Yale Ophthalmology

Yale Ophthalmology A premier academic institution for patient-centered care with a focus on excellence, compassion, respect, research, education and innovation.

🎓 Meet Us Monday | Beyond the Match: Getting to Know Our Ophthalmology Residents - Class of 2030We’re pleased to introdu...
02/23/2026

🎓 Meet Us Monday | Beyond the Match: Getting to Know Our Ophthalmology Residents - Class of 2030

We’re pleased to introduce Maximilian Kong, MD, a member of our incoming Ophthalmology Residency Class of 2030.

Born and raised in New York City, Dr. Kong earned his undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences at Cornell University and is currently completing medical school at SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University. He developed an early interest in ophthalmology after working with the department as a first-year medical student.

Between his third and fourth years of medical school, Dr. Kong completed a dedicated research year with Dr. Stephen H. Tsang at Columbia, where he focused on inherited retinal disease. His experiences have shaped a strong interest in both clinical and research-driven ophthalmology.

Outside of medicine, he enjoys cooking, weight training, and finding budget-friendly restaurants. He is grateful for the opportunity to train at Yale and looks forward to joining the program later this year. 👁️✨

We’re proud to share a new Yale Ophthalmology publication in Ophthalmology Science advancing how artificial intelligence...
02/19/2026

We’re proud to share a new Yale Ophthalmology publication in Ophthalmology Science advancing how artificial intelligence is evaluated in eye care. 🧠📊

“BEnchmarking Large Language Models for Ophthalmology (BELO)” introduces an expert-curated benchmark to rigorously assess the knowledge and clinical reasoning capabilities of large language models in ophthalmology. This work represents an important step toward thoughtful, responsible integration of AI in research, education, and patient care.

Congratulations to co-authors Dr. Lucian Del Priore, Dr. Kristen Nwanyanwu, and Dr. Amisha Dave on this impactful contribution to the field.

🔗 Read the full article:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666914525003483?via%3Dihub

🎉 AnnouncementPlease join us in congratulating Dr. Eric Lai on his appointment as Chief Resident for FY27 at Yale Ophtha...
02/19/2026

🎉 Announcement

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Eric Lai on his appointment as Chief Resident for FY27 at Yale Ophthalmology & Visual Science.

Dr. Lai has distinguished himself through clinical excellence and dedication to education. We look forward to the contributions he will make in this important role.

Congratulations, Dr. Lai! 👏

We are proud to share an exceptional professional milestone for Brian P. Hafler, Associate Professor of Ophthalmology an...
02/18/2026

We are proud to share an exceptional professional milestone for Brian P. Hafler, Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Science. 👏

Dr. Hafler has been recommended for election to the American Society for Clinical Investigation (ASCI) for 2026 following a highly competitive national review process. Out of 262 nominations, no more than 100 candidates may be advanced—an honor reflecting national distinction in physician-scientist achievement. 🏅

He will be formally inducted at the 2026 Joint Meeting this April. 🎓

Additional recent honors include:
✨ The Mills and Margaret Cox Research Grant from the Macula Society (one awarded annually)
💡 A $1.25M research grant from Sanofi supporting his work in age-related macular degeneration

This recognition underscores his national impact in clinical investigation and biomedical research. Please join us in congratulating Dr. Hafler on this remarkable accomplishment. 🎉

🌟 From Private Practice to Academic & Global Impact 🌍We’re honored to highlight the remarkable journey of Dr. Paul C. Ka...
02/18/2026

🌟 From Private Practice to Academic & Global Impact 🌍

We’re honored to highlight the remarkable journey of Dr. Paul C. Kang, whose career truly reflects a commitment to excellence, mentorship, and service. His story — featured on NexBioHealth — underscores how foundational experiences and strategic career pivots can shape a legacy of impact.

After years building a successful ophthalmology practice where he led with innovation and patient-centered care, Dr. Kang transitioned into academic medicine — joining the Yale School of Medicine’s Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science as an Assistant Professor. His role at Yale not only brings his clinical expertise into the classroom and clinic but also expands Yale’s mission of training the next generation of clinicians and innovators.

His journey from private practice to Yale faculty exemplifies the value of lifelong learning, strategic career evolution, and applying real-world insights to academic leadership. Dr. Kang’s path demonstrates how professional rigor, grounded in purpose, ultimately elevates both practice and pedagogy.

👉 Read more about his journey here: https://nexbiohealth.org/paul-c-kang/

✈️📍 Recently, members of our Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science traveled to San Diego, CA to attend the Associ...
02/17/2026

✈️📍 Recently, members of our Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science traveled to San Diego, CA to attend the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology (AUPO) Annual Meeting—an important forum for collaboration, leadership development, and academic exchange.

👨‍⚕️👩‍⚕️ Physician attendees included Dr. Lucian Del Priore, Dr. Ji Liu, Dr. Jessica Chow, and Dr. Ninani Kombo.

👥 They were joined by Deb Kieslich (Associate Director), Stacy Giangrande (Clinical Coordinator), and Brittany Mappa (Education Coordinator), who represented our departmental leadership and staff.

Engagement at AUPO strengthens our collective commitment to excellence in ophthalmology education, research, and patient care.

