Dr. Karl R. Olsen, MD

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Get to know Ophthalmologist Dr. Karl R. Olsen, who serves patients throughout the State of Pennsylvania.

An experienced ophthalmologist, Dr. Olsen is a part of a team of dedicated individuals who are kind, friendly, and caring at Retina Vitreous Consultants, Inc.

The featured services at Retina Vitreous Consultants, Inc. include age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, retinal tear & detachment, macular pucker & hole, and uveitis. Their offices are located throughout the state of Pennsylvania, including Monroeville, Johnstown, Cranberry, Bethel Park, and Altoona.

In regards to his educational background, Dr. Olsen attended Stanford University where he was awarded Phi Beta Kappa and his Bachelor of Science degree with Honors and with Distinction. He received his medical degree from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in 1980 and then did a residency in ophthalmology at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute (BPEI) in 1984.

Following a vitreoretinal fellowship at Duke University Eye Center, Dr. Olsen returned to BPEI as chief resident and then as an assistant professor of ophthalmology from 1985 until 1986.

Specializing in eye and vision care, he is board-certified in ophthalmology by the American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO). The ABO is an independent, non-profit organization responsible for certifying ophthalmologists in the United States of America.

Among his extra-departmental administrative and committee responsibilities, Dr. Olsen is a councilor for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, treasurer of the Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology, board member of the Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology, Allegheny County Medical Society Delegate to the Pennsylvania Medical Society, board member of the Allegheny County Medical Society, and on the membership committee of the Allegheny County Medical Society,

With membership in professional and scientific societies, he is an active member of Phi Beta Kappa, the American Medical Association, the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Alumni Association, the American Academy of Ophthalmology (Fellow), the Pan American Society of Ophthalmology, the Pennsylvania Medical Society, the Allegheny County Medical Society, the Atlantic Coast Fluorescein Club, and the Retina Society.

Holding an academic rank, Dr. Olsen serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. 

Ophthalmology is a branch of medicine and surgery, which deals with the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders. Ophthalmologists are experts in the diseases, functions, and anatomy of the eye. They may provide routine care such as vision testing, as well as prescribe and fit eyeglasses or contact lenses. However, ophthalmologists are also surgeons. They repair traumatic injuries to the eye and perform cataract, glaucoma, and corneal surgery.

Throughout his line of work, Dr. Olsen has published over 100 papers on retinal disease, including scientific articles in refereed journals, silicone study publications, COMS publications, public abstracts, as well as books and chapters, among others. 

Having been chosen for “Best Doctors” on a regular basis, he also received the Outstanding Clinical Instructor Award from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, the Humanitarian Award from the Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology, and the Distinguished Service Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

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