Current Research in Cornea, Cataract and External Disease
Areas of Research
Contact Lenses - Dr. Divya Srikumaran is researching the burden of contact lenses fittings for patients with keratoconus and similar ocular diseases.
Corneal Collagen Cross-linking - Dr. 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 Infections - Dr. Nakul Shekhawat is using cutting-edge imaging technology to study how corneal infections cause blindness, and whether new treatments can halt these diseases.
Corneal Transplantation - Dr. 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 Disease - Dr. Allen Eghrari is conducting research into Ebola eye disease and how to treat it.
Fuchs Dystrophy - Dr. 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 Eyebanking - Dr. 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 Surgery - Dr. 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 Education - Dr. 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 Engineering - Dr. 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 Ophthalmology - Dr. Allen Eghrari is focusing on the development of portable eye exams and validation of mobile technology resources.
Esen Akpek, M.D.
Bendann Family Professor of Ophthalmology
Director, Ocular Surface Disease and Dry Eye Clinic

Yassine Daoud, M.D.
Associate Professor of Ophthalmology
Chair of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center

Allen Omid Eghrari, M.D., M.P.H.
Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology

James Foster, Ph.D.
Research Associate

Carlo Iomini, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology
Assistant Professor of Cell Biology

Albert Jun, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Ophthalmology
Walter J. Stark Chair in Ophthalmology
Chief, Division of Cornea, Cataract and External Eye Diseases

Irene C Kuo, M.D.
Associate Professor of Ophthalmology

Oliver Schein, M.D., Ph.D.
Burton and Miriam Grossman Professor of Ophthalmology
Vice Chair for Quality and Safety, Wilmer Eye Institute

Nakul Singh Shekhawat, M.D., M.P.H.
Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology

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

Uri Soiberman, M.D.,
Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology

Divya, Srikumaran, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology
Chief, Wilmer Eye Institute - Odenton

Samuel Yiu, M.D., M.S., Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Ophthalmology
