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Department Ophthalmology
Primary Location Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Type of Doctor Both Adults and Children & Adolescents
Languages English
Surgeon Yes
Locations
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Primary Location

Cleveland Clinic Main Campus

Appointment:
216.444.2020
Desk:
216.444.7152
Fax:
216.445.8475
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
  • Macular Degeneration Evaluations
  • Management Of Age Related Macular Degeneration (Amd)
  • Microincision Vitrectomy Surgery
  • Ophthalmic Surgery
  • Ophthalmology
  • Optical Coherence Tomography
  • Pars Plana Vitrectomy
  • Pediatric Ophthalmology
  • Scleral Buckle
  • Surgical And Medical Treatment Of The Retina
  • Sutureless (Small Gauge) Retinal Surgery
  • Vitreoretinal Surgery
View all 18 Treatment & Services +

Specialty in Diseases & Conditions

  • Age-Related Macular Degeneration
  • Diabetic Retinopathy
  • Diseases of the Retina
  • Diseases of the Vitreous
  • Lens Dislocation
  • Macular Hole
  • Macular Pucker
  • Pediatric Retinal Detachment
  • Retinal Detachment
  • Retinal Disorders
  • Retinal Hemangioma
  • Retinal Pigment Epithelium-Choroid Complex
  • Retinal Vein Occlusion
  • Retinitis
  • Traumatic Retinal Detachment
View all 15 Specialties +
Insurance

Insurance

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View All Plans
Biography

About Jonathan Sears, MD

Jonathan Sears, MD, is Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at the Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic. He received his undergraduate education at Yale College, graduating cum laude with a BS in chemistry. He continued with medical school at Yale University School of Medicine, where he developed a novel method of screening B-cell epitopes, which was used to help develop the Lyme vaccine. He was a Resident in Ophthalmology at Yale as well, and next completed a two-year surgical fellowship at Emory University, where he developed an interest in pediatric retinal detachment and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

Dr. Sears' research interest is in ROP. He uses a mouse model of ROP to test the hypothesis that small-molecule activators of hypoxia-inducible factor are able to drive retinal development early in life to prevent ROP detachment.

Education & Professional Highlights

Education & Professional Highlights

Appointed
1998

Education & Fellowships

Fellowship - Emory Eye Clinic
Vitreoretinal Fellowship
Atlanta, GA USA
1998

Residency - Yale-New Haven Hospital
Ophthalmology
New Haven, CT USA
1996

Internship - Yale-New Haven Hospital
Internal Medicine
New Haven, CT USA
1993

Medical Education - Yale University School of Medicine
MD
New Haven, CT USA
1992

Undergraduate - Yale University
Chemistry
New Haven, CT USA
1988

Professional Highlights

  • AAO Achievement Award
  • The Hartwell Foundation Research Fellow
  • Matilda Zeigler Foundation Research Fellow

Certifications

  • Ophthalmology

Specialty Interests

retinal detachment secondary to degenerative disorders such as myopia or trauma or diabetes, retinopathy of prematurity and other acquired vitreoretinal diseases, vitreoretinal diseases, pediatric retina

Awards & Honors

  • Distinction in Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Yale University, 1988$0$0Cum Laude, Yale University, 1988
  • Yale Medical Student Research Fellowship, sponsored by National Institutes of Health; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Section of Immunobiology, Yale School of Medicine, 1990-1992
  • Harold J. Lamport Prize, awarded for the most creative biomedical research by a Yale medical student, Department of Biochemistry, Yale School of Medicine, 1992
  • Yale Resident Research Prize, Department of Ophthalmology, 1995 and 1996
  • Heed Ophthalmic Fellowship, in support of clinical research, 1997
  • Emory Medical Care Fellowship, in support of basic science research, Emory University School of Medicine, 1997
  • Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology, Fellow Research Competition, Finalist, 1998
  • Clinical Teacher of the Year Award, Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine, 1998
  • Clinical Investigator Development Award, Cleveland Clinic, 2003
  • Best Doctors in America, 2005-2009
  • Best Doctors in Cleveland, 2005-2009
  • American Academy of Ophthalmology Achievement Award, 2007
  • Editorial Board Member Online News and Education (O.N.E.), 2007
  • Editorial Board Member British Journal of Ophthalmology
  • Best Research, Poster American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2008
  • Strathmore Who's Who 2009

