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Brian E. Zaugg
( out of 865 reviews )

Brian E. Zaugg, MD

Languages spoken: English

Clinical Locations

Primary Location

Farmington Health Center

165 N. University Ave.
Farmington , UT 84025

John A. Moran Eye Center

65 N Mario Capecchi
Salt Lake City , UT 84132
  • Brian Zaugg, MD, specializes in the medical and surgical treatment of corneal and anterior segment eye diseases, including expertise in all types of cornea transplantation, routine and complex cataract surgery including multifocal lenses and laser assisted surgery, anterior segment reconstruction, pterygium removal, and refractive surgery including LASIK, PRK, implantable collamer lenses, and clear lens extraction.

    His practice is located at the Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, and the Moran Eye Center, Farmington Health Center, Farmington. He also serves veterans at the Veteran Affairs Hospital in Salt Lake City.

    Dr. Zaugg is a team ophthalmologist for the Utah Jazz.

    His research interests focus on improving efficiency and safety in cataract surgery as well as refractive surgery outcomes.

    He is an expert in all types of cornea transplant surgery including deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty, penetrating keratoplasty and endothelial keratoplasty.

    Get to know Dr. Zaugg by watching his profile video.

    Board Certification

    American Board of Ophthalmology
    National Board of Medical Examiners

    Patient Rating

    4.8 /5
    ( out of 865 reviews )

    The patient rating score is an average of all responses on our patient experience survey. The rating averages scores for all questions about care from our providers.

    The scale on which responses are measured is 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.

    Patient Comments

    Patient comments are gathered from our patient experience survey and displayed in their entirety. For the convenience of our visitors, some patient comments have been translated from their original language into English while preserving their original meaning as accurately as possible. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.

    FARMINGTON HEALTH CENTER

    Dr. Zaugg was exceptional. Saw him for a consultation concerning a corneal transplant performed by another doctor. Dr Zaugg was able to explain the issues I am experiencing and describe the path forward in a manner that I could understand and put me at ease. He gave me the information the doctor that performed my surgery wouldn't talk to me about. I highly recommend him.

    FARMINGTON HEALTH CENTER

    Dr. Zaugg was quick and concise. He gave me what I needed and told me that I should be checked again in a year and that the department would call me for the next years appointment.

    MORAN EYE CENTER

    Es muy respetuoso y explica todo muy bien

    FARMINGTON HEALTH CENTER

    Wonderful and very caring! I can tell he really cares for his patient by his way of explanation to me what is good and what to do next and always takes the time to check my eye in all my visit, not only verbal but practical!! Thank you Dr and your awesome team works for the job well done!!!

    FARMINGTON HEALTH CENTER

    Always excellent - thank you

    FARMINGTON HEALTH CENTER

    I trust him. He is a skilled surgeon and listen to and answers my questions honestly.

    FARMINGTON HEALTH CENTER

    Dr Zaugg has poor patient care skills. He doesn't listen or seem to review the patient chart in advance of the appointment. He does not follow up or inform me of test results. I have to decipher test results from my chart or wait until the next appointment with him. I have been told the other providers always notify patients of test results. At one appointment, he actually lied to me and said that he "just received the results" the day of my appointment on a Monday. I had seen the results posted to my chart the prior Thursday. Then he said he was late getting the biopsy results "probably because I wasn't the prescribing physician" He was the physician that referred me to Dr Patel and they consulted prior to the procedure. It has just been frustrating with him.

    MORAN EYE CENTER

    Very professional, knowledgeable, personable.

    FARMINGTON HEALTH CENTER

    After having my eyes dilated I sat in the chair for over 35 minutes while he was helping someone else. It may have been an emergency but there was ZERO explanation.

  • Brian Zaugg, MD, specializes in the medical and surgical treatment of corneal and anterior segment eye diseases, including expertise in all types of cornea transplantation, routine and complex cataract surgery including multifocal lenses and laser assisted surgery, anterior segment reconstruction, pterygium removal, and refractive surgery including LASIK, PRK, implantable collamer lenses, and clear lens extraction.

