Joseph Sowka, O.D., F.A.A.O.
Optometric Physician
Dr. Joseph Sowka received his Bachelor of Sciences Degree with Distinction from Cornell University, and his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) at Salus University in Philadelphia, PA, where he also completed his residency. Dr. Sowka accepted a university appointment at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry, where he served as full time academic faculty at the College of Optometry for 28 years and 2 days, achieving the rank of Full Professor. He served as Chief of The Advanced Care Service and Director of the Glaucoma Service at the College’s Eye Institute. He was the Program Coordinator and Supervisor for the Ocular Disease Residency. He also served as Chair for the Department of Optometric Clinical Sciences. He taught courses in Glaucoma and Vitreoretinal Disease for 26 years and in his academic career has trained over 2,500 optometrists and residents.
Dr. Sowka has authored 114 peer-review manuscripts, abstracts, and book chapters as well as over 180 other publications including 19 editions of The Handbook of Ocular Disease Management. Dr. Sowka serves on the Editorial Review Board of numerous journals. Dr. Sowka is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and Diplomate in Glaucoma within the Academy. He has held numerous Chair positions within the American Academy of Optometry. Dr. Sowka is a founding member of both the Optometric Glaucoma Society and Optometric Retina Society and has served on the Executive Committees of both organizations. He is also the Founder and Former Chair of the Neuro-Ophthalmic Disorders in Optometry Special Interest Group for the American Academy of Optometry. Dr. Sowka lectures extensively nationally and internationally.
Dr. Sowka’s clinical patient care has extensively been in glaucoma diagnosis and management as well as care for patients with neuro-ophthalmic conditions. Dr. Sowka provides compassionate care to patients with glaucoma as well as those with neuro-ophthalmic issues such as double vision and sudden vision loss. He is also available for emergency conditions such as eye redness, pain, and other acute issues.
Dr. Sowka lives in Sarasota with his wife, Dr. Lori Vollmer, who is also a provider for Center for Sight at the Jacaranda location. Dr. Sowka provides continuing medical education to practicing doctors throughout the US and abroad. Dr. Sowka enjoys working out, reading, writing, and music (playing piano and singing) and is thrilled to be part of the mission of Center for Sight to provide compassionate care to every patient. In 2021 and 2022, he was ranked #4 optometrist in the US by Newsweek magazine “America’s Best Eye Doctors” list. In 2023, he was ranked #1 optometrist in the US Newsweek ratings. He is a partner and co-owner of Optometric Education Consultants, a company providing postgraduate clinical education.
Location served: Jacaranda
