Dr. Peter Campochiaro stands as a preeminent ophthalmologist and visionary researcher in the field of retinal diseases at the forefront of vision science. He currently serves as the George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Professor of Ophthalmology and Neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where he has maintained a distinguished academic career spanning decades. Educated at the University of Notre Dame with a B.S. Magna Cum Laude, he earned his medical degree from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 1978 followed by an internship in Internal Medicine and residency in Ophthalmology at Johns Hopkins and the University of Virginia. His clinical expertise in retinal disease has established him as a leading authority in the diagnosis and management of complex ocular conditions affecting millions worldwide.
Dr. Campochiaro's groundbreaking research has fundamentally transformed our understanding of retinal degenerative diseases, particularly retinitis pigmentosa and age-related macular degeneration, through his seminal discoveries regarding the role of oxidative stress in secondary cone cell death. His pioneering work demonstrating that vascular endothelial growth factor plays a critical role in choroidal neovascularization has directly informed the development of revolutionary anti-VEGF therapies that have preserved vision for countless patients with macular degeneration. His innovative research program has successfully bridged basic science and clinical application, developing novel therapeutic approaches including dietary supplementation with antioxidants and gene enhancement therapy to combat oxidative stress in retinal diseases. This work has generated numerous NIH-funded research initiatives focusing on oxidative damage, cone cell death, and ocular neovascularization. These contributions have established critical pathways for treating previously untreatable forms of vision loss and have reshaped clinical practice in ophthalmology.
As a mentor and scientific leader, Dr. Campochiaro has profoundly shaped the field of ophthalmology through his extensive contributions to professional societies and his guidance of numerous trainees who have gone on to establish their own successful careers in retinal research and clinical practice. Recognized with prestigious awards including the Achievement Award for Retinal Research from the Retinal Research Foundation and the Senior Research Achievement Award from the Macula Society, his work continues to set the standard for excellence in vision science. Dr. Campochiaro remains actively engaged in research to develop next-generation treatments for retinal diseases, with a current focus on novel gene therapies and innovative approaches to prevent photoreceptor cell death. His ongoing commitment to translational research ensures his enduring impact on the preservation of vision for future generations.
