Current Research in Cornea, Cataract and External Disease

Areas of Research

Contact LensesDr. Divya Srikumaran is researching the burden of contact lenses fittings for patients with keratoconus and similar ocular diseases.

Corneal Collagen Cross-linkingDr. Uri Soiberman is exploring the outcomes of this minimally-invasive therapy that aims to slow down or stop the progression of  the corneal deformation due to keratoconus. Learn more about corneal collagen cross-linking.

Corneal InfectionsDr. Nakul Shekhawat is using cutting-edge imaging technology to study how corneal infections cause blindness, and whether new treatments can halt these diseases.

Corneal TransplantationDr. Esen Akpek is exploring alternative solutions to address the lack of access to corneal transplantation worldwide. Her laboratory research is centered on investigating the clinical and histopathological results of a novel artificial corneal device in rabbits. The aim is to produce a fully synthetic cornea to eliminate the need for human corneal donor tissue altogether. Learn more about corneal transplant research.

Ebola Eye DiseaseDr. Allen Eghrari is conducting research into Ebola eye disease and how to treat it.

Fuchs DystrophyDr. Albert Jun is exploring the cellular causes and non-surgical treatments for Fuchs corneal dystrophy. Dr. Allen Eghrari is researching the epidemiology of Fuchs dystrophy and novel approaches to its treatment.

Global EyebankingDr. Shameema Sikder is working to establish an eye bank in Bangladesh. Learn more about her research.

Keratoconus - The causes of keratoconus and underlying pathogenic changes are poorly understood. The keratoconus research team, comprised of some of the most accomplished experts in research and clinical care, are trying to change that. Learn more about keratoconus research.

Lasers in Eye SurgeryDr. Yassine Daoud is exploring outcomes and additional uses of lasers in ocular surgery.

Ocular Surface and Dry Eye Disease - Dr. Esen Akpek is studying the systemic manifestations and treatment of ocular surface disease and dry eye. Learn more about current ocular surface disease and dry eye research.

Surgical Assessment and EducationDr. Shameema Sikder is exploring the use of technology to improve surgical assessment and education, beginning with applications in cataract surgery and partial-thickness cornea transplant procedures (DMEK).

Tissue EngineeringDr. Oliver Schein is developing cornea replacement tissue and related ocular materials through materials science and engineering approaches, such as leveraging stem cells, biomaterials and tissue-derived scaffolds to regenerate corneal endothelium. 

Technology and OphthalmologyDr. Allen Eghrari is focusing on the development of portable eye exams and validation of  mobile technology resources.

Cornea and Anterior Segment Research Faculty

Esen Akpek, M.D.

Bendann Family Professor of Ophthalmology
Director, Ocular Surface Disease and Dry Eye Clinic

Esen Akpek
Yassine Daoud, M.D.

Associate Professor of Ophthalmology
Chair of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center 

Yassine Daoud
Allen Omid Eghrari, M.D., M.P.H.

Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology

Allen Eghrari
Carlo Iomini, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology
Assistant Professor of Cell Biology

Carlo Iomini
Albert Jun, M.D., Ph.D.

Professor of Ophthalmology
Walter J. Stark Chair in Ophthalmology
Chief, Division of Cornea, Cataract and External Eye Diseases

Albert Jun
Irene C Kuo, M.D.

Associate Professor of Ophthalmology

Irene C Kuo, M.D.
Oliver Schein, M.D., Ph.D.

Burton and Miriam Grossman Professor of Ophthalmology
Vice Chair for Quality and Safety, Wilmer Eye Institute

Oliver Schein
Nakul Singh Shekhawat, M.D., M.P.H.

Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology

Nakul Singh Shekhawat, M.D., M.P.H.
Shameema Sikder, M.D.

Associate Professor of Ophthalmology
L. Douglas Lee and Barbara Levinson-Lee Professor of Ophthalmology
Director, Center of Excellence for Ophthalmic Surgical Education and Training

Shameema Sikder
Uri Soiberman, M.D.,

Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology

Uri Soinerman
Divya, Srikumaran, M.D.

Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology
Chief, Wilmer Eye Institute - Odenton

Divya Srikumaran
Samuel Yiu, M.D., M.S., Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Ophthalmology

Samuel Yiu