Dr. James Kempton is an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology & Visual Science at Yale School of Medicine , where he has served since 2009. He also directs Eye Care Services at the West Haven Veterans Administration and co-leads Yale's Vitreoretinal Fellowship Program and Ophthalmology Residency Program. Double Board-Certified in Internal Medicine & Ophthalmology Specializes in Retinal Surgery and Trauma-Associated Vitreoretinal Diseases Research Focus: Clinical management of Diabetic Retinopathy , Macular Degeneration , and Retinal Detachment , combined with innovative Systems Approaches in Medical Education . Education MD, Ohio State University (1997) Internship: Combined Internal Medicine/Pediatrics at Medical College of Virginia Residency: Yale Internal Medicine Primary Care Chief Residency: Hospital of Saint Raphael Ophthalmology Residency & Fellowship: Yale University Honors Recipient of the prestigious Marvin L. Sears Award for Clinical Excellence Clinical Expertise includes laser treatments and surgical interventions for retinal disorders, with a focus on Diabetic Retinopathy , Macular Degeneration , and Retinal Trauma . He serves as Associate Program Director for both Yale's Ophthalmology Residency and Vitreoretinal Fellowship programs.
Dr. Anagha Vaze is a Clinical Lecturer affiliated with the University of Sydney's Faculty of Medicine and Health (FMH) and the Save Sight Institute. Her expertise lies in ophthalmology, with a focus on retinal disorders, diabetic eye diseases, and clinical research. She has contributed to studies on VEGF inhibitors, corticosteroid delivery platforms for macular edema, and the application of genomics in retinal diagnostics. Research Interests: Retinal degeneration and vascular abnormalities Management strategies for diabetic retinopathy and macular telangiectasia Clinical outcomes of anti-VEGF therapies Infectious diseases in immunocompromised patients (e.g., heart transplant recipients) Her publications (2014–2022) emphasize observational studies, drug delivery innovations, and case reports on rare infections. Key contributions include assessing treatment discontinuation protocols for neovascular AMD and exploring photobiomodulation for diabetic macular edema. While no scientific awards or grants are explicitly listed, her work reflects active engagement in clinical research and patient care. She is part of the Save Sight Institute, a prominent research center within the FMH, focusing on vision science and ophthalmic advancements.
Brenda L Bohnsack, MD, PhD is Associate Professor of Ophthalmology (Pediatric Ophthalmology) and Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, where she serves as Chief of Pediatric Ophthalmology in the Department of Ophthalmology. She also holds the Lillian Sherman Cowen Reiger and Harold L.S. Cowen Research Professorship of Pediatric Ophthalmology. Dr. Bohnsack practices at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. Her educational background includes: BA from Northwestern University (1999) PhD from Baylor College of Medicine (2004) MD from Baylor College of Medicine (2006) Transitional Year Intern at Oakwood Hospital (2007) Residency in Ophthalmology at University of Michigan (2010) Chief Residency in Ophthalmology at University of Michigan (2010) Postdoctoral Fellowship in Orbital and Ocular Development at University of Michigan (2011) Fellowship in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus at Duke University (2012) As an academic pediatric ophthalmologist and developmental biologist, Dr. Bohnsack focuses on the clinical aspects and underlying basic science of congenital eye diseases. Her clinical expertise includes the medical and surgical management of complex pediatric eye conditions such as primary congenital glaucoma, Peters Anomaly, Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome, aniridia, microphthalmia, and congenital ectropion uvea. Her research spans both clinical and basic science domains, with clinical research concentrating on identifying new genes associated with congenital eye diseases and outcomes in affected individuals, while her basic science research utilizes zebrafish and human embryonic stem cell models to study ocular neural crest cells and their role in eye development. Analysis of Dr. Bohnsack's most recent publications reveals a strong focus on pediatric ocular conditions with particular emphasis on Stickler syndrome, pediatric glaucoma management, and complications of systemic treatments in children. Her work spans clinical studies, surgical technique evaluations, systematic reviews, and investigations into the genetic basis of pediatric eye diseases. The publications demonstrate her commitment to improving diagnostic approaches, surgical outcomes, and understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying congenital eye disorders. Dr. Bohnsack has received numerous scientific awards and honors throughout her career: Honor