Edwin M. Stone

Edwin M. Stone, MD, PhD, is a Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Iowa's Carver College of Medicine. He holds multiple leadership roles, including Director of the Institute for Vision Research, the Carver Nonprofit Genetic Testing Laboratory, the Molecular Ophthalmology Laboratory, and the Carver Family Center for Macular Degeneration. He also holds the Seamans-Hauser Chair in Molecular Ophthalmology.

Education:

• BA in Biology and English, Rice University
• PhD in Cell Biology, Baylor College of Medicine
• MD, Baylor College of Medicine
• Internship in Transitional Medicine, St. Joseph Hospital, Houston
• Residency in Ophthalmology, University of Iowa
• Fellowship in Ophthalmology Research, University of Iowa
• Fellowship in Vitreoretinal Surgery, University of Iowa

Dr. Stone's research focuses on the genetic basis of inherited eye diseases, particularly macular degeneration, glaucoma, and hereditary photoreceptor degenerations. He has led the discovery and cloning of numerous disease-causing genes and has developed high-throughput methods for mutation screening using over 50,000 collected DNA samples. His work emphasizes translational impact, exemplified by the creation of a nonprofit genetic testing lab that provides affordable clinical testing for more than 20 inherited eye conditions globally.

His recent publications reflect a strong emphasis on retinal disease modeling using iPSC-derived organoids, gene editing (including CRISPR), clinical genetics, and advanced retinal imaging. The research spans from fundamental gene discovery to therapeutic development and clinical application, with recurring themes in Stargardt disease, autoimmune retinopathy, and inherited retinal degenerations.

Dr. Stone is actively involved in multiple graduate programs and research centers, including Genetics, Informatics, Medical Scientist Training Program, Neuroscience, Translational Biomedicine, Cardiovascular Research, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, and the Carver Family Center for Macular Degeneration. He is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and holds medical licensure in Iowa.

He mentors across interdisciplinary teams and leads a large research enterprise with 26 faculty and 125 staff under the Institute for Vision Research. His work integrates clinical care with cutting-edge molecular research, aiming to accelerate the delivery of genetic discoveries to patient care.