Kristen Zulliger, OD

Optometrist, Assistant Professor

Optometry

Make an appointment

614-293-8116
Accepting new patients

Conditions and expertise

  • Diabetic Retinopathy
  • Eye Infections
  • Eye Injuries
  • Vitreous Detachment
  • Conjunctivitis, Allergic
  • Dry Eye Syndromes

View all conditions

Locations

  • Havener Eye Institute Westerville
  • Eye and Ear Institute

View all locations

Academic information

Department: Ophthalmology

About

Gender
Female

Biography

As an optometrist, I am passionate about helping patients avoid vision loss or permanent eye damage by emphasizing the importance of routine eye care. Many eye conditions present without any symptoms and it’s important to treat them early. I help patients manage conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, red eye and dry eye. I also offer diabetic and Plaquenil eye exams, and I had residency training in ocular diseases and primary eye care.

Growing up, I always enjoyed the annual visit to my optometrist and I knew in high school that this was the career for me. There is nothing better than seeing a smile on someone’s face after improving their vision with a new pair of glasses.

When patients come to see me, they can trust that I will describe every step of the exam, explain the findings and encourage questions to promote better understanding. I empower my patients to take an active role in their care and I always involve them in the decision-making process around treatment options.

It’s a privilege to work at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and have access to resources that support my enthusiasm for lifelong learning. As a third-generation Buckeye, I’ve always appreciated the familial, welcoming environment and I’m proud to be continuing my career here.

I completed my residency training at the Columbus and Chillicothe VA medical centers, and I found it rewarding to be able to give back to those who have served our country. I have also participated in the Realeyes classroom education program to promote the importance of eye health and exams.

When I’m not working, I enjoy hiking, cooking, baking, reading, and spending time with friends, family and my two cats.

Meet Optometrist Kristen Zulliger, OD, MS | Ohio State Medical Center

Conditions and expertise

  • Conjunctivitis, Allergic
  • Diabetic Retinopathy
  • Dry Eye Syndromes
  • Eye Infections
  • Eye Injuries
  • Glaucoma
  • Hypertensive Retinopathy
  • Macular Degeneration
  • Refractive Errors
  • Vitreous Detachment

Locations

Havener Eye Institute Westerville

484 County Line Road W.
Suite 240
Westerville, OH 43082
614-293-8116

Eye and Ear Institute

915 Olentangy River Road
Columbus, OH 43212
614-293-9431

Please note: Not all physicians schedule patients at each listed location.

Credentials

Education

Residency - Optometry
Columbus VA Outpatient Clinic Optometry Residency, Columbus, OH
7/1/2022 - 6/30/2023
Master of Science (MS)
Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
8/1/2019 - 5/8/2022
Doctor of Optometry (OD)
Ohio State University College of Optometry, Columbus, OH
8/1/2018 - 5/8/2022

Ratings and reviews

The overall patient satisfaction rating is an average of all patient responses to the six doctor communication related questions shown below from the Clinician and Group Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey. For additional information about the patient satisfaction survey, please visit our Patient Satisfaction Survey page.

The comments are submitted by patients and reflect their view and opinions. The comments are not endorsed by and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ohio State Wexner Medical Center.

98 Patient Satisfaction Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars overall
  • Listens carefully
    5.0 stars out of 5
  • Explains thing carefully
    5.0 stars out of 5
  • Talks about my concerns
    4.5 stars out of 5
  • Knows my medical history
    4.8 stars out of 5
  • Gives understandable instructions
    5.0 stars out of 5
  • Time spent together
    5.0 stars out of 5
  • Shows respect
    5.0 stars out of 5

Patient Comments

  • 5.0 stars out of 5 Reviewed on Jul 30, 2026

    Thorough, kind, professional, attentive listener

  • 5.0 stars out of 5 Reviewed on Jul 27, 2026

    Osu has best Doctors and nurses and nurses practioner give more care . I felt like home .My visit the staff made more comfortable. I Really appreciate all staff treat me good.Especially thankful to Dr zullygar . She impressive remarkable versatile and diligent meticulous

  • 4.33 stars out of 5 Reviewed on Jul 25, 2026

    Knowledgeable and very friendly -- lots of smiles

  • 5.0 stars out of 5 Reviewed on Jul 18, 2026

    The provider listened carefully, explained everything clearly, and answered all of my questions. I felt well cared for.

  • 4.0 stars out of 5 Reviewed on Jul 15, 2026

    The doctor was very pleasant seemed to want to take care of any questions that I had and did so in a way that made me feel very comfortable during my vision exam

Consulting and related relationships

At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, we support a faculty member’s research and consulting in collaboration with medical device, research and/or drug companies because a faculty member’s expertise can guide important advancements in the practice of medicine and improve patient care. In order to provide effective management of these relationships, the University requires annual disclosures from all faculty members with external interests related to their University responsibilities.

As of 11/3/2025, Kristen Zulliger has reported no relationships with companies or entities.

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