Dr. Jerry Robben

Dr. Jerry Robben grew up in Sharon Springs, Kansas. A small farming community of less than 800 people. There he learned a strong work ethic, growing up working on the Robben Family Farm. He is very proud of his agricultural background.

He attended Kansas State University where he was active in a research laboratory group doing work on cataract prevention and other eye research. Portions of his work, as an undergraduate, was published in peer reviewed journals and presented at a worldwide eye research conference (ARVO) in 2005. Dr. Robben was the only undergraduate to present a talk at the 2005 ARVO meeting. He graduated from Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biochemistry. He then used his background in ocular research to attend and graduate from Nova Southeastern University, College of Optometry in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he received a second Bachelor Degree in Vision Science and his Doctorate of Optometry.

Dr. Robben came to Bowden Eye & Associates to expand his scope of practice in ocular disease; specifically, glaucoma, dry eye disease, eye infections, and primary eye care including glasses and contacts. He loves to continue to learn from Dr. Frank W. Bowden, III, and the other physicians as the technologies and knowledge in eye care continues to advance. Dr. Robben is now a senior member of our provider team and is the Chief Optometrist at Bowden Eye & Associates.

Having a firm background in clinical education, Dr. Robben has started a student doctor externship program here at Bowden Eye. He is an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor for the Arizona College of Optometry and the Chicago College of Optometry where he continues to supervises Optometry Resident Doctors that are currently completing their externships at our clinical sites for graduation from these institutions.

Dr. Robben’s background in research has helped to grow an active clinical research team within Bowden Eye & Associates. He is also the Director of Clinical Research for our practice and heads the team in multiple clinical studies that are investigating new treatments and diagnostics in the fields of Glaucoma, Dry Eye Disease, Conjunctivitis, Neurotrophic Corneal Disease, Presbyopia, Surgical Interventions and other ocular diseases. Bowden Eye & Associates has been recognized as a new leader in research for eyecare and we are currently working with companies globally to help them with their studies.

Dr. Robben has become a leader in the treatment and management of Dry Eye Disease and has been recognized as a national speaker and educator on the subject. He frequently speaks in educational and promotional settings for optometrists, ophthalmologists, technicians and administrators all across the country. He has also been added as a glaucoma and presbyopia management speaker and educator for a national speaking bureau.

Dr. Robben was the first optometrist to ever prescribe the FDA approved TrueTear device to a patient in the United States. He was also the first and only optometrist to ever speak on the dry eye panel at the Ophthalmology Management Dry Eye Symposium at the American Academy of Ophthalmology in Chicago, IL 2018.

In his spare time, he enjoys watching football as a loyal season ticket holder for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He is a devoted father of two young boys and husband. He enjoys traveling with his family and helping to coach is boys baseball and football teams. Dr. Robben is proud to make Jacksonville his home and loves to build lasting relationships with his patients in the community.