Roya Attar, OD
Specialties: Optometry, Specialty Contact Lenses
Gender: Female
Biography: Dr. Roya Attar, O.D., M.B.A., D.H.A, is an accomplished Associate Professor and Director of Optometric Services at the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC). As a licensed and credentialed Optometrist, Dr. Attar brings a wealth of expertise and experience to her role.
Dr. Attar obtained her Doctorate of Optometry from the UIW Rosenberg School of Optometry and holds a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Pikeville College of Business. With a strong commitment to providing exceptional patient care, Dr. Attar specializes in the evaluation and treatment of complex refractive needs, delivering comprehensive optometric services to all her patients.
In 2018, Dr. Attar made history by becoming the first optometrist to join the faculty of the Department of Ophthalmology at UMMC. Her contributions to teaching and patient care have garnered regional and national acclaim. In recognition of her outstanding achievements, she was awarded the Young Optometrist of the Year by the American Optometric Association and the Southern Council of Optometrists in 2020. Additionally, in 2022, Dr. Attar was selected for the prestigious Young Optometrist of the Year award by Women in Optometry, further highlighting her excellence in the field.
Dr. Attar's dedication to professional growth led her to pursue a second doctorate degree, graduating in 2023 with a doctorate in health administration from the UMMC School of Health Related Professions. This additional qualification enables her to make valuable contributions to the advancement of healthcare administration and further enhance her ability to provide exceptional care to her patients.
In addition to her clinical expertise, Dr. Attar is a highly respected and sought-out educator. She is frequently invited to provide educational lectures at local, state, regional, and national meetings, sharing her knowledge and insights with fellow professionals. Her expertise and reputation have earned her positions on several advisory boards, where she serves as a key opinion leader, providing valuable guidance and shaping the future of the field.
A distinguished fellow of the American Academy of Optometry (AAO), Dr. Attar actively serves on the executive committee for the AAO Retina Special Interest Group. She is also a valued member of the American Optometric Association Leadership Development Committee and currently serves as the president of her local optometric society.
Prior to joining UMMC, Dr. Attar held the position of Assistant Clinical Professor and director of professional relations at The University of Pikeville, Kentucky College of Optometry. Her diverse experiences and expertise strengthen her ability to address the complex needs of her patients and contribute to the field of optometry.
With her extensive expertise, dedication to patient care, and multiple accomplishments, Dr. Roya Attar is a highly respected professional in the field of optometry and a valuable asset to the Department of Ophthalmology at UMMC.
My Approach to Healthcare
Patient-centered holistic approach with emphasis on caring for the whole person.
Practice Locations
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1
Lakeland Medical - UMMC
764 Lakeland Drive, Jackson, MS 39216 View Location |
|
2
UMMC Colony Park North
124 UMMC Way, Ridgeland, MS 39157 View Location |
Accepted Insurance Plans
The University of Mississippi Medical Center accepts all plans, but may not be an in-network provider with your plan. We encourage you to contact your insurer and ask if the plan is in network with UMMC. Always contact your insurance carrier for specific coverage information.
Network Participation - 2026
MississippiCAN and CHIP [Managed Care programs promulgated by the Mississippi Division of Medicaid]
- Molina Healthcare of Mississippi, Inc.
- Magnolia Health (Centene)
- TrueCare
Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace [Individual plans offered on healthcare.gov]
- Ambetter from Magnolia Health (Centene)
- Molina Healthcare of Mississippi, Inc.
- UHC Marketplace (Madison only)
Medicare Advantage
- Devoted Health Plans: PPO, HMO, DSNP, CSNP
- HealthSpring Plans: PPO, HMO, DSNP
- Humana: PPO, HMO, DSNP, CSNP, ISNP
- United Healthcare Plans: PPO, HMO, DSNP, CSNP, ISNP
- WellCare (Centene) Plans: PPO, HMO, DSNP
Commercial - Group and Individual
- Aetna Plans: PPO, HMO [Includes all facilities except UMMC Madison]
- BCBSMS Plans: BlueCardPPO, State Health Plan (AHS), Federal Employee Plan (FEP)
- Cigna Plans: PPO, HMO
- United Healthcare Plans: PPO, HMO (Includes plans administered by UMR, UnitedHealth Group's wholly owned third-party administrator (TPA) subsidiary)
Transplant Only Networks
- Optum Plan: Commercial • Programs: Solid Organ, BMT, VAD
- Emerging Therapy Solutions (ETS) Plan: Commercial • Programs: Solid Organ, BMT, CAR-T, VAD
- Interlink Plan: Commercial • Programs: Solid Organ, BMT, CAR-T
- Celtic Plans: Ambetter, WellCare, Magnolia Health MississippiCAN, Magnolia Health CHIP • Programs: Solid Organ, BMT
- Cigna Lifesource Plan: Commercial • Programs: Solid Organ, BMT, CAR-T, VAD
Dental
- Avesis Plan: MississippiCAN and CHIP (TrueCare)
- Always Care/Unum Plan: Commercial
Vision
- Avesis Plan: MississippiCAN and CHIP (TrueCare)
- Always Care/Unum Plan: Commercial
Rental Networks (Utilized by self-funded employer group plans and third-party administrators (TPAs))
- Mississippi Physicians Care Network (MPCN) [If MPCN is present on a Member/Subscriber ID, all UMMC facilities and providers are in-network regardless of TPA.]
- First Choice Health Plan
- Claritev (formerly Multiplan)
- Zelis
Government Programs
- Humana Military Plan: Tricare
- United Healthcare Plan: Veterans Affairs Community Care Networks
Plans and Payors UMMC is not in-network with as of April 1, 2026
- Oscar Health Plan: ACA Marketplace [Final negotiations taking place now. Anticipate in-network participation, effective June 1, 2026.]
- Cigna (Connect EPO) Plan: ACA Marketplace
- American Health Advantage Plan: Medicare Advantage
- Patrius Health (BCBSMS) Plan: Medicare Advantage
- Aetna Plan: Medicare Advantage
Education
| Board Certification: | Optometrist |
| Graduate School: | University of Mississippi Medical Center |
| Medical Education: | UIW Rosenberg School of Optometry |
Experience
Current Positions
| Assistant Professor, School of Medicine, The University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, MS 39216 | 07/2018 - Present |
Specialty Certification Licensure
| DEA | 05/2016 - 06/2025 |
Honors, Awards, and Recognition
| Heartbeat Award, The University of Mississippi Medical Center Emergency Department | 2021 |
| Young Optometrist of the Year, American Optometric Association | 2020 |
| Young Optometrist of the South, Southern Council of Optometrists | 2020 |
| Helen St. Claire Mississippi Young Optometrist of the Year, Mississippi Optometric Association | 2019 |