Justis P. Ehlers, MD
Primary Location
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
- Appointment:
- 216.444.2020
- Desk:
- 216.636.0183
- Fax:
- 216.445.2226
Additional Locations
Ophthalmology
Hillcrest Ophthalmology
6770 Mayfield Road
Mayfield Heights, OH 44124
Directions
- Appointment:
- 216.444.2020
- Fax:
- 216.445.2226
Treatment & Services
- Epiretinal Membrane Surgery
- Fluorescein Angiography
- Intravitreal Injections for Retinal Disease
- Laser for Diabetic Retinopathy
- 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
- Retinal Laser Surgery
- Scleral Buckle
- Surgical and Medical Treatment of the Retina
- Sutureless (Small Gauge) Retinal Surgery
- Vitreoretinal Surgery
Specialty in Diseases & Conditions
- Acquired Vitreoretinal Diseases
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration
- Cystoid Macular Edema
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- Endophthalmitis
- Infectious Diseases of the Retina
- Lens Dislocation
- Macular Hole
- Macular Pucker
- Ocular Injuries
- Retinal Detachment
- Retinal Diseases
- Retinal Disorders
- Retinal Hemangioma
- Retinal Vein Occlusion
- Traumatic Retinal Detachment
Insurance
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View All PlansAbout 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
Appointed
2010
Education & Fellowships
Fellowship - Duke University Medical Center
Vitreoretinal Surgery
Durham,
NC
2010
Residency - Wills Eye Hospital
Ophthalmology
Philadelphia,
PA
2008
Internship - Saint Luke's Hospital
Preliminary Medicine
Chesterfield,
MO
2005
Medical Education - Washington University School of Medicine
St. Louis,
MO
2004
Undergraduate - University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame,
IN
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
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
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 10/29/2024, 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:
- Roche (Hoffman-La Roche, Ltd.)
- Adverum Biotechnologies, Inc.
- Alcon, Inc.
- Boehringer Ingelheim
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
- Carl Zeiss Meditec AG
- Iveric bio, Inc.
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
- Stealth BioTherapeutics Incorporated
- Allergan, Inc
- Beyeonics
- Regenxbio, Inc.
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.
500 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 | |
---|---|---|
Explains | 4.9 | |
Courtesy, Respect & Concern | 4.9 | |
Patient Rating of Doctor | 4.9 |
73 Patient Comments
© 2024 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. All Rights Reserved. No part of this work may be altered, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, by any means, whether electronic, mechanical, by photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the Cleveland Clinic.
Reviewed on Oct 31, 2024
Dr. Ehlers is outstanding. He cares about the patient and treats them respectfully. He makes sure we understand and listens to our concerns. He is a blessing!
Reviewed on Oct 24, 2024
Dr. Ehlers knows my history and remembers my concerns. I have confidence in him providing the very best care he can for my condition!
Reviewed on Oct 22, 2024
Dr Ehlers has been an amazing Doctor for 14 years. LOVE his Nurse Jamie.
Reviewed on Oct 10, 2024
Dr Ehlers is kind, courteous and patient. He really listens to my questions and concerns. I know he's doing this for all his patients which is why I don't mind waiting my turn.
Reviewed on Oct 8, 2024
The entire staff with Dr. Ehlers is always very considerate and helpful. They are pleasant and treat the patient with respect
Reviewed on Oct 1, 2024
Dr. Ehlers is the very best. You cannot ask for a more capable surgeon and doctor. He is the best and his staff is wonderful. Dr. Ehlers brought sight back to my left eye which I will be forever grateful. I would like to have the new expansion to the Cole Eye Clinic name after Dr. Ehlers.
Reviewed on Sep 26, 2024
Dr. Ehlers makes sure future appointments are scheduled in advance, which is more than helpful for me.
Reviewed on Sep 26, 2024
Dr Ehlers is professional, proficient, kind, and caring regarding my eye health needs. He schedules X-rays before meeting with him and quickly reports the results on MyChart. He encourages me to keep moving through my eye-care journey and his encouragement does much to reduce my overall fear and anxiety regarding my eye condition.
