A Visionary Step Forward: UC San Diego Opens Viterbi Family Vision Research Center
A Visionary Step Forward: UC San Diego Opens Viterbi Family Vision Research Center
UC San Diego Opens Revolutionary $50 Million Vision Research Center Dedicated to Curing Blindness
Major facility expansion promises breakthrough treatments for glaucoma, macular degeneration, and other blinding diseases
La Jolla, California – The University of California San Diego celebrated a transformative milestone in vision research on June 11, 2025, with the grand opening of the Viterbi Family Vision Research Center at the Shiley Eye Institute. The five-story, 100,000-square-foot facility represents one of the most significant investments in ophthalmologic research on the West Coast and establishes UC San Diego as a global leader in the quest to cure blindness.
A Legacy of Vision
The state-of-the-art research center was made possible through a historic $50 million donation in 2018 from communications pioneer Andrew J. Viterbi, Ph.D., co-founder of Qualcomm. The gift, the largest ever received by UC San Diego's Department of Ophthalmology, was inspired by Viterbi's father, Achille Viterbi, a celebrated ophthalmologist who fled fascist Italy in 1939 due to antisemitic persecution.
"My purpose in making this gift was to honor my father, who was an ophthalmologist who had to immigrate to the U.S. from Bergamo, Italy, due to antisemitism under Mussolini two years before World War II began," said Andrew Viterbi at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. "I thought that naming a department and research center was a fitting way to do that."
The donation established not only the research center but also renamed the department as the Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology—the first named Health Sciences department at UC San Diego—and created six endowed faculty chairs to attract world-class researchers.
Cutting-Edge Research and Treatment
Designed by renowned architecture firm NBBJ, the new facility features a striking glass façade inspired by the interplay of the eye and light. The building houses sophisticated wet and dry laboratories, clinical trial spaces, and educational facilities specifically designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
The center will focus on revolutionary research areas including:
- Gene and stem cell therapies for inherited retinal diseases
- Precision ophthalmology using advanced genetic analysis
- Clinical trials for breakthrough treatments
- Artificial intelligence applications in eye disease diagnosis
- Regenerative medicine for optic nerve and retinal restoration
Dr. Robert N. Weinreb, chairman and Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology and director of the Shiley Eye Institute, emphasized the facility's ambitious goals. "In this new building, there will be clinical trials for precision ophthalmology, gene therapy trials, stem cell therapy trials and more," said Weinreb, who holds the Morris Gleich, MD, Chair in Glaucoma. "Our dream is the realization of the impossible. We are going to cure blinding eye diseases."
Specialized Research Centers
Gleiberman Center for Glaucoma Research
The new facility houses the Hanna and Mark Gleiberman Center for Glaucoma Research, established through a $20 million gift in 2022. Mark Gleiberman, himself a glaucoma patient, understands the urgency of this research. The center addresses a disease affecting more than 4 million Americans and an estimated 80 million people worldwide.
"We had no doubt about providing funding to the Shiley Eye Institute—it is home to some of the world's best physician-scientists in the country, including Dr. Weinreb," said Mark Gleiberman.
Macular Dystrophy Research
Research on macular dystrophy, a retinal condition that can cause vision loss and currently has no cure, is being conducted with support from the Nixon Visions Foundation, led by UC San Diego alumnus Brandon Nixon and his wife, Janine.
