Kakarla Chalam

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.