Optometrist, Assistant Professor
Optometry
Department: Ophthalmology
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.
Please note: Not all physicians schedule patients at each listed location.
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.
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.
Doctor Zulliger rocks. She is smart, capable, and totally grasps all aspects of eye care. I highly recommend this practitioner to anyone with an eye issue.
She was very good and thorough in explaining things to me. And letting me know what my options were.
Everything was great, familiar with issue, performed tests, evaluated results
A came for a second opinion and she provided a good approach to discovering root cause of eye inflammation
Excellent
She was super caring and talked to us about my problem and showed me my test results. She was super informative and professional while being very caring.
De Zollinger & Dr Livshik are awsome in every way
Good
She was absolutely amazing as always. She is very thorough, very kind, listens and answers any of our concerns in a way that is very understanding and reassuring, but yet direct.
Great Provider
All good
Very good listener and explained well
Dr Zulliger was wonderful and I felt very comfortable around her she was great I would recommend her to anyone she was efficient and knowledgeable the examination she fae me was great
Very personable
Excellent!
She is great
Extremely Good
Very knowledgeable about the condition of my eyes and if they've been impacted by the meningioma
Great care no problem
From the first appointment with Doctor Zulliger she seemed caring and very compassionate about making sure I understood what exactly was going on medically. I appreciate and am impressed with the care that she and here staff provided.