World-Class Medical Services
The Shiley Eye Institute, in conjunction with the new research center, offers comprehensive eye care services across multiple specialties:
Clinical Specialties Available:
- Comprehensive Ophthalmology - Complete eye examinations and general eye care
- Cornea & Cataracts - Advanced surgical treatments including premium lens implants
- Glaucoma Services - Comprehensive diagnostic and treatment options through the Hamilton Glaucoma Center
- Retina & Vitreous - Treatment of retinal disorders through the Jacobs Retina Center
- Pediatric Ophthalmology - Specialized care for children at the Ratner Children's Eye Center
- Neuro-Ophthalmology - Treatment of vision problems related to the nervous system
- Ophthalmic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery - Cosmetic and reconstructive procedures
- Refractive Surgery/LASIK - Vision correction procedures
- Ocular Oncology - Treatment of eye cancers
- Uveitis - Treatment of inflammatory eye conditions
- Dry Eye Clinic - Specialized treatment for dry eye syndrome
- Thyroid Eye Clinic - Management of thyroid-related eye problems
- Optometry & Low Vision - Comprehensive eye exams and low vision rehabilitation
Advanced Facilities:
- Four state-of-the-art outpatient operating rooms
- Comprehensive diagnostic imaging capabilities
- Clinical trial facilities for experimental treatments
- On-site optical shop for eyeglasses and contact lenses
Distinguished Faculty and Practitioners
The Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology boasts an internationally recognized faculty, many holding endowed chairs funded by Andrew Viterbi's donation. Key leaders include:
- Dr. Robert N. Weinreb - One of the world's preeminent glaucoma specialists and holder of the Morris Gleich, MD, Chair in Glaucoma
- Dr. Radha Ayyagari - Viterbi Family Chair holder focusing on genetic ophthalmology
- Dr. Eric Nudleman - Viterbi Family Chair holder specializing in retinal diseases
- Dr. Alex Huang - Viterbi Family Chair holder in ophthalmology research
- Dr. Natalie Afshari - Cornea and refractive surgery specialist
- Dr. David Granet - Pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus expert
The institute's reputation for excellence was recognized in 2016 when the Journal of Clinical Ophthalmology ranked UC San Diego second in the nation for eye-related research.
How to Access Services
Scheduling Appointments:
Patients can access the full range of services at the Shiley Eye Institute by calling the main scheduling line at (858) 534-6290. All appointments are prioritized based on medical need.
Location and Access:
The Shiley Eye Institute is located at 9415 Campus Point Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037, on UC San Diego Health's La Jolla campus. The facility is accessible via:
- Public Transportation: MTS Blue Line Trolley to UC San Diego Health La Jolla stop
- Campus Shuttle: Weekday shuttle service connecting the trolley station to the medical center
- Parking: Athena Parking Structure with patient/visitor spaces on floors 1-3
- Valet Service: Available at Jacobs Medical Center main entrance
Operating Hours:
- Monday-Friday: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
For ophthalmic emergencies after hours and on weekends, patients should call the UCSD page operator and ask for the ophthalmologist on call.
Insurance and Preparation:
UC San Diego Health accepts most major health insurance plans. Patients should bring:
- Current medication list with dosages
- Previous medical and ophthalmic records
- Insurance information and Medicare card (if applicable)
- Referral doctor's contact information (if applicable)
- Copies of any recent imaging studies (CT, MRI)
Community Impact and Outreach
The Shiley Eye Institute serves not only local patients but also maintains a global reputation. The facility handled 156,671 patient visits and performed 7,555 surgeries in the past year alone. The institute operates the UCSD Shiley EyeMobile for Children, providing eye care services to underserved young patients and their families throughout the region.
Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla emphasized the broader impact of the new facility: "Today, as we unveil the Viterbi Family Vision Research Center, we celebrate more than just the opening of a new building. We celebrate the expansion of UC San Diego's world-class vision care program. Here, we are building more than facilities—we are building a health system that stands among the best in the nation."
Looking Forward
The opening of the Viterbi Family Vision Research Center positions UC San Diego at the forefront of a new era in ophthalmology. With cutting-edge research capabilities, world-class clinical care, and a commitment to training the next generation of vision scientists, the facility promises to accelerate the development of treatments and cures for blinding eye diseases.
As Dr. Weinreb noted, "These facilities will enable our faculty to work collaboratively in modern research labs with a clinical trial suite to bring discoveries from the lab to our patients. This new center will allow us to expand interdisciplinary collaborations across campus, throughout the San Diego community, and worldwide, and accelerate the pace of discovery and innovation of our vision research, with our continued focus on preventing vision loss, restoring vision and, most importantly, curing blindness."
The investment represents more than just infrastructure—it embodies a vision of a future where blindness may become a condition of the past, honoring both Andrew Viterbi's father and the millions of people worldwide who continue to struggle with vision loss.
