Emergency icon Important Updates
Close
Important Updates

Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?

Department Ophthalmic Research
Primary Location Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Type of Doctor Researcher
Languages English
Surgeon Yes
Locations
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Primary Location

Cleveland Clinic Main Campus

Appointment:
216.444.2020
Desk:
216.444.6702
Fax:
216.445.2226
Specialties & Treatments

Treatment & Services

  • Clinical Drug Trials
  • Clinical Trials
  • Diabetic Eye Examinations
  • Epiretinal Membrane Surgery
  • Fluorescein Angiography
  • Intravitreal Injections for Retinal Disease
  • Laser for Diabetic Retinopathy
  • Macular Degeneration Evaluations
  • Management of Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
  • Microincision Vitrectomy Surgery
  • New Experimental Treatment Technologies
  • Ophthalmic Surgery
  • Optical Coherence Tomography
  • Pars Plana Vitrectomy
  • Photodynamic Therapy
  • Retinal Laser Surgery
  • Scleral Buckle
  • Surgical and Medical Treatment of the Retina
  • Sutureless (Small Gauge) Retinal Surgery
  • Vitreoretinal Surgery
View all 20 Treatment & Services +

Specialty in Diseases & Conditions

  • Age-Related Macular Degeneration
  • Diabetic Retinopathy
  • Diseases of the Vitreous
  • Lens Dislocation
  • Macular Hole
  • Macular Pucker
  • Retinal Detachment
  • Retinal Diseases
  • Retinal Disorders
  • Retinal Vein Occlusion
  • Traumatic Retinal Detachment
View all 11 Specialties +
Insurance

Insurance

Is Cleveland Clinic Part of Your Insurance?

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 Peter Kaiser, MD

Peter K. Kaiser, MD, is a Staff member of the vitreoretinal faculty of the Cole Eye Institute in the Department of Ophthalmology at Cleveland Clinic's Main Campus. He was appointed in 1997. Dr. Kaiser is the Founding Director of the Digital Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Reading Center at the Cole Eye Institute.

Dr. Kaiser received his medical degree magna cum laude from Harvard Medical School in Boston, Mass. He completed an internship in internal medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, an ophthalmology residency at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary in Boston and a retinal fellowship at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, Florida.

Actively involved in retinal clinical research, Dr. Kaiser is study chairman of 4 major, multi-center, international clinical trials and is a principal investigator in multiple other trials. Complementing his research endeavors, Dr. Kaiser serves on numerous scientific advisory boards and addresses his research interests as an invited speaker at national and international conferences.

Dr. Kaiser is a major contributor to medical literature having authored several ophthalmology texts, and more than 200 book chapters, original reports, electronic publications and abstracts. He is an associate editor of the American Journal of Ophthalmology, and serves on the editorial boards of Retina, Retina Today, Retinal Physician and Ocular Surgery News.

Dr. Kaiser has been recognized by the American Academy of Ophthalmology and American Society of Retina Specialists with Achievement and Senior Achievement Awards, and is listed in the "Best Doctors in America" list. He is the team ophthalmologist for the Cleveland Browns (National Football League), Cleveland Cavaliers (National Basketball Association) and the Cleveland Indians (Major League Baseball).

Education & Professional Highlights

Education & Professional Highlights

Appointed
1997

Education & Fellowships

Fellowship - Bascom Palmer Eye Institute-Anne Bates Leach Eye Hospital
Ophthalmology
Miami, FL
1997

Residency - Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
Ophthalmology
Boston, MA
1996

Internship - Massachusetts General Hospital
Internal Medicine
Boston, MA
1993

Medical Education - Harvard Medical School
Boston, MA
1992

Undergraduate - Harvard University
Biology
Boston, MA
1988

Additional Training

  • FELLOWSHIP: Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
    • Miami Florida
    • Medical retina and vitreoretinal surgery  1996-1997
    • RESIDENCY:Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary 1993-1996
      • Boston, MA
      • Ophthalmology
      • INTERNSHIP:Massachusetts General Hospital 1992-1993
        • Boston MA
        • Internal Medicine
        • MEDICAL SCHOOL:Harvard Medical School 1988-1992
          • Boston MA
          • Doctor of Medicine
          • COLLEGE: Harvard College 1984-1988
            • Boston MA
            • Bachelor of Arts

