Robert N. Weinreb

Distinguished Professor and Chair, Ophthalmology; Director, Shiley Eye Institute; Distinguished Professor, Bioengineering; Director, Hamilton Glaucoma Center; Morris Gleich MD Chair of Glaucoma; University of California, San Diego, USA

Profile

The Glaucoma Guru 

Since receiving his medical degree from Harvard Medical School and a degree in electrical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Robert N. Weinreb has gone on to become a world renowned clinician, surgeon, and scientist. During his residency, Weinreb developed a strong interest in glaucoma, observing significant gaps in meeting its demands and recognizing the potential to convert research findings into improved treatment options. Now the Director of the Shiley Eye Institute and the Director of the Hamilton Glaucoma Center, Weinreb has the responsibility of overseeing all activities, devoting himself not only to the development of better glaucoma treatment, but also to the development of enhanced, patient centered care. 

Throughout the years, Weinreb’s research has covered all everything from the front to the back of the eye, exploring what role each structure plays in the development of glaucoma. He has developed and investigated novel imaging technology – including confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy and confocal scanning polarimetry – functional tests, IOP sensors for continual testing, and, more recently, medication adherence monitors. It is inspiring that, amidst all of his success and pioneering efforts, Weinreb has a plaque in his office with a quote from Michelangelo that reads, “I am still learning.” 

Thanks to his enduring contributions to ophthalmology, Weinreb has received numerous prestigious awards from all around the world, including the Laureate Award of the World Glaucoma Association, Heed Ophthalmic Foundation Award and the Life Achievement Honor Award of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Having delivered more than 140 named lectures, while serving on multiple Editorial boards and training more than 150 post-doctoral fellows in glaucoma (more than 20 of whom have become department chairs around the world), it is abundantly clear that Weinreb’s position on the Hall of Fame is fully deserved.

 Awards and Honors 

1997 – Heed Ophthalmic Foundation Award
2002 – President, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology
2004 – President, World Glaucoma Association
2004 – Charles F. Prentice Medal, American Academy of Optometry
2006 – Ridley Medal of St. Thomas’ Hospital, London
2007– President, American Glaucoma Society 
2009 – Founder’s Award of the World Glaucoma Association
2009 – Moecyr E. Alvaro Medal, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo, Brazil
2009 – Ronald Lowe Medal, Royal Australian, and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists 
2010 – Life Achievement Honor Award of the American Academy of Ophthalmology
2010 – The Watson Medal of the University of Cambridge, England
2010 – Leydhecker-Harms Medal, Julius-Maximilians Universität Wurzburg, Germany
2012 – President, La Sociedad Latino-Americana de Glaucoma
2012 – President, American Glaucoma Society Foundation
2013 – The Innovators Award of the American Glaucoma Society
2016 – APGS International Award of the Asian Pacific Glaucoma Society
2016 – Gold Medal of the Chinese Academy of Ophthalmology
2017 – Honorary Member of the Société Française D’Ophtalmologie
2017 – Life Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology
2017 – Honorary Member, Associazione Italiana Studio Glaucoma
2019 – UC San Diego Health Sciences Faculty Excellence in Mentoring Award
2022 – Glaucoma Visionary, Glaucoma Today 
2023 – Laureate Award of the World Glaucoma Association
2023 – The Ophthalmologist Power List Hall of Fame