The John A. Moran Eye Center is pleased to welcome Roya Garakani, DO, who specializes in glaucoma, cataracts, and complex surgeries involving the front part of the eye.
Dr. Garakani serves as section chief of ophthalmology for the Salt Lake City VA Medical Center and is accepting a limited number of new patients at the Moran Eye Center’s University of Utah and Park City locations. She provides medical and surgical management of glaucoma, complex cataract surgery, and surgery for ocular traumas.
Garakani earned her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Nova Southeastern University in Florida and completed her ophthalmology residency at John H. Stroger Hospital of Cook County, Chicago. There, her awards included the Philip Dray, M.D. Outstanding Resident Award, Best Resident Research Project of the Year, and the Norbert M. Becker Award for Academic Excellence.
Her leadership experience includes extensive involvement in the Young Ophthalmologist subcommittee for the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Illinois Society for Eye Physicians and Surgeons.
Following residency, she completed a glaucoma fellowship at Moran, which trained her in complex surgeries involving the front portion, or anterior segment, of the eye.
“My training at Moran gave me incredible experience with complex cases,” said Garakani, “but what drives me most is building trust and providing thoughtful, individualized care for every one of my patients.”
Dr. Garakani joined Moran’s faculty as a clinician in November 2025. She is part of Moran’s Alan S. Crandall Center for Glaucoma Innovation, conducting clinical research on the safety and efficacy of tube shunts used in glaucoma surgery.
In addition to caring for patients, Garakani serves as associate program director of Moran’s ophthalmology education program.
Outside of medicine, Garakani is passionate about staying active. She enjoys skiing and is working toward visiting all five of Utah’s national parks.