Kakarla V. Chalam, MD, PhD, MBA, FACS is a Professor of Ophthalmology at Loma Linda University School of Medicine, holding multiple leadership positions including Vice Chair of Academic Affairs, Director of Medical Student Education in Ophthalmology, Director of the Retina Program, and Program Director of the Retina Fellowship. His academic appointments also span the Regenerative Medicine Division in Medicine and the Pharmacology Division in Basic Sciences, demonstrating his interdisciplinary expertise. Dr. Chalam earned his Master of Business Administration from Webster University in 1999, complementing his medical and scientific training. His educational background supports his leadership roles in academic medicine and program administration. Dr. Chalam's research focuses on ophthalmology with particular emphasis on retinal diseases, diabetic retinopathy, vitreoretinal surgery, and advanced imaging techniques. His work bridges clinical practice with technological innovation, as evidenced by his recent publications on AI applications in ophthalmic imaging and novel surgical techniques for macular disorders. He has made significant contributions to the understanding and treatment of diabetic retinopathy, macular holes, and other retinal conditions, with numerous publications in high-impact ophthalmology journals. An analysis of his recent publications (2022-2025) reveals a strong focus on practical surgical innovations (particularly "dropless vitrectomy" techniques), advanced imaging methodologies for retinal diseases, and the application of artificial intelligence to ophthalmic diagnostics. His work often addresses clinical challenges in diabetic retinopathy management and macular disorders, with an emphasis on improving surgical outcomes and diagnostic precision. As Program Director of the Retina Fellowship, Dr. Chalam plays a critical role in training the next generation of vitreoretinal specialists. His leadership extends to directing medical student education in ophthalmology, shaping curricula and clinical experiences for future physicians. Dr. Chalam's laboratory and clinical work appears to center around retinal imaging, surgical innovation, and diabetic eye disease research. His recent publications involving OCT angiography, ultrawidefield imaging, and novel surgical techniques suggest an active research program focused on improving diagnostic capabilities and treatment outcomes for retinal conditions.







