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Department Ophthalmology
Primary Location Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Type of Doctor Adults Only
Languages English
Surgeon Yes
Locations
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Primary Location

Cleveland Clinic Main Campus

Appointment:
216.444.2020
Desk:
216.636.0183
Fax:
216.445.2226
Specialties & Treatments

Treatment & Services

  • Epiretinal Membrane Surgery
  • Fluorescein Angiography
  • Intravitreal Injections For Retinal Disease
  • Laser For Diabetic Retinopathy
  • Laser Retinal Surgery
  • Laser Treatment Of Retinal Disease
  • Lens-sparing Vitrectomy
  • Macular Degeneration Evaluations
  • Management Of Age Related Macular Degeneration (Amd)
  • Microincision Vitrectomy Surgery
  • Ophthalmic Surgery
  • Ophthalmology
  • Optical Coherence Tomography
  • Outpatient Consultation For Diseases Of The Retina
  • Pars Plana Vitrectomy
  • Scleral Buckle
  • Surgical And Medical Treatment Of The Retina
  • Sutureless (Small Gauge) Retinal Surgery
  • Vitreoretinal Surgery
View all 19 Treatment & Services +

Specialty in Diseases & Conditions

  • Acquired Vitreoretinal Diseases
  • Age-Related Macular Degeneration
  • Cystoid Macular Edema
  • Diabetic Retinopathy
  • Diseases of the Retina
  • Endophthalmitis
  • Infectious Diseases of the Retina
  • Lens Dislocation
  • Macular Hole
  • Macular Pucker
  • Ocular Injuries
  • Retinal Detachment
  • Retinal Disorders
  • Retinal Hemangioma
  • Retinal Vein Occlusion
  • Traumatic Retinal Detachment
View all 16 Specialties +
Insurance

Insurance

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Review a list of accepted insurance plans for our Northeast Ohio locations or learn more about purchasing a contracted managed care plan.

View All Plans
Biography

About Justis P. Ehlers, MD

Justis P. Ehlers, MD, is the Norman C. and Donna L. Harbert Endowed Chair of Ophthalmic Research and the Director of the Tony and Leona Campane Center for Excellence in Image-Guided Surgery and Advanced Imaging Research at the Cole Eye Institute.  

He a Staff physician on the vitreoretinal service of the Cole Eye Institute in the Department of Ophthalmology at Cleveland Clinic. He was appointed in 2010. Dr. Ehlers received his undergraduate degree summa cum laude at the University of Notre Dame. He completed his medical degree at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. Following medical school, he did an internship at St. Luke’s Hospital in Chesterfield, Missouri. He completed his ophthalmology residency at the Wills Eye Institute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and served as Chief Resident from 2004-2005. From the Wills Eye Institute, Dr. Ehlers then completed a vitreoretinal surgery and disease fellowship at the Duke Eye Institute in Durham, North Carolina.

Clinically, Dr. Ehlers specializes in the diagnosis and management of medical and surgical vitreoretinal diseases including: age-related macular degeneration (ARMD), retinal vascular occlusive disease, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, myopic degeneration, cystoid macular edema, ocular trauma, epiretinal membranes, vitreomacular traction syndrome, and macular holes.

Active in research, Dr. Ehlers has served as the principal investigator on numerous clinical trials including studies on macular degeneration, vitreoretinal interface abnormalities, retinal venous occlusive disease, and ophthalmic imaging.   He has directed one of the largest prospective intraoperative OCT studies to date.

Dr. Ehlers has a particular interest in advanced vitreoretinal imaging, including novel approaches for image biomarker discovery and applying imaging to surgery through intraoperative optical coherence tomography (OCT).  He leads a dynamic multi-disciplinary research team, including data scientists, computer scientists, engineers, research physicians, and other research personnel .

Dr. Ehlers is a major contributor to the medical literature having authored more than 180 peer-reviewed articles, numerous book reports, and over 200 scientific abstracts.   He has also been the co-chief editor for 3 books, including  the Wills Eye Manual, 5th Edition, one of the best-selling texts in ophthalmology.  He has received multiple NIH grants to support these research endeavors.

He serves on the American Academy of Ophthalmology Council and the American Society of Retina Specialists Board of Directors.   His work has been recognized through multiple awards, including the Top 40 Under 40 Award, the AAO Senior Achievement Award, the ASRS Senior Honor Award, the AAO Secretariat Award, and multiple Cleveland Clinic Innovation Awards.

