Dr. Pettey has been appointed as the Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology at the John A. Moran Eye Center, where he will oversee a wide array of operations and initiatives.
His leadership will encompass clinical, academic, research, and global outreach missions, aimed at elevating the center’s legacy in research innovation and ophthalmic care.
He is expected to collaborate closely with University of Utah Health leadership and Moran Eye Center faculty to improve access to eye care across Utah and beyond.
A native of Utah, Pettey has held numerous leadership roles at the Moran Eye Center and has gained international recognition as a leading figure in the fields of ophthalmic education and cataract surgery technology.
In his previous positions, he served as Vice Chair of Clinical Affairs and Vice Chair of Education and directed the Residency Program for nearly ten years.
Under his guidance, the residency program achieved a Doximity.com national ranking of No. 5 and was rated No. 1 in the Western United States.
Pettey’s influence extends to the national stage as he has held various roles in major ophthalmology associations.
He was previously the president of the Program Directors Council for the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology and is currently the chair of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Sustainability Committee.
His commitment to global outreach is evident in his work co-directing the Moran Eye Center’s Global Ophthalmology Fellowship and previously serving as Co-Medical Director of its Global Outreach Division.
Pettey has led numerous surgical education missions globally and is the holder of the Dr. Ezekiel R. and Edna Wattis Dumke Endowed Chair for Global Outreach.
He co-founded the Global Ophthalmology Summit in partnership with the AAO, aimed at advancing the field of global ophthalmology, and has earned several national honors, including the AAO’s Artemis Award and the Humanism in Ophthalmology Award.
As a comprehensive ophthalmologist, Pettey focuses on anterior segment conditions and engages in research regarding technologies used in cataract surgery, particularly phacoemulsification.
His research has contributed significantly to improving the safety and efficiency of one of the most performed surgical procedures globally.
Dr. Kristina Callis Duffin, Interim Dean of the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah, praised Pettey’s leadership qualities, stating, “Pettey is a thoughtful, mission-driven leader whose commitment to patient care, education, and global health reflects the very best of Moran’s values.”
Callis Duffin expressed confidence in Pettey’s ability to continue leading the department with the same level of excellence and innovation that the John A. Moran Eye Center is known for.
Pettey completed his medical degree at The Ohio State University College of Medicine and underwent both residency and fellowship training at the John A. Moran Eye Center.
He also holds an Executive MBA from the University of Utah and has been part of the faculty at the Moran Eye Center since 2011.
In addition to his administrative duties, Pettey plans to continue seeing patients, ensuring that he remains connected to the core mission of the center.
Reflecting on his new appointment, Pettey expressed immense gratitude for the mentors and colleagues who have shaped his career.
He articulated his vision of a future that prioritizes improving lives through elevated eye health for all, emphasizing the collective efforts of the faculty and donor partners as vital for the department’s success.
“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,” he stated.
Pettey and his wife, Gretchen, are proud parents of four children and share a love for experiencing the outdoors and the beauty of nature.
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