Barbara Smith, M.D.
Ophthalmologist
SPECIALTIES
Laser Cataract Surgery
Comprehensive Ophthalmology
LOCATIONS
About Barbara Smith, M.D.
Barbara Dunn Smith, M.D., is a fellowship-trained ophthalmologist specializing in Cornea, External Disease, and Refractive Surgery. A Knoxville, Tennessee native, she earned her medical degree from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine. She went on to complete her ophthalmology residency at the Hamilton Eye Institute in Memphis, followed by a cornea fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis.
Dr. Smith’s clinical interests include both the surgical and medical management of corneal diseases, cataract surgery, patient-centered care, and the long-term restoration of visual health. Her research has been published in peer-reviewed journals such as Neuro-Ophthalmology and Ophthalmology, and she has contributed to educational platforms including the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeWiki.
Rooted in a family of physicians, Dr. Smith combines technical excellence with a warm, personalized approach. In her words, “I try to approach each patient with the same honesty and care I’d give my own family—often asking, ‘If this were my mom or dad, what would I recommend?’” Outside of work, she enjoys tennis, golf, hiking, cooking, and exploring new cuisines.
Barbara Smith, M.D.
Cornea
Cataract Surgery
Laser Cataract Surgery
Comprehensive Ophthalmology
Board Certified Ophthalmologist
Washington University – St. Louis, MO – Cornea, External Disease, and Refractive Fellowship
University of Tennessee Health Science Center – Memphis, TN – Ophthalmology Residency
University of Tennessee College of Medicine – Memphis, TN -Internal Medicine Internship
University of Tennessee – Knoxville, TN – Bachelor of Science in Biosystems Engineering
Peer Reviewed Publications
Smith BD, Naseer LA, Rice A, Bissler J, Choudhri AF, Ditta LC. (2025). Neuro-Ophthalmic Characteristics of Patients with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex at a Tertiary Care Referral Centre. Neuro-Ophthalmology, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1080/01658107.2025.2457587
Smith BD, Hankins JS, Kang G, et al. Investigation of Sickle Cell Retinopathy in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients Enrolled in a Large Cohort Study. Ophthalmology. Published online April 4, 2025. doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2025.03.031
Mukit FA, Noguera CM, Sullivan N, Smith BD, Fleming JC, Fowler BT. Penetrating colored pencil injury with Clostridium bifermentans pre-septal cellulitis: case report, literature review, and treatment algorithm. Orbit. Published online February 7, 2024. doi:10.1080/01676830.2024.2314054.
Dryden SC, Meador AG, Smith B, et al. Effect of Premature Tube Extrusion for Simple Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction: A Comparison of Monocanalicular and Bicanalicular Intubation. J Craniofac Surg. 2022.
Bell J, Towers CV, Hennessy MD, Heitzman C, Smith B, Chattin K. Detoxification from opiate drugs during pregnancy. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. 2016 Mar 17.
Abstracts and Presentations
Smith B, Hoehn M, Hankins J, Kang G, Rai P. Evaluation of Patients with Sickle Cell Retinopathy Enrolled in a Cohort Study at one of the Largest Sickle Cell Programs in the Country. American Academy of Ophthalmology Annual Meeting. 4 Nov 2023; San Francisco, CA.
Dryden S, Meador A, Awh C, Smith B, Bohn S, Hoehn M, Fleming J, Fowler B. Bicanalicular versus Monocanalicular Stents For Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction: A Comparison of Early Tube Extrusion and Post- Operative Complications. Presented at: American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Fall Scientific Symposium by Dryden. 10 Oct 2019; San Francisco, CA.
Patel R, Houser, K, Smith, B, Patel D. Proliferation of Lenticular Epithelium Cells Masquerading as an Anterior Chamber Mass. Presented at: American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Annual Meeting 2019 by R Patel. 2019 May 7; San Diego, CA.
Posters
Smith B, Ditta L. A Population Study of Patients With Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Seen at a Multidisciplinary Care Center. Poster presented at: The North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society Annual Meeting #48. 2022 Feb 12;
Austin, TX.
Thompson B, Smith B, Kerr N. Creating a Successful Model for Ophthalmology Resident Selection: Residency Program Satisfaction and Current Practices. Poster presented at: Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology Annual Meeting 2020 Educating the Educators. 2020 Jan 29; Rancho Mirage, CA.
Smith B, Panda M. Are We Barking Up the Wrong Tree? Infective Endocarditis or Lemierre’s Syndrome. Poster presented at: TNACP Chapter Meeting. 2018 Oct 26; Chattanooga, TN.
Online Publications
Smith B, Kiernan C. Fields mark the spot: Referral to a glaucoma specialist that resulted in a more concerning diagnosis. Ophthalmology Management. Oct 2021.
Figueira L, Falcao-Reis F, Dryden S, Smith B, Meador A, Fowler B, Meira J. Methotrexate. American Academy of Ophthalmology, EyeWiki. June 2019.
Research Experiences
NIH Medical Student Research Fellowship Program – Memphis, TN
Effects of raspberry ketone, prostaglandin E2, and Manuka honey on macrophages, Dept of Orthopedics
Hamilton Eye Institute Residency Leadership Committee
Association of Women’s Surgeons, Ophthalmology Resident Liaison
Mid-South Lion’s Club Member, Memphis, TN – Vice President, Race for Sight 5k Co-Chair
COVID Testing Center Volunteer, Memphis, TN
Ophthalmology International Rotation, Tenwek Hospital, Bomet, Kenya
Admissions Ambassador, University of Tennessee College of Medicine
Council for International and Area Outreach (CIAO) Executive Committee, University of Tennessee College of Medicine
Serving the Underserved, Certificate Course, Memphis, TN