Dr. Varanelli completed her undergraduate studies at Wayne State University in Detroit and earned her Doctor of Optometry degree from the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago. She worked in community hospital based and private practice settings before joining the Department of Veterans Affairs in 2004. Dr. Varanelli is a Fellow in the American Academy of Optometry and is a founding member of its’ Anterior Segment Diplomate Section. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry and the American Board of Certification in Medical Optometry.
Dr. Varanelli served 13 years as Chief of Optometry at John D. Dingell Detroit VAMC prior to joining the VISN 10 Clinical Resource Hub in 2020 where she has served as the Tele Specialty Care Chief since 2021. As a passionate advocate for prevention of vision impairment and health promotion in the Veteran population, she is optimistic in the continued growth and expansion of telehealth and Whole Health services.
Dr. Varanelli has received many professional awards and recognitions. The majority of VHA commendations have been related to improved access to care for Veterans. Over the years Dr. Varanelli has trained and mentored numerous trainees, support staff, and providers in a variety of disciplines bringing immeasurable benefits to patients and interdisciplinary teams caring for Veterans.