The Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah has announced the appointment of Dr. Pettey as the new Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology.
In this pivotal role, Pettey will oversee the department’s operations while further shaping its essential missions in clinical care, academics, research, and global outreach.
He will collaborate closely with University of Utah Health leadership and faculty at the Moran Eye Center to build on a legacy of excellence in research innovation and ophthalmic care.
Pettey’s efforts will also focus on expanding access to eye care not only throughout Utah but also on a global scale.
A native of Utah, Pettey has an extensive history with the Moran Eye Center, having held multiple leadership positions prior to this appointment.
He is recognized internationally for his contributions to ophthalmic education, global ophthalmology, and advancements in cataract surgery technology.
Before becoming Chair, Pettey served as Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs and Vice Chair of Education, in addition to his role as Residency Program Director for nearly a decade.
During his leadership in the residency program, its ranking in Doximity.com increased impressively to No. 5 nationally and No. 1 in the Western United States.
Pettey has also made significant contributions to the national discourse in ophthalmology through various influential positions.
He formerly served as president of the Program Directors Council for the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology. Currently, he chairs the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Sustainability Committee.
His commitment to global outreach and education is also noteworthy.
Pettey co-directs the Moran Eye Center’s Global Ophthalmology Fellowship and previously held the position of Co-Medical Director for its Global Outreach Division.
He has participated in over a dozen surgical education missions worldwide and is honored with the Dr. Ezekiel R. and Edna Wattis Dumke Endowed Chair for Global Outreach.
Moreover, Pettey co-founded the international Global Ophthalmology Summit in partnership with the AAO to foster progress in global ophthalmology.
His accolades include several prestigious national honors, such as the AAO’s Artemis Award, the Humanism in Ophthalmology Award, and the Senior Achievement Award.
Pettey’s expertise lies in comprehensive ophthalmology and anterior segment conditions, leading to his research focus on evaluating new technologies in phacoemulsification, a leading cataract removal method.
His research aims to assess the safety and efficiency of this technology, which is the most commonly performed surgery globally.
Kristina Callis Duffin, MD, MS, Interim Dean of the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah, praised Pettey’s approach.
She noted, “Pettey is a thoughtful, mission-driven leader whose commitment to patient care, education, and global health reflects the very best of Moran’s values.”
She expressed confidence that he will lead the department with the same excellence and innovation that has brought success to the John A. Moran Eye Center.
In reflecting on his new position, Pettey expressed profound gratitude for his mentors and colleagues who have shaped his career.
He emphasized that the culture of excellence, service, and collaboration at Moran has significantly influenced his leadership philosophy.
“Our faculty are our greatest asset moving forward, as they set the standard for new discoveries and provide the highest quality of care to each patient we serve.
Underpinning all our success are our donor partners who are the lifeblood enabling us to pursue ambitious goals and meaningful innovation.
Together, we can look to a bright future, knowing that collectively we can make transformative progress to set new standards, reach wider communities, and provide life-changing eye care,” said Pettey.
Outside of his professional life, Pettey enjoys spending time with his wife, Gretchen, and their four children, often exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Utah.
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