Kristin O. Bretz, MD
(Formerly Dr. Chapman)
Glaucoma Specialist, Comprehensive Ophthalmologist & Cataract Surgeon
Dr. Kristin O. Bretz is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in glaucoma treatment, cataract surgery, and comprehensive eye care. With extensive training from leading academic medical centers and a fellowship in glaucoma from the University of Utah’s prestigious Moran Eye Center, Dr. Bretz brings both clinical expertise and a commitment to advancing ophthalmic care to patients throughout Salt Lake City and the surrounding region.
Known for her thorough approach to patient evaluation and her dedication to minimally invasive surgical techniques, Dr. Bretz combines evidence-based medicine with personalized treatment planning. Whether managing complex glaucoma cases, performing cataract surgery, or providing comprehensive eye exams, she prioritizes clear communication and patient-centered decision-making.
Education & Training
Undergraduate Education
Dr. Bretz graduated with honors from Pepperdine University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Her strong foundation in the biological sciences prepared her for advanced medical study.
Medical School
Dr. Bretz earned her Doctor of Medicine from New York University School of Medicine, one of the nation’s leading medical institutions. Her medical education provided comprehensive training in all aspects of medicine, with a focus on clinical excellence and evidence-based practice.
Internship
Following medical school, Dr. Bretz completed an internship at Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upton, Pennsylvania, gaining broad clinical experience in internal medicine and acute care.
Ophthalmology Residency
Dr. Bretz completed her ophthalmology residency at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York, where she received extensive training in all subspecialties of ophthalmology, including anterior segment surgery, posterior segment disease, glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology, and pediatric eye care.
Glaucoma Fellowship
Dr. Bretz pursued specialized fellowship training in glaucoma at the John A. Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. This advanced training focused on the diagnosis, medical management, and surgical treatment of glaucoma, including minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) techniques. Her fellowship experience at one of the nation’s premier academic eye centers deepened her expertise in managing complex glaucoma cases and performing advanced surgical procedures.
Board Certification & Credentials
American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO)
Dr. Bretz is board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, having achieved certification in 2017. Board certification demonstrates that Dr. Bretz has met rigorous standards of medical knowledge, clinical competency, and ethical practice in ophthalmology.
Academic Appointment
Dr. Bretz holds an appointment as Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Utah Health Sciences Center, where she contributes to medical education and clinical training.
Professional Memberships
Dr. Bretz maintains active membership in leading professional organizations dedicated to advancing ophthalmology and eye care:
- American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO): The world’s largest association of eye physicians and surgeons
- American Glaucoma Society: A specialized organization focused on glaucoma research, education, and clinical advancement
- American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS): A premier organization dedicated to cataract and refractive surgery innovation
- Women in Ophthalmology: An organization supporting women physicians in the field of ophthalmology
- Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO): A global organization advancing vision research
These memberships reflect Dr. Bretz’s commitment to staying current with the latest advances in ophthalmology and maintaining the highest standards of clinical practice.
Clinical Experience & Areas of Expertise
Glaucoma Management & Surgery
Dr. Bretz specializes in the comprehensive management of glaucoma, including medical therapy, laser treatment, and surgical intervention. Her expertise encompasses:
- Diagnosis and risk assessment in glaucoma
- Medical management of elevated intraocular pressure
- Laser procedures for glaucoma treatment
- Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) techniques
- Advanced surgical approaches for complex glaucoma cases
Cataract Surgery
Dr. Bretz performs cataract surgery with advanced intraocular lens (IOL) technology, helping patients achieve clear vision and improved quality of life. Her surgical approach emphasizes precision, patient safety, and optimal visual outcomes.
Comprehensive Ophthalmology
Beyond her subspecialty focus, Dr. Bretz provides comprehensive eye care, including:
- Complete eye examinations and vision assessment
- Diagnosis and management of ocular surface disease
- Evaluation and treatment of dry eye syndrome
- Management of age-related eye conditions
- Coordination of care for complex ocular conditions
Research & Clinical Interests
Throughout her academic and professional career, Dr. Bretz has been dedicated to ophthalmic research and education. Her clinical interests and areas of investigation include:
- Ocular surface disease and its relationship to glaucoma
- Glaucoma risk factors and management strategies
- Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) outcomes and techniques
- Advancing surgical innovation in ophthalmology
Innovation, Leadership in Glaucoma Care
Dr. Bretz is experienced in minimally invasive glaucoma surgery techniques, which offer patients effective glaucoma treatment with reduced tissue trauma and faster recovery compared to traditional approaches. Her training at the Moran Eye Center, a leader in MIGS innovation, has equipped her with expertise in the latest surgical technologies and techniques.
