Dr. Susan Cotter

Susan Cotter, O.D., M.S., FAAO, is a professor and clinician scientist at the Southern California College of Optometry (SCCO) at Marshall B. Ketchum University, where she teaches as both a classroom and clinical educator, and she also performs clinical research. After training at the Illinois College of Optometry, she joined SCCO in 1997 and has since led numerous clinical trials and won the admiration of her students, thus receiving countless Professor of the Quarter/Year awards.

Apart from her duties at SCCO, Dr. Cotter lectures internationally in the areas of pediatric eye care and binocular vision.  She is also a Vice Chair of the Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group (PEDIG), a National Eye Institute (NEI)-funded clinical research network of pediatric optometrists and ophthalmologists who perform clinical investigations related to pediatric eye conditions. She has been a key researcher on many PEDIG/NEI research trials for the past several years and is currently Vice Chair on a NEI-funded research trial, Convergence Insufficiency Treatment Trial – Attention & Reading Trial . This randomized, controlled clinical trial calls for optometrists across the country to study the effects and success rate of vision therapy for children with convergence insufficiency. These types of trials are essential for establishing the scientific validity of vision therapy within the medical community so that more children and adults may be referred and treated as effectively as possible.

In her free time, Dr. Cotter enjoys reading, traveling, hiking, and independent films. She also likes to take in adorable kittens and find homes for them, some of which have been the homes of our very own SCCO students!

Molly is one of Dr. Cotter’s kittens adopted by a 3rd year student…

Dr. Susan Cotter is a well-known figure within the pediatric and binocular vision community.  Her students are only one of the many people who benefit from her knowledge and experience. SCCO at MBKU is honored to have her as part of our faculty and MBKU Family.

Dr. Cotter’s Professional Associations:

• American Academy of Optometry: Board of Directors, Diplomate, past Chair of the Binocular Vision, Perception, & Pediatric Optometry Section
• American Optometry Association: Council on Research
• National Center for Children’s Vision and Eye Health: National Expert Panel
• Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group (PEDIG): Vice Chair
• Editor of the textbook Clinical Applications of Prisms