Dr. Rachel Patel is a distinguished ophthalmologist specializing in comprehensive eye care and ocular disease management. She currently serves as an ophthalmologist at Kaiser Permanente in Lone Tree, Colorado, providing expert medical and surgical care for a wide range of eye conditions. Dr. Patel completed her medical education at University of Massachusetts Medical School, followed by an internship and residency at the University of Utah School of Medicine, where she developed her expertise in both medical and surgical ophthalmology. Her academic background includes undergraduate studies at Williams College, establishing a strong foundation for her medical career.
Dr. Patel has made significant contributions to the field of ophthalmology through her research on retinal diseases and advanced imaging techniques. Her 2019 publication in the American Journal of Ophthalmology detailing the correlation between outer retinal degeneration and choriocapillaris loss in Stargardt Disease provided important insights into disease progression mechanisms. She has also contributed to understanding scleral pits in choroideremia, research that has implications for retinal gene therapy approaches. Her work on neuro-ophthalmic conditions, including the 2020 publication in the Journal of Neuro-Ophthalmology, demonstrates her expertise in complex visual system disorders.
Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Patel maintains academic affiliations as an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences at the University of Utah, where she contributes to medical education and research initiatives. Her clinical work focuses on comprehensive ophthalmology, including cataracts, glaucoma, macular disease, and uveitis, providing patients with integrated care that addresses both medical and surgical needs. Dr. Patel emphasizes patient education and collaborative decision-making, ensuring patients understand their conditions and treatment options. Her ongoing research continues to explore the intersection of advanced imaging technologies and clinical ophthalmology, with potential applications for earlier disease detection and more personalized treatment approaches.