            Professional Highlights

            • Editor-in-Chief, Current Concepts in Retina
            • Founding Director, Digital OCT Reading Center (DOCTR)
            • Associate Editor, American Journal of Ophthalmology
            • Editorial board, Retina, Retina Today, Retinal Physician, Ocular Surgery News
            • Associate Editor,  International Ophthalmology Clinics

            Certifications

            • Ophthalmology

            Specialty Interests

            Epiretinal membranes, vitreomacular traction, macular holes, age-related macular degeneration, Diabetic retinopathy, Retinal Detachment, vitreoretinal diseases

            Awards & Honors

            • American Academy of Ophthalmology Senior Achievement Award (Senior Honor Award), 2008
            • National Institute of Health, RO1 grant funding, 2005-present
            • Who's Who in Executives and Professionals Listing National Register, West Islip NY, 2004- present
            • American Society of Retina Specialists, Senior Achievement Award (Senior Honor Award), 2003
            • American Society of Retina Specialists, Achievement Award (Honor Award), 2002
            • Best Doctors in America listing, 2002 - present
            • Best Doctors in Midwest listing, 2002-present
            • Best Doctors in Cleveland listing, 2002-present
            • American Academy of Ophthalmology Achievement Award (Honor Award), 2001
            • Strathmore's Who's Who listing, 2000-present
            • Study Chairman, DENALI Phase 3 Study
            • Study Chairman, VERITAS Phase 3 Study
            • Study Chairman, VIO Phase 3 Study
            • Study Chairman, TargeGen Phase 1 Study

            Innovations & Patents

            • Pioneer in the use of, and developer of several new 23 gauge surgical techniques, which allow sutureless vitrectomy surgery with less pain and faster visual recovery or patients
            • Pioneer in new vitrectomy systems that offer better flow rates, faster cutting speeds, and safer probes than current machines
            • First MD to use a modified RNA interfering molecule to treat age-related macular degeneration; this technique and its technology was the first time it had been used in any disease after the discovery of RNAi received the Nobel Prize in Medicine
            • Pioneer in the use of spectral domain optical coherence tomography in the diagnosis and management of vitreoretinal diseases

            Memberships

            • Retina Society, 2003- present
            • Pan-American Ophthalmology Association, 2000- present
            • American Society of Retina Specialists (Vitreous Society), 2000 - present
            • Cleveland Ophthalmological Society, 1997 - present
            • International Academy of Sports Vision, 1997 - present
      Research & Publications

      Research & Publications

      See publications for Peter Kaiser, 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 8/3/2023, Dr. Kaiser 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. Kaiser 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:

      • Clearside Biomedical, Inc
      • Novartis International, AG
      • Iveric bio, Inc.
      • Annexon Biosciences, Inc.
      • Bausch and Lomb
      • Genentech, Inc
      • Aviceda Therapeutics
      • Merck Sharp & Dohme
      • Coherus BioSciences
      • Ocular Therapeutix, Inc.
      • Thea Laboratories
      • Allergan Sales, LLC
      • RegenexBio, Inc.
      • Biogen Idec, Inc.
      • Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
      • Boehringer Ingelheim
      • Ocuphire Pharma, Inc.
      • Bayer AG

      Donation of Financial Interest. Dr. Kaiser has consulted for, received compensation for serving as a fiduciary from, or received royalties from the following companies but instructed them to donate all compensation to not-for-profit causes or to the Cleveland Clinic to support research and education:

      • Stealth BioTherapeutics Incorporated

      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

      347 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 4.9
      Courtesy, Respect & Concern 4.9
      Patient Rating of Doctor 4.9

      68 Patient Comments

      Reviewed on Nov 13, 2024

      Always a sincere pleasure seeing Dr. Kaiser and his staff

      Reviewed on Nov 7, 2024

      I talked with Dr. Kaiser. My situation is stable. We will continue as we have in the past. Good experience.

      Reviewed on Oct 31, 2024

      Dr Kaiser seemed very smart and aware of my eye problem . The wait between appts is not productive for the drs or the patients. Too much time is lost and contributed to my current problem.

      Reviewed on Oct 30, 2024

      Everyone connected to Dr. Kaiser is so kind, seem very happy in what they are doing, and are very professional in their skills. I feel very confident in the abilities of those working with Dr. Kaiser.

      Reviewed on Oct 24, 2024

      MD documented that I did not want treatment but we never discussed it. He also documented new conditions that he never told me about. The fellow couldn't figure out which eye he was to inject.

