Kenneth W. Olander, MD, PHD

Kenneth W. Olander, MD, PHD

Joined University Eye Specialists: 1999

Locations

Clinical Trials

Dr. Kenneth W. Olander retired from University Eye Specialists in 2015 but continues to see patients on a part-time basis in clinical trials. Dr. Olander earned both medical and doctorate degrees, leading to his participation in more than 100 research projects in pharmaceutical, surgery and laser studies.

While every facet of medical school was fascinating to him, Dr. Olander gravitated towards eye care because it offered the chance to take care of patients of all ages in both an office setting and the operating room. Since Dr. Olander’s sub-specialty was glaucoma, he handled complex cases and formed lasting relationships with patients over the continuum of care.

Dr. Olander joined University Eye Specialists in 1999 after training in New Orleans, Louisiana, which was too hot, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, which was too cold. The Knoxville area offered the ideal blend of a professional practice setting and temperate climate. Dr. Olander, who is originally from Connecticut, and his family were drawn to the East Tennessee area because of its natural beauty, accessible airport for travel, university setting, entertainment and cultural options and Southern hospitality.

Dr. Olander and his wife, Dori Olander, live on a 218-acre farm in Blount County with forest and mountain views. They are members of the Vineyard Church. Dr. Olander is active in the community with service with the Lions Club and InterFaith Health Clinic, both of which help the needy with eye care.

Describing himself as a “farmhand,” Dr. Olander cares for horses, goats, dogs and cats and enjoys horseback riding and fishing.

The Olanders have five grown children, Kim, Amie, Kelly, Jason and Jenny, and 11 grandchildren. They also have a beloved Doberman pinscher named Ziva.

  • BS: Springfield College, Springfield, Massachusetts
  • PhD: Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana
  • MD: Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
  • Internship: Tulane Medical Center and Charity Hospital, New Orleans, Louisiana
  • Ophthalmology Residency: LSU Health Sciences Center and Charity Hospital, New Orleans, Louisiana
  • Glaucoma Fellowship: LSU Health Sciences Center and Ochsner Foundation Hospital, New Orleans, Louisiana
  • Board Certification: American Board of Ophthalmology, 1981
  • Blount Memorial Hospital Education Committee, chairman, 1998
  • Blount Memorial Hospital Institutional Review Board, 1998
  • Maryville Surgical Center Quality Improvement Committee, 1999
  • Maryville Lions Club, scientific advisor
  • Consultant for Alcon, Allergan, Pfizer and Merck Sharp & Dohme
  • Invited glaucoma lecturer, Madrid, Spain and San Juan, Puerto Rico
  • Author, 40 publications and three chapters in books
  • Completed 113 clinical trials
  • American Academy of Ophthalmology
  • American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons
  • American Glaucoma Society
  • Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists
  • The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology
  • Southern Medical Association
  • American Medical Association
  • LSU Eye Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, clinical faculty
  • Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, clinical faculty
  • University of Tennessee Medical Center, Knoxville, Tennessee, director of Continuing Medical Education for Clinical Ophthalmology Conferences, 2000
calendar icon
Schedule Today
self test icon
LASIK Self-Test
self test icon
Cataract Self-Test
phone icon
865-244-2020
WARNING: Internet Explorer does not support modern web standards. This site may not function correctly on this browser and is best viewed on Chrome, Firefox or Edge browsers. Learn More.