Armin Afshar

Dr. Armin Afshar is a vitreoretinal surgeon and ocular oncologist at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), holding the academic rank of Associate Professor of Ophthalmology. He serves as the Director of the Ocular Oncology Service at UCSF and the Director of Tele-Ophthalmology for the San Francisco Department of Public Health, blending clinical expertise with research, teaching, and administrative leadership.

• Education: BS in Biological Sciences (University of Illinois, 2003), MD (University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago, 2003), MBA (University of Chicago Booth School of Business, 2011), MAS in Clinical Research (UCSF, 2018)

Dr. Afshar’s research focuses on ocular oncology, particularly uveal melanoma and retinoblastoma, with expertise in proton beam radiotherapy, plaque brachytherapy, and next-generation sequencing for tumor diagnostics. His clinical work spans retinal diseases, vitreoretinal surgery, and ocular surface tumors, contributing to global initiatives in telemedicine screening for diabetic retinopathy.

His recent publications highlight advancements in uveal melanoma genomics, ocular metastasis pathology, and telemedicine innovations, reflecting collaborations across institutions and disciplines including epidemiology, radiation oncology, and molecular diagnostics.

• Scientific Awards:
  • International Society of Ocular Oncology Biennial Meeting - 1st place poster prize (2015)
  • William F. Hoyt, MD Award for resident teaching (2014)
  • Harvey Z. Klein, MD Award for patient care (2012)
  • Illinois Ophthalmology Association Advocacy Award (2012)
  • Bamberger Scholarship (2004)
• Grants:
  • National Eye Institute (NIH)
  • Research to Prevent Blindness
  • That Man May See
  • Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness ($5,000 research grant, 2010)