Award, American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (2025) Secretariat Award, American Academy of Ophthalmology (2024) Academic Leadership Development Program, Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology (2024) Alpha Omega Alpha (2023) Gunter von Noorden Young Investigator Award (2022) Dr. Bohnsack actively participates in multi-center research collaborations focusing on the genetics of childhood glaucomas, long-term outcomes of myopia control, socioeconomic influences on eye disease outcomes, and health disparities in global myopia management. Her laboratory research focuses on molecular regulation of neural crest migration and differentiation in the anterior segment of the eye, with applications for understanding and potentially treating congenital eye disorders. She leads research efforts utilizing both in vivo (zebrafish) and in vitro (human embryonic stem cells) systems to model eye diseases, with particular attention to ocular neural crest cells and their contribution to corneal, iris, and aqueous humor drainage system development. Her work bridges basic science discoveries with clinical applications to improve understanding and treatment of blinding diseases in children.
Deeksha Katoch is a Clinical Fellow in Pediatric Hematology-Oncology at Yale School of Medicine, specializing in benign hematology and bleeding disorders with a focus on improving patient care in resource-limited settings. She is actively engaged in research and clinical practice within Yale's Department of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology. Her educational background includes: MHS in Clinical Informatics and Data Science from Yale School of Medicine (2026) Chief Residency at SUNY Downstate Health Science University (2023) Residency at SUNY Downstate Health Science University (2022) MBBS from Government Medical College, Jammu Board Certified in General Pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics (2022) Dr. Katoch's research spans pediatric hematology-oncology, retinal disorders, and bleeding disorders, with particular interest in sickle cell disease, hematopoietic cell transplantation, and diabetic retinopathy. Her work combines clinical practice with innovative research approaches, including the application of GIS to assess healthcare access impacts on bleeding disorder outcomes. Her publications demonstrate expertise in both clinical research and the intersection of ophthalmology with hematology. Her significant scientific recognitions include: Dataset Research Engagement and ATHN Mentorship (DREAM) award from Hemostasis & Thrombosis Research Society/American Thrombosis and Hemostasis Network Member of American Society of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Travel Grant Award from American Society of Transplantation and Cellular Therapies Abstract Achievement Award from American Society of Hematology Patient Care Trust Fund (PCTF) Award from Committee of Interns and Residents/NYC Health & Hospitals Dr. Katoch is actively involved in professional organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Society of Hematology, American Society of Pediatrics Hematology-Oncology, and American Society of Transplantation and Cellular Therapies. Her clinical fellowship combines her previous military medical experience as a Medical Officer in the Indian Air Force with advanced pediatric hematology-oncology training. She maintains active research collaborations with Yale colleagues including Dr. Lakshmanan Krishnamurti, Dr. Nitya Bakshi, and Jingchen Liang.
Ragnheidur Bragadottir is a Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Oslo, affiliated with Oslo University Hospital (OUS Ullevål). Her primary affiliation is within the Faculty of Medicine. She specializes in retinal diseases, vitreoretinal surgery, and inherited retinal disorders, with a focus on clinical electrophysiology and gene therapy applications. Her research addresses genetic syndromes like Bardet-Biedl syndrome, ABCA4-related dystrophies, and Stargardt disease, emphasizing translational medicine and patient-centered care. Her work spans clinical trials evaluating anti-VEGF therapies, surgical innovations (e.g., intraoperative OCT for macular holes), and long-term outcomes of treatments like phacovitrectomy. She collaborates extensively on consensus statements (e.g., MHOST for macular hole management) and investigates the burden of chronic retinal diseases on patients and healthcare systems. Bragadottir’s contributions also include foundational studies on gene therapy in RPE65-deficient models and optical imaging advancements for retinal biomarker analysis. Publications highlight her expertise in retinal degeneration mechanisms, surgical techniques, and drug efficacy comparisons (e.g., aflibercept vs. bevacizumab). She is actively involved in the Clinical Retinal Research group and the Center for Eye Research, driving both basic science and clinical ophthalmology advancements.