Education & Professional Highlights

Education & Professional Highlights

Appointed
2010

Education & Fellowships

Fellowship - Duke University Medical Center
Vitreoretinal Surgery
Durham, NC USA
2010

Residency - Wills Eye Hospital
Ophthalmology
Philadelphia, PA USA
2008

Internship - Saint Luke's Hospital
Preliminary Medicine
Chesterfield, MO USA
2005

Medical Education - Washington University School of Medicine
St. Louis, MO USA
2004

Undergraduate - University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, IN USA
2000

Additional Training


Professional Highlights

  • Co-chief Editor, Wills Eye Manual, 5th edition.
  • Heed Fellow and Ronald G. Michels Fellow, Duke Eye Center
  • Chief Resident, Wills Eye Institute
  • Associate Editor, Retina, 2009-2010.

Certifications

  • Ophthalmology

Specialty Interests

Diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, retinal detachment, retinal vein occlusions, macular holes, macular puckers and epiretinal membranes, eye injuries and ocular trauma, myopic degeneration, retinal artery occlusions, cystoid macular edema, histoplasmosis, choroidal neovascularization, retinal neovascularization, and other vitreoretinal diseases. Advanced vitreoretinal imaging, with particular interest in optical coherence tomography (OCT) and utilizing OCT in the operating room to improve our understanding of vitreoretinal surgical diseases and the ultrastructural impact of surgical maneuvers, to help guide surgical interventions and improve outcomes.

Awards & Honors

  • Ronald G. Michels Fellowship Award, 2009
  • Heed Fellowship Award, 2008
  • Shipman Award, 2008
  • Alpha Omega Alpha, 2003
  • Senior Merit Scholar, 2003
  • Phi Beta Kappa, 2000

Innovations & Patents

  • Furthering the progress of the use of intraoperative optical coherence tomography (OCT) for the study of vitreoretinal surgical diseases and the impact of surgical manipulations on microstructural anatomy, such as with optic-pit related maculopathy.
  • Development of the use of OCT contrast agents for enhanced visualization of tissue interfaces for ophthalmic applications of OCT imaging, including the development of “functional OCT” for incisional integrity assessment.
  • Optimization and testing of OCT integration into the surgical microscope, allowing for real-time visualization of surgical maneuvers, characterization of intraocular instrumentations, and optimization of capturing OCT-visualized intraoperative motion.

Memberships

  • American Society of Retina Specialists, 2008- present
  • Society of Heed Fellows, 2008- present
  • Wills Eye Hospital Society, 2008 - present
  • Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, 2006 - present
  • American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2005 - present
  • American Medical Association, 2003 - present
Research & Publications

Research & Publications

See publications for Justis P. Ehlers, MD.

(Disclaimer: This search is powered by PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. PubMed is a third-party website with no affiliation with Cleveland Clinic.)

Industry Relationships

Industry Relationships

Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists may collaborate with the pharmaceutical or medical device industries to help develop medical breakthroughs or provide medical expertise or education. Cleveland Clinic strives to make scientific advances that will benefit patient care and support outside relationships that promise public benefit. In order for the discoveries of Cleveland Clinic physicians' and scientists' laboratories and investigations to benefit the public, these discoveries must be commercialized in partnership with industry. As experts in their fields, Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists are often sought after by industry to consult, provide expertise and education.

To assure professional and commercial integrity in such matters, Cleveland Clinic maintains a program that reviews these collaborations and, when appropriate, puts measures in place to minimize bias that may result from ties to industry. Cleveland Clinic publicly discloses the names of companies when (i) its physicians/scientists receive $5,000 or more per year (or, in rare cases, equity or stock options) for speaking and consulting, (ii) its physicians/scientists serve as a fiduciary, (iii) its physicians/scientists receive or have the right to receive royalties or (iv) its physicians/ scientists hold any equity interest for the physician's/scientist's role as inventor, discoverer, developer, founder or consultant.* In publicly disclosing this information, Cleveland Clinic tries to provide information as accurately as possible about its physicians' and scientists' connections with industry.

As of 10/20/2022, Dr. Ehlers has reported the financial relationships with the companies listed below. In general, patients should feel free to contact their doctor about any of the relationships and how the relationships are overseen by Cleveland Clinic. To learn more about Cleveland Clinic's policies on collaborations with industry and innovation management, go to our Integrity in Innovation page.

