I am a surgically retired board-certified ophthalmologist, and was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida. I attended Episcopal High School of Jacksonville before earning my Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology and medical degree from the University of Florida. I completed my internship at the University of Virginia’s Riverside Hospital in Newport News, followed by a residency at Case Western Reserve University’s Mt. Sinai Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio.
I then returned to Jacksonville, started a solo private ophthalmology practice at Allen Eye Center from 1985 to 2022, and have continued practicing at Champion Eye for over two years. Early in my career, I also served with Nemours Children’s Clinic (1985–1987) and the Veterans Administration Department of Ophthalmology in Jacksonville (1985–1986). I held an academic appointment as Assistant Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at Shands Jacksonville from 1986 to 1996, where I also taught residents.
Throughout my career, I have held numerous leadership roles, including Chief of Ophthalmology at Memorial Hospital Jacksonville (2000–2003), Chairman of Ophthalmology at Jacksonville Surgery Center (1995–2022), and Chairman of its Executive Advisory Board (2015–2022). Additionally, I have served as Chairman of Outpatient Surgery and on the Executive Medical Staff at St. Luke’s Hospital, as well as Chairman of the Grievance Committee and a Board member of the Duval County Medical Society. Also, I have served as a Delegate to the Florida Medical Association. On the side, I had been active in peer review at Memorial Hospital and I have held privileges at several Jacksonville-area hospitals and surgery centers throughout my career.
I am currently a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and have previously been affiliated with the Florida Society of Ophthalmology, Duval County Medical Society, and Florida Medical Association.
I am happily married to Joseph D. Allen since 2017 and was previously married to Robert H. Harris until his passing in 2012. I am also a devoted stepmother to four daughters. Outside of medicine, I share a passion for Cowboy Action Shooting and Western history with my husband. I have a love for animals and have long enjoyed horseback riding—especially trail riding.
While I am not regularly in clinic, I look forward to bringing years of experience and support to Champion Eyecare and will be providing post-operative care to our patients.