Kakarla Chalam, MD, PhD, MBA, FACS holds multiple academic and leadership positions at Loma Linda University School of Medicine, where he serves as Professor of Ophthalmology, Professor in the Regenerative Medicine Division of Medicine, and Professor in the Pharmacology Division of Basic Sciences. His institutional roles include Vice Chair of Academic Affairs for Ophthalmology, Director of Medical Student Education in Ophthalmology, Director of the Retina Program, and Program Director for the Retina Fellowship. Dr. Chalam's research spans multiple areas of ophthalmology with a primary focus on retinal diseases and surgical interventions. His work encompasses diabetic retinopathy imaging and treatment, macular hole repair techniques, vitrectomy innovations including "dropless" approaches, and the application of artificial intelligence to ophthalmic imaging. He has pioneered research in optical coherence tomography applications, ultrawidefield angiography, and novel surgical techniques for complex retinal conditions. His publication record demonstrates consistent scholarly output with 227 research contributions from 1985 through 2025, showing particularly robust activity in recent years with publications spanning clinical trials, surgical innovations, imaging technology advancements, and case reports of complex ocular conditions. His research shows a clear trajectory toward integrating advanced imaging technologies with artificial intelligence applications for improved diagnosis and treatment of retinal diseases. Dr. Chalam has participated in significant multicenter clinical trials including the DRCR Retina Network studies and the Ischemic Optic Neuropathy Decompression Trial. His work has appeared in high-impact journals including JAMA, Ophthalmology, and JAMA Ophthalmology, reflecting the significance of his contributions to the field. As Program Director for the Retina Fellowship and Director of Medical Student Education in Ophthalmology, he plays a key role in training the next generation of ophthalmologists. His leadership positions indicate recognition of his expertise by the institution across both clinical and academic domains.
Elizabeth Vargis is an Associate Professor in Biological Engineering at Utah State University's College of Engineering. She serves as the faculty advisor for the Society of Women Engineers and maintains an active research laboratory focused on biomedical engineering applications. Her work bridges engineering principles with biological systems to address significant medical challenges. Dr. Vargis received her educational training from prestigious institutions: BS in Bioengineering from UC Berkeley MS in Biomedical Engineering from Vanderbilt University PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Vanderbilt University Postdoctoral training at Oak Ridge National Lab and UT Knoxville Her research spans three primary domains with significant clinical relevance. In biophotonics, she develops Raman spectroscopy applications for disease detection, including work on cervical cancer screening and bacterial identification. Her retinal tissue engineering research focuses on creating in vitro models to understand age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, with particular emphasis on the role of mechanical stress and cell detachment. Additionally, her work on muscular atrophy investigates the effects of microgravity on muscle tissue, with applications for both space travel and terrestrial medical conditions. Her lab employs a combination of experimental techniques and computational modeling to advance these research areas. Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong trend toward increasingly sophisticated in vitro models of retinal diseases, with growing integration of microfluidic technologies and biomimetic materials. Her work has evolved from basic characterization studies to complex disease modeling systems that incorporate mechanical, biochemical, and structural components of retinal pathologies. The interdisciplinary nature of her research is evident in the diverse range of journals where she publishes, spanning biomedical engineering, ophthalmology, and space medicine. Dr. Vargis has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing both her research and mentorship excellence: Outstanding Graduate Mentor of the Year (2018, USU College of Engineering) Outstanding Researcher of the Year (2018, Department of Biological Engineering) Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award (2015, ORAU) Multiple Research Catalyst Awards from Utah State University National Science Foundation recognition and NIH fellowships She has successfully mentored numerous graduate students to completion of their degrees, with many going on to successful careers in industry and academia. Her research has been supported by diverse funding sources including the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, NIH, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, NASA Space Grant Consortium, and private foundations like the BrightFocus Foundation and Knights Templar Eye Foundation. She actively promotes undergraduate research opportunities through USU's URCO program and the College of Engineering's EURP program. The Vargis Lab operates as a dynamic, interdisciplinary research environment with multiple concurrent projects. Current work includes developing microfluidic platforms for retinal disease modeling, creating biomimetic materials using spider and hagfish silk proteins, and investigating the combined effects of microgravity and radiation on biological systems. The lab maintains strong collaborations with researchers in Electrical and Computer Engineering, particularly with Dr. Zhen Zhang on computational modeling of blood vessel growth. Lab meetings are held weekly during academic terms, fostering a collaborative environment where students present their work and receive feedback.
