UIW Appoints New Dean of the Rosenberg School of Optometry

Dr. Stephanie Schmiedecke Barbieri brings more than Two Decades of Leadership Experience to New Role

San Antonio – November 18, 2025 – The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) is pleased to announce that Dr. Stephanie Schmiedecke Barbieri has been appointed as the new Dean of the Rosenberg School of Optometry (RSO).

Schmiedecke Barbieri first came to RSO in January 2012. She earned her Doctor of Optometry degree and completed a residency in Low Vision Rehabilitation at the University of Houston College of Optometry. She brings more than 23 years of clinical and leadership experience, including ten years with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, where she served as a national point of contact for low vision services. She has developed award-winning interprofessional clinical programs at the VA, the University of Florida Health Shands Hospital, and here at RSO. 

“It is a profound honor to be selected to serve as Dean for RSO, uniting our shared vision for innovation and excellence with the enduring legacy of the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word,” says Schmiedecke Barbieri. “A special thank you to the WittKieffer search firm, Search Committee, Provost’s Office, and our amazing faculty, staff, students, and alumni for entrusting me with this role.”

At RSO, Dr. Schmiedecke Barbieri was appointed as Interim Dean in February 2025 and has served as Professor and Chief of the Low Vision Rehabilitation and Genetic Service and as Director of Residency and Fellowship Programs, leading efforts that doubled the number of ACOE-accredited residency programs. Board Certified by the American Board in Medical Optometry, she is a Diplomate of the American Academy of Optometry’s Low Vision Section, Fellow of the National Academies of Practice, and international speaker and author.  She was also the 2024 recipient of the Sister St. Pierre Cinquin Award for Faith.

 “I’m very grateful to the search committee, co-chaired by Tracey Mendoza, Dean of Libraries, and Dr. Scott Schaffer, Associate Dean and Professor at the School of Rehabilitation Sciences,” says Dr. Eva Fernández, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “The committee played an essential role in defining the position description and identified semifinalists and finalists with intentionality and care.  I’m also grateful to the broader community for participating in the finalists’ visits to campus last month.”

The Rosenberg School of Optometry offers degrees in Optometry (OD) and Vision Science (BS, MS, and PhD), along with residency and fellowship programs in low vision, ocular disease, pediatrics, primary care, and sports vision.  It is the only Catholic (and the only faith-based) optometry school in the United States, and houses one of the most diverse student bodies in this discipline.