Sources
- UC San Diego News. (2025, June 17). "A Visionary Step Forward: UC San Diego Opens Viterbi Family Vision Research Center." today.ucsd.edu. https://today.ucsd.edu/story/uc-san-diego-opens-viterbi-family-vision-research-center
- UC San Diego Shiley Eye Institute. (2025). "About Us - Viterbi Family Vision Research Center." shileyeye.ucsd.edu. https://shileyeye.ucsd.edu/about-us/viterbi-family-vision-research-center
- UC San Diego Health. (2025). "Shiley Eye Institute." health.ucsd.edu. https://health.ucsd.edu/care/eye-care/
- UC San Diego News. (2018, August 23). "Communications Pioneer Andrew J. Viterbi Gives UC San Diego $50 Million to Support Ophthalmology." today.ucsd.edu. https://today.ucsd.edu/story/communications_pioneer_andrew_j._viterbi_gives_uc_san_diego_50_million_to_support_ophthalmology
- UC San Diego Shiley Eye Institute. (2018). "Communications Pioneer Andrew Viterbi Gives UC San Diego $50 Million to Support Department of Ophthalmology." shileyeye.ucsd.edu. https://shileyeye.ucsd.edu/news-events/165
- UC San Diego News. "UC San Diego Breaks Ground on Viterbi Family Vision Research Center." today.ucsd.edu. https://today.ucsd.edu/story/uc-san-diego-breaks-ground-on-viterbi-family-vision-research-center
- UC San Diego Shiley Eye Institute. (2025). "Becoming a Patient." shileyeye.ucsd.edu. https://shileyeye.ucsd.edu/patients/becoming-a-patient
- UC San Diego Shiley Eye Institute. (2025). "Contact Us." shileyeye.ucsd.edu. https://shileyeye.ucsd.edu/contact-us
- Times of San Diego. (2018, August 24). "Qualcomm Co-founder Andrew Viterbi Donates $50 Million for UCSD Medicine." timesofsandiego.com. https://timesofsandiego.com/education/2018/08/23/qualcomm-co-founder-andrew-viterbi-donates-50-million-for-ucsd-medicine/
- San Diego Union-Tribune. (2018, August 23). "Communications pioneer gives $50 million to UC San Diego for ophthalmology research." sandiegouniontribune.com. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2018/08/23/communications-pioneer-gives-50-million-to-uc-san-diego-for-ophthalmology-research-4/
The Viterbi Family: A Legacy of Innovation and Philanthropy
Dr. Achille Viterbi (1882-1967)
The Foundation of Medical Excellence
Dr. Achille Viterbi was a celebrated ophthalmologist who practiced in Bergamo, Italy, where he served as a leading physician at the regional hospital. Born in 1882, he earned his medical license in Italy in 1905 and became one of the prominent citizens of his community. However, his distinguished career was dramatically interrupted when fascist Italy implemented racial laws targeting Italian Jews under Mussolini's regime.
In 1939, at age 57—an age when many physicians consider retirement—Dr. Viterbi made the difficult decision to flee Italy with his family to escape antisemitic persecution. The family arrived in the United States just two years before World War II began, facing the daunting challenge of rebuilding their lives in a new country.
Despite his established reputation in Italy, Dr. Viterbi was required to retake his medical boards in Massachusetts in 1941. American medical associations imposed additional barriers on foreign-trained physicians, requiring recent immigrants to wait five years after passing their medical license before gaining hospital privileges at first-class hospitals. These obstacles significantly truncated his career and prevented him from achieving the financial success that might have allowed him to fund medical research—a dream that would later be fulfilled by his son.
Dr. Viterbi's colleague and mentor, internationally recognized ophthalmologist Alfred Vogt, played a crucial role in helping the family immigrate to the United States. Vogt's assistance proved instrumental in the family's survival and eventual success in America.
Andrew J. Viterbi, Ph.D. (Born 1935)
From Refugee to Revolutionary
Born in Bergamo, Italy, when his father was 53 years old, Andrew Viterbi immigrated to America as a young child. His family's experience as refugees fleeing persecution profoundly shaped his worldview and commitment to education and opportunity.
Academic and Professional Excellence
Andrew Viterbi's academic journey exemplifies the American dream. He earned his S.B. and S.M. degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, followed by a Ph.D. from the University of Southern California. His career uniquely bridged academia and industry, spending equal portions in both sectors.
As an engineering professor, Viterbi taught first at UCLA and later at UC San Diego, where he now holds the title of Professor Emeritus. His academic contributions earned him international recognition in the communications field.
The Viterbi Algorithm
Viterbi's most famous contribution to technology is the "Viterbi Algorithm," a mathematical formula that revolutionized wireless communications. This breakthrough has been fundamental to modern digital communication systems, enabling everything from cell phone networks to satellite communications.
