Our Faculty and Staff

Dr. Mariana Ferraz earned her undergraduate degree from Nova Southeastern University in 2015. While earning her bachelor’s degree, Dr. Ferraz became involved in Retinitis Pigmentosa research at NSU’s College of Optometry with Dr. Ava Bittner. Following graduation, she attended the Illinois College of Optometry. While pursuing her optometric career, Dr. Ferraz and Dr. Bittner continued to work together and presented various posters and paper presentations on their Retinitis Pigmentosa research. Their work was finally published in 2020.

Dr. Ferraz went on to complete a residency in Primary Care and Ocular Disease at Nova Southeastern University in 2019. She joined Nova Southeastern University as a faculty member in 2020. Dr. Ferraz currently holds the position of Assistant Professor in the College of Optometry. She has taught in the Optometry Theory and Methods Laboratory, guest lecturer in Posterior Segment Couse and Case Conferences for third- and fourth-year students. Dr. Ferraz is also the Director of Community Outreach, where she is involved in organizing student and faculty involvement in local health and wellness fairs and vision screenings.

Dr. Ferraz has presented multiple posters at the American Academy of Optometry and Southeast Conference of Optometry (SECO) on various ocular disease topics. She is active in research in posterior pole, working alongside Dr. Julie Rodman. Outside of clinic she enjoys spending time with her two dogs.