Curriculum Vitae

Sheila Plumlee Sanders

Business Address:                                                        Home Address:

University of Kentucky                                                 2224 Bonhaven Road

Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences        Lexington, KY  40515

110 Conn Terrace, Suite 550                                         Cell: 859227-5884

Lexington, KY  40508                                                 

Phone: 859-323-5875

Fax: (859) 257-8895

E-mail: [email protected]

Education:

1993-1994       Fellowship in Glaucoma

                        Indiana University Department of Ophthalmology

1990-1993       Residency in Ophthalmology

                        University of Kentucky Department of Ophthalmology

1989-1990       Transitional Internship

                        St. Vincent Health Care Center - Indianapolis, Indiana

1985-1989       Doctor of Medicine - With High Distinction

                        University of Kentucky College of Medicine - Lexington, Kentucky

1981-1985       Bachelor of Science in Nursing - Magna Cum Laude

                        Vanderbilt University - Nashville, Tennessee

Positions held:

2018-present    Vice Chairman

                        University of Kentucky Department of Ophthalmology

2020-2022       Senior Ambulatory Medical Director

                        University of Kentucky Department of Ophthalmology

2014-2022       Founder and Director, Glaucoma Fellowship

                        University of Kentucky Department of Ophthalmology

2000-present    Associate Professor – Director, Glaucoma Service

                        University of Kentucky Department of Ophthalmology

1994-2000       Assistant Professor - Director, Glaucoma Service

                        University of Kentucky Department of Ophthalmology

1994-2002       Chief of Ophthalmology

                        Veterans Affairs Hospital - Lexington, Kentucky

1985-1987       Eye Bank Technician - University of Kentucky Lions Eye Bank

1987                Editorial Assistant - “Clinical Guide to Laboratory Tests” Saunders, 1989

1984. Teaching Assistant in Anatomy - Vanderbilt University School of Nursing

Hospital Staff Appointments:

University of Kentucky Medical Center - Lexington, KY

Veterans Affairs Medical Center – Lexington, KY 

Maysville Regional Hospital – Maysville, KY

Honors/Awards:

2019                Best Presentation, University of Kentucky Executive Leadership Program

                        Gatton College of Business and Economics

2005-2025       Best Doctors in America

1999, 2010       Outstanding Teacher Award – University of Kentucky, Department of Ophthalmology

1993. Grayson Fellowship - Indiana University Department of Ophthalmology

1982-1985       Dean’s Honor Scholarships - Vanderbilt University

1984                Sigma Theta Tau, Nursing Honorary Society

External Support:

2016-2019       Allergan: “A Comparison of Bimatoprost SR to Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty in Patients with Open Angle Glaucoma or Ocular Hypertension”

1999.              Allergan: “Oral Memantine Clinical Study #192944-004”                 

1999.              Pharmacia and Upjohn:  “A Randomized 5-year Postmarketing Safety Study of

                          Xalatan Compared to Usual Care in Glaucoma.”

1998                Eye Research Foundation:  “Comparison of Twice Daily Betaxolol 0.25%   

                          Versus Brimonidine 0.2 % for the Control of Intraocular Pressure in Patients 

                          With Open Angle Glaucoma or Ocular Hypertension.”

1997.              Allergan: “Comparison of the Effect of Alphagan 2% Versus Trusopt 2% in

                          Combination with Topical Beta Blockers.”

1. 1997. Veterans Affairs Cooperative Study #338: “Comparison of Anterior and

Posterior Chamber Lens Implants After Vitreous Loss in Attempted Extracapsular Cataract Extraction.” 

Publications – Peer Reviewed:

2016                “Squeeze Me if You Can: Variability in force Requirements to Extract a Drop From Common Glaucoma Bottles” Moore DB, Hammer JD, Akhtari R, Beck J, Sanders S, Kryscio RJ. J Glaucoma. 2016 Sep;25(9):780-784.

2013                “The Ability of Healthy Volunteers to Simulate a Neurologic Field Defect on Automated Perimetry” D. Ghate, B. Bodnarchuk, S. Sanders, S. Deokule, S. Kedar, Ophthalmology, Vol 121, No  3, March 2014, Pages 759–762

2004                Book chapter “Combined Cataract and Drainage Device Procedures” in Management of Cataracts and Glaucoma by Coleman and Morrison, pub Martin & Dunitz, 2004.

1999. “Mitomycin C in Higher Risk Trabeculectomy: A Prospective Comparison of 0.2- to 0.4-mg/cc Doses” S. Sanders, L. Cantor, A. Dobler, J. Hoop; Journal of Glaucoma, 8:193-198.

1998                 “The Effect of Mitomycin-C on Molteno Implant Surgery: A One – Year       

                          Randomized, Masked, Prospective Study” L. Cantor, J. Burgoyne, S. Sanders,

                          V. Bhavani, J. Hoop, and E. Brizendine, Journal of Glaucoma, Vol 7, No. 4,

                          1998.