Entrepreneurial Success
Viterbi co-founded Linkabit Corporation before establishing Qualcomm Inc. in 1985 with Irwin Jacobs and others. At Qualcomm, he served as co-founder, vice chairman, and chief technical officer until his retirement in 2000. Under his technical leadership, Qualcomm became a global leader in wireless technology and semiconductors.
Currently, Viterbi serves as president of the Viterbi Group, a technical advisory and investment company that continues his work at the intersection of technology and innovation.
Philanthropic Philosophy and Impact
Education as Transformation
Andrew Viterbi's philanthropic philosophy centers on education as the great equalizer. "If I were to estimate what percentage my philanthropy went to education—K-12 through graduate schools and university research—I guess it would probably be three quarters," he explained. "Education is how anyone, immigrants in particular, or a child of sharecroppers in the south or any other modest beginning, can succeed in our society."
This belief stems directly from his family's immigrant experience and his father's truncated medical career. Viterbi sees education and research as pathways to opportunity that transcend social, economic, and cultural barriers.
Major Philanthropic Commitments
University of Southern California: Viterbi's largest previous gift was to USC, where he donated enough to name the Viterbi School of Engineering, reflecting his commitment to engineering education.
MIT and UCLA: Having benefited from education at these institutions, Viterbi has made significant contributions to both universities that shaped his early career.
Technion (Israel): Demonstrating his global perspective, Viterbi has supported Israel's premier technological university.
UC San Diego: The $50 million gift to ophthalmology represents not only his largest single donation but also his most personal, honoring his father's medical legacy while supporting an institution where he spent a significant portion of his academic career.
Focus on Faculty Excellence
A distinctive aspect of Viterbi's giving strategy is his emphasis on endowed chairs. "I have emphasized the creation of endowed chairs, and I am proud that three researchers who hold the chairs I established are here today," he noted at the research center's groundbreaking. "I believe that a university and its reputation depend upon people—the faculty and the staff that run it."
This approach reflects his understanding that institutions are only as strong as the people they can attract and retain. By providing permanent funding for faculty positions, his gifts create lasting impact that extends far beyond building construction.
Family Values and Legacy
The San Diego Connection
The Viterbi family has called San Diego home for 45 years, developing deep roots in the community. All three of Andrew's children received their education within the University of California system, demonstrating the family's commitment to public higher education.
Honoring Memory Through Action
Andrew Viterbi's $50 million gift to UC San Diego ophthalmology serves multiple purposes: honoring his father's memory, advancing medical research that his father never had the opportunity to fund, and creating opportunities for future generations of physician-scientists. The gift establishes both the Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology and the Viterbi Family Vision Research Center.
Two of the six endowed chairs created by his gift carry special significance: one honors his father, Dr. Achille Viterbi, while another recognizes Alfred Vogt, the colleague who helped make their immigration possible.
Continuing Impact
Today, Andrew Viterbi emphasizes that universities are increasingly dependent upon philanthropy to drive innovative research. "Universities are more dependent upon philanthropy to drive innovative research, and for that reason, I am proud to have participated in helping to make this center possible," he stated.
The Viterbi family's story—from persecution and exile to technological innovation and transformative philanthropy—embodies the potential for immigrants to not only succeed in America but to give back in ways that benefit society as a whole. Their legacy demonstrates how personal tragedy can be transformed into public triumph, ensuring that future generations have opportunities that might have been denied to previous ones.
Through his strategic philanthropy focused on education and research, Andrew Viterbi has created a lasting tribute to his father while advancing the very field where Dr. Achille Viterbi's career was cut short. The family's commitment to excellence, education, and giving back continues to shape institutions and lives decades after their arrival in America.
Leading Practitioners at the Viterbi Family Vision Research Center
World-Class Expertise in Vision Care and Research
The Viterbi Family Vision Research Center and Shiley Eye Institute house some of the world's most distinguished ophthalmologists and vision researchers. These physician-scientists combine cutting-edge clinical care with groundbreaking research to advance the treatment and cure of blinding eye diseases.