    His practice is located at the Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, and the Moran Eye Center, Farmington Health Center, Farmington. He also serves veterans at the Veteran Affairs Hospital in Salt Lake City.

    Dr. Zaugg is a team ophthalmologist for the Utah Jazz.

    His research interests focus on improving efficiency and safety in cataract surgery as well as refractive surgery outcomes.

    He is an expert in all types of cornea transplant surgery including deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty, penetrating keratoplasty and endothelial keratoplasty.

    Get to know Dr. Zaugg by watching his profile video.

    Board Certification and Academic Information

    Academic Departments Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences -Associate Professor (Clinical)
    Board Certification
    American Board of Ophthalmology
    National Board of Medical Examiners

    Education history

    Undergraduate Utah State University
    Undergraduate Major: Biology; Minor: Chemistry - University of Utah B.S.
    Professional Medical Medicine - University of Utah M.D.
    Internship/Residency Ophthalmology - University of Utah Intern/Resident
    Residency Ophthalmology - John A. Moran Eye Center Resident
    Fellowship Cornea and Refractive Surgery - John A. Moran Eye Center Fellow

    Selected Publications

    Journal Article

    1. Ronquillo CC Jr, Zaugg B, Stagg B, Kirk KR, Gupta I, Barlow WR Jr, Pettey JH, Olson RJ (2014). Determining optimal torsional ultrasound power for cataract surgery with automatic longitudinal pulses at maximum vacuum ex vivo. Am J Ophthalmol, 158(6), 1262-1266.e2. (Read full publication)
    2. Gilbert M, Zaugg B, Stagg B, Olson RJ (2015). Safety Profile of Venturi Versus Peristaltic Phacoemulsification Pumps in Cataract Surgery Using a Capsular Surrogate for the Human Lens. Am J Ophthalmol, 160(1), 179-4.e1. (Read full publication)
    3. Shi DS, Jensen JD, Kramer GD, Zaugg B, Stagg BC, Pettey JH, Barlow WR Jr, Olson RJ (2016). Comparison of Vacuum and Aspiration on Phacoemulsification Efficiency and Chatter Using a Monitored Forced Infusion System. Am J Ophthalmol, 169, 162-167. (Read full publication)
    4. Wright AJ, Bohner AD, Bernhisel AA, Zaugg B, Barlow WR Jr, Pettey JH, Olson RJ (2017). The Effect of Pulsing on Transverse Ultrasound Efficiency and Chatter. Am J Ophthalmol, 183, 107-110. (Read full publication)
    5. Adesina OO, Zaugg BE, Dries DC, Palmer CA, Patel BC (2017). Undifferentiated Nonrhabdomyosarcoma Soft Tissue Sarcoma of the Orbit. Ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery, 33(3), e57-e60. (Read full publication)
    6. Stagg BC, Gupta I, Cahoon J, Ronquillo C Jr, Shi D, Zaugg B, Gardiner G, Barlow WR Jr, Pettey JH, Aabid Farukhi M, Jensen J, Olson R (2015). Bent versus straight tips in micropulsed longitudinal phacoemulsification. Canadian journal of ophthalmology. Journal canadien d'ophtalmologie, 50(5), 354-9. (Read full publication)
    7. Henriksen BS, Gardiner G, Garff K, Gupta I, Stagg BC, Zaugg B, Pettey JH, Barlow WR Jr, Olson R (2016). Thermal evaluation of two phacoemulsification systems. Canadian journal of ophthalmology. Journal canadien d'ophtalmologie, 51(1), 14-8. (Read full publication)
    8. Ha L, Wright A, Wright DD, Bernhisel A, Barlow WR, Pettey JH, Zaugg B, Olson R (2019). High vacuum and aspiration on phacoemulsification efficiency and chatter for Centurion. Canadian journal of ophthalmology. Journal canadien d'ophtalmologie, 54(1), 136-138. (Read full publication)
    9. Kabbara SW, Heczko J, Ta B, Bernhisel A, Barlow W, Zaugg B, Olson RJ, Pettey (2019). Impact of torsional micropulse on phacoemulsification efficiency and chatter. Canadian journal of ophthalmology. Journal canadien d'ophtalmologie, 54(5), 560-564. (Read full publication)
    10. Kabbara SW, Heczko J, Ta B, Bernhisel A, Barlow W, Zaugg B, Olson RJ, Pettey (2019). Determining optimal ultrasound percent on time with long-pulse torsional phacoemulsification. Canadian journal of ophthalmology. Journal canadien d'ophtalmologie, 54(3), 395-398. (Read full publication)
