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Diane Beasley Whitaker

Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology
Ophthalmology
4598 Hudson Building, BOX_3802, Durham, NC 27710

Overview


Dr. Whitaker is a board-certified comprehensive optometrist with specialization in Vision Rehabilitation and Performance. Her past experience includes specialty low vision training at the Lighthouse for the Blind in Houston, Texas and providing vision rehabilitation services at the UNC Department of Ophthalmology from 2001-2006.

Dr. Whitaker has extensive experience with complex refractive, cataract and post-operative care. She is a member of the American Optometric Association Low Vision Section and the North Carolina State Optometric Society. Dr. Whitaker's research interests are diverse. She collaborates with other specialists with specific interests in driver evaluation and training, visual-motor skills and performance training in athletes, cognitive impairment in patients with visual impairment, and concussion and stroke rehabilitation

In 2015 she was named an Innovator and one of the Most Influential Women in Optical. In 2017, she received the InSightful Visionary BVI Champion Award and served as the Medical Chair for the Foundation for Fighting Blindness Triangle Vision walk which successfully raised over $120,000 to fund research to prevent blindness. In 2020, she was named Top Doctor in Optometry.



Current Appointments & Affiliations


Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology · 2021 - Present Ophthalmology, Clinical Science Departments
Chief, Vision Rehabilitation and Performance · 2010 - Present Ophthalmology, Clinical Science Departments

Education, Training & Certifications


University of Houston · 1998 O.D.
Texas A&M University · 1992 B.S.