Derek Jacobsen, OD

Practicing in Arizona since 2013, Dr. Jacobsen originally grew up in eastern Montana. As a second-generation optometrist, he values the primary care role of optometry and one-on-one interaction with his patients, as well as being able to work closely with other healthcare providers to manage complex eye problems and find optimal outcomes for his patients. Dr. Jacobsen has a strong interest in managing glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, ocular emergencies, and other disorders of the eyes.

Dr. Jacobsen graduated with his Bachelor of Science degree from Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana. He then went on to earn his Doctor of Optometry degree from Arizona College of Optometry, where he graduated with honors. While pursuing his doctorate, Dr. Jacobsen served as an ocular disease research assistant and founded the Arizona branch of the Beta Sigma Kappa optometric honor society, serving as President. He also co-founded the Envision private practice club at Arizona College of Optometry, which provides insight to student doctors pursuing a career path in practice ownership.

After earning his doctorate, Dr. Jacobsen was matched to a highly competitive post-doctoral residency program at Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital in Arizona. This ocular disease and primary care residency provided him valuable experience in treating complex eye diseases and managing glaucoma and diabetic complications. Working at Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital allowed Dr. Jacobsen to become well-versed on the impact of systemic disease on eye health.

Dr. Jacobsen is an active member of the Arizona Optometric Association and American Optometric Association, and has been licensed with the Arizona Board of Optometry since 2013.

Outside of his clinical duties, Dr. Jacobsen serves as a clinical consultant for an ophthalmic medical technology corporation, working with doctors nationwide to integrate surgical lens technology into their clinics. He was also contracted as on-field medical staff for the Arizona Cardinals football organization for several seasons. He has enjoyed providing numerous youth vision screenings throughout Arizona, in addition to being a frequent volunteer for the annual American Diabetes Association Step-Out Walk. Dr. Jacobsen has lectured to his esteemed colleagues at national conferences in California and Arizona, providing continuing education for fellow eye care professionals. He has additionally received an appointment to Midwestern University's Arizona College of Optometry as Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor, teaching fourth-year optometric interns in their clinical rotations.