Dr. Robert N. Weinreb, MD
Chair and Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology
Director, Shiley Eye Institute
Director, Hamilton Glaucoma Center
Morris Gleich, MD Chair in Glaucoma
Background and Training
Dr. Weinreb graduated from Harvard Medical School and completed his residency and fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco. With a background in mathematics and electrical engineering, he was initially interested in visual perception and thought it might be possible to interface computers with the brain to restore and enhance vision.
Clinical Expertise
Dr. Weinreb is recognized as one of the world's preeminent glaucoma specialists and serves as the adult glaucoma specialist for the institute. His clinical expertise includes:
- Advanced glaucoma diagnosis and management
- Glaucoma surgery and minimally invasive procedures
- Cataract surgery
- Clinical trials for precision ophthalmology
Research Leadership
A prolific author and investigator, Dr. Weinreb has published more than 1,000 peer-reviewed manuscripts and 24 books. His research focuses on:
- Novel imaging technologies for glaucoma detection
- Artificial intelligence applications in ophthalmology
- Intraocular pressure monitoring systems
- Big data and machine learning for disease prediction
Awards and Recognition
In 2023, he was ranked #1 in the world for the eighth consecutive year by Expertscape for glaucoma scholarship and was named in 2023 as one of the top two most influential ophthalmologists in the world by The Ophthalmologist (UK).
Notable honors include:
- Laureate Award of the World Glaucoma Association (2023) - the association's highest honor
- Life Achievement Honor Award of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (2010)
- Research to Prevent Blindness Physician-Scientist Award (2003)
- Named to the Ophthalmologist's Power List (2018)
Presidential Roles
Dr. Weinreb is the current president of the Pan American Glaucoma Society and has served as president for the World Glaucoma Association, the American Glaucoma Society, the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, and several other organizations.
Dr. Natalie A. Afshari, MD, FACS
Professor of Ophthalmology
Stuart I. Brown M.D. Chair in Ophthalmology
Chief, Division of Cornea and Refractive Surgery
Vice Chair of Education
Background and Training
Dr. Afshari received her medical degree from Stanford University and her residency and fellowship training at Harvard University. Prior to her current appointment she was Professor of Ophthalmology and Director of Centers of Excellence at the Duke University Eye Center.
Clinical Expertise
Dr. Afshari is accomplished as a clinician, surgeon, and research scientist with specializations in:
- Corneal transplantation including advanced techniques like prosthetic corneal transplants
- Refractive surgery including LASIK and advanced vision correction
- Cataract surgery with premium lens implants
- Complex corneal diseases including Fuchs' dystrophy and corneal dystrophies
- Dry eye syndrome and ocular surface disorders
Research Focus
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has honored Dr. Afshari by awarding her and her collaborators extensive grant support to study Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy, a genetic disorder leading to corneal transplantation. Her research includes:
- Genetic studies of inherited corneal diseases
- Novel treatments for corneal disorders
- Clinical trials for new medications and devices
- Mask-associated dry eye syndrome research
Recognition and Awards
Dr. Afshari's achievement in cornea & refractive surgery and patient care has been recognized by her peers in several of the "best doctors" lists, including "The Best Doctors in America" in each listing for the past decade. Additional honors include:
- Inaugural Top Ten Women in Medicine Award by Triangle News
- Academic Achievement Award and the Secretariat Award by the American Academy of Ophthalmology
- FDA consultant for matters of safety and efficacy of various ophthalmologic treatments
Global Impact
Dr. Afshari extends her expertise globally through humanitarian work, providing free surgical care in Africa, Central America, and Mexico for patients who would otherwise lack access to advanced eye care.
Dr. David B. Granet, MD, MHCM, FACS, FAAP
Professor of Ophthalmology and Pediatrics
Anne Ratner Chair of Pediatric Ophthalmology
Director, Anne F. and Abraham Ratner Children's Eye Center
Vice Chair of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Eye Alignment Disorders
Background and Training
Dr. Granet earned a medical degree from Yale University School of Medicine where he served as President of his class. His training included:
- Transitional internship at UCLA-Harbor Medical Center
- Chief residency at New York University Medical Center
- Two-year fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology and ocular motility disorders at the renowned Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and the Scheie Eye Institute
- Masters Degree in Health Care Management at Harvard University
Clinical Expertise
Dr. Granet is a board-certified ophthalmologist who specializes in pediatric ophthalmology and adult re-alignment (strabismus). His clinical interests include:
- Pediatric eye care for children of all ages
- Adult strabismus surgery with adjustable suture techniques
- Eye alignment disorders and muscle imbalance
- Nystagmus and involuntary eye movements
- Vision's role in learning disorders
- Thyroid eye disease
Research and Innovation
Dr. Granet's research interests include developing new techniques to facilitate adult adjustable suture eye muscle surgery, new ways to identify children with vision problems and their impact on learning and development.