Dr. Angela Shahbazian is an Assistant Clinical Professor at the UC Berkeley School of Optometry, where she teaches courses such as Optometry 200E and 200F, focusing on clinical examination, ophthalmic procedures, and systemic disease management. She completed her OD at UC Berkeley in 2016 and a residency in Primary Care/Community Health at the same institution in 2017. Her clinical expertise includes glaucoma, diabetes-related eye complications, and urgent care, with a special interest in community health equity. She mentors residents in the Primary Care/Community Health Residency program and serves as a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. Education: OD: UC Berkeley School of Optometry, 2016 Residency: Primary Care/Community Health, UC Berkeley, 2017 Her research focuses on systemic diseases' ocular manifestations, vitamin deficiencies, and glaucoma management, with publications in Clinical Insights in Eyecare and presentations at the American Academy of Optometry annual meetings. She has authored invited lectures on optic neuropathies, Parkinson’s-related vision changes, and ocular nutrition, emphasizing evidence-based practices and public health advocacy. Her work bridges clinical care and community outreach, aiming to improve equitable access to eye care. Dr. Shahbazian has delivered over 20 peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed talks, posters, and articles since 2016, covering topics from retinal detachment in genetic syndromes to tattoo-associated uveitis. Her presentations often highlight case studies and innovative diagnostic approaches in optometry. Beyond academia, she enjoys outdoor activities with her family. Awards: Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry Grants/Advising: Mentor for Primary Care/Community Health Residency Program Her involvement in the UC Berkeley Optometry community includes roles in curriculum development, clinical training, and alumni events, reflecting her commitment to advancing optometric education and practice.
Leonard V. Messner serves as Professor of Optometry and Vice President for Strategy & Institutional Advancement at the Illinois College of Optometry (ICO), where he has held faculty and leadership positions since 1985. He also coordinates the Ocular Disease/Neuro-Ophthalmic Disorders Residency program and maintains active clinical research affiliations with the American Academy of Optometry and North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society. His educational background includes: BS from University of Pittsburgh (1979) OD from Pennsylvania College of Optometry (1984) Primary Eye Care Residency at Eye Institute of Pennsylvania College of Optometry (1985) Certificate in Financial Analysis for Nonfinancial Managers, University of Chicago (1998) Certificate in Advanced Leadership Strategies, Harvard School of Public Health (1999) Dr. Messner's research explores neuro-ophthalmic disorders and retinal pathologies with emphasis on concussion-related visual abnormalities, reading eye movements, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, optic neuritis mechanisms, and advanced imaging for diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. His work bridges clinical practice with diagnostic innovation, particularly in neuro-visual assessment and retinal vascular disease . His 13 publications (2003-2013) reveal consistent focus on neuro-ophthalmic diagnostics (46% of works) and retinal imaging (54%), featuring collaborations with multidisciplinary teams. Key trends include development of concussion screening tools like the King-Devick Test and application of ultra-widefield angiography for diabetic macular edema. Major recognitions include: Salus University Presidential Medal of Honor (2019) Newsweek America's Best Eye Doctors (2021) 24 Teacher of the Year awards at ICO American Academy of Optometry Service Appreciation award (twice) Illinois Optometrist of the Year (2013) Dr. Messner serves on the Concussion Research Committee of the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society and advisory board of the Concussion Legacy Foundation, directing research initiatives in sports-related vision disorders. While no dedicated laboratory is specified, his publications indicate active collaboration with retinal specialists and neurologists across multiple institutions.
