Dr. Kalina has more than 24 years of experience in clinical patient care and in developing high-performing cultures and teams in the ophthalmic industry. In 2008, he joined Valley Eye Specialists as a Medical Optometrist and the Director of Professionals Relations. He is the founder of the Valley Eye Network, one of Arizona’s largest optometric and physician based referral centers specializing in ocular disease and anterior segment surgical care. In addition, he clinically specializes in cataracts, LASIK, retinal conditions, post-operative surgical care, glaucoma, dry eyes, diabetic eye care, and ocular disease in their ophthalmology offices across Central Arizona.

Prior to that appointment, Dr. Kalina was Center Director at Marion Eye Center, one of the largest integrated ophthalmology practices in the Midwest. He was a leader in charge of practice development, expansion, training, and marketing. During this time he helped to lead and expand the practice to over 32+ offices, 3 surgery centers and a large scale optical manufacturing lab during his 10 years with the firm.

His expansive interests have resulted in being a research investigator for multiple studies and clinical trials. In addition, he has extensive experience in tear film chemistry and dry eye translational research focused on clinical products and pharmaceuticals for the ocular surface. Prior to attending UAB, he served as an R&D biochemist at Sigma-Aldrich in St. Louis, MO, developing medical immunoassays for Virology and Rheumatology. He has submitted numerous 510k applications to the FDA.

Richard Kalina received his Doctor of Optometry degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, earning his MS in vision science research and MPH in healthcare organization and policy. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and was awarded the AZOA President’s Award in 2014.