    11. Shedd DF, Benko NA, Jones J, Zaugg BE, Peiffer RL, Coats (2018). Long Term Temporal Changes in Structure and Function of Rat Visual System After Blast Exposure. Investigative ophthalmology & visual science, 59(1), 349-361. (Read full publication)
    12. Werner L, Abdel-Aziz S, Cutler Peck C, Monson B, Espandar L, Zaugg B, Stringham J, Wilcox C, Mamalis (2011). Accelerated 20-year sunlight exposure simulation of a photochromic foldable intraocular lens in a rabbit model. Journal of cataract and refractive surgery, 37(2), 378-85. (Read full publication)
    13. Ness PJ, Werner L, Maddula S, Davis D, Zaugg B, Stringham J, Burrow M, Yeh (2011). Pathology of 219 human cadaver eyes with 1-piece or 3-piece hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lenses: capsular bag opacification and sites of square-edged barrier breach. Journal of cataract and refractive surgery, 37(5), 923-30. (Read full publication)
    14. Maddula S, Werner L, Ness PJ, Davis D, Zaugg B, Stringham J, Burrow M, Yeh (2011). Pathology of 157 human cadaver eyes with round-edged or modern square-edged silicone intraocular lenses: analyses of capsule bag opacification. Journal of cataract and refractive surgery, 37(4), 740-8. (Read full publication)
    15. DeMill DL, Zaugg BE, Pettey JH, Jensen JD, Jardine GJ, Wong G, Olson R (2012). Objective comparison of 4 nonlongitudinal ultrasound modalities regarding efficiency and chatter. Journal of cataract and refractive surgery, 38(6), 1065-71. (Read full publication)
    16. Oakey ZB, Jensen JD, Zaugg BE, Radmall BR, Pettey JH, Olson R (2013). Porcine lens nuclei as a model for comparison of 3 ultrasound modalities regarding efficiency and chatter. Journal of cataract and refractive surgery, 39(8), 1248-53. (Read full publication)
    17. Gupta I, Zaugg B, Stagg BC, Barlow WR Jr, Pettey JH, Jensen JD, Kirk KR, Olson R (2014). Phacoemulsification efficiency with a radiused phaco tip. Journal of cataract and refractive surgery, 40(5), 818-21. (Read full publication)
    18. Kirk KR, Ronquillo C Jr, Jensen JD, Zaugg B, Barlow WR Jr, Stagg BC, Pettey JH, Olson R (2014). Optimum on-time duty cycle for micropulse technology. Journal of cataract and refractive surgery, 40(9), 1545-8. (Read full publication)
    19. Cahoon JM, Gupta I, Gardiner G, Shi D, Zaugg B, Pettey JH, Barlow WR Jr, Olson R (2015). Comparison of venturi and peristaltic vacuum in phacoemulsification. Journal of cataract and refractive surgery, 41(2), 428-32. (Read full publication)
    20. Garff K, Jensen JD, Cahoon J, Gupta I, Stagg B, Zaugg BE, Barlow WR Jr, Olson R (2015). Impact of micropulsed ultrasound power settings on the efficiency and chatter associated with lens-fragment removal. Journal of cataract and refractive surgery, 41(6), 1264-7. (Read full publication)
    21. Gardiner GL, Garff K, Gupta I, Kramer GD, Farukhi MA, Stagg BC, Zaugg B, Olson R (2015). Effect of pulsing ultrasound on phacoemulsification efficiency. Journal of cataract and refractive surgery, 41(11), 2560-4. (Read full publication)
    22. Boulter T, Jensen JD, Christensen MD, Lambert NG, Zaugg B, Stagg BC, Pettey JH, Olson R (2016). Comparison of a torsional and a standard tip with a monitored forced infusion phacoemulsification system. Journal of cataract and refractive surgery, 42(4), 613-7. (Read full publication)
    23. Jensen JD, Boulter T, Lambert NG, Zaugg B, Stagg BC, Pettey JH, Olson R (2016). Intraocular pressure study using monitored forced-infusion system phacoemulsification technology. Journal of cataract and refractive surgery, 42(5), 768-71. (Read full publication)
    24. Wright DD, Wright AJ, Boulter TD, Bernhisel AA, Stagg BC, Zaugg B, Pettey JH, Ha L, Ta BT, Olson R (2017). Optimization of transversal phacoemulsification settings in peristaltic mode using a new transversal ultrasound machine. Journal of cataract and refractive surgery, 43(9), 1202-1206. (Read full publication)
    25. Wright AJ, Thomson RS, Bernhisel AA, Zaugg B, Barlow WR, Pettey JH, Olson R (2017). Effect of chamber stabilization software on efficiency and chatter in a porcine lens model. Journal of cataract and refractive surgery, 43(11), 1464-1467. (Read full publication)