Dr. Bretz has published and presented research on a range of ophthalmic topics, including ocular surface disease, glaucoma risk and management, and minimally invasive surgical techniques. This commitment to advancing the field reflects her dedication to evidence-based practice and clinical excellence.
Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Bretz is deeply committed to expanding access to eye care in underserved communities. She has:
- Served as a Global Impact Fellow with Unite for Sight, providing ophthalmic care and education in Bihar, India
- Acted as a director of Working Vision, an organization dedicated to treating and preventing work-related eye injuries in developing countries by distributing safety information and equipment
- Performed charity surgeries for patients with limited access to care
- Traveled to Micronesia, Mongolia, the Navajo community, and Sonoma County to teach other physicians and professionals about state-of-the-art ophthalmic procedures and techniques
This humanitarian work reflects Dr. Bretz’s belief that quality eye care should be accessible to all, regardless of geographic location or economic circumstances.
Patient Care Philosophy
Dr. Bretz believes that optimal eye care requires careful listening, thorough evaluation, and personalized treatment planning. She takes time to understand each patient’s unique concerns, visual goals, and lifestyle needs before recommending a course of action.
“Every patient deserves individualized attention and comprehensive evaluation,” Dr. Bretz explains. Her approach emphasizes:
- Thorough Assessment: Detailed clinical evaluation to accurately diagnose eye conditions and understand their impact on vision and quality of life
- Clear Communication: Transparent discussion of treatment options, realistic outcome expectations, and potential risks and benefits
- Personalized Planning: Development of individualized treatment plans that align with each patient’s preferences, goals, and lifestyle
- Collaborative Care: Coordination with optometrists and other eye care professionals to ensure comprehensive, integrated care
Whether managing a complex glaucoma case or performing cataract surgery, Dr. Bretz prioritizes patient safety, informed decision-making, and optimal clinical outcomes.
Hospital Affiliations
Dr. Bretz maintains clinical affiliations with leading healthcare institutions in the Salt Lake City area:
- Intermountain Medical Center
- LDS Hospital (Intermountain Health)
- John A. Moran Eye Center
These affiliations enable Dr. Bretz to provide comprehensive surgical and medical care in state-of-the-art facilities with access to advanced diagnostic and surgical technology.
Awards & Recognition
Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award
Dr. Bretz has received the Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award for 2024, 2025, and 2026, recognizing her commitment to providing excellence in patient safety and preventing complications.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Bretz
Dr. Bretz is experienced in minimally invasive glaucoma surgery techniques, which offer patients effective glaucoma treatment with reduced tissue trauma and faster recovery compared to traditional approaches. Her training at the Moran Eye Center, a leader in MIGS innovation, has equipped her with expertise in the latest surgical technologies and techniques.
Dr. Bretz completed specialized fellowship training in glaucoma at the University of Utah’s Moran Eye Center, one of the nation’s leading academic eye centers. She has extensive experience in glaucoma diagnosis, medical management, laser treatment, and surgical intervention, including minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) techniques.
Yes. Dr. Bretz performs cataract surgery using advanced intraocular lens technology and modern surgical techniques to achieve optimal visual outcomes.
Dr. Bretz believes in comprehensive, patient-centered care. She takes time to understand each patient’s unique needs and goals, provides transparent communication about treatment options, and develops personalized treatment plans that align with each patient’s preferences and lifestyle.
Yes. Dr. Bretz has published research on ocular surface disease and provides comprehensive management of dry eye syndrome and related conditions as part of her comprehensive eye care practice.
About The Eye Institute of Utah
The Eye Institute of Utah is a comprehensive eye care facility serving patients throughout the Salt Lake City region. The practice combines clinical expertise, advanced diagnostic and surgical technology, and patient-centered care to deliver exceptional outcomes across all subspecialties of ophthalmology.
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The Eye Institute of Utah Doctors have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.