Dr. Ellen graduated Cum Laude from Northeastern State University College of Optometry in May 1999, and furthered his education by completing an Ocular Disease and Refractive Surgery Residency through BVA Advanced Eyecare and TLC Laser Eye Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. During that time, Dr. Ellen became the first optometric resident in the US to perform refractive surgery.
After completing his residency in 2000, Dr. Ellen moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma where he helped build and expand a newly formed optometric referral and surgical center, serving as Clinical Director and Ocular Disease Consultant. He became a partner in 2005. In 2015, Dr. Ellen partnered with Dr. Chad Chamberlain and together, they purchased the Tulsa practice to form Oklahoma Medical Eye Group (OMEG).
Dr. Ellen currently serves as the Co-coordinator for the OMEG Residency in Ocular Disease and Ocular and Refractive Surgery with Dr. Jo’el Sturm. He continues his involvement with student education by working with and coordinating the ophthalmic educational rotation for the In His Image Family Practice Ophthalmology Rotation for Second and Third year Medical Residents. He lectures locally, regionally, and nationally, mainly focused on diseases and surgery of the anterior segment and peri-operative management of refractive cataract surgery.
He is active in the Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians (OAOP) and has served as president of the organization. He is a mentor to students at Northeastern State University College of Optometry. Dr. Ellen was named the Young Optometrist of the Year by the OAOP in 2005 and Outstanding Alumni in 2009 by Southern Arkansas University. Dr. Ellen is married to Dr. Rona Ellen (who completed her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2008). Dr Ellen enjoys coaching or watching multiple sports his 3 boys are involved in throughout the year.
