Wills Eye Hospital Names New Chief of Pediatric Ophthalmology Service
Kammi B. Gunton, MD, will lead the pediatric ophthalmology team at the non-profit specialty hospital in Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA – Wills Eye Hospital today announced the promotion of Dr. Kammi B. Gunton to Chief of the Pediatric Ophthalmology Service. Dr. Gunton previously served as the Interim Director of Pediatric Ophthalmology at Wills Eye and officially began her new role on March 11, 2022.
Dr. Gunton is a Board Certified ophthalmologist who specializes in Pediatric and Adolescent Ophthalmology and Strabismus in adults. She pursued her residency and fellowship training at Wills Eye and has been a pediatric ophthalmologist at the Hospital since 2003. Dr. Gunton has published numerous articles including a recent study on the impact of virtual schooling on children’s eyesight which received national attention.
“Dr. Gunton has done exemplary work as interim director and we are delighted to have her step into this leadership role permanently. Among many recent successes, she has driven growth in clinical and research efforts, recruited new team members, and received grants to support the work of the Service,” said Julia A. Haller, MD, Ophthalmologist-in-Chief of Wills Eye Hospital. “Most importantly, she leads the Service in the delivery of high-quality compassionate care for our young patients who come from all over the world.”
Children’s eye problems require diagnostic and treatment methods that usually differ from those used in adults. The Wills Eye Hospital Pediatric Ophthalmology Service manages the care of eye diseases in children including common challenges like misaligned eyes or poor visual development as well as complex cases with systemic associations. Pediatric ophthalmologists on the Wills Eye staff also engage in educational and research activities in addition to the clinical and surgical care of their patients.
“I am committed to providing passionate and strategic leadership at Wills, and I want to thank the Search Committee for their faith in me as I take on this exciting challenge,” said Dr. Gunton. “We want to expand the reach of the Wills Pediatric Ophthalmology Service so that we can provide pediatric eye care in community practices throughout the Greater Philadelphia Area. Expansion will not only provide more young Philadelphians with improved eye care, but will enhance the teaching of Wills residents and fellows. I look forward to working with my dedicated team to heighten our impact.”
“The Search Committee unanimously agreed that Dr. Gunton was a stellar choice for the role of Chief after observing the remarkable work she did during her time as Interim Director,” said Christopher Rapuano, MD, Chief of the Wills Eye Hospital Cornea Service and chair of the Search Committee. “We were impressed with her accomplishments but most struck by her thoughtful approach to the current state of the Wills Pediatric Ophthalmology Service and the many ideas she has to move the Service forward.”
Dr. Gunton is a graduate of Stanford University and received her medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco.
For more information about the Wills Eye Hospital Pediatric Ophthalmology Service, please visit https://www.willseye.org/medical-services/subspecialty-services/pediatric-ophthalmology/.
About Wills Eye Hospital:
Established in 1832 as the nation's first hospital specializing in eye care, Wills Eye Hospital is a global leader in ophthalmology. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks Wills Eye as one of America's top ophthalmology hospitals since the survey began. Wills Eye has the most nationally ranked ophthalmologists in the country and is one of the top academic residency training programs in the USA , as voted by physicians. Wills Eye’s resident and sub-specialty training programs are among the most competitive in the country. The Vickie and Jack Farber Vision Research Center at Wills harnesses the core strengths of Wills, the close connection between innovative research and advanced patient care, to discover therapeutic breakthroughs. Wills provides the full range of primary and subspecialty eye care for improving and preserving sight, including comprehensive ophthalmology, cataract, cornea, retina, emergency care, glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology, ocular oncology, oculoplastics, pathology, pediatric ophthalmology and ocular genetics, and refractive surgery. Ocular Services include the Wills Laser Correction Center and Diagnostic Center. Its 24/7 Emergency Service is the only one of its kind in the region. Wills Eye also has a network of seven multi-specialty, ambulatory surgery centers throughout the tristate area. To learn more, please visit www.willseye.org.
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London Faust
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