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Dr. Marvin L. Sears, founding chair of the Yale Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, passed away leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of scientific discovery, clinical innovation, and academic leadership. Widely recognized as a pioneer in modern ophthalmology, Dr. Sears transformed Yale Ophthalmology into a world-renowned center for vision science and helped shape the future of glaucoma treatment through his groundbreaking work in ocular pharmacology and the development of timolol. Over a career spanning more than five decades, he authored more than 200 scientific publications, mentored generations of ophthalmologists and physician-scientists, and established a culture of rigorous research and interdisciplinary collaboration that continues to define the department today.

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Nouralison Abdella, OD will be joining the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science at Yale as a Pediatric Optometrist, effective January 1, 2026.

We are pleased to announce that Eric Song, MD, PhD, has accepted a position as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science and the Department of Immunobiology at the Yale School of Medicine, effective July 1, 2026. Dr. Song is currently an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the two departments as of July 2025 and is serving as Chief Resident in his final year of the Yale Ophthalmology Residency Program. Dr. Song’s long-term plan is to specialize in ocular oncology while maintaining an active research laboratory at Yale on the unique immunology of the eye and the central nervous system in health and disease.

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Brian Hafler as the Director of the Inherited Retinal Disorders Service within the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science. This leadership role is critical to the advancement of our clinical, research, and educational missions. As Director, Dr. Hafler will oversee and manage all aspects of the Inherited Retinal Disorders Service, including the full scope of ophthalmic electrophysiology operations. This includes electroretinography (ERG), visual evoked potentials (VEP), electrooculography (EOG), and multifocal assessments. He will ensure diagnostic excellence and regulatory compliance while fostering innovation and quality improvement across clinical and research functions.

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Erin E. Flynn will be joining our department as a vitreoretinal surgeon, effective July 1, 2025. Dr. Flynn is a board-certified ophthalmologist with specialized training in retina and will be seeing patients at both our New Haven and Stratford locations.

This year’s awardees are tackling some of the most urgent life science challenges with projects spanning novel therapeutics to AI-powered medical solutions.

Today’s health headlines are all about the eyes. Dr. Vicente Diaz, an eye doctor at Yale Medicine and professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences at Yale School of Medicine, discusses how safe colored contacts are and whether Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs could cause eye issues.

Seven Yale School of Medicine faculty receive Yale Faculty Innovation Awards.

Alden Mead, JD has been promoted to Associate Clinical Professor on the voluntary track in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science at Yale School of Medicine, recognizing his over 50 years of dedication to the department. He also recently began serving as Section Program Manager for the Section of International Ophthalmology and Global Eye Health, where he continues as Associate Director. Alden’s leadership has enhanced the department’s global presence, and his contributions are expected to further advance the mission of delivering care to underserved populations worldwide.