Paul J Bryar

Paul J Bryar, MD is Professor of Ophthalmology and Pathology at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, serving as Vice Chair of Clinical Operations in the Department of Ophthalmology. Board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, he specializes in ophthalmic pathology, ocular oncology, and refractive surgery with clinical practice at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

Education:

• BA: Georgetown University (1989)
• MD: University of Illinois, Chicago (1994)
• Intern: Northwestern University, McGaw Medical Center, Internal Medicine (1995)
• Resident: Northwestern University, McGaw Medical Center (Northwestern Memorial Hospital), Ophthalmology (1998)
• Fellow: Univ. of Wisconsin Hospital, Ophthalmic Pathology (1999)

Dr. Bryar's research centers on ophthalmic pathology and ocular oncology, with significant contributions to understanding social determinants affecting diabetic eye-care quality. His work reveals disparities where rural, Hispanic, and Black patients with diabetic retinopathy receive fewer annual eye exams than white patients. He also investigates new treatment targets for retinoblastoma—the most common pediatric eye cancer often diagnosed before age two—with high mortality rates in developing nations.

Scientific Awards:

• Gold Humanism Honors Society - Faculty Inductee (2025)
• Lorenz Zimmerman Lecturer, American Academy of Ophthalmology/American Association of Ophthalmic Oncologists and Pathologists (2024)

As clinical trials leader for the Eye Donor Program (IRB STU00017021), Dr. Bryar directs research recruitment while holding influential leadership roles including Co-chair of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (2007–present) and President of the American Association of Ophthalmic Oncologists and Pathologists (2007–present). His professional service extends to the American Academy of Ophthalmology Leadership Development Program and multiple society executive committees.

Dr. Bryar oversees clinical operations for the Department of Ophthalmology at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and contributes to the Northwestern University Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (NUCATS), integrating translational research with clinical practice in ocular oncology and pathology.