Randy B. Carter, OD, FAAO
Dry Eye Specialist & Comprehensive Optometrist in Salt Lake City
Dr. Randy B. Carter is a highly respected optometrist with over 40 years of clinical experience serving patients throughout Salt Lake City and the surrounding region. As Director of Dry Eye Services at The Eye Institute of Utah, Dr. Carter has established himself as a leader in the diagnosis and treatment of dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction—conditions that affect millions of Americans but are often underdiagnosed and undertreated.
Since 1986, Dr. Carter has been dedicated to providing comprehensive eye care to thousands of patients, combining clinical expertise with a genuine commitment to patient education and individualized treatment planning. His reputation as a mentor and innovator has earned him recognition among his peers as one of Utah’s most respected optometrists, and his passion for advancing optometric education has shaped the careers of hundreds of aspiring eye care professionals.
Education & Training
Doctor of Optometry (OD)
Indiana University School of Optometry, Bloomington, Indiana
Bachelor of Science in Optometry
Indiana University School of Optometry, Bloomington, Indiana
University of South Alabama, Mobile, Alabama
Dr. Carter’s educational foundation at Indiana University—one of the nation’s leading optometry schools—provided rigorous training in clinical optometry, ocular disease diagnosis, and advanced therapeutic techniques. His early clinical experience at prestigious institutions, including the Bascom-Palmer Eye Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine, further refined his diagnostic and treatment skills across the full spectrum of eye conditions.
Board Certification & Credentials
Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO)
Earned through rigorous application and evaluation process recognizing advanced clinical expertise and professional achievement. Fewer than 10% of practicing optometrists in the United States hold this prestigious designation.
Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry
Board-certified optometrist demonstrating mastery of optometric knowledge and clinical competency.
State Licenses
Idaho, Indiana, Utah, and Wyoming
Dr. Carter’s credentials reflect his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of clinical practice and continuing professional development throughout his career.
Clinical Experience & Areas of Expertise
40+ Years of Comprehensive Eye Care
Dr. Carter has spent four decades building a reputation for clinical excellence and patient-centered care. His extensive experience encompasses:
- Dry Eye Disease & Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD): Advanced diagnosis and management of evaporative dry eye using cutting-edge therapeutic technologies
- Comprehensive Eye Examinations: General optometry, diabetic eye exams, and early detection of systemic eye disease
- Glaucoma Management: Screening, diagnosis, and medical management of glaucoma and ocular hypertension
- Ocular Surface Disease: Medical treatment of allergic conjunctivitis, contact lens-related complications, and all other anterior segment conditions
- Refractive Error Correction: Prescription optimization and therapeutic treatment of presbyopia
- Macular Degeneration: Evaluation and medical treatment of Dry AMD with Valeda Light Therapy
Advanced Therapeutic Technologies
As Director of Dry Eye Services, Dr. Carter utilizes revolutionary treatment modalities to address chronic dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction:
- LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation System: Applies controlled heat and gentle massage to unclog meibomian glands and restore natural tear film lipid layer
- Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy: Reduces inflammation and improves meibomian gland function in patients with evaporative dry eye
Radio Frequency(RF): applies heat to the eyelids to facilitate gland expression usually in combination with IPL.
Innovation, Leadership & Clinical Research
Dr. Carter’s leadership in dry eye disease has positioned The Eye Institute of Utah as a regional center of excellence for this often-overlooked condition. His clinical expertise and commitment to evidence-based treatment have made him a trusted resource for patients seeking advanced dry eye care.
Throughout his career, Dr. Carter has been passionate about educating and mentoring the next generation of optometrists. As former Director of The Eye Institute of Utah’s Optometric Residency and Internship Programs, he trained hundreds of aspiring optometrists, many of whom have gone on to leadership roles in the profession. His dedication to optometric education reflects his belief that advancing the profession benefits all patients.
Dr. Carter has held adjunct faculty positions at multiple optometry schools, including:
- Indiana University School of Optometry (Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor, 1991–2024)
- Pacific University College of Optometry (Adjunct Assistant Professor, 1997–2024)
- Western University College of Optometry (Clinical Assistant Professor, 2012–2024)
- Southern College of Optometry (Adjunct Assistant Professor, 1995–2013)
- NOVA Southeastern University (Adjunct Assistant Professor, 2002–2004)
These academic roles have allowed Dr. Carter to contribute to optometric education while remaining actively engaged in clinical practice and research.
Dr. Carter has served as an Investigator in over 40 clinical trials spanning dry eye disease, glaucoma, cataract surgery, refractive surgery, and presbyopia correction. His research contributions have advanced the evidence base for new therapeutic approaches and surgical techniques. Recent and ongoing trials include:
- OPI-NYXP-302 (2024–Present): Phase 3 study of phentolamine ophthalmic solution for presbyopia
- ILE632-I001 (2023–Present): Long-term safety and performance evaluation of Clareon presbyopia-correcting intraocular lenses
- MIM-729 (2023–2024): Phase 3 multicenter study of tavilermide ophthalmic solution for dry eye treatment
Glaukos GC-012 (2019–Present): Phase 3 comparison of travaprost intraocular implant versus timolol maleate for glaucoma management
Patient Care Philosophy
Dr. Carter believes that optimal eye care requires more than clinical expertise—it demands genuine listening, thorough evaluation, and personalized treatment planning.
