Yale Ophthalmology

07/28/2025

We are pleased to announce that Eric Song, MD, PhD, has accepted a position as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science and the Department of Immunobiology at the Yale School of Medicine, effective July 1, 2026. Dr. Song is currently an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the two departments as of July 2025 and is serving as Chief Resident in his final year of the Yale Ophthalmology Residency Program. Dr. Song’s long-term plan is to specialize in ocular oncology while maintaining an active research laboratory at Yale on the unique immunology of the eye and the central nervous system in health and disease.

Dr. Song received his undergraduate training in biochemistry at the University of Southern California and went on to complete a master’s degree in the laboratory of Dr. Justin Hanes at Johns Hopkins University, where he focused on the design of nanoparticles for gene and drug delivery into the brain. He then joined Dr. Mark Saltzman's lab at Yale University for post-baccalaureate training in biomedical engineering before entering the Yale Medical Scientist Training Program, earning both his MD and PhD. His doctoral research, conducted under the mentorship of Dr. Akiko Iwasaki, investigated the mechanisms behind differential immune responses in the brain compared to the rest of the body.

Dr. Song’s ongoing research is focused on understanding and manipulating immune responses in immune-privileged tissues, with the goal of developing novel therapies for diseases currently lacking effective treatments. His work reflects a unique and dynamic synergy between clinical training and scientific inquiry.
As part of his appointment in the Department of Immunobiology, Dr. Song will also hold a faculty position in the Yale Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, enabling him to mentor graduate students and contribute to the Biological and Biomedical Sciences (BBS) program.

Please join us in congratulating and welcoming Dr. Song to his new faculty role. His exceptional dedication to research, education, and clinical care will undoubtedly strengthen and elevate the missions of both departments.

07/22/2025

Check out this article featuring Dr. Brian Hafler from our department 🥼🔬🧪

In a recent study, Yale Ophthalmology researchers report that severe infection causes buildup of proteins associated with disease in the central nervous system.

Their results may help explain the and other neurological symptoms seen in COVID-19 infection and .

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4lXRPBP

07/14/2025

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Brian Hafler as the Director of the Inherited Retinal Disorders Service within the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science.

This leadership role is critical to the advancement of our clinical, research, and educational missions. As Director, Dr. Hafler will oversee and manage all aspects of the Inherited Retinal Disorders Service, including the full scope of ophthalmic electrophysiology operations. This includes electroretinography (ERG), visual evoked potentials (VEP), electrooculography (EOG), and multifocal assessments. He will ensure diagnostic excellence and regulatory compliance while fostering innovation and quality improvement across clinical and research functions.

Dr. Hafler will lead operational management of the Ophthalmic Electrophysiology Unit, implementing performance metrics, optimizing scheduling and patient flow, and upholding the highest standards of service delivery. He will play a key role in protocol development, ensuring our diagnostic practices align with the latest research, ISCEV standards, and evolving clinical guidelines.

In this role, Dr. Hafler will supervise and support technical staff, encourage professional development, and ensure expertise across all electrophysiology techniques. He will also serve as an important collaborator across multidisciplinary teams, both within our department and with external partners, advancing translational research and patient-centered care.

Dr. Hafler’s commitment to education will further strengthen our training programs, as he mentors residents, fellows, and trainees while contributing to academic conferences and departmental teaching initiatives. He will also lead strategic planning efforts to expand our diagnostic and research capabilities in inherited retinal diseases.

