DEPARTMENT OF OPHTHALMOLOGY USC ROSKI EYE INSTITUTE |
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As we share this update, I am inspired by the momentum across the USC Roski Eye Institute and the Department of Ophthalmology. From pioneering retinal implant trials for age-related macular degeneration to advancing AI-powered tools that make glaucoma and pediatric strabismus screening more accessible, our teams are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in vision science and patient care. These efforts, together with our growing portfolio of publications and our outreach to local high school students, reflect our unwavering commitment to preserving sight and training the next generation of leaders in ophthalmology. Thank you for your partnership and interest as we continue working to improve vision health for our patients, our community and beyond.
J. Martin Heur, MD, PhD
Professor and Chair
Grace and Emery Beardsley Professor of Ophthalmology
Co-Director, USC Roski Eye Institute
USC Department of Ophthalmology
Keck Medicine of USC
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In our 2025 Annual Report, we highlight how we advanced patient care, research and education over the past year. From innovative clinical programs to groundbreaking discoveries, see how we are shaping the future of vision health.
Read the 2025 Annual Report.
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USC Roski Eye Institute researchers have launched a phase 2b clinical trial to test whether a stem cell-derived retinal implant can restore vision in patients with advanced dry age-related macular degeneration.
Learn more about the clinical trial.
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The event brought together faculty, alumni and guests on June 13, 2026, to celebrate a 50-year anniversary and explore the future of care, research and education in ophthalmology.
Learn more about the symposium.
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Senior Resident Research Presentations |
At the USC Ophthalmology Grand Rounds on June 12, 2026, six senior residents presented their research. Kendra Hong, MD (pictured), Andrew Duong, MD, and Kimberley Yu, MD, discussed new ways to predict, detect and classify glaucoma. Victoria Wang, MD, compared outcomes among minimally invasive glaucoma surgery approaches. Samantha Madala, MD, shared how retinal lesions may serve as biomarkers of cardiovascular disease. Joseph Tran, MD, evaluated treatment strategies for ocular toxoplasmosis, a parasitic infection that can cause inflammation and vision loss. As Sun Young Lee, MD, PhD, associate professor of ophthalmology and physiology and neuroscience, noted, “Research teaches us not only how to answer the question, but also how to adapt to change.”
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Resident and Fellow Graduation
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On June 19, 2026, the USC Roski Eye Institute celebrated the graduation of seven residents and fellows. Following graduation, Andrew Duong, MD, Samantha Madala, MD, and Charlene Tran, MD, will enter private practice in comprehensive ophthalmology. Four graduates matched into fellowship programs: Kendra Hong, MD (glaucoma, University of California, San Diego); Joseph Tran, MD (retina, USC); Victoria Wang, MD (cornea, University of Colorado); and Kimberley Yu, MD (glaucoma, Mass Eye and Ear).
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Researchers from USC and the California Institute of Technology aim to develop a tiny sensor and drug delivery system, implanted near the eye, with dry eye disease as its first target.
Learn more about the USC-led research
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USC medical student Ryan Shean is advancing glaucoma diagnosis research by exploring how artificial intelligence can help ophthalmologists deliver more consistent, patient-centered eye care.
Read more about Ryan Shean’s research
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USC ophthalmology resident Rahul Dhodapkar is combining medicine and software engineering to develop StrabScan, an AI-powered smartphone-based tool that makes pediatric strabismus screening more accessible.
Learn more about the smartphone tool
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Assistant professor of clinical ophthalmology Kyle Bolo, MD, is advancing research to improve early glaucoma screening, with the goal of detecting disease sooner and helping prevent vision loss.
Read more about Kyle Bolo’s research
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A New Era For Blindness Treatment is Within Sight
Sun Young Lee, MD, PhD, retinal surgeon with Keck Medicine and associate professor of ophthalmology and physiology and neuroscience with the Keck School of Medicine, discusses emerging retinal implant and cell-based therapies to help restore vision.
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A tiny patch to boost vision in patients with dry AMD
A clinical trial led by Sun Young Lee, MD, PhD, retinal surgeon with Keck Medicine and associate professor of ophthalmology and physiology and neuroscience with the Keck School, and Rodrigo Antonio Brant Fernandes, MD, PhD, ophthalmologist with Keck Medicine and associate professor of clinical ophthalmology with the Keck School, is highlighted. The study examines whether bioengineered stem cells designed to replace retinal cells damaged by macular degeneration could help restore eyesight.
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Since January 1, 2026, our faculty have published 149 papers. Eligible publications included those that were e-published in January-June 2026.
See all recent publications.
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