Tyra Lange serves as a Casual Academic in the College of Science and Engineering and maintains affiliation with the Medical Device Research Institute. Holding a PhD, she conducts interdisciplinary research at the intersection of ophthalmology and biomedical engineering with particular focus on retinal pathology diagnostics. Her research centers on retinal diseases including detachment and vitreous disorders, utilizing Optical Coherence Tomography combined with computational approaches like graph theory and shape analysis . She develops automated diagnostic systems for peripheral retinal pathologies, bridging engineering innovation with clinical ophthalmology needs. Her work demonstrates consistent application of quantitative imaging analysis to solve diagnostic challenges in eye diseases. Analysis of her publication timeline (2020-2023) reveals progressive refinement of OCT-based diagnostic methodologies, with increasing emphasis on peripheral retinal analysis and machine learning applications. Her research consistently addresses the critical clinical need for early detection of retinal detachment precursors through advanced imaging interpretation. As part of the Medical Device Research Institute, Dr. Lange contributes to interdisciplinary teams developing next-generation ophthalmic diagnostic technologies, with current work focusing on translating computational models into clinically viable tools for retinal pathology assessment.
Jeremiah Lim is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Allied Health within the Department of Optometry and Vision Science at The University of Western Australia. He holds a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Melbourne, specializing in Alzheimer’s disease ocular phenotypes, and has additional qualifications in optometry and education. His research focuses on neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s/Parkinson’s), retinal imaging , and biomarkers , with particular emphasis on translating ocular findings to broader neurological insights. Key projects include retinal hyperspectral imaging in disease models and improving eye health literacy in disadvantaged communities. Recent work emphasizes mouse models for studying neurodegeneration, electrophysiology , and gene therapy applications. Lim has authored over 25 peer-reviewed articles, with notable contributions to retinal biomarker development and clinical optometry practices. Awards: Alexander-Guelma Clinical Fellow in Neuroscience (2019), Eberhard Dodt Memorial Award (2016) Grants: Perth Eye Foundation (2024–2027), Diabetes Research Foundation of WA (2024–2025) His interdisciplinary approach bridges optometry, neuroscience, and clinical practice, aiming to advance early disease detection and patient care strategies.
