Overview

Trenton Gaasch, OD, MHCDS, is a clinical instructor of Optometry and Vision Rehabilitation Services. Dr. Gaasch joined Emory in May of 2024 after finishing 8 years in the United States Army as a Major and optometrist. During his time with the military, Dr. Gaasch gained experience in ocular triage, consults, comprehensive care, and traumatic brain injury eye care. He specializes in low vision rehabilitation, a service dedicated to improving the functional vision of people with visual impairment. Dr. Gaasch also provides comprehensive eye care and ocular consultation services to the Emergency Department and Intensive Care Units at Emory University Hospital in Midtown. His research interests are in equitable healthcare solutions and clinical operations.

Education
Dr. Gaasch graduated summa cum laude (highest honors) from Southern College of Optometry in 2016. While there, he received the Health Professional Scholarship for the U.S. Army, published two research projects, and was involved in multiple organizations. In 2023, Dr. Gaasch graduated from Dartmouth College's Tuck School of Business and Geisel School of Medicine with a Master of Health Care Delivery Science degree which is designed to develop competencies in health care strategy and innovation, finance, managing people and organizational change, health economics and policy, population health, data-informed decision making, and leadership.

Professional Experience:
Dr. Gaasch started his professional career in the United States Army as a Captain and clinical optometry. His first duty station was Ft. Jackson in Columbia, SC where he served as the Assistant Clinic Chief of the Department of Optometry at Moncrief Army Health Clinic. He started and managed an ocular traumatic brain injury clinic where he gained experience in prescribed tinted lenses, prism correction, occlusive therapy, and vision therapy. In 2019, Dr. Gaasch deployed to the Middle East as the Forward Commander and Clinic Chief of an optometry team. Dr. Gaasch finished his Army career as the Assistant Chief of a large Optometry Department at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington where he was promoted to the rank of Major. In addition to managing the clinic, he provided comprehensive eye exams, specialty medical contact lens eye exams, and traumatic brain injury eye exams to a diverse population of military beneficiaries.

National Recognition:
While in optometry school, Dr. Gaasch was inducted into Beta Sigma Kappa Honor Society, Gold Key International Society, and served as his class president. Dr. Gaasch received two Meritorious Service Medals (2020 and 2023) while serving in the military for his leadership and clinical care while deployed to the Middle East and for his exceptional contributions to Madigan Army Medical Center as the Assistant Chief for the Department of Optometry. He also received two Army Commendation Medals (2019 and 2021) for his service and clinical care in the Army.

Areas of Clinical Interest:
Comprehensive Eye Exams
Dry Eye Syndrome
Low Vision Rehabilitation
Co-management of Surgical Cases
Glaucoma
Traumatic Brain Injury

Academic Appointment

• Clinical Instructor, Ophthalmology, Emory Eye Center

Education