?
Dr. Brian Hafler
Ophthalmology
?
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
RetinaMassachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary (Harvard Medical School)Fellowship- OphthalmologyYale School of Medicine/Yale–New Haven HospitalResidency
Undergraduate (Magna Cum Laude)Princeton UniversityUndergraduate
Medical Doctor (MD)Harvard Medical SchoolMedical School2019
PhDHarvard Medical SchoolMasters / PhD2019
Awards & Honors
Young Physician Scientist Award
American Society for Clinical InvestigationThome Memorial Foundation Award for AMD Research
Thome Memorial FoundationWilliam R. Orthwein, Jr. ’38 Yale Scholar
Yale School of MedicineCushing Foundation Award
Cushing Foundation
Publications, Presentations & Press
Certifications & Licensure
- Licensed In:CT, MA
- License Numbers:63687, 258561