Reviewed on Sep 24, 2024
Dr. Ehlers is concise and professional. He explains issues in terms that I can understand.
Reviewed on Sep 17, 2024
Dr. Ehlers plans ahead, several months in advance.That procedure saves time and provides the best opportunity for an appointment that works with my schedule.
Reviewed on Sep 12, 2024
Dr. Ehlers is a wonderful person. Explains everything about my eye issues and is very caring and sincere.
Reviewed on Sep 12, 2024
I recommend Dr. Ehlers and his staff to anyone. I have no problems getting the care I need at Cleveland Clinic.
Reviewed on Sep 10, 2024
The PA was exceptional. He gave me one of the best eye injections I have had. Rinsed my eye very well making a very good 2 hour trip home for me. Kudos!
Reviewed on Aug 27, 2024
Dr Ehlers is one of the best doctors I've ever had in my life.
Reviewed on Aug 22, 2024
PA Was beyond very good!
Reviewed on Aug 22, 2024
Dr Ehlers is wonderful. He answers all my questions and addressing my concerns in great detail.
Reviewed on Aug 20, 2024
Dr Ehlers and staff are excellent
Reviewed on Aug 15, 2024
The doctor always listens.
Reviewed on Aug 1, 2024
Smooth passage thru sign-in. Doctors were prompt, courteous, listened to me & provided excellent cay.
Reviewed on Aug 1, 2024
Truly outstanding doctor and staff!!!
Reviewed on Jul 23, 2024
Best physician and staff I have ever experienced
Reviewed on Jul 23, 2024
The team working with Dr. Ehlers was very efficient.
Reviewed on Jul 23, 2024
Dr. Ehlers is very good about explaining my case. I value him for his honesty and integrity.
Reviewed on Jul 9, 2024
Dr Ehlers is awesome. He gave me some eyesight back in my left eye after not seeing for four months.
Reviewed on Jun 27, 2024
I was very satisfied with the care that I received just a little upset because I had to wait almost an hour after all the preliminary work was done to see the doctor.
Reviewed on Jun 27, 2024
Dr. Ehlers is a very good doctor. He understood my problem and was quick to get me into the surgery schedule.
Reviewed on Jun 27, 2024
Julia Baroana is the best. She answered all my questions
Reviewed on Jun 20, 2024
Dr Ehlers and his staff work hard to care for my 95 year old Mom in a compassionate and professional manner.
Reviewed on Jun 4, 2024
Dr Ehlers & his team are outstanding!
Reviewed on May 30, 2024
Dr. Ehlers explains everything thoroughly and answers any of my questions or concerns. He is genuinely caring and I have 100% confidence in him. That's why I've recommended him to numerous others.
Reviewed on May 16, 2024
I feel very comfortable with my doctor. He is kind and sensitive to my concerns and fears.
Reviewed on May 14, 2024
Dr Ehlers and his staff are outstanding. I highly recommend.
Reviewed on May 14, 2024
These high ratings only apply to Dr. Justin Ehlers.., he is caring, patient, and compassionate. I feel totally confident in his care.
Reviewed on May 9, 2024
Dr.Euhler is the best
Reviewed on May 2, 2024
Dr Ehlers is GREAT.
Reviewed on May 2, 2024
Dr. Ehlers and staff are always friendly and very professional. They always address any of my concerns.
Reviewed on Apr 30, 2024
Dr Ehlers is the best!
Reviewed on Apr 23, 2024
From my first contact to my most recent visit, everything associated with Dr. Ehlers has been A+. He is a terrific doctor with a great bedside manner, his nurses are terrific, and his PAs are top-notch.
Reviewed on Apr 23, 2024
The team is very well orchestrated. They all seem to work together and enjoy working under Dr. Ehlers.
Reviewed on Apr 18, 2024
Dr Ehlers does a great job.
Reviewed on Apr 18, 2024
I very much appreciate Barret's skill in numbing my eyes, and the Doctor's skill injecting my eyes. They made it as painless as possible.
Reviewed on Apr 18, 2024
Can't be any happier with the Cleveland clinic and Dr Ehlers
Reviewed on Apr 16, 2024
Dr Justice Ehler is a very caring and compassionate doctor. I place my trust and confidence in his ability to take actions in my best interest.