Other:

2003-present    Editorial Review Board, American Journal of Ophthalmology

2008-present    Editorial Review Board, European Journal of Ophthalmology

2016                The Literature – review article for Glaucoma Today

1999-2023       “Ocular Hypotony” - Chapter for “Emedicine” online textbook

Revised 2005, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2018, 2023

2012                “Epithelial Downgrowth” – article for Glaucoma Today

2004                Book review, “Glaucoma – Essentials in Ophthalmology,” American Journal of Ophthalmology Vol 138, No. 5, pg 905-906.

1997.              “Drainage Implants offer Hope for Advanced Glaucoma” Vol 3, No. 1, Kentucky

                          Medical News, January 1996.

2009                “Childhood Glaucoma” article for the Lexington Herald-Leader

2011                “Promoting Glaucoma Awareness” article for the Lexington Herald-Leader

Abstracts:

1999                 “Initial Success of Combined Cataract Surgery and Endocyclophotocoagulation  

                          in Reducing the Need for Topical Therapy in Glaucoma”. Investigative

                          Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 40 (Suppl), 1999

1998                “The Effect of Mitomycin-C on Molteno Implant Surgery: A One – Year       

                          Randomized, Masked, Prospective Study” L. Cantor, J. Burgoyne, S. Sanders,

                          V. Bhavani, J. Hoop, and E. Brizendine, Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual

                          Science, 39(Suppl) 4950, 1998 

1997. “Long Term Comparison of 0.1 mg/cc Versus 0.2 mg/cc of Mitomycin-C In Primary Trabeculectomy” Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 38 (Suppl), 1997

1996.              “Mitomycin-C in Complicated Trabeculectomy: A Comparison of 0.2 to 0.4  

                          mg/cc” Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 37(Suppl) 106, 1996 1996                  “Toxicity of Intravitreal Nimodipine in the Rabbit” Investigative Ophthalmology

                          and Visual Science, 37(Suppl) 3576, 1996

1996                  “The Effect of Mitomycin-C on Molteno Implant Surgery” Investigative

Ophthalmology and Visual Science 37(Suppl) 1162, 1996

1996.              “Phacoemulsification, Intraocular Lens Implantation, and Trabeculectomy,

with or without Mitomycin-C” Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual

Science, 37(Suppl) 1133, 1996

1995                “Mitomycin-C in Primary Trabeculectomy: A Comparison of 0.1 to 0.2 Mg/cc”

                        Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 36 (Suppl) 426, 1995

1994. “Prospective Comparative Study of 0.2 mg/ml versus 0.4 mg/ml in Primary

                          Glaucoma Filtering Surgery” Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science,

                          35(Suppl) 808, 1994

1994. “Prospective Comparative Study of 0.2 mg/ml versus 0.4 mg/ml Mitomycin-C

in Primary Glaucoma Filtering Surgery” Investigative Ophthalmology and

                          Visual Science, 35(Suppl) 807, 1994

1993                “Contact Transcleral Cyclophotocoagulation in Secondary Pediatric Glaucoma”

                        Poster Presentation, American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and

                          Strabismus

Presentations:

2018:               “Glaucoma Overview” – Lexington Senior Citizens Center

2018                “Decision Strategies for Glaucoma Patients” – Commonwealth Eye Service / regional optometrists, Lexington, KY

2016                “The Future of Glaucoma Care” – Eye Opening Symposium, LFUCG Aging Services and Disability Services

2014                “Laser Trabeculoplasty – New Technologies”, Midwest Glaucoma Society

2013                “Adjunctive Medical Decision Making in Glaucoma Management”, American College of Eye Surgeons annual meeting, Puerto Rico

2013                “Recent Advances in Glaucoma Laser Therapy”, American College of Eye Surgeons annual meeting, Puerto Rico

2012                “Uveitis” Grand Rounds, Department of Rheumatology, University of Kentucky

2012                “Considerations in the Management of Elevated IOP” – Huffman & Huffman, PSC, London, KY

2012                “New Advances in Glaucoma Surgery” – Commonwealth Eye Surgery Lexington, KY

2005                “Putting it all Together: New Approached for the Glaucoma Patient”

 Knoxville, Tennessee, sponsored by Pfizer

2004                “Advances in Glaucoma Therapy” – Evansville Ophthalmology Group, sponsored by Pfizer

2003                “Glaucoma Update” – Nashville Ophthalmology Society, sponsored by Pharmacia.

