The Duke Department of Ophthalmology is made up of eight divisions, offering every sub-specialty in ophthalmology. Each division consists of faculty physicians and many include investigators. Often times, our faculty collaborate across Duke University and the School of Medicine for patient care and research initiatives. We invite you to learn more about the outstanding contributions to research, education, and patient care each of our divisions offer.
Comprehensive
The Duke Ophthalmology Comprehensive Division, led by Dr. Anupama Horne, delivers expert eye care while driving innovation in research and education. With a team of nine skilled providers, the division offers top-tier treatment for cataracts, dry eye, and acute conditions, while actively supporting clinical trials and training future ophthalmologists. Committed to accessible care and scientific advancement, Duke sets the standard in comprehensive eye health.
Cornea, External Disease, and Refractive Surgery
The Duke Cornea, External Disease & Refractive Surgery Division is a nationally leading center for advanced eye care, research, and education. Under the leadership of Dr. Melissa Daluvoy, the team delivers expert treatment for corneal and anterior segment disorders to over 36,000 patients annually, using cutting-edge technology and techniques. As the largest tertiary referral center in the Southeast, the division pioneers research breakthroughs, trains future leaders, and transforms care for those with visual impairment due to anterior segment disease.
Glaucoma
Duke has one of the largest glaucoma divisions in the country and perhaps in the world, with a faculty of over 15 clinicians, clinician-scientists, and basic researchers. The Duke Glaucoma Division is an international leader in research, education and clinical care.
Inherited Retinal Disease
The Duke Center for Ophthalmic Genetics is a premier destination for the diagnosis and treatment of hereditary and congenital ocular conditions, offering modern diagnostics, treatments, and surgical interventions. The Ophthalmic Genetics team consists of expert clinicians, including specialists in the diagnosis and management of inherited retinal diseases and vitreoretinal surgeons with advanced expertise in delivering gene therapy medications.
Neuro-ophthalmology
The Duke Neuro-Ophthalmology Division is led by prominent physicians who are internationally recognized for their contributions to advancing patient care. The Department’s state-of-the-art neuro-ophthalmology care helps thousands of patients restore or improve vision. The division is a leader in diagnosing and managing patients of all ages with complex neuro-ophthalmic conditions. Subsequently, the division receives numerous referrals and complex cases from across the nation each year.
Ocular Innovation Hub
The Duke Department of Ophthalmology stands as a leading center for ocular innovation. The Ocular Innovation Hub was established to support and promote six key areas in faculty and trainee discoveries. It also serves as a public repository, sharing groundbreaking research in ocular innovation. The Hub highlights Duke’s prominence in the field, making it accessible to prospective faculty, residents, medical students, innovation funders, industry stakeholders, and the general public.
Ocular Oncology
The Duke Ocular Oncology Division, led by Dr. Miguel Materin, delivers expert care for children and adults with eye tumors, treating over 500 patients monthly. As one of the nation’s top centers for ocular cancer, the division offers advanced therapies—including FDA-cleared Yttrium-90 brachytherapy—and trains future leaders through its multidisciplinary fellowship program. In collaboration with Duke Cancer Center and Radiation Oncology, the team combines clinical excellence, cutting-edge research, and compassionate care to fight eye cancer at every stage.
Oculofacial and Orbital Surgery
At Duke Eye Center, our oculofacial plastic surgeons bring dual expertise in ophthalmology and plastic surgery to deliver precise care around the eyes. From treating eyelid cancers and tear duct disorders to offering reconstructive and cosmetic procedures, they specialize in enhancing both function and appearance of the face and eye area.
Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus
Duke Eye Center delivers world-class pediatric eye care led by internationally recognized physicians. Consistently ranked among the top 10 in the nation, Duke provides advanced, compassionate treatment to thousands of children each year, addressing conditions such as aphakia, childhood glaucoma, eye movement disorders, eye cancer, and optic nerve disorders to help restore and protect vision.
Vitreoretinal Disease
The Duke Vitreoretinal Division, founded by retinal surgery pioneer Dr. Robert Machemer, is a global leader in clinical care, research, and education. With 17 fellowship-trained specialists, the division treats the full spectrum of retinal diseases—from uveitis and pediatric retina to inherited degeneration and oncology. Renowned for groundbreaking imaging innovations and elite training programs, Duke continues to shape the future of retinal medicine.
Vision Rehab and Performance
The Duke Vision Rehabilitation and Performance Division, led by Dr. Diane Whitaker, offers one of the nation’s premier programs for helping patients with vision loss regain independence. Through advanced therapy, tools, and training, the multidisciplinary team supports individuals affected by conditions like macular degeneration, glaucoma, stroke, and diabetes. Duke also leads research and education to shape the future of vision rehabilitation care.
Pediatric Retina and Optic Nerve Center
The Duke Pediatric Retina & Optic Nerve Center (DPROC) is advancing eye-brain care for infants and children through cutting-edge diagnostics and research. Based at Duke Eye Center in Durham, our team leverages the world’s largest database of infant eye imaging to safely diagnose and treat pediatric glaucoma, optic nerve disease, retinopathy of prematurity, and other retinal conditions.
Foster Center for Ocular Immunology
The Foster Center for Ocular Immunology is a multidisciplinary program of distinction that provides individualized care for patients suffering from ocular surface disease and is focused on basic, clinical and translational research to better understand the disease and improve treatment.
Duke Global Ophthalmology
The Duke Global Ophthalmology Program, led by Dr. Lloyd Williams, delivers essential eye care worldwide to combat preventable blindness. Through international missions offering screenings, treatment, and follow-up, Duke teams not only restore vision but also foster global research collaborations that advance future patient care.