Todd E. Scheetz is a Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Iowa, where he also holds the Roy J. Carver, Jr. Chair in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology. His interdisciplinary work bridges engineering, genetics, and vision science. Education: BS in Electrical Engineering, University of Iowa MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Iowa PhD in Genetics, University of Iowa Dr. Scheetz's research focuses on bioinformatics and computational systems for analyzing genotype-phenotype relationships. His lab uses next-generation sequencing and large-scale image datasets (up to tens of terabytes) to discover novel endophenotypes in ocular diseases. Key areas include drusen phenotypes, optic nerve morphology, gene expression patterns, mutation detection, and regulatory genomics. He applies machine learning and algorithmic analysis to advance precision ophthalmology. His recent publications highlight trends in polygenic risk scoring for glaucoma, machine learning-based prediction of disease onset, CRISPR gene therapy in glaucoma models, and functional genomics of LOXL1 in exfoliation syndrome. These works reflect a strong integration of genetics, computational biology, and clinical ophthalmology. Scientific Awards: The Roy J. Carver, Jr. Chair in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Dr. Scheetz is actively involved in research mentorship and grant-funded projects, though specific students and grants are not listed. He is affiliated with major research institutes including the Institute for Vision Research, Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, and the Iowa Institute of Human Genetics. His work is instrumental in advancing genetic diagnostics and computational tools for eye disease. Research Affiliations: Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center Institute for Vision Research Iowa Institute for Biomedical Imaging Iowa Institute of Human Genetics John and Marcia Carver Nonprofit Genetic Testing Laboratory Genetics Graduate Program Neuroscience Center
Dr. James E. Kempton is an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology & Visual Science at Yale School of Medicine. He serves as Associate Director of the Vitreoretinal Fellowship Program, Director of Eye Care Services at VA Connecticut, and Vice Chair for Veteran Affairs in the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science. Dr. Kempton is double board-certified in Internal Medicine and Ophthalmology, with clinical expertise in vitreoretinal diseases and surgical interventions. Undergraduate: The Ohio State University (with Honors) Medical Degree: Ohio State University (1997) Internship: Combined Internal Medicine/Pediatrics Program, Medical College of Virginia Residencies: Yale University Internal Medicine Primary Care Program, Chief Residency at Hospital of Saint Raphael Fellowship: Yale University Vitreoretinal Fellowship Dr. Kempton specializes in Diabetic Retinopathy Macular Degeneration Retinal Detachments Macular Holes Vitreoretinal Trauma His research focuses on vitreoretinal surgical techniques and systems-based approaches to medical education delivery. Scientific recognition includes the Marvin L. Sears Award for Clinical Excellence . Dr. Kempton holds leadership roles in both Yale's residency training program and the VA Connecticut Eye Care Services.
Sotiris Plainis is a Research Fellow at the Institute of Optics and Vision, University of Crete, and a Visiting Researcher at Aston University (UK). He holds an MSc and PhD in Optometry and has held roles such as Honorary Lecturer at the University of Manchester (2006–2013). His expertise spans Optics, Psychophysics, and Electrophysiology of Vision. He leads clinical and research activities, including specialized electrophysiological exams for retinal and optic nerve disorders. Plainis co-developed the European-wide visual acuity charts (modified ETDRS) to enhance cross-cultural applicability in clinical trials. He is a Fellow of the International Society for Contact Lens Research (ISCLR) and contributes to interdisciplinary postgraduate programs in Optics & Vision and Investigative Ophthalmology. His work also involves evaluating visual performance in athletes with visual impairments and advancing optometry education in Greece and Europe. Education: Graduate Optician (TEI Athens) and Optometrist (UMIST, UK). Active in editorial boards and peer review, with over 55 peer-reviewed publications, books, and chapters. Awards include the Prof. I. Pallikaris Award and the SOI Honorary Award in Ophthalmology (2018). Research focuses on contact lens optics, visual acuity assessment, and electrophysiological diagnostics. He collaborates internationally, presenting at conferences like ARVO and ISCLR, and chairs educational committees in optometry. His lab develops innovative tools for vision testing and contributes to clinical standards in ophthalmology.
Annette Hoskin is an Adjunct Senior Research Fellow at the School of Health and Clinical Sciences, specializing in Optometry and Vision Science at The University of Western Australia. Her research addresses critical issues in ocular health, particularly eye injuries, pediatric vision, and evidence-based ophthalmology practices. Her primary research interests include ophthalmology, eye injury mechanisms, vision science, systematic reviews, pediatric optometry, meta-analytical methods, eye protection strategies, visual acuity assessment, pharmacological agents affecting the eye, and cohort effect studies in vision disorders. She contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals through this work. Recent publications (2025) demonstrate a strong focus on ocular trauma epidemiology, sports-related eye injuries, vitreoretinal pathologies, and advanced analytical methodologies like systematic reviews and finite element modeling. Research themes consistently emphasize clinical applications for injury prevention and treatment optimization.
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