Dr. Appenzeller is a specialist in medical and surgical treatment of the vitreous, retina, diabetic eye diseases and cataracts.
A native of South Carolina, Dr. Appenzeller received his bachelor’s degree in biology and dramatic art at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After graduation, he was accepted into Teach for America, and he taught eight- and ninth-grade science in rural Louisiana for two years. It was during his time in the student clinic that he realized an appreciation for medicine, and he decided to leave teaching and enter medical school. Dr. Appenzeller returned to South Carolina to attend the Medical University of South Carolina.
He completed a one-year internship in internal medicine and a three-year residency in ophthalmology at the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Appenzeller completed his formal medical training with a fellowship in Vitreo-retinal surgery and medicine at the Cincinnati Eye Institute. After his fellowship program, Dr. Appenzeller moved to North Carolina to practice at Alamance Eye Center from 2010 to 2015. During that time, his wife began studies for a PhD in Early Childhood Development and Deaf Education. Upon approaching completion of her degree, the couple began searching for a city that would provide a professional home for both of them.
Dr. Appenzeller and his family are very excited to move to Omaha. Dr. Appenzeller is Board Certified in Ophthalmology and is a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Retina Specialists and the Nebraska Association of Eye Physicians and Surgeons (NAEPS). He served as president for NAEPS in 2018.
Curriculum Vitae MATTHEW F. APPENZELLER, M.D. 4353 Dodge Street Omaha, NE 68131 (402) 552-2020
Education: College: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Bachelor of Science in Biology and Dramatic Art 1993-1997 Medical School: Medical University of South Carolina, 2000-2004 Internship: Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine 2004-2005 Residency: Ophthalmology University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 2005-2008 Fellowship: Vitreoretinal Surgery and Disease, Cincinnati Eye Institute & University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 2008-2010 Board Certified: American Board of Ophthalmology, 2010
Medical Licensure: Iowa Nebraska N. Carolina
Employment History: July 2015 – Present Physician, Midwest Eye Care, P.C. Omaha, NE July 2010 – June 2015 Physician, Alamance Eye Center Burlington, NC
Professional Organizations: American Society of Retina Specialists, 2011-present American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2005-present American Medical Association, 2000-present American Medical Student Association, 2000-2004
Academic Appointments: Visiting Lecturer – Elon University School of Health Sciences, Physician Assistant Program, 2012-2015 Clinical Instructor – University of Cincinnati, 2004-2010 Teaching Assistant – Medical University of South Carolina, 2001 NIH Summer Research Fellow – Medical University of South Carolina, 2001 Secondary Education Teacher – East Baton Rouge Parish, Teach for America Volunteer Corps, 1998-2000 Research Assistant – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Department of OB/GYN, Div Reproductive Endocrinology, 1993-1997
Offices Held: Legislative Chair, North Carolina Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, 2010-2015 Resident Advisory Committee, University of Cincinnati, Office of Graduate Education, 2006-2008 National Issue Coordinator, American Medical Student Association, Medical University of South Carolina, 2003-2004 National Legislative Liaison, American Medical Student Association, Medical University of South Carolina, 2002-2003
Community/Volunteer: American Academy of Ophthalmology Advocate at Mid Year Forum, 2005-present Medical University of South Carolina Volunteer, 2002-2004 Teach for America/Americorps, 1998-2000
Academic Awards and Honors: Excellence in Clinical Education Award – University of Cincinnati, Department of Ophthalmology, 2010 Rich Scholarship – Medical University of South Carolina, 2002-2003 Second Place Student Research Day – Medical University of South Carolina, 2001 Teacher of the Year – Northeast High School, East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, 2000 Andi and Cindi Griffith Scholarship – University of North Carolina, Department of Dramatic Art, 1996-1997
Non- Academic Awards and Honors: H. Rawling Pratt Thomas Service Award – Medical University of South Carolina, 2002 Second Place National Toshiba Exploravision Awards, 1999-2000 Governor’s Citation for Excellence in Service to the State of Louisiana, 2000 Selected for Teach for America Corps, Class of 1998 Eagle Scout Award, 1992
Presentations: Advocacy in Ophthalmology. Appenzeller MF. Resident Presentations, Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University, Annually 2012-2013. Update on FEVR: Retina Case Conference. Appenzeller MF. Grand Rounds, Dept of Ophthalmology at University of Cincinnati, February 6, 2008 Peripapillary Choroidal Neovascular Membranes: Diseases and treatment outcome retrospective case series. Appenzeller, MF. Department of Ophthalmology Research Symposium, University of Cincinnati. May 10, 2008 Ocular Syphilis in the HIV Patient. Appenzeller MF. Grand Rounds, Department of Ophthalmology at University of Cincinnati, October, 2007 Ocular Toxicities of Systemic Chemotherapy: A Review. Appenzeller, MF. Grand Rounds, Department of Ophthalmology at University of Cincinnati. October 28, 2006 Legislative goals of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Appenzeller, MF. Presentation to Department of Ophthalmology at University of Cincinnati April 26, 2006. Fuchs’ Endothelial Dystrophy: A Review of What We Know Thus Far. Appenzeller, MF. Grand Rounds, Department of Ophthalmology at University of Cincinnati. April 26, 2006 Does a Longer Eye Predict a Poorer Visual Outcome From Unilateral Cataract Surgery? Facciani JM, Trivedi RH, Appenzeller MF, Wilson ME. Poster Presentation at 30th Annual Meeting of American Academy of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, Washington, DC March 27-31-2004 Outcomes of Adolescents Diagnosed with ADD or ADHD after treatment at MUSU Adolescent Clinic. Appenzeller MF, Key J. Presentation at 2001 MUSU Student Research Day, Charleston, SC November 2001.
Publications: Somkuti SG, Appenzeller MF, Lessey BA. Advances in the Assessment of Endometrial Function Infertility and Rep Med Clinics of North America, Vol 6: 303-328, 1995 Appenzeller MF, Petersen MF, Foster RE, Miller DM, Riemann CD. Intraoperative Mechanical Failure of a 25-Gauge Vitreous Cutter Retinal Cases and Brief Reports. Accepted for Publication.
