Dr. Allen earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Duke University before completing his MD/PhD at Baylor College of Medicine, where he received the Medical Student Research Award from the Society for Pediatric Research. He completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Iowa, followed by two fellowship training at the same institution—one in ophthalmic genetics and a second in oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgery. Dr. Allen is currently a Professor at the University of Texas at Austin’s Dell Medical School in Austin, Texas.

Dr. Allen’s clinical and academic interests include eyelid, lacrimal, and orbital diseases, with particular expertise in congenital ptosis, lacrimal disorders, dermoid cysts, facial nerve palsy, microphthalmia, and epiblepharon. He is a past President of the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Editor-in-Chief of Orbit, and President-Elect of the International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology.