Department of Ophthalmology
Dedicated to Sight. Driven by Knowledge.
Message from the Chair
Welcome to the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. Our mission is to reduce vision-threatening eye diseases through exceptional clinical care, cutting-edge research, comprehensive education, and impactful community service. We are dedicated to providing advanced and effective treatment for vision disorders for patients across Virginia and beyond.
Our experienced doctors and staff specialize in a wide range of eye disorders and sub-specialty areas including cataracts, cornea and anterior segment diseases, glaucoma, medical and surgical retina, neuro-ophthalmologic disorders, oculoplastics, pediatric eye diseases, refractive surgery, uveitis, and optometry. With this breadth of expertise, we are committed to providing the highest level of care for our patients. Thank you for considering us for your eye care needs!
State-of-the-Art Facilities and Regional Impact
UVA Ophthalmology operates from two fully equipped clinical locations in Charlottesville: the West Complex Eye Clinic, located in the Old Medical School Building near UVA Hospital, and the Northridge Eye Clinic on Ivy Road. Both facilities are open five days a week year-round and feature advanced exam rooms, imaging suites, and visual field testing capabilities.
As the ophthalmic referral center for central and western Virginia, as well as parts of West Virginia, North Carolina, and eastern Tennessee, we are proud to serve as a trusted resource for patients and physicians across the region. Our dedication to excellence in care, education, and research enables us to meet the needs of our local communities while contributing to advancements in eye care.
Excellence in Education and Research
Education is at the core of UVA Ophthalmology’s mission. We offer a fully accredited ophthalmic residency program, alongside fellowship programs in glaucoma and retina, as well as an optometry residency program. Through these programs, we train the next generation of ophthalmologists, optometrists, and specialists, preparing them to lead and innovate in their fields.
Our department is also a leader in advancing ophthalmic research. Home to the Center for Advanced Vision Science (CAVS), led by renowned researcher Dr. Jayakrishna Ambati, our faculty continually push the boundaries of discovery to develop new treatments and improve outcomes for patients. By combining clinical expertise with groundbreaking research, UVA Ophthalmology remains at the forefront of innovation in eye care.