Reviewed on Apr 16, 2024
I always have a wonderful experience when I come to see Dr. Ehlers
Reviewed on Apr 16, 2024
I can't say enough about Dr. Ehlers, he listens and explains everything. I feel very fortunate to have him take care of eyes. His whole staff is wonderful
Reviewed on Apr 11, 2024
Dr Ehlers is fantastic!
Reviewed on Apr 9, 2024
Dr. Ehlers does a great job answering questions.
Reviewed on Apr 9, 2024
Dr Ehlers very carefully explained to me what he observed in my X-rays;& answered all of my questions.
Reviewed on Mar 21, 2024
I am very lucky to have found Dr. Elhers. I am always treated with respect and informed of my diagnosis.
Reviewed on Mar 21, 2024
Clearly explained my condition, progress, treatment options. Compassionate. Good demonstration of CC's SWH (Start with HEART) principles. Introduced his colleagues that were with him who were all friendly & professional.
Reviewed on Mar 21, 2024
Good team collaboration to get me through appointment from triage, assistants, physician, exit. All friendly & professional.
Reviewed on Mar 14, 2024
Excellent Doctor!!! Excellent Staff!
Reviewed on Mar 14, 2024
Dr Ehlers and his staff provided me with excellent care. Dr Ehlers is a compassionate physician who took time during the course of his visit with me to be sure was completely informed about my ophthalmologic problem and how he would be treating it. An outstanding physician in all respects.
Reviewed on Feb 27, 2024
Both Dr. Ahlers and Dr. Awh (resident) were helpful in answering questions.
Reviewed on Feb 20, 2024
My appointment had to be rescheduled due to the Doctor having an emergency on my original appointment date. I was able to reschedule to the following week at my preferred time of day.
Reviewed on Feb 20, 2024
Dr. Ehlers is always very thorough, gives me chances to ask any questions, and asks for and includes my input on any care decisions.
Reviewed on Feb 15, 2024
Both Dr. Ehlers & Dr. Jung we're exceptional
Reviewed on Feb 13, 2024
Dr Ehler was excellent.
Reviewed on Feb 6, 2024
Everything about Dr Ehlers and his staff is awesome! I think CCF expects doctors to see too many patients per day.
Reviewed on Feb 1, 2024
I always have a pleasant visit with my doctor and his staff.
Reviewed on Jan 25, 2024
The PA was extremely courteous.
Reviewed on Jan 25, 2024
Dr. Ehlers is wonderful and I am so happy that I'm under his care.
Reviewed on Jan 11, 2024
Dr Ehlers is very kind and patient.Also very good at explaining my problem and putting me at ease about it.
Reviewed on Jan 2, 2024
I highly recommend Dr. Ehlers.
Reviewed on Dec 7, 2023
Dr Ehlers is FABULOUS!!!
Reviewed on Dec 7, 2023
I have been seeing this dr for many years and still impressed at great bedside manner and taking the time to listen to me issues.
Reviewed on Nov 30, 2023
Dr. Ehlers is thorough, explains exactly what's going on, answers my questions and concerns. He's a very caring physician. I have referred him.
Reviewed on Nov 30, 2023
Dr. Ehlers and his staff are concerned about me and offer exceptional care.
Reviewed on Nov 30, 2023
Everyone associated with Doctor Ehlers office was able to get me in to receive my eye injection in a timely manor avoiding any complications that may occur with macular degeneration. Due to having to cancel my original appointment. Bless and thank them all.
Reviewed on Nov 14, 2023
Dr. Ehlers is always attentive and kind. Takes the time to answer questions and give clear responses.
Reviewed on Nov 14, 2023
I've recommended Dr. Ehlers to several people asking about eye surgeons.
Reviewed on Nov 14, 2023
I have already recommended Dr. Ehlers.
Reviewed on Nov 9, 2023
Dr. Ehler was very kind and compassionate. He listened to my questions and concerns and helped me make the right decision that met my needs. I appreciated his thoughtful discussion and comments.