Dr. Tim Kraft is a graduate of MIT, University of Minnesota Minneapolis, and Stanford University with degrees in Biology, Physiology, and Post Doc Neurobiology. He joined the Ophthalmology department in 1993 as an Assistant Professor. Today, he is the Interim Associate Dean for Research and the Chair of the Department of Optometry and Vision Science. His areas of specialty are photoreceptor physiology and retinal degeneration.

Describe yourself in 3 words. 

Eccentric, enthusiastic, educated

If you could give one piece of advice to incoming/current students, what would it be? 

No matter how smart, intense or prepared your colleagues and fellow students appear; remember you belong here with them. We chose you.

Why did you become an optometrist/educator/researcher? 

I got involved in a really cool science project involving the eye as part of “Biology of Fishes” course that I took cross-registering at Harvard.

Why did you enter the field of education?

I started tutoring in high school and have always loved teaching.

Do you have an area of specialty, if so, what is it? 

Photoreceptor physiology and retinal degenerations.

If you could choose one superhero power, what would it be and why? 

Flight, it is so awesome and efficient a way to travel if you can reach Mach 10.

Is there anything about you that your students or other faculty may not know? 

I have competed in the US Olympic trials in pistol 5 times from 2000 to 2016.  Preparing for 2020 now.

What would you say is your greatest accomplishment outside of the field of Optometry?

Three healthy, happy and productive children. And two yet to be spoiled grandchildren.