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Dr. Brian Hafler

Ophthalmology

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Dr. Brian Hafler

Ophthalmology

New Haven, CT

Areas of Expertise

Inherited Retinal Degenerations
Electroretinography (ERG)
Visual Evoked Potentials (VEP)
Electrooculography (EOG)

About Me

Dr. Brian Hafler is a vitreoretinal specialist at Yale who cares for people with complex retinal disease, including age-related macular degeneration and inherited retinal degenerations. As Director of the Inherited Retinal Disorders Service, he oversees advanced ophthalmic electrophysiology testing and collaborates across specialties to deliver precise diagnoses and thoughtful treatment plans. Patients appreciate his clear explanations, collaborative style, and focus on preserving vision and quality of life. Dr. Hafler graduated magna cum laude from Princeton University, then earned his MD and PhD at Harvard Medical School. He completed ophthalmology residency at Yale School of Medicine/Yale–New Haven Hospital and a retina fellowship at Massachusetts Eye and Ear as a Heed Fellow. In the lab, his team helped build a single-cell human retinal transcriptomic atlas to identify cell types driving macular degeneration, with the goal of translating discoveries into new therapies. His recognitions include the American Society for Clinical Investigation Young Physician Scientist Award, the Thome Memorial Foundation Award for AMD Research, the William R. Orthwein, Jr. ’38 Yale Scholar designation, and a Cushing Foundation Award. He welcomes patients seeking comprehensive, evidence-based retina care.

Training

  • Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary (Harvard Medical School)
    Retina
    Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary (Harvard Medical School)
    Fellowship
  • Ophthalmology
    Yale School of Medicine/Yale–New Haven Hospital
    Residency
  • Princeton University
    Undergraduate (Magna Cum Laude)
    Princeton University
    Undergraduate
  • Harvard Medical School
    Medical Doctor (MD)
    Harvard Medical School
    Medical School
    2019
  • Harvard Medical School
    PhD
    Harvard Medical School
    Masters / PhD
    2019

Awards & Honors

  • Young Physician Scientist Award

    American Society for Clinical Investigation
  • Thome Memorial Foundation Award for AMD Research

    Thome Memorial Foundation
  • William R. Orthwein, Jr. ’38 Yale Scholar

    Yale School of Medicine
  • Cushing Foundation Award

    Cushing Foundation

Publications, Presentations & Press

Certifications & Licensure

  • Licensed In:
    CT, MA
  • License Numbers:
    63687, 258561

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