests include quality of life and outcome measures of vision-related topics.Publications
- Jennifer L. Patnaik, PhD, Paula E. Pecen, MD, Kara Hanson, OD, Anne M. Lynch, MB BCH BAO MSPH, Jennifer N. Cathcart, MPH, Frank S. Siringo, MD, Marc T. Mathias, MD, Naresh Mandava, MD. Driving and Visual Acuity in Patients with Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oret.2018.11.004
- K Hanson, S Nau, L Travernier, J Patnaik. Objective and Subjective Effects of Enchroma® Lenses on Color Vision in Observers with Color Deficiency. American Academy of Optometry Meeting Oct. 2020.
- DC Lewerenz, KS Hanson, GR Hopkins. Technical Report: A new method for determining image distance for stand magnifiers. Optometry and Vision Science. December 2020; 97(12); 1048-052. https://doi.org/10.1097.OPX.0000000000001613
- JL Patnaik, AM Lynch, PE Pecen, M Jasso, KS Hanson, MT Mathias, AG Palestine, N Mandava. The impact of advanced age-related macular degeneration and the National Eye Institute’s Visual Function Questionnaire-25. Acta Ophth. Dec 2020.
- KS Hanson, DC Lewerenz, PS Subramanian. Springer 2020. Current Advances in Ophthalmic Technology. Chapter 9: Newer Techniques in Vision Restoration and Rehabilitation. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-9795-0
- Patnaik JL, Lynch AM, Pecen PE, Jasso M, Hanson K, Mathias MT, Palestine AG, Mandava N. The impact of advanced age-related macular degeneration on the National Eye Institute's Visual Function Questionnaire-25. Acta Ophthalmol. 2021 Nov;99(7):750-755. PubMed PMID: 33377625
- LaRochelle, JL Patnaik, AM Lynch, N Mandava, KS Hanson. Low vision referral patterns in intermediate age-related macular degeneration. Current Eye Research. 2022. Vol 47 (12). https://doi.org/10.1080/02713683.2022.2135104
- KA Abbott, KS Hanson, JL Patnaik. Prevalence of Dry Eye in the Low Vision Population at the University of Colorado. J of Optometry. November 2023. Vol 17(2). Article 100501. DOI: 10.1016/j.optom.2023.100501
Professional Memberships
- American Academy of Optometry (AAO), Fellow
- American Optometric Association (AOA), Member
- Colorado Optometric Association (COA), Member
- Denver Metro Optometric Society, Member
- International Society for Low Vision Research and Rehabilitation (ISLRR), Member
Practice Locations
UCHealth Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center1675 Aurora Ct
Aurora, CO 80045
720-848-2020
CU Medicine Ophthalmology – Low Vision Rehabilitation
1675 N Aurora Ct
Aurora, CO 80045
720-848-2020
Hospital Affiliation
- University of Colorado Hospital
- Children's Hospital Colorado
Specialty Information
Specialties- Optometry
- Doctor of Optometry, License (1998)
- Eyes and Vision
- Eyes and Vision - Low Vision
- Eyes and Vision - Optometry
- Rehabilitation Therapy - Low Vision
- Rehabilitation Therapy
Clinical Interests
My main interest is Low Vision Rehabilitation, which helps persons with permanent vision loss maximize the use of their remaining vision through optical and non-optical strategies. I work with patients as young as 3-4 years to 100+ years.
Care Philosophy
Our team consists of optometrists specializing in Low Vision Rehabilitation and occupational therapists with expertise in working with low vision patients. Our overall goal is to increase independence and quality of life by addressing the specific visual tasks/needs individually. We work with each patient to develop their unique treatment plan based on the patient's specific goals for improving their visual function for their daily activities.
My main interest is Low Vision Rehabilitation, which helps persons with permanent vision loss maximize the use of their remaining vision through optical and non-optical strategies. I work with patients as young as 3-4 years to 100+ years.
Care Philosophy
Our team consists of optometrists specializing in Low Vision Rehabilitation and occupational therapists with expertise in working with low vision patients. Our overall goal is to increase independence and quality of life by addressing the specific visual tasks/needs individually. We work with each patient to develop their unique treatment plan based on the patient's specific goals for improving their visual function for their daily activities.
Personal Interests
In my spare time I enjoy being outdoors: hiking, camping, skiing, kayaking and biking.
Volunteer Activities
I served on the Colorado Commission for Individuals who are Blind or Visually Impaired (CCIBVI) and also work with the Low Vision Committee of the Colorado Optometric Association (COA). I am on the local organizing committee for ISLRR's Vision 2023 international conference to be held in Denver in 2023.
Public Speaking
Yes
I provide continuing education lectures, symposia and seminars for health care providers, educators, people with low vision and parents of children with low vision.
In my spare time I enjoy being outdoors: hiking, camping, skiing, kayaking and biking.
Volunteer Activities
I served on the Colorado Commission for Individuals who are Blind or Visually Impaired (CCIBVI) and also work with the Low Vision Committee of the Colorado Optometric Association (COA). I am on the local organizing committee for ISLRR's Vision 2023 international conference to be held in Denver in 2023.
Public Speaking
Yes
I provide continuing education lectures, symposia and seminars for health care providers, educators, people with low vision and parents of children with low vision.