      Reviewed on Oct 23, 2024

      Dr. Abraham was caring and professional.

      Reviewed on Oct 23, 2024

      Dr. Kaiser and his group are the BEST!

      Reviewed on Oct 10, 2024

      Dr. Kaiser is a compassionate, intelligent, caring, expert, and we appreciate being in his care.

      Reviewed on Oct 9, 2024

      Dr. Kaiser has given me the best care for my retina problems for many years. In my opinion, he is TOPS !!!

      Reviewed on Sep 25, 2024

      Dr Kaiser and his staff/assistants are wonderful!

      Reviewed on Sep 25, 2024

      Wait time was a little long in some areas, but overall Dr Kaiser and his staff are the best.

      Reviewed on Sep 25, 2024

      Dr.Kaiser is excellent doctor. Takes time, explains treatment and answers all my questions.

      Reviewed on Sep 25, 2024

      Dr. Kaiser and his staff are excellent.

      Reviewed on Sep 25, 2024

      I came to the eye institute because of a diagnosis by another Dr. Both Dr Keiser and Dr Traboulsi went through my medical history, my description of symptoms, and explained to me in an easy to understand way the results of my tests, how my symptoms started and why my previous diagnosis was incorrect. They were unable to give me a new diagnosis on that day, but reassured me that my issue was manageable and that they were dedicated to finding answers via more testing and a future appt.

      Reviewed on Sep 25, 2024

      Dr. Gives me excellent care. No complaints

      Reviewed on Sep 25, 2024

      I have very high respect for Dr. Kaiser. I trust him with my eyes. I also appreciate his efforts to train and mentor young residents who will be the next generation physicians.

      Reviewed on Aug 29, 2024

      Dr. Kaiser exhibits a tremendous amount of compassion

      Reviewed on Aug 28, 2024

      Dr. Kaiser's staff is excellent

      Reviewed on Aug 28, 2024

      I have recommended Dr. Kaiser to friends. He is the BEST!

      Reviewed on Aug 28, 2024

      I always have a great experience when I go to the eye doctor there Dr Kaiser is wonderful

      Reviewed on Aug 28, 2024

      All the doctors the nurses the whole staff they're very very nice

      Reviewed on Aug 28, 2024

      Doctor Kaiser and his team is up Best!!

      Reviewed on Aug 22, 2024

      Dr kaiser is the besr

      Reviewed on Aug 21, 2024

      Doctors and nurses were very professional

      Reviewed on Aug 21, 2024

      Dr. Kaiser is top notch and I trust him completely

      Reviewed on Jun 26, 2024

      Because eye injections are very stressful, I wish same doctor would do shots every three months, but it always someone different and I fight feeling they are practicing on me since I always have side effects after shot.I know team leader doc is excellent and he is reading charts,but painful shots and after affects are stressful.

      Reviewed on Jun 20, 2024

      We absolutely love Dr Kaiser !!

      Reviewed on Jun 20, 2024

      I recently lost my husband and Dr. Kaiser was so comapassionate to me. He is an excellent doctor!!!

      Reviewed on Jun 20, 2024

      Dr. Kaiser and his staff were very patient, kind, and compassionate to me.

      Reviewed on Jun 12, 2024

      Dr. Peter Kaiser is the best!

      Reviewed on Jun 6, 2024

      Dr. Kaiser was excellent, very knowledgeable, caring, explained everything in a detail. I am so glad I chose to see him.

      Reviewed on May 30, 2024

      Great experience....loved the doctor!!!

      Reviewed on May 30, 2024

      I was very happy with the doctor.

      Reviewed on May 29, 2024

      Dr. Kaiser is excellent doctor. Informative without being an alarmist! Conservative when warranted.. Aggressive when needed. Always patient with questions. Excellent guidance.

      Reviewed on May 29, 2024

      I have been coming to Dr. Kaiser for several years now and have great confidence in his skills. I will be back to see him in December.Thank you!

      Reviewed on May 29, 2024

      I will keep coming to Dr. Kaiser as long as he is there. It is about a 5 hour drive each way. That's how much I trust him.

      Reviewed on May 29, 2024

      Dr and assistants were very helpful. Explanations were easily to understand.

      Reviewed on May 16, 2024

      Had difficulty scheduling an appointment specifically with Dr. Kaiser. My Chart scheduling kept kicking back to physicians I had never heard of. Exasperated, I finally sent Dr. Kaiser a note and his office responded very quickly and scheduled an appointment for me. Very exasperating.