Last week, our Yale Ophthalmology & Visual Science administrative team took time to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a lit...
02/17/2026

Last week, our Yale Ophthalmology & Visual Science administrative team took time to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a little extra Bulldog spirit 🐾❤️

We were thrilled to welcome Yale’s very own Handsome Dan for a special visit that brought plenty of smiles to the office. Between festive pink and red attire, sweet treats, and time together as a team, it was a wonderful opportunity to pause and appreciate the people who keep our department running seamlessly each day.

A strong department starts with a strong team — and we are grateful for ours.

🎓 Meet Us Monday | Beyond the Match: Getting to Know Our Ophthalmology Residents - Class of 2030We’re pleased to introdu...
02/16/2026

🎓 Meet Us Monday | Beyond the Match: Getting to Know Our Ophthalmology Residents - Class of 2030

We’re pleased to introduce Addy Hundito, MD, a member of our incoming Ophthalmology Residency Class of 2030.

Born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and raised just outside of Washington, DC, Dr. Hundito attended the University of Maryland, where she studied biology. She went on to Yale School of Medicine, where she developed a strong interest in ophthalmology, with a particular focus on glaucoma and minimally invasive glaucoma surgery.

Her academic interests also include quality improvement in ophthalmic surgery and global ophthalmology, with an emphasis on expanding access to care. Dr. Hundito values teaching and plans to pursue a future career as an academic ophthalmologist.

Outside of medicine, she enjoys baking, weightlifting, and writing. She is excited to continue her training at Yale and to remain part of the New Haven community. 👁️✨

📺 Community Education in ActionWe’re proud to share that Vicente Diaz, MD, MBA, Associate Professor in the Department of...
02/12/2026

📺 Community Education in Action

We’re proud to share that Vicente Diaz, MD, MBA, Associate Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, was recently featured on WTNH News 8 discussing what to know about dry eye disease.

During the segment, Dr. Diaz highlighted common symptoms, risk factors, and when patients should seek care—reinforcing our department’s commitment to advancing patient education and accessible eye health expertise in our community.

🎥 Watch the full segment here: https://www.wtnh.com/news/health/what-to-know-about-dry-eye-diseases/

🚨 New Research Insight from Yale Ophthalmology & Visual ScienceGroundbreaking findings from our team reveal that genetic...
02/10/2026

🚨 New Research Insight from Yale Ophthalmology & Visual Science

Groundbreaking findings from our team reveal that genetic markers in uveal melanoma — a rare eye cancer — may predetermine its metastatic spread to the liver. This research, led by Dr. Mathieu Bakhoum, MD, PhD, demonstrates that specific tumor genetics influence metastatic organ preference even before cancer spreads, offering a potential paradigm shift in how we monitor and treat this aggressive disease.

🔬 Key Takeaways:
• Genetic signatures within primary tumors may signal likelihood of liver metastasis.
• These insights could enhance personalized surveillance strategies and improve clinical trial stratification.
• Dr. Bakhoum’s work advances precision oncology and deepens our understanding of cancer organotropism.

📖 Learn more about this pivotal research:
🔗 https://medicine.yale.edu/news-article/eye-cancer-genes-predetermine-its-spread-to-the-liver/

🎓 Meet Us Monday | Beyond the Match: Getting to Know Our Ophthalmology Residents - Class of 2030We’re pleased to introdu...
02/09/2026

🎓 Meet Us Monday | Beyond the Match: Getting to Know Our Ophthalmology Residents - Class of 2030

We’re pleased to introduce Leena Surapaneni, MD, a member of our incoming Ophthalmology Residency Class of 2030.

Born and raised in Anaheim, California, Dr. Surapaneni attended Brown University, where she studied Biology and Contemplative Studies—building a foundation centered on purpose, perspective, and human experience. She went on to Yale School of Medicine, where she discovered ophthalmology’s unique ability to restore and preserve quality of life.

Driven by a passion for advancing healthcare access and delivery at the systems level, Dr. Surapaneni pursued a dual-degree MD–MBA at Yale. Her research interests integrate clinical ophthalmology, health systems analysis, and translational science to improve access, efficiency, and outcomes in chronic eye disease.

Outside of medicine, she enjoys traveling, cooking, and going to the movies. We are excited to welcome Dr. Surapaneni as she continues her training at Yale. 👁️✨

❤️ National Wear Red Day | Women’s Heart Health ❤️Today, the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science proudly suppor...
02/06/2026

❤️ National Wear Red Day | Women’s Heart Health ❤️

Today, the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science proudly supports National Wear Red Day to raise awareness for women’s heart health.

Heart health and eye health are closely connected. Conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and vascular disease can impact vision, making prevention, early detection, and ongoing care essential.

We’re wearing red today to show our support for women’s heart health and the importance of whole-person care—because protecting the heart also helps protect sight.

❤️👁️

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40 Temple Street
New Haven, CT
06520

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Website

https://medicine.yale.edu/eyes/giving/, https://www.yalemedicine.org/departments/ophtha

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Mission Statement

The Yale Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science is a premier academic institution for patient-centered care with a focus on excellence, compassion, respect, and innovation. We have a strong history of translational research leading to ground breaking clinical therapy. Our diverse faculty are world-class clinicians and scientists dedicated to training future thought leaders in Ophthalmology and Visual Science.