Dr. Hafler brings significant experience in clinical ophthalmic electrophysiology, a strong academic background in inherited retinal diseases, and a demonstrated commitment to leadership, innovation, and collaboration. We are confident that under his direction, the Inherited Retinal Disorders Service will grow as a center of excellence.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Hafler on his well-earned appointment.🌟

07/11/2025

🔬✨ Pushing the boundaries of vision science ✨🔬

We’re proud to share a new video highlighting the groundbreaking research happening across the Yale Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science. From advancing treatment options to unlocking the mysteries of ocular disease, our faculty and trainees are leading innovation that impacts patient care locally and globally. 🌍👁️

🎥 Watch the full video here: https://vimeo.com/1086872493/c10950b7e8

This is "Macular Degeneration" by Yale Medicine on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

07/03/2025

Congratulations Paige!!! 👁️

07/01/2025

We're excited to announce that Yale Ophthalmology is looking for an Optometrist to join our team at our Pediatric Specialty Centers in Norwalk and Greenwich! If you love working with children and want to make a difference, we would love to have you on board! 👁️

Apply for Optometrist – Pediatrics (Norwalk/Greenwich) job with Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, 06510. Clinical & Research at Yale University

06/30/2025

🎓✨ On June 12th, we proudly celebrated the graduation of our incredible residents and fellows! This milestone marks the culmination of years of dedication, growth, and service to patients and the field of ophthalmology.

A heartfelt thank you to our outstanding faculty for their unwavering commitment to teaching, mentoring, and guiding the next generation of leaders in eye care.

Congratulations to our graduates—we are so proud of all you’ve accomplished and can’t wait to see the impact you’ll continue to make across the globe. 👁️💙

06/15/2025

Happy Father’s Day from Yale Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science💙🤍

Today, we celebrate the fathers, grandfathers, father figures, and mentors who help shape our lives with strength, wisdom, and care.

To all the dads within our department — faculty, staff, students, and beyond — thank you for your dedication both at work and at home. Your vision helps guide the next generation in more ways than one.

Wishing you a day filled with appreciation and joy.

06/04/2025

🌟 Happy Yale Staff Appreciation Day! 🌟

Today, we proudly celebrate the outstanding administrative staff in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science. Your dedication, attention to detail, and behind-the-scenes work are essential to everything we do. Whether supporting clinical care, research, or education, your contributions make a lasting impact — and we are truly grateful.

We’d also like to recognize our incredible faculty, whose leadership, expertise, and commitment to excellence continue to inspire and elevate our department.

Thank you all for the vital roles you play in advancing our mission and supporting our community. We appreciate you today and every day! 💙👁️

05/21/2025

🎉 Congratulations to Our Award-Winning Residents! 🎉

We are thrilled to share that three Yale Ophthalmology residents were recognized for their exceptional research at last night’s 2025 NYC Residents' Research Night hosted by the New York Academy of Medicine and co-sponsored by the Manhattan Eye and Ear Ophthalmology Alumni Foundation and the Women in Ophthalmology NYC Group.

🏆 Dr. Eric Song
🏆 Dr. Katie Li
🏆 Dr. Christopher Le

These rising stars showcased their work among top talent from across the region, taking home honors in both poster and paper categories. We are incredibly proud of their contributions to advancing the field of vision science and clinical care.

Their success reflects the caliber of our residency program and the strong culture of academic excellence and innovation at Yale.

👏 Please join us in congratulating Drs. Song, Li, and Le on this well-deserved recognition!

04/11/2025

👁️ We’re excited to welcome Dr. Erin Flynn to the Yale Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science!

Starting September 1, 2025, Dr. Flynn will join our team as a vitreoretinal surgeon, seeing patients at both our New Haven and Stratford locations. A Maine native, Dr. Flynn brings exceptional training and experience, including her BA from Columbia University, MD from George Washington University, and advanced fellowship in vitreoretinal surgery at the Flanzer Eye Institute in NYC.

In addition to her clinical expertise, Dr. Flynn is passionate about medical education and research. She looks forward to working with Yale residents and fellows while continuing her scholarly contributions in vitreoretinal diseases.

Please join us in giving Dr. Flynn a warm welcome as she begins this exciting new chapter at Yale! 👏🔬

03/27/2025

🎉 Exciting Announcement! 🎉

We are thrilled to share that Eric Song, MD, PhD has been selected as the FY26 Chief Resident for the Yale Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science! 👏🔬👁️

Dr. Song has demonstrated outstanding leadership, dedication to patient care, and a deep commitment to education and research. We look forward to his continued contributions as he steps into this important role!

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Song! 🎊