Comprehensive, Individualized Approach
Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all treatment protocol, Dr. Carter takes time to understand each patient’s symptoms, lifestyle, visual goals, and concerns. He performs detailed clinical assessment and develops a customized treatment plan that aligns with each patient’s unique needs and preferences.
Patient Education & Informed Decision-Making
Dr. Carter is committed to helping patients understand their eye conditions and treatment options. He believes that informed patients make better decisions about their care and are more likely to achieve successful outcomes. He provides transparent communication about realistic expectations, potential benefits, and any associated risks.
Mentorship & Professional Leadership
Throughout his career, Dr. Carter has been recognized by his peers as a mentor and expert in his specialty. His commitment to training future optometrists reflects his belief that advancing the profession ultimately benefits all patients through improved access to high-quality eye care.
Professional Affiliations & Memberships
Dr. Carter maintains active membership in leading professional organizations dedicated to advancing optometry:
- American Academy of Optometry: The premier professional organization for optometrists, dedicated to advancing the science and art of optometric practice
- American Optometric Association: The largest professional association of optometrists in the United States
- Utah Optometric Association: State-level professional organization
- Beta Sigma Kappa: Professional honor society recognizing academic and clinical excellence
Why Patients Choose Dr. Carter
Board Certification & Credentials: Dr. Carter’s FAAO designation and board certification from the American Board of Optometry demonstrate his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of clinical practice and continuing professional development.
Extensive Experience: With over 40 years of clinical experience, Dr. Carter has developed deep expertise in managing a wide range of eye conditions and has trained hundreds of optometrists throughout his career.
Dry Eye Expertise: As Director of Dry Eye Services, Dr. Carter brings specialized knowledge and advanced therapeutic technologies to patients suffering from this often-overlooked condition.
Patient-Centered Philosophy: Dr. Carter prioritizes understanding each patient’s unique needs and concerns, developing personalized treatment plans that align with their lifestyle and visual goals.
Comprehensive Care: From routine eye exams to advanced dry eye treatment and co-management of complex eye diseases, Dr. Carter provides comprehensive eye care across the full spectrum of optometry.
Advanced Technology: The Eye Institute of Utah is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic equipment, including LipiFlow, IPL therapy, and RF systems for advanced dry eye management.
Mentorship & Leadership: Dr. Carter’s commitment to optometric education and his recognition as a leader among his peers reflect his dedication to advancing the profession and improving patient care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. Carter
Dr. Carter holds a Doctor of Optometry (OD) from Indiana University School of Optometry and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (FAAO)—a designation earned by fewer than 10% of practicing optometrists. He is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry and is licensed to practice in Idaho, Indiana, Utah, and Wyoming.
Dr. Carter has over 40 years of clinical experience in optometry. Since 1986, he has provided comprehensive eye care to thousands of patients and has trained hundreds of optometrists through his leadership of residency and internship programs.
While Dr. Carter provides comprehensive eye care, his primary specialty is dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction. As Director of Dry Eye Services at The Eye Institute of Utah, he utilizes advanced therapeutic technologies including LipiFlow, IPL therapy, and RF to treat chronic dry eye and related conditions.
Dr. Carter provides comprehensive eye examinations, diabetic eye exams, glaucoma screening and management, dry eye diagnosis and treatment, medical management of macular degeneration, and refractive error correction. He also utilizes advanced technologies such as LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy, and RF for dry eye management.
Yes. Dr. Carter has served as an Investigator in over 40 clinical trials spanning dry eye disease, glaucoma, cataract surgery, refractive surgery, and presbyopia correction. His research contributions have advanced the evidence base for new therapeutic approaches in optometry and ophthalmology.
Dr. Carter believes in comprehensive, individualized care with a patient-centered philosophy. He takes time to understand each patient’s unique needs and concerns, performs thorough clinical evaluation, and develops personalized treatment plans. He is committed to patient education and informed decision-making.
To schedule a consultation, contact The Eye Institute of Utah at (801) 266-2283 or visit the practice website. Our team will help you schedule an appointment at a time that works for your schedule.
About The Eye Institute of Utah
The Eye Institute of Utah is a comprehensive eye care facility serving the Salt Lake City region with a full spectrum of optometric and ophthalmologic services. Under the leadership of Dr. Carter and his colleagues, the practice is committed to providing advanced, evidence-based eye care with a focus on patient education, clinical excellence, and innovative treatment approaches.
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The Eye Institute of Utah Doctors have either authored or reviewed and approved this content.