Physician Profile: Dr. Robert Derick, MD

Dr. Robert Derick is our accomplished Director of Glaucoma at Columbus Ophthalmology Associates. And, this year, he celebrates his 20th anniversary as a member of our team. A skilled physician, educator, and researcher, Dr. Derick provides compassionate care for every patient, lectures for optometrists and ophthalmologists throughout the Midwest, and has conducted research for major ophthalmic pharmaceutical companies.

Outside of his clinical duties, Dr. Derick is an avid outdoorsman, caring philanthropist, and athlete.

Passionate about charitable giving and the power of medicine, he enjoys using his skills to meaningfully give back. Over the years, he has had the opportunity to participate in numerous medical mission trips. These trips have led him all over the world—from Nicaragua and India to Jamaica. During these trips, Dr. Derick and his team change lives, providing advanced vision-saving surgeries and eye care to those who need it most.

In addition to his involvement with medical mission trips abroad, Dr. Derick is also a proud participant in Columbus’ Pelotonia bike ride to benefit cancer research. Since its inception in 2008, Dr. Derick has cycled 10 of the 11 years to support the James Cancer Hospital at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

Whether donating his time to perform eye surgery, cycling to raise money for cancer research, or taking the time to lecture across the country, giving back plays an important role in both Dr. Derick’s personal and professional life. Through charitable activities, Dr. Derick enjoys making a difference in our greater Columbus community and throughout the world.

In addition to giving back, Dr. Derick is also an athlete. He enjoys staying active, exploring the great outdoors, and challenging himself mentally and physically. Before attending the University of Illinois College of Medicine, Dr. Derick played baseball for Notre Dame. These days, he enjoys a wide variety of athletic pursuits.

Some of these activities include participating in triathlons, marathons, cycling, and mountain climbing. These athletic feats have taken him across the world—from the Ironman Triathlon in Boulder, Colorado to parts of South Asia and South America. Over the years, Dr. Derick has qualified for and raced in the Boston Marathon several times, recently completed a climb in Ecuador with his daughter, Ali, and even hiked parts of Mt. Everest, an accomplishment that took months of training.

We are so grateful to have Dr. Derick on our team—a physician who continually exemplifies dedication, commitment, and giving back.