Jesse Lee Berry

Jesse L. Berry, MD serves as Professor of Ophthalmology at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California and holds leadership positions as Director of Ocular Oncology and Chief of Ophthalmology at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA). Her tripartite appointment spans Ophthalmology, Dermatology, and Radiation Oncology, underscoring her interdisciplinary expertise in ocular cancers.

Berry earned her undergraduate and medical degrees from Harvard University, followed by ophthalmology residency and fellowship training at CHLA/USC under Dr. A. Linn Murphree. Her academic lineage continues through her current mentorship of trainees and leadership in professional societies.

Berry's research revolutionizes ocular oncology through liquid biopsy development, particularly aqueous humor analysis for retinoblastoma and uveal melanoma. Her work establishes molecular diagnostic frameworks that replace invasive tumor biopsies, with significant contributions to understanding tumor genomics, metastatic pathways, and treatment response biomarkers. Current research focuses on global implementation of liquid biopsy protocols and addressing healthcare disparities in retinoblastoma outcomes.

Her 15 most recent publications demonstrate consistent focus on liquid biopsy validation, global health applications, and gender equity in ophthalmology. Key trends include international multicenter studies involving 121 countries, refinement of high-risk feature prediction models, and development of standardized diagnostic criteria for aqueous humor analysis.

• University of Southern California Excellence in Resident Teaching Award (2013-2014)
• Society of Heed Fellows (2013)
• Starr Schulman Fellowship (2012)
• Department of Health Services Innovation Grant (2012)
• Doheny Eye Institute Medical Knowledge Award (2011)

Berry advises the National Cancer Institute-funded research program pioneering liquid biopsy applications. As President of the International Society of Ocular Oncology (2024-2026) and founder of Women in Ocular Oncology, she shapes global research priorities and mentorship frameworks. Her leadership extends to the Children’s Oncology Group Rare Tumors Committee, driving collaborative research initiatives.

Berry directs the Ocular Oncology Service at CHLA/USC, which maintains active international collaborations through the International Retinoblastoma Consortium. Her laboratory develops aqueous humor analysis protocols now implemented in 23 countries, with ongoing work focused on single-vesicle extracellular analysis and real-time treatment monitoring systems.