Leadership and Recognition
The author of over 170 scientific articles, in 2009 Dr. Granet co-founded the World Congress of Paediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus with meetings held worldwide. Additional leadership roles include:
- Past Chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) section of Ophthalmology
- First surgical specialist asked to lobby on behalf of children by the AAP
- Co-author of their textbook for pediatricians on eye care
Awards and Honors
Recent recognitions include:
- Senior Achievement Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Lifetime Honor Award from the American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus
- Swiss Academy of Ophthalmology "Innovation Award"
- Named on the Ophthalmology Power List as one of the top Ophthalmologists worldwide and an Agent of Change
Media and Education
His communication skills cross over into teaching the public about medical issues as the host of the Emmy award winning television show, Health Matters.
Dr. Eric D. Nudleman, MD, PhD
Associate Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology
Viterbi Family Chair for Retinal Vascular Diseases
Co-Director, Retina Division
Background and Training
Dr. Nudleman graduated from Stanford University with bachelors and doctoral degrees. He earned his medical degree at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University in New York then went on to Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri for his residency. He joined UC San Diego (UCSD) after completing his fellowship in vitreoretinal surgery at the renowned William Beaumont Hospital.
Clinical Expertise
Dr. Nudleman is a board-certified ophthalmologist who specializes in adult and pediatric vitreoretinal diseases. His expertise includes:
- Macular degeneration treatment and management
- Diabetic eye disease and diabetic retinopathy
- Retinal vein occlusion and vascular disorders
- Retinal detachment repair and surgery
- Macular holes and epiretinal membrane treatment
- Pediatric vitreoretinopathies including advanced retinopathy of prematurity
Specialized Pediatric Care
Dr. Nudleman has a special interest in pediatric vitreoretinopathies, including advanced retinopathy of prematurity, familial exudative vitreoretinopathy, Coats' disease, persistent fetal vascular syndrome and intraocular trauma.
Research Focus
His laboratory focuses on developmental angiogenesis and the role of the Wnt signaling pathway with a particular interest in identifying novel targets to treat vascular diseases. His research focuses on developmental angiogenesis and identifying novel targets to treat retinal vascular diseases.
Awards and Recognition
Dr. Nudleman is the recipient of many prestigious honors such as the Ronald G. Michels Fellowship, Heed Fellowship, the Doris P. and Harry I. Wexler Prize, Rosenbaum Research Award, and the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology / Research to Prevent Blindness Resident and Fellow Research Forum Award.
Clinical Trials Experience
He has participated in multiple National Eye Institute and industry-sponsored clinical trials, bringing cutting-edge treatments to patients with retinal diseases.
Additional Distinguished Faculty
The Shiley Eye Institute houses numerous other specialists who contribute to the center's comprehensive care:
Dr. Radha Ayyagari, PhD - Viterbi Family Chair holder focusing on ophthalmic genetics and inherited retinal diseases
Dr. Alex Huang, MD, PhD - Viterbi Family Chair holder specializing in ophthalmology research and clinical innovations
Dr. Don O. Kikkawa, MD - Specialist in ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery
Dr. Sally L. Baxter, MD, MSCI - Expert in ophthalmology informatics and artificial intelligence applications
Dr. Christopher Girkin, MD - Glaucoma specialist and imaging researcher
Collaborative Excellence
These distinguished physicians work collaboratively across specialties, combining their expertise to provide comprehensive, cutting-edge care. The new Viterbi Family Vision Research Center provides them with state-of-the-art facilities to conduct groundbreaking research while maintaining their commitment to exceptional patient care. Their collective expertise spans the full spectrum of eye diseases, from pediatric conditions to complex adult disorders, ensuring that patients receive world-class treatment regardless of their condition.
The integration of clinical care, research, and education within the same facility allows these practitioners to translate laboratory discoveries directly to patient care, accelerating the development of new treatments and bringing hope to patients with previously untreatable conditions.
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