Dr. Rajesh Rao

Dr. Rajesh Chalamalasetty Rao is a board-certified ophthalmologist and retinal surgeon at the University of Michigan Health's Kellogg Eye Center, where he serves as an Associate Professor. He specializes in diseases and surgery of the retina and vitreous, treating conditions such as retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and retinal vascular disease. His clinical expertise includes managing ocular trauma, ocular inflammation, and performing complex retinal detachment surgery.

Dr. Rao's research focuses on using stem cells and epigenetics to promote retinal regeneration and reduce scar and tumor formation. He completed his medical degree at Yale University School of Medicine, followed by ophthalmology residency at Harvard Medical School and a retina fellowship at Washington University School of Medicine. His work includes pioneering clinical trials using adult stem cell-based approaches to restore vision in patients with macular degeneration.