Dr. Ashley Tary
The College of Optometry is pleased to welcome Dr. Ashley (Liverar) Tary, graduate of the class of 2014, as our newest Assistant Clinical Professor, Coordinator of Emergency Eye Services, and the Director of Continuing Education. Dr. Tary is excited to transition into academia after 10 years in private practice. She grew up in Jefferson County, Missouri, and is the oldest of three sisters.
Dr. Tary was interested in healthcare from the beginning of her undergraduate experience and considered medical school. After transferring from Missouri State University to UMSL during her first year, she spoke with Dr. Barb Brown at the College. “She put me on track for the 3+4 program, so I could get my prerequisites completed. Once I decided to apply, I shadowed at St. Louis Children’s Hospital with Dr. Mark Rallo (Class of 1990).” Dr. Tary lived at home and commuted, and she took additional classes at community college at night to get caught up. “I was in the Honors College here, and I hustled to get it all done in three years.”
On her official College of Optometry interview day, Dr. Tary was interviewed by Dr. Ed Bennett, Dr. Linda Marks, and Dr. Angel Novel Simmons OD 2003. She didn’t even consider other schools. “What makes UMSL ‘home’ so to speak is the feeling of community, family, and small class size. Everyone is really welcoming, and you just feel at home.” Dr. Tary’s friend group remains close to this day, frequently contacting each other about clinical questions, life questions, and everything in between.
Dr. Tary’s final year of optometry school was eventful. She went on rotations to Pepose Vision Institute, Mulqueeny Eye Center, Grace Hill, Carondelet Family Health Care, and Chickasaw Nation in Ada, Oklahoma. She and her high school sweetheart, Chris, also got married secretly in the Student Services office with two classmates as witnesses, just so she could graduate as Dr. Ashley Tary. They had a wedding ceremony in December 2014.
Working in a private practice setting was very enjoyable for Dr. Tary. “I liked building a rapport with the patients, seeing patients become parents and grandparents, and watching kids get older. I got to know families over 10 years and build a relationship with them. I loved the team atmosphere too, with everyone on staff working together to give patients the best experience.” She is looking forward to sharing her insights from private practice with the students. “I’m glad to offer my experiences and perspectives and help them think about what opportunities await them.”
Upon starting at UMSL in May 2025, Dr. Tary felt energized by working with the students. “Coming into academia has rejuvenated optometry for me. The students are exciting to work with. It’s nice to help shape that next generation.” She’s also found welcome changes to the Optometry program. “Touring the ‘new’ clinic and seeing upgrades in Marillac made this an exciting change to make. Improvements have happened with the program. We have a retina clinic, a dry eye clinic, and EHMS. Students benefit from working with the retina fellow who sees patients monthly. The externship program has made improvements to create well-rounded clinicians. It’s thrilling to be a part of that.”
Dr. Tary has also contributed to the profession by serving as president of the St. Louis Optometric Society from 2023 to 2024. She enjoyed feeling more connected with local doctors and building camaraderie. “In private practice, it can feel like you’re on a little island sometimes. It’s nice to be with likeminded individuals, learning and growing your profession. Optometrists are unique in the medical community. You’re close with other practitioners and rally around each other. It’s nice to feel a part of that at SLOS, or in a multi-doctor group.” That’s been another benefit of coming to UMSL. “I knew I didn’t want to work by myself. I love being at UMSL, with colleagues who have different levels of expertise and specialty knowledge. I’ve already learned so much about pediatrics, specialty contacts, and low vision. You have someone you can talk to immediately, and it’s nice to have that right here at your fingertips. You can follow up on your patients, and you know what is going on. It’s really made my education come full circle.”
When not at UMSL, Dr. Tary spends time outside, camping with her husband and daughters Avery (5) and Morgan (3). They also tend a flock of 23 chickens on their 13 acres in House Springs, Missouri. Every chicken has a name; a current favorite is Elsa, a speckled chicken with fuzzy feet. “It’s fun to see the rainbow colors of the eggshells.” Three dogs round out their fun and full household.
The College of Optometry looks forward to the many contributions that Dr. Tary will make to UMSL.
Dr. Keyur Savla
In August 2025, the College of Optometry welcomed Dr. Keyur Savla as an Assistant Clinical Professor. Dr. Savla grew up in Mumbai, India, where he completed his Bachelor of Optometry before moving to the United States for further education. He went on to earn both a Doctor of Optometry and PhD in Vision Science (to be conferred December 2025) at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. His training combined clinical care with research, which allowed him to focus on the intersection of evidence-based practice and patient-centered care.
Dr. Savla’s interest in optometry began in childhood, inspired by watching his parents practice. He was fascinated by how light and vision could so profoundly shape human experience, and how restoring sight could truly change lives. “Being a myope myself, I developed a special interest in contact lenses and myopia control fields where optics, research, and patient care seamlessly come together.”
Dr. Savla found optometry school both challenging and rewarding. He was fortunate to learn from outstanding mentors who emphasized not only clinical skills but also the integration of research and technology in patient care. “A memorable moment was when Dr. Katherine Weise referenced my myopia control research in a lecture; it was both humbling and inspiring, and it highlighted how OD programs in the U.S. are committed to staying at the forefront of an evolving field.”
Teaching and mentorship holds great value for Dr. Savla, so the chance to guide future optometrists is very meaningful to him. “Academia allows me to combine my passions for teaching, research, and clinical care in one place. I’m especially excited about working with students, helping them grow, sharing knowledge, and hopefully inspiring them the way my mentors inspired me.” During Dr. Savla’s on-campus interview, he made sure to get a picture with Dr. Vinita Henry OD 1985, as he was excited to meet one of the authors of the contact lens textbook he used in school.
Outside of work, Dr. Savla loves exploring new places through travel and discovering local food and culture along the way. “I enjoy getting lost in fiction and also love reading anything that broadens my perspective beyond optometry. I’m always up for a good board game night with friends, and I like staying active through swimming and skating, which help me recharge and keep a balance in life.” He is looking forward to visiting the museums and experiencing the local food scene in St. Louis. And of course, seeing the Gateway Arch up close is high on his list as well. “I recently attended the Japanese Festival at the Missouri Botanical Garden and was very impressed by the vibrant performances and beautiful displays.”
Welcome to St. Louis and UMSL, Dr. Savla!