Glaucoma affects over 3 million Americans and 70 million individuals worldwide. It is the most common cause of irreversible blindness in the world. 

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. 

Mission

  • Provide the best possible care for diagnosis, treatment and surgery for patients with common and complicated glaucoma conditions 

  • Discover important new knowledge about causes, mechanisms, diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma 

  • Translate research innovations into new care modalities 

  • Train the next generation of glaucoma leaders 

Highlights

  • Five laboratory scientists whose research is directly related to basic science, pathobiology and translational research in glaucoma 

  • Five clinician scientists and K scholars whose research directly affects translation 

  • Basic research innovations served as foundation to bring the first two new class of glaucoma drugs to patients in 20 years, the rho kinase inhibitors and nitric oxide donors 

  • Identified  genes that are responsible for susceptibility to glaucoma 

  • Innovative device discoveries such as glaucoma shunts and glaucoma drug delivery (dropper and retroject) 

  • Novel OCT imaging technology to better diagnose and follow glaucoma progression 

  • Artificial intelligence software to quantify glaucoma progression 

  • Several spin out companies developing Duke technologies, including AERIE Pharmaceuticals 

  • Top fellowship program in the US 

  • Registered with the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology (AUPO) fellowship compliance program and meets guidelines set forth by the AUPO fellowship compliance committee.  

  • Founded 30 years ago by David Epstein, MD, former Chair of Ophthalmology  

  • Trained over 80 glaucoma sub-specialists, many who have a strong presence in the academic world.  

  • Many former Duke Glaucoma Fellows have become department chairs and endowed professors, are innovators in glaucoma surgery and are leaders in clinical care and research.   

  • 2-yr program geared to those who desire to pursue academic careers  

  • Employ cutting-edge and traditional preventive, diagnostic, and therapies including medications, laser therapy, and incisional glaucoma surgery to treat common and complex glaucoma conditions  

  • Utilize the latest advances, including minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), as well as traditional filtration and glaucoma tube procedures.  

  • Expertise and experience to combine complicated surgeries, oftentimes with corneal and retinal surgeons, to offer the most comprehensive surgical care to our patients