June 2025

OPHTHALMOLOGY

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: LEE JAMPOL, MD, RENOWNED OPHTHALMOLOGIST-SCIENTIST

Lee M. Jampol, MD, a distinguished ophthalmologist, has made groundbreaking contributions to the field of ophthalmology over his five-decade career. As the Louis Feinberg, MD, Professor of Ophthalmology at Northwestern Medicine, Dr. Jampol has been a key figure in advancing eye care and education since joining the institution in 1983, where he also served as chair of the Department of Ophthalmology for almost 27 years.
 
Dr. Jampol's medical journey began at Yale University, where he graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor's degree in 1965 and earned his medical degree cum laude in 1969. He completed his internship and residency in ophthalmology at Yale-New Haven Hospital, followed by a fellowship in retinal vascular disease at University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary.
 
Before joining Northwestern Medicine in 1983, Dr. Jampol held various academic and leadership roles, including instructor and assistant professor at Yale University, professor at Johns Hopkins Hospital and positions at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Kimbrough Army Hospital. He chaired the Northwestern Medicine Department of Ophthalmology until 2010, becoming a cornerstone of the department.
 
Dr. Jampol is a highly active and influential figure in several professional societies. He has served as a trustee and vice president of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, and as president of the Macula Society. Additionally, he is a prominent member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Retina Society. As a founding participant of the DRCR Retina Network, Dr. Jampol chaired the organization for five years and now holds the esteemed title of chair emeritus. His editorial contributions to leading journals such as Retina and JAMA Ophthalmology have significantly advanced scholarly discourse within the field.
 
Renowned for his expertise in the study and treatment of retinal diseases, Dr. Jampol has authored well over 500 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. His work has led to significant advances in understanding conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, white spot syndromes and other vascular disorders. He has played a pivotal role in numerous NIH-funded projects, contributing to landmark studies such as the Macular Photocoagulation Study, the SCORE studies, and the Submacular Surgery Trials. 
 
Dr. Jampol also has a professorship named in his honor: the Cyrus Tang and Lee Jampol Professorship in Ophthalmology, currently held by Amani Fawzi, MD.
 
Dr. Jampol's work has garnered numerous accolades, including the Life Achievement Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the prestigious Gass Medals from the Retina Society and Macula Society, the Crystal Apple Award from ASRS, the Michaelson medal from the Macula Society, and the Tripartite Award for Research, Clinical Service, and Education from Northwestern Medicine. His influence extends globally, as evidenced by over 25 named lectureships delivered around the world.
 
In this ASRS Leaders & Legends interview, Dr. Jampol details his extraordinary professional journey and insights on the field of retina past, present and future.
Lee M. Jampol, MD, the Louis Feinberg, MD, Professor of Ophthalmology at Northwestern Medicine

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