Consulting and/or Speaking. Dr. Ehlers receives fees of $5,000 or more per year (or, in rare cases, equity or stock options) as a paid consultant, speaker or as a member of an advisory committee for the following companies:

  • Beyeonics 
  • Regenxbio, Inc.
  • Iveric bio, Inc.
  • Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
  • Roche (Hoffman-La Roche, Ltd.)
  • Alcon, Inc.
  • Adverum Biotechnologies, Inc.
  • Allegro Ophthalmics, LLC
  • Stealth BioTherapeutics Incorporated
  • Allergan, Inc
  • Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation

Public Health Service-Reportable Financial Conflicts of Interest. Cleveland Clinic scientists and physicians engage in basic, translational and clinical research activities, working to solve health problems, enhance patient care and improve quality of life for patients. Interactions with industry are essential to bringing the researchers' discoveries to the public, but can present the potential for conflicts of interest related to their research activities. Click here to view a listing of instances where Cleveland Clinic has identified a Public Health Service (PHS)-Reportable Financial Conflict of Interest and has put measures in place to ensure that, to the extent possible, the design, conduct and reporting of the research is free from bias.

* Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists subscribe to the guidance presented in the PhRMA Code on Interactions with Healthcare Professionals and the AdvaMed Code of Ethics on Interactions with Health Care Professionals. As such, gifts of substantial value are generally prohibited.

Patient Satisfaction Reviews

472 Patient Satisfaction Reviews

The Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.

Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.

The comments are submitted by patients and reflect their views and opinions. The comments are not endorsed by and do not necessarily reflect the views of Cleveland Clinic.

Overall Star Ratings
4.9 out of 5
Explains 4.8
Courtesy, Respect & Concern 4.9
Patient Rating of Doctor 4.9

63 Patient Comments

Reviewed on Apr 20, 2023

Dr. Ehlers is knowledgeable and friendly. Answered my questions.

Reviewed on Apr 13, 2023

All of the support people for Dr. Ehlers are excellent.

Reviewed on Apr 13, 2023

My appointment with Dr. Ehlers went very well.

Reviewed on Apr 6, 2023

A Wonderful professional experience with Dr. Ehlers

Reviewed on Apr 6, 2023

As a health care provider myself I was very appreciative of Dr Eyhler's explanation of my problem and potential courses of treatment.

Reviewed on Apr 4, 2023

Dr.Ehlers and his team are outstanding. Everyone was patient, accommodating, listened to me and adjusted procedures appropriately, took great care in administering procedures and communicated perfectly during my appointment. I couldn't ask for better care physically and emotionally. Thanks to Dr. Ehlers and his team.

Reviewed on Apr 4, 2023

Dr. Ehlers is the best!He is very concerned with the health of my eyes and the treatment I receive.

Reviewed on Mar 23, 2023

Dr. Ehlers and all office personnel are very professional. For the record though, Cleveland Clinic phone services in its' entirety have a long way to go just to be acceptable.

Reviewed on Mar 21, 2023

Dr. Elhers and his team are the best.

Reviewed on Mar 21, 2023

I would not trust anyone with my eyes except DR. Ehlers!!

Reviewed on Mar 21, 2023

Dr Ehlers was fantastic as usual! I had issues with the imaging before seeing him (difficult IV access) and this made me late to see him but he didn't rush me at all. Still answered all my questions.

Reviewed on Mar 16, 2023

Dr. Ehlers was very thorough in his explanations, professional, friendly, expressed concern and interest in continuing to provide me future services

Reviewed on Mar 14, 2023

Dr. Ehlers is very thorough and his explanation of my condition and prognosis was easily understood.

Reviewed on Mar 9, 2023

The physician and physician assistant provided me a plan for my care. Very easy to understand and answered all my questions.

Reviewed on Mar 9, 2023

Awe Dr. Awsome staff, the tech that took care of me went above and beyond!!!!

Reviewed on Mar 7, 2023

The assistant was wonderful and the Doctor was very thorough.

Reviewed on Feb 23, 2023

I would recommend him to everybody.

Reviewed on Feb 7, 2023

One of the best doc I every had

Reviewed on Feb 2, 2023

My thanks to dr ehlers

Reviewed on Jan 31, 2023

I love Dr. Ehlers and his team.

Reviewed on Jan 24, 2023

I always get positive feedback from Dr. Ehlers and his assistant, Jamie.

Reviewed on Jan 19, 2023

I had a great experience with dr ehlers

Reviewed on Jan 19, 2023

Dr ehlers. Was very kind , considerate and listened to all of my questions

Reviewed on Jan 17, 2023

Just recently I had cause to contact Dr. Ehlers' administrative assistant, Angela. She listened to me and then reached out to Dr. Ehlers and got back to me with a resolution. She arranged for me to come in that same day for an appointment with the PA. Angela was efficient, compassionate, friendly, prompt and helpful.

Reviewed on Jan 17, 2023

Dr. Ehlers is a great physician. He is why I travel from Medina to the main campus for care.