Innovations & Patents

  • Stimulating angiogenesis to prevent ischemic retinopathy

Memberships

  • American Academy of Ophthalmology
  • Association of Research in Vision and Ophthalmology
  • International Congress of Eye Research
  • Association of Pediatric Retinal Surgeons
  • Cleveland Ophthalmic Society
  • Heed Ophthalmic Society$0$0
Research & Publications

Research & Publications

See publications for Jonathan Sears, 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 10/13/2022, Dr. Sears has reported no financial relationship with industry that is applicable to this listing. 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.

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

335 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
4.8 out of 5
Explains 4.8
Listens 5
Courtesy, Respect & Concern 4.9
Time Spent with Patient 5
Patient Rating of Doctor 4.9

58 Patient Comments

Reviewed on Feb 21, 2023

I have had the same doctor for many years & he has always been very helpful and patient.

Reviewed on Feb 21, 2023

As stated, he was quite an amazing doctor. Really cares.

Reviewed on Feb 7, 2023

*Dr. Sears has always provided excellent care.

Reviewed on Jan 31, 2023

Dr. Sears has always talked and cared about my situations.

Reviewed on Jan 26, 2023

Excellent doctor

Reviewed on Jan 24, 2023

Dr. Sears is the best!

Reviewed on Jan 19, 2023

Dr.Sears is one of the best specialists I have at the clinic. He studies your chart and symptoms while really listening to your concerns and future needs. I have full confidence in his care along with his entire team!

Reviewed on Jan 19, 2023

Dr seats continues to provide the highest quality medical expertise for my particular case

Reviewed on Jan 17, 2023

Dr Sears, his resident, and his nurse all showed concern about my condition. Their examinations were done professionally. I was especially appreciative of Dr Sears willingness to be available by both email and cell. I know that my eye care is in good hands and if further problems arise I will have superior care by Dr Sears and his team.

Reviewed on Jan 17, 2023

Dr Sears is an excellent physician who provides exceptional care. He is the best.

Reviewed on Jan 3, 2023

I recommend Dr. Sears to everyone. I respect his advice and judgment on all things medical.

Reviewed on Jan 3, 2023

I have spoken very highly of *Dr. Sears to others. He's taking care of the one good eye I have.

Reviewed on Dec 13, 2022

We are really pleased with how *Dr. Sears & his team make us feel like a top priority.

Reviewed on Dec 8, 2022

Great Dr.

Reviewed on Dec 6, 2022

Dr Sears sets the standard

Reviewed on Nov 8, 2022

It is always a good experience with dr.sears and his staff .christine is very attentive to everyone.

Reviewed on Nov 8, 2022

Dr.sears always make sure I understand my options.

Reviewed on Nov 8, 2022

I have changed all my drs to cc.because of the care I have received from dr.sears and his staff.

Reviewed on Nov 3, 2022

All staff and physicians are outstanding

Reviewed on Nov 1, 2022

I really like Dr. Sears. He is caring and always very nice.

Reviewed on Sep 27, 2022

Very good attention *Dr. Sear, *Cristina and his nurses excellent job, total satisfaction thank you very much.

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2022

Dr. Sears is an amazing doctor! He's approachable and friendly. He restored my vision and I will be forever grateful!

Reviewed on Sep 22, 2022

MD ordered pictures of retinas. Took a very long time (at least an hour) to get the pictures taken.

Reviewed on Sep 13, 2022

Dr Sears and his staff Is always caring and very thorough. It's one doctor's visit I never dread!

Reviewed on Sep 13, 2022

Dr. Sears is awesome. Always cares about my family. Christine is also a very kind and respectful woman!

