April Parker

Dr. April Parker enriches the academic discourse on optometry and neuroscience as an Associate Professor at the Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry (NSUOCO). With a robust background in both clinical practice and academic leadership, Dr. Parker has been an integral part of the NSUOCO faculty since 2013, following her graduation from the program. Her early career was marked by her role as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Rural Eye Program (REP) clinics, where she honed her skills in providing essential eye care services to underserved communities. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Parker served as the Chief of Optometry at the Redbird Smith Health Center, where she was instrumental in advancing the center's optometric services. Her leadership and dedication to patient care were pivotal in enhancing the quality of eye care provided to the community. In 2018, Dr. Parker transitioned to an on-campus position, where she continues to make significant contributions to the field of optometry education. Currently, Dr. Parker holds multiple key roles at NSUOCO, including Associate Professor, Chief of Neuro-Visual Rehab, and Director of Externships. As the Chief of Neuro-Visual Rehab, she focuses on the intersection of optometry and neuroscience, exploring innovative approaches to visual rehabilitation. Her work in this area is critical in developing new strategies for treating patients with complex visual disorders. As the Director of Externships, Dr. Parker plays a vital role in shaping the clinical education of future optometrists. She is responsible for selecting externship sites, ensuring that students receive high-quality clinical experiences, and evaluating the performance of externship site directors. Her commitment to excellence in education ensures that NSUOCO students are well-prepared to meet the challenges of modern optometric practice. Dr. Parker's dedication to both her students and her profession is evident in her ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between clinical practice and academic research. Her contributions to the field of optometry are not only enhancing the educational experience at NSUOCO but also advancing the broader understanding of neuro-visual rehabilitation.