Dr. Michael S. Ip is a distinguished vitreoretinal specialist and highly respected leader in ophthalmic research and clinical practice. He currently serves as Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and holds the Gavin S. Herbert endowed chair for macular degeneration. As a member of the Doheny Eye Institute, Dr. Ip also directs the Doheny Image Reading Center, overseeing advanced imaging research and clinical interpretation. He completed his medical degree at New York University School of Medicine before undertaking an internship at Lenox Hill Hospital and ophthalmology residency at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Following this training, he specialized in vitreoretinal surgery through a fellowship at the New England Eye Center, Tufts University, establishing the foundation for his distinguished career in retinal disease management.
Dr. Ip's research has fundamentally transformed the treatment landscape for retinal vascular diseases through his leadership of landmark clinical trials that have changed global ophthalmic practice patterns. As National Principal Investigator for the Standard Care vs Corticosteroid for Retinal Vein Occlusion (SCORE) Study funded by the National Eye Institute in 2003, his work established new evidence-based treatment protocols that are now standard worldwide. His continued research leadership extended to the SCORE2 Study funded in 2013, further refining therapeutic approaches for retinal vein occlusion. Dr. Ip has authored over 150 peer-reviewed articles, 30 book chapters, and delivered more than 250 national and international presentations, making significant contributions to the understanding and management of diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and retinal vein occlusion. His expertise in clinical trial design and advanced retinal imaging has positioned him at the forefront of evidence-based ophthalmology.
Beyond his research accomplishments, Dr. Ip has demonstrated exceptional leadership in shaping the field through his role as Medical Director of the Doheny Image Reading Center, where he oversees standardized image analysis for multiple clinical trials. He has served as protocol chair for the Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network comparing treatment modalities for diabetic macular edema, influencing clinical guidelines worldwide. His contributions to medical education have been recognized with multiple teaching awards including Teacher of the Year at the University of Wisconsin on two separate occasions. Dr. Ip's professional excellence has been honored with the Senior Achievement Award and Leadership Development Program Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, cementing his status as a leading authority in retinal medicine. His ongoing work continues to advance the field through innovative imaging techniques and evidence-based treatment protocols that improve visual outcomes for patients globally.
