Dr. Yao Liu

Dr. Yao Liu is an Associate Professor and the William and Phyllis Huffman Research Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. As a clinician-scientist, she focuses on the management of glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and other vision-threatening eye diseases. She utilizes advanced imaging, telemedicine, and clinical trials of new medications and surgical devices to enhance patient care and outcomes.

Dr. Liu serves as the Director of the UW Teleophthalmology Program, which aims to prevent blindness by expanding access to innovative eye care through telemedicine. Her program has successfully increased diabetic eye screening rates in rural Wisconsin and is now being tested in a multi-state clinical trial. She is also the Glaucoma Service Chief and the Glaucoma Fellowship Director, dedicated to training the next generation of glaucoma specialists.

Her research includes the implementation of teleophthalmology in underserved communities and the study of macular pigment as a risk factor for glaucoma. Dr. Liu’s work is funded by the National Institutes of Health and other organizations, with the goal of reducing the burden of avoidable blindness and visual impairment.