    26. Boulter T, Christensen MD, Jensen JD, Robinson M, Zaugg B, Stagg BC, Pettey JH, Bernhisel A, Barlow WR Jr, Olson R (2017). Optimization and comparison of a 0.7 mm tip with the 0.9 mm tip on an active-fluidics phacoemulsification platform. Journal of cataract and refractive surgery, 43(12), 1591-1595. (Read full publication)
    27. Bird BA, Thomson RS, Stutz LA, Heczko JB, Bernhisel AA, Barlow WR, Zaugg B, Pettey JH, Olson R (2018). Effect of increasing flow when grooving during phacoemulsification. Journal of cataract and refractive surgery, 44(5), 623-626. (Read full publication)
    28. Bohner AD, Wright AJ, Ta BT, Bernhisel AA, Zaugg B, Barlow WR, Pettey JH, Olson R (2018). Optimum on-time duty cycle for a transversal ultrasound machine. Journal of cataract and refractive surgery, 44(9), 1140-1143. (Read full publication)
    29. Kabbara S, Heczko JB, Bernhisel AA, Barlow WR, Zaugg B, Pettey JH, Olson R (2018). Effect of high vacuum and aspiration on phacoemulsification efficiency and chatter using a transversal ultrasound machine. Journal of cataract and refractive surgery, 44(11), 1378-1383. (Read full publication)
    30. Gilbert M, Zaugg B, Olson (2015). Comparison of venturi and peristatic vacuum in phacoemulsification. Journal of cataract and refractive surgery, 41(2), 428-32.
    31. Bohner A, Peterson JS, Wright AJ, Mamalis C, Bernhisel A, Zaugg B, Barlow WR Jr, Olson RJ, Pettey J (2020). Effects on phacoemulsification efficiency and chatter at variable longitudinal ultrasound settings when combined with constant torsional energy. Journal of cataract and refractive surgery, (Read full publication)
    32. Bernhisel AA, Cahoon JM, Sella R, Zaugg B, Barlow WR, Stagg BC, Afshari NA, Olson RJ, Pettey J (2019). Optimum on-time and off-time combinations for micropulse phacoemulsification in venturi vacuum mode. Journal of cataract and refractive surgery, 45(12), 1797-1800. (Read full publication)
    33. Zaugg (2020). September consultation #4. Journal of cataract and refractive surgery, 46(10), 1446. (Read full publication)
    34. Werner L, Tassignon MJ, Zaugg BE, De Groot V, Rozema (2010). Clinical and histopathologic evaluation of six human eyes implanted with the bag-in-the-lens. Ophthalmology, 117(1), 55-62. (Read full publication)
    35. Werner L, Zaugg B, Neuhann T, Burrow M, Tetz (2012). In-the-bag capsular tension ring and intraocular lens subluxation or dislocation: a series of 23 cases. Ophthalmology, 119(2), 266-71. (Read full publication)
    36. Apple DJ, Escobar-Gomez M, Zaugg B, Kleinmann G, Borkenstein A (2011). Modern cataract surgery: unfinished business and unanswered questions. Survey of ophthalmology, 56(6 Suppl), S3-53. (Read full publication)
    37. Boulter T, Bernhisel A, Mamalis C, Zaugg B, Barlow WR, Olson RJ, Pettey J (2019). Phacoemulsification in review: Optimization of cataract removal in an in vitro setting. Survey of ophthalmology, 64(6), 868-875. (Read full publication)
    38. Kleinmann G, Zaugg B, Apple DJ, Bleik (2013). Pediatric cataract surgery with hydrophilic acrylic intraocular lens. Journal of AAPOS, 17(4), 367-70. (Read full publication)
    39. Peck CM, Joos ZP, Zaugg BE, Abdel-Aziz S, Stringham JD, Werner L, Mamalis N, Olson R (2009). Comparison of the corneal endothelial protective effects of Healon-D and Viscoat. Clinical & experimental ophthalmology, 37(4), 397-401. (Read full publication)
    40. Jensen JD, Shi DS, Robinson MS, Kramer GD, Zaugg B, Stagg BC, Pettey JH, Barlow WR Jr, Olson R (2016). Torsional power study using CENTURION phacoemulsification technology. Clinical & experimental ophthalmology, 44(8), 710-713. (Read full publication)
    41. Bernhisel AA, Zaugg BE, Mamalis N, Dutton JJ, Patel BC (2019). An unusual case of idiopathic calcinosis of the eyelid. Orbit (Amsterdam, Netherlands), 38(6), 500-502. (Read full publication)
    42. Zaugg BE, Bell JE, Taylor KY, Bernstein P (2017). EZOGABINE (POTIGA) MACULOPATHY. Retinal cases & brief reports, 11(1), 38-43. (Read full publication)