Reviewed on Jan 10, 2023

Doctor was very nice knew what he was talking about his staff is very friendly and knowledgeable

Reviewed on Dec 20, 2022

Everything is wonderful at Cole Eye. The staff is terrific and Dr Ehlers is beyond wonderful

Reviewed on Dec 20, 2022

Dr Justis Ehlers heads the staff I have been his patient for 13 years He iOS extraordinary in every wayInclusive factual as to options skills. I owe my sight to him. I hope to be his patient as long as I am a patient at Cole

Reviewed on Dec 20, 2022

I recommend Dr Ehlers to all and his staff as well

Reviewed on Dec 13, 2022

Visiting Dr Ehlers and his staff has always been a great experience. Every one is so polite. They listen when I have something to say, explain at a level that I understand .... I always feel they go out of their way.

Reviewed on Dec 13, 2022

Dr Ehlers and his staff are awesome! I drive almost 3 hours just to go to Cleveland Clinic --- the service and employees are the best! I am very fortunate to have Dr Ehlers as my retina specialist ... And definitely fortunate to be able to drive to Cleveland Clinic and be home the same day. I tell my family and friends this.

Reviewed on Dec 13, 2022

Recommend Cleveland Clinic and Dr Ehlers to everyone that listens to me. The service and staff are the best!

Reviewed on Dec 6, 2022

Dr. Ehlers always explains everything to me, and gives me a chance to ask any questions I might have,.

Reviewed on Dec 1, 2022

Dr Ehlers is an excellent diagnostician and I credit him with saving my vision. Barrett Schmidt is very knowledgeable and excellent in the performance of his assisting skills.

Reviewed on Nov 10, 2022

Very likely that I will recommend this provider for anyone having an eye problem or eye condition.

Reviewed on Oct 25, 2022

Dr Mitchkash answered all my questions and set my mind at ease. For this I am very thankful and assured to continue on to the next step.

Reviewed on Oct 20, 2022

Dr. Ehlers is awesome!

Reviewed on Oct 18, 2022

Dr. Ehlers did a very thorough exam. He listened to me and he answered my questions.

Reviewed on Sep 13, 2022

Dr Ehlers is the BEST! Answered all my questions and concerns! Showed me all the pics of my eye and explained it all to me. So helpful and respectful!

Reviewed on Sep 13, 2022

Outcome better than expected. Dr and support staff very professional

Reviewed on Sep 8, 2022

Dr.Euhler is great

Reviewed on Sep 8, 2022

The staff at Dr Ehlers office is easy to work with

Reviewed on Sep 8, 2022

Very fortunate to have such such good doctors to take care of my eyes

Reviewed on Sep 6, 2022

Dr Ehler and staff are always warm and professional

Reviewed on Sep 6, 2022

Doctor was very good took plenty of time with me I didn't feel rushed answered questions and explained everything very clearly

Reviewed on Aug 30, 2022

Dr. Ehlers and his staff really care about their patients!

Reviewed on Aug 23, 2022

Excellent physician and professional staff

Reviewed on Aug 23, 2022

If all my providers at CCF where as great as Dr Ehler my health would be much better.

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2022

One of the best physicians I have ever met.

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2022

Always great service Wonderful staff and Doctor

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2022

Dr Ehlers is very caring and explains everything as he goes along. Sometimes need to wait a bit. Worth waiting for.

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2022

Dr. Ehlers and his team - consummate professionals.

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2022

Dr. Kang was excellent along with nursing staff

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2022

Dr. Ehlers is a caring Dr. He gives me his opinion but also listens to what I have to say. In my book he is a 10 plus plus!

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2022

Great doctor. Explains everything in a way that I can understand.

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2022

We enjoy Dr Ehlers who is very kind. I do not like the fact that I must repeat myself to the staff re my husbands mental health /memory issues. He has become lost if I am not with him. Will keep working with the staff as best I can

Reviewed on Jul 21, 2022

Very good overall experience! Dr. Ehlers is not only knowledgeable, but also has excellent communicative skills. Heartily recommend him!

Reviewed on Jul 21, 2022

Dr. Ehlers is very caring . He does not make you feel rushed . He listens to your concerns , makes a treatment plan and assures you that he is there to be of any assistance as needed.

Reviewed on Jul 19, 2022

Dr Ehlers is an outstanding Specialist in retinal care.

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2022

Dr. Ehlers is awesome!

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2022

Dr Ehler has given me my vision back! I'm so greatful for his care and attention. He always takes time to explain and answer my questions with care and concern.

Reviewed on Jun 2, 2022

Dr. Ehlers is amazing! A skilled doctor who is also a good listener, explains things clearly, and is courteous and kind.

Reviewed on May 19, 2022

Would Recommend Dr Ehlers he's the best!

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