Joseph Demer

Dr. Joseph L. Demer is a distinguished Professor of Neurology and Ophthalmology at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Stein Eye Institute. As Chief of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus and Director of the Ocular Motility Laboratory, he specializes in strabismus surgery, orbital biomechanics, and neuro-ophthalmology. His research focuses on extraocular muscle dynamics, connective tissue roles in ocular alignment, and optic nerve pathology in glaucoma.

• Awards:
  • Lifetime Achievement Award, American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (2018)
  • Senior Achievement Award, American Academy of Ophthalmology (2017)
  • Friedenwald Award, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (2003)
• Research Trends:
  • Recent studies analyze ocular biomechanics (2024-2025), including viscoelastic orbital tissue properties, optic nerve traction in glaucoma, and finite element modeling of eye movements.
  • Clinical investigations cover strabismus in elderly patients, thyroid eye disease treatment with Teprotumumab, and genetic-ophthalmic correlations in congenital disorders.
• Leadership:
  • Member, Brain Research Institute
  • Director, Ocular Motility Laboratory