      Reviewed on May 16, 2024

      Dr. Kaiser and all his staff are definitely the varsity.

      Reviewed on May 16, 2024

      I have recommended him to others. I drive from central NY to see him

      Reviewed on May 15, 2024

      Dr Ksiser is thoughtful and caring. I have recommended him to several people.

      Reviewed on May 2, 2024

      I have been seeing Dr. Kaiser for over 20 years . He is a caring competent doctor and all of his staff are very good . I have recommended Dr. Kaiser to a few people and they have been very happy with him also . .

      Reviewed on May 1, 2024

      Even as Physician I have attempted to schedule appointments for myself consistently with difficulty

      Reviewed on May 1, 2024

      I feel as though I am being taken care of by family because everyone is both friendly and professional. Dr. Kaiser is great in the field of retina specialists.

      Reviewed on Apr 25, 2024

      I was extremely pleased with my visit with Dr. Wagner (Fellow) and Dr Kaiser. Both were very attentive, engaging, and personable. I totally respect their knowledge and recommendations, as presented, In providing my second opinion. It was totally well worth my visit from Louisville, Kentucky. Total professionalism was exhibited by the entire staff of Dr. Kaiser's team.

      Reviewed on Apr 25, 2024

      I feel fortunate to have Dr. Kaiser as my physician. I always feel better when I leave his office. Thank you Dr. Kaiser.

      Reviewed on Apr 25, 2024

      I very much appreciate Dr. Peter Kaiser & his lovely resident Dr. Donnelly I believe her name was. Wonderful team. Thank you.

      Reviewed on Apr 24, 2024

      Great Dr you are lucky to have him

      Reviewed on Apr 11, 2024

      Spent way to much time at the Clinic. Even though I like Doctor Kaiser very much, I will never schedule another appointment at the main campus.

      Reviewed on Apr 3, 2024

      Dr. Kaiser is my hero in not giving up on me . He made sure that I received treatment from someone that had a different technique

      Reviewed on Mar 13, 2024

      I have been seeing Dr Kaiser for more than 20 years. He is always concerned about his patients. I always know what the plan is.

      Reviewed on Feb 28, 2024

      Dr. Kaiser and his staff are excellent.

      Reviewed on Feb 28, 2024

      Overall the care I recieved from Dr. Kaiser over the years has been both effective and caring

      Reviewed on Feb 14, 2024

      Always very knowledgeable and professional. I've always enjoyed the care that I've received from Dr. Kaiser.

      Reviewed on Feb 14, 2024

      Dr.Kaiser is the best.

      Reviewed on Feb 1, 2024

      Dr. Peter Kaiser is an outstanding physician.The fellow who administered the shot was good.

      Reviewed on Feb 1, 2024

      Dr. Kaiser is excellent. Because he is so good I drove 750 miles round trip to see him.

      Reviewed on Feb 1, 2024

      I have a follow-up appointment in May. I am looking forward to it. I have recommended Dr Kaiser and the Eye Clinic to others.

      Reviewed on Jan 25, 2024

      I ofter recomend Cleveland clinic , Cole Eye Center and Dr. Peter Kaiser. I am a long term diabetic and I can once again SEE.

      Reviewed on Jan 25, 2024

      The care provider was the doctor.

      Reviewed on Jan 10, 2024

      I often praise Dr Kaiser and his staff to my friends

      Reviewed on Jan 10, 2024

      I have recommended Dr. Kaiser to other people. He performed surgery on me several years ago that preserved my sight and did not have many of the difficulties usually associated with the procedure.

      Reviewed on Jan 10, 2024

      Dr. Kaiser is the best!!

      Reviewed on Jan 4, 2024

      Dr. Kaiser was wonderful in expertise, caring, advising, and facilitating discussion.

      Reviewed on Jan 4, 2024

      Dr Kaiser is always attentive, responsive, and engages appropriately despite it being clear that he is very busy. I've treated with him for years, and I can't say enough good things about him

      Reviewed on Jan 3, 2024

      Dr. Kaiser is the best!

      Reviewed on Jan 3, 2024

      Llike Dr Kaiser very much and he truly studies images and conveys optimism.

      Reviewed on Dec 6, 2023

      Everyone in the office is very polite and very helpful. Dr Kaiser is hands down the best in Cleveland don't waste your time with anyone Else.

      Back to Top