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Dr. Levi Kanu
Ophthalmology – Cornea Specialist
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Dr. Levi Kanu
Ophthalmology – Cornea Specialist
Boston, MA
Badges
Elite TrainingBoard Certified / Board Eligible
Focus Areas
Corneal Transplantation and Ocular Surface SurgeryCataract Surgery With Advanced Lens OptionsRefractive Surgery Including LASIK and PRKDiagnosis and Treatment of Corneal DiseasesCorneal Crosslinking for KeratoconusResearch in Ocular Drug DeliveryManagement of Neurotrophic KeratopathyTranslational Science in Vision Care
About Me
Dr. Levi Kanu is a fellowship-trained cornea specialist with expertise in corneal transplantation, cataract surgery, refractive procedures, and the treatment of complex ocular surface diseases. He combines surgical excellence with a commitment to advancing ocular drug delivery through translational research.
Dr. Kanu earned his undergraduate degree in chemical and biomolecular engineering from Johns Hopkins University and completed his medical degree at the University of Pennsylvania. He went on to train in ophthalmology at the Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, followed by a prestigious cornea fellowship.
As a clinician-scientist and NIH/NEI-funded K12 Vision Scholar, Dr. Kanu’s research focuses on innovative treatments for corneal disease, including drug delivery technologies targeting conditions like neurotrophic keratopathy. His goal is to bridge laboratory discoveries with real-world impact, bringing meaningful therapies to patients with vision-threatening disorders.
Dr. Kanu is passionate about delivering compassionate, evidence-based care while advancing the science of ophthalmology through thoughtful innovation.
Training
- Cornea and External DiseaseMassachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary (Harvard Medical School)Fellowship2022
- OpthalmologyUniversity of Illinois College of Medicine (Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary)Residency2020
- Medical Doctor (MD)University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of MedicineMedical School2016
- BS, Chemical and Biomolecular EngineeringJohns Hopkins UniversityUndergraduate2011
Awards & Honors
K12 Physician Scientist Award
National Institutes of Health/National Eye Institute, Mass Eye and Ear2022Heed Fellowship
Heed Ophthalmic Foundation2021Alcon Research Scholarship
Alcon Research Institute2020Beem-Fisher Research Award
Chicago Ophthalmological Society2020Norman P. Blair Research Award
University of Illinois at Chicago2020
Publications, Presentations & Press
- Sociodemographic predictors of acute corneal hydrops in patients with unstable keratoconusMedrxiv2025
- Ocular tear fluid biomarkers collected by contact lenses.Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications2024
- Proteomic Characterization of Corneal Epithelial and Stromal Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles.International Journal of Molecular Sciences2024
Certifications & Licensure
- Licensed In:MA
- License Numbers:282765
- Board Certifications:American Board of Ophthalmology