    43. Mifflin MD, Betts BS, Frederick PA, Feuerman JM, Fenzl CR, Moshirfar M, Zaugg (2017). Efficacy and safety of a 3-month loteprednol etabonate 0.5% gel taper for routine prophylaxis after photorefractive keratectomy compared to a 3-month prednisolone acetate 1% and fluorometholone 0.1% taper. Clinical ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.), 11, 1113-1118. (Read full publication)
    44. Mifflin MD, Mortensen XM, Betts BS, Gross C, Zaugg (2017). Accuracy of Alcon WaveLight® EX500 optical pachymetry during LASIK. Clinical ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.), 11, 1513-1517. (Read full publication)
    45. Stutz LA, Heczko JB, Bird BA, Thomson RS, Bernhisel AA, Barlow WR, Zaugg B, Olson RJ, Pettey J (2019). Optimization of the Oertli CataRhex 3® phacoemulsification machine. Clinical ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.), 13, 633-639. (Read full publication)
    46. Thomson RS, Bird BA, Stutz LA, Heczko JB, Bernhisel AA, Barlow WR, Zaugg B, Olson RJ, Pettey J (2019). The effect of increasing power when grooving using phacoemulsification. Clinical ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.), 13, 611-615. (Read full publication)
    47. Zaugg BE, Kolb T, Arif AM, Ernst R (2010). Structural Studies of (Pyridine)3ZnFe(CO)4 and (Pyridine) (Neocuproin)CdFe(CO)4. Journal of chemical crystallography, 40(9), 778-782.
    48. Farooq AV, Degli Esposti S, Popat R, Thulasi P, Lonial S, Nooka AK, Jakubowiak A, Sborov D, Zaugg BE, Badros AZ, Jeng BH, Callander NS, Opalinska J, Baron J, Piontek T, Byrne J, Gupta I, Colby (2020). Corneal Epithelial Findings in Patients with Multiple Myeloma Treated with Antibody-Drug Conjugate Belantamab Mafodotin in the Pivotal, Randomized, DREAMM-2 Study. Ophthalmology and therapy, 9(4), 889-911. (Read full publication)
    49. Ramshekar A, Heczko J, Bernhisel A, Barlow W, Zaugg B, Olson R, Pettey (2021). Optimizing Tip Diameter in Phacoemulsification of Varying Lens Sizes: An in vitro Study. Clinical ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.), 15, 4475-4484. (Read full publication)
    50. Lonial S, Nooka AK, Thulasi P, Badros AZ, Jeng BH, Callander NS, Potter HA, Sborov D, Zaugg BE, et a (2021). Management of belantamab mafodotin-associated corneal events in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Blood cancer journal, 11(5),
    51. Peterson JS, Christensen MR, Cooper C, Mamalis C, Bernhisel AA, Zaugg B, Barlow WR, Ungricht E, Olson RJ, Pettey J (2022). Optimization of Phacoemulsification Tip Gauge on the Oertli CataRhex3 in an in vitro Setting. Clinical ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.), 16, 1091-1097. (Read full publication)
    52. Peterson JS, Cooper C, Ungricht EL, Mamalis C, Barlow W, Zaugg B, Bernhisel AA, Olson RJ, Pettey J (2022). Measurement of Phacoemulsification Vacuum Pressure in the Oertli CataRhex3. Clinical ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.), 16, 1731-1737. (Read full publication)
    53. Jensen NR, Ungricht EL, Harris JT, Zaugg B, Barlow WR, Murri MS, Olson RJ, Pettey J (2023). Temperature Change of Ophthalmic Viscosurgical Devices in a Bi-Chamber Set-Up at a Flow of 0 and 20mL/min. Clinical ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.), 17, 555-560. (Read full publication)
    54. Wilkinson SW, Ungricht EL, West WB, Harris JT, Zaugg B, Olson RJ, Pettey J (2023). Comparison of Phacoemulsification Grooving Efficiency in Longitudinal vs Transversal Handpieces. Clinical ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.), 17, 191-195. (Read full publication)
    55. Ivan A. Cardenas, BSc, Emilie L. Ungricht, MD, Brian Zaugg, MD, Randall Olson, MD, Jeff H. Pettey, M (2023). Efficiency of a polymer-coated phacoemulsification tip in cataract surgery. J Cataract Refract Surg, 49(10), 1056-1060.
    56. Moshirfar M, Moin KA, Pandya S, Karimian F, Zaugg B, Khan S, Kim G, Zhu D, Mifflin M, Mohamed M, Murri (2024). Severe intraocular pressure rise after implantable collamer lens implantation. Journal of cataract and refractive surgery, 50(9), 985-989. (Read full publication)
    57. Velcani F, Shah S, Zaugg BE, Teske MP, Batra N (2025). Is occlusive retinal vascular disease linked to hereditary spherocytosis postsplenectomy? A case series. Journal of medical case reports, 19(1), 662. (Read full publication)

