Dr. Derek Van Veen has over 20 years of specialized expertise in refractive surgery. He has dedicated the majority of his career to advancing the field of refractive surgery, contributing as a clinical investigator in key studies, including research on the Topographical and Refractive Stability after Contact Lens Removal and the Impact of Ocular Surface Health on Patient Satisfaction and Outcomes following Refractive Surgery.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Van Veen has been a sought-after consultant for leading ophthalmic pharmaceutical companies and is recognized nationally as a speaker on refractive surgery, laser vision correction, and anterior segment eye disease.
Dr. Van Veen earned his Doctor of Optometry and Master of Science in Physiological Optics from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, following externships at the Birmingham Veterans Administration Hospital and Jervey Eye Group. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Furman University.
Dr. Van Veen is an active member of the American Optometric Association and the South Carolina Optometric Physicians Association. His commitment to the field is further demonstrated by his decade-long service on the South Carolina Board of Examiners in Optometry, where he was appointed by the Governor of South Carolina and served in leadership roles as President and Vice President. He has also led the Piedmont Optometric Society as both President and Vice President.
Outside of his professional life, Dr. Van Veen enjoys spending time with his family, including his wife and son. He is an avid enthusiast of golf, wakeboarding, snowboarding, and fantasy football.