2002                “IOP Philosophy” – Kentucky Optometric Association

2002                “Glaucoma Surgery” – Kentucky Association of Technical Personnel in Ophthalmology

2002                “Trabeculectomy vs. Viscocanalostomy” – American College of Eye Surgeons

2001                “Making Sense of the Prostanoids” – Knoxville Ophthalmology Society, sponsored by Allergan

2000                “Decisions in First Line Treatment”, Regional Optometrist Meeting Sponsored by Pharmacia and Upjohn, 2000

2000                “What Will We Do Differently Next Year?” – Bowling Green Ophthalmology Society, sponsored by Allergan          

2000. “New Technologies in Glaucoma” – Toledo Ophthalmological Society, sponsored by Merck

2000                Interpretation of Automated Perimetry” – Local physicians and optometrists, office of Dr. Bruce Koffler, sponsored by Merck

2000                “Decision in First Line Treatment of Glaucoma” – Regional Optometrist Meeting, sponsored by Pharmacia

2000.             “Update on Glaucoma Management” – Regional Optometrist Meeting, sponsored by Merck

2000                  “New Advances in Medical Management” – Regional Optometrist Meeting,

sponsored by Allergan

1999. “Endocyclophotocoagulation in Patients Undergoing Cataract Surgery” Spaeth

Fellows Society Meeting, Orlando, Florida

1999.              “Making Good Decisions: Medical Management of Glaucoma” Oklahoma City

                          Society of Eye Physicians, sponsored by Allergan

1999                “Glaucoma Management” Regional Optometrist Meeting, sponsored by Allergan

1999. “What’s New In Glaucoma?”  Fayette County Lions Club

1999                “Medical Management of Glaucoma” Regional Optometrist meeting, sponsored by Pharmacia and Upjohn

1998                 “What Do We Really Know About Neuroprotection?” and “Who’s On First,

What’s On Second? Medical Management of Glaucoma”

                        American College of Eye Surgeons Annual Meeting, Orlando, Florida

1998                  “Glaucoma Update”: Noon Conference Presentation, Department of Internal   

                           Medicine.

1997. “Risk Factors for Glaucoma”  - WTVQ, Channel 36

1997                “Medical Management of Glaucoma”, and “Co-Management of

Trabeculectomy”, Commonwealth Eye Services Optometrists Meeting

1996.  “Systemic Ocular Antihypertensive Agents”, Kentucky Optometric Association

                          Meeting

1995                “Surgical Management of Glaucoma”, Louisville Academy of Eye Physicians

1994. “Alpha Agonists/Miotic Therapy”, and “Glaucoma Surgery”, Midwest  Glaucoma Society, Indianapolis, Indiana

1993                “Use of Mitomycin-C in Complicated Trabeculectomy”, Spaeth Fellows Society         

                          Meeting, Chicago, Illinois

2021- present   UKHC BRIC Academy (Academy of Communication in Healthcare), Facilitator

2020-2022       UK Healthcare Senior Ambulatory Medical Director

2018- present   Vice Chairman, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences

2017-present    Surgical Leaders Committee

2017-2021       Dean’s Productivity Advisory Group

2016-2017       Kentucky Medical Services Foundation, Finance Committee

2011 -2016       Kentucky Medical Services Foundation, Board of Directors

2014-2016       Kentucky Medical Services Foundation, Practice Plan Committee, Chairman

2002-present    Founder and Executive Director of “Tri For Sight,” triathlon to benefit University of Kentucky Department of Ophthalmology Research Fund

2002-2023       Executive Committee, Department of Ophthalmology

2007-2011       University of Kentucky Medical Center, Clinical Practice Management Committee

2007-2011       University of Kentucky Medical Center, Space Utilization and Assignment Committee

1998-2001       Grand Rounds/Continuing Medical Education Coordinator, Department of

                          Ophthalmology

1997-2001       Alumni Affairs Coordinator, Department of Ophthalmology

1996-2001       Laser Safety Committee, Veterans Affairs

1994-2001       Tissue Committee, University of Kentucky Medical Center

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Activities:

2022- present   Board of Directors, Bluegrass Triathlon Club

2021-2023       Board of Directors, Hartland Homeowner’s Association

2006-2009       Founder and Director, Hartland Kid’s Triathlon

2005-2008       Board of Directors, Hartland Swim and Dive Team

1999-2011       US Swimming, Stroke and Turn Official

1992-1998       Board of Directors, Medical Alumni Association, University of Kentucky

                        College of Medicine

1995-1996       Chairman, Glaucoma Subcommittee, Kentucky Health Policy Board

         1987        Medical School Government Vice-President, University of Kentucky College of

                        Medicine

1. 1987. Dean’s Committee for Recruitment, University of Kentucky College of

                          Medicine

Memberships:

                        American Academy of Ophthalmology

                        Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology

                        American College of Eye Surgeons

                        American Glaucoma Society

                        Spaeth Fellows Society

                        Kentucky Medical Association

                        Fayette County Medical Society

                        Lexington Lions Club

Personal:

                        Spouse:

 Lance Ferguson MD

                          Commonwealth Eye Services, Founder and CEO

                        Children:

 Ellen Van Norman OD

                           Pediatric Optometrist, University of Kentucky Department of Ophthalmology

             Riley Ferguson MD

                        Resident in Ophthalmology, University of Illinois Chicago

Revised July 2025