    Book Chapter

    1. Zaugg BE, Apple DJ, Kleinmann (2014). Introduction: The Evolution of Intraocular Lenses.
    2. Abdel-Aziz S, Monson B, Holt D, Zaugg B, Ambati (2010). Corneal Neovascularization.

    Case Report

    1. Zaugg B, Werner L, Neuhann T, Burrow M, Davis D, Mamalis N, Tetz (2010). Clinicopathologic correlation of capsulorhexis phimosis with anterior flexing of single-piece hydrophilic acrylic intraocular lens haptics. Journal of cataract and refractive surgery, 36(9), 1605-9. (Read full publication)

    Letter

    1. Mifflin MD, Neuffer MC, Zaugg BE, Sikder S, Moshirfar M (2011). Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty in failed penetrating keratoplasty patients. [Letter to the editor]. Am J Ophthalmol, 152(2), 323-4; author reply 324-5. (Read full publication)

    Other

    1. Farooq AV, Degli Esposti S, Popat R, Thulasi P, Lonial S, Nooka AK, Jakubowiak A, Sborov D, Zaugg BE, Badros AZ, Jeng BH, Callander NS, Opalinska J, Baron J, Piontek T, Byrne J, Gupta I, Colby (2020). Correction to: Corneal Epithelial Findings in Patients with Multiple Myeloma Treated with Antibody-Drug Conjugate Belantamab Mafodotin in the Pivotal, Randomized, DREAMM-2 Study. Ophthalmology and therapy, 9(4), 913-915. (Read full publication)
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