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Meet the Chief of Ophthalmology - Dr. Rosanna Bahadur

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Courtney Ammons
Chief of Ophthalmology
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Screening and prevention can make the difference in keeping good vision and avoiding blindness. As we age, our eyes can become less efficient in draining waste and can result to intraocular pressure that can inhibit vision and damage our optic nerves. If left untreated, the pressure can lead to damaged vision or sight‐loss at worst. In most cases, signs of glaucoma will not surface until the condition has reached a certain degree of severity and our best defense is to see an Ophthalmologist.
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  1. What would you like a Veteran or Veteran caregiver to know about your program? The ophthalmology/eye clinic here at the VA offers quality clinical and surgical care.  We are proud to offer the latest cataract surgery procedures and technology -including premium lenses when indicated at no charge to our veterans.  In private practice, these lenses can cost a patient thousands of dollars.  We utilize the same procedures, equipment, and technology offered by providers in the community and perform a high volume of surgeries and procedures at this facility.  January is National Glaucoma Month.  We care for a large population of glaucoma patients, and offer the latest laser procedures and small incision glaucoma surgeries when they are necessary.  Fortunately, we are able to treat most glaucoma patients with eyedrops to preserve their vision, along with close observation and testing to pick up early changes before they become visually devastating. We also provide diabetic eye care and macular degeneration treatment with the newest surgical techniques and clinic procedures.
  2. How can they learn more about your program or get in contact with you? If you have never been seen in the eye clinic, please request an ophthalmology consult from your primary care provider.  That provider will enter a request for you to have an eye exam and you will be scheduled in our clinic within 1 month.  If you are already an ophthalmology/eye clinic patient and need to schedule an exam, please call the eye clinic directly to speak to our schedulers.
  3. Can you tell me a little about yourself? I grew up in Greenwood, MS and trained at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) and the Jackson VA as a medical school student and ophthalmology resident. I then went to Duke University for additional fellowship training and worked in private practice in Charlotte, NC and Atlanta, GA before returning home.
  4. Tell me how you came to work at the VA? I was involved in resident training/teaching with the Emory ophthalmology residents at the Atlanta VA and really missed that interaction/experience. When I heard there was a need here at the Jackson VAMC,  I jumped to apply.
  5. How long have you worked for VA, and what roles have you had at the VA? I have worked as a VA physician since 2008. I am currently a  board certified Staff VA Physician, Chief of Ophthalmology, and Associate Professor pf Ophthalmology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. I have also held roles as the Ophthalmology on site Residency Director, acting Chief of Staff and acting Deputy Chief of Staff as needed.
  6. How does serving Veterans each day impact you personally? Veteran care is truly gratifying – we have wonderful patients that we are happy to serve. At the end of the day that is what gives me peace of mind and work satisfaction. Our patients are gold.
  7. What is an interesting fact that many do not know about you? I am a huge Duke Basketball fan – I know that does not settle well with a lot of folks!
  8. What do you do for fun? I love to be outdoors with my son and new puppy.
  9. Are you a Veteran? If so, what branch of service.  No – although I did try to enlist in the Navy when I was in the third grade. Unfortunately, the recruiter called my home and spoke with my Mom to verify my birthdate!