Dimitri T. Azar MD, MBA, FARVO

Dr. Dimitri T. Azar, MD, MBA, FARVO, is an internationally recognized ophthalmic surgeon who served as Dean of the College of Medicine at the University of Illinois from 2011 to 2017. He joined the faculty in 2006 as Head of the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences. Previously, he was a tenured Professor of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School, Director of the Cornea Service at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Senior Scientist at Schepens Eye Institute, and a faculty member at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He earned an executive MBA from the University of Chicago. Dr. Azar is board-certified in ophthalmology.

He is a leader in basic science and clinically related vision research, making significant contributions to the treatment of corneal diseases and to advances in refractive surgery through mathematical analyses and applications of advanced optics. His basic science research on matrix metalloproteinases in corneal wound healing and angiogenesis has been continually funded by the National Eye Institute R01 award since 1993.

Dr. Azar is the author of more than 400 scientific articles and book chapters. He is the editor of 14 books in ophthalmology and holds 15 patents. He has been named one of The Best Doctors in America or recognized among Castle Connolly’s Regional Top Doctors in America annually since 1994. He serves as a trustee for the Chicago Ophthalmological Society and for the Association of Research and Vision in Ophthalmology. Dr. Azar has received multiple leadership awards, including the 2009 Lans Distinguished Award and the University of Illinois at Chicago Scholar Award.