Reviewed on Sep 8, 2022

Dr Sears is the best!! He's been my eye specialist doctor for the past 10 years. Always very clear, compassionate and caring. Thank you Dr Seats.

Reviewed on Sep 8, 2022

Dr Sears is a fine doctor and a caring person

Reviewed on Aug 30, 2022

Computer froze up during visit, so didn't get full experience on both eyes. Doctor was rushing through because my condition has no cure and no treatment at this time.

Reviewed on Aug 30, 2022

Again, I didn't receive any treatment for myopic degeneration. Doctor tried to give me a positive note to feel that I was doing well.

Reviewed on Aug 23, 2022

I continue to be very pleased with Dr Sears. He isextremely competent, confident, direct, thorough, and speaks on patient level, despite being a scientific/medical expert. He is not arrogant....very important! I feel fortunate to have him and his team as my providers.

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2022

There are not sufficient words to describe what a great man Dr. Sears is. He personally called to see how I was doing after my last procedure. You very rarely hear of surgeons doing that.

Reviewed on Jul 21, 2022

Dr. Sears is the best!!

Reviewed on Jul 19, 2022

Dr Sears is a kind person with world-class skills

Reviewed on Jul 19, 2022

Dr. Sears was timely & professional & knowledgable & courteous

Reviewed on Jul 19, 2022

Dr Sears began treatment for a challenging condition (PED) while others were simply monitoring. I appreciate the effort to do something!

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2022

Dr. Sears is incredible!

Reviewed on Jun 23, 2022

Dr. Sears and his staff are amazing! We are beyond grateful for everything he has done for our daughter!

Reviewed on Jun 21, 2022

Dr Sears is an outstanding doctor. He is a credit to the Clinic

Reviewed on Jun 2, 2022

Cole Eye and specifically Dr. Sears is tops. I have recommended Dr. Sears to many friends.

Reviewed on May 31, 2022

Dr. Sears is the best!!

Reviewed on May 31, 2022

I love dr Sears he the greatest

Reviewed on May 26, 2022

Very good Dr Sears was Great

Reviewed on May 19, 2022

Good Doctor high in demand takes awhile

Reviewed on May 19, 2022

He's a great doctor

Reviewed on May 17, 2022

Dr. Sears is normally on time and spends adequate time during the appointment however this time he was very late and I felt rushed. I have been seeing him for years with great care-this time was a disappointment. Great doctor!!!

Reviewed on May 10, 2022

Dr. Sears is outstanding on all fronts. Clinic is lucky to have such a great surgeon.

Reviewed on May 10, 2022

Dr. Sears is awesome.

Reviewed on May 10, 2022

Communication with the doctor is excellent.

Reviewed on May 10, 2022

Dr. Sears is amazing and listens to the patients concerns.

Reviewed on Apr 26, 2022

I've seen many Doctors in my 50 years. None are better than Dr. Jonathon Sears. Thank you

Reviewed on Apr 19, 2022

I always tell my friends how great The Cleveland clinic is the docs have been great!! And all workers also ver nice

Reviewed on Apr 19, 2022

Dr. Sears is the best. We would not consider any other doctor, even if it is a long drive from MI. (I'm 83 and Bill is 87) The nurses and the staff at the desk are exceptionally professional and nice. So many doctor's offices treat you as just another patient. That is not true at Dr. Sear's office.

Reviewed on Apr 12, 2022

Dr.Sears was very professional courteous patient answering my questions and did an excellent job explaining my condition and treatment

Reviewed on Apr 12, 2022

Honored to be Dr. Sears' patient. He is the best.

Reviewed on Apr 12, 2022

Dr. Sears was tremendous as was his staff

Reviewed on Apr 12, 2022

I understand that one doctor was late that morning so the other doctors had to "double up" on patients. Emergencies happen and can't be helped but it may have been nice to explain the situation to patients when they checked in. We had to leave two hours early to arrive at the scheduled time, only to wait. There was also a problem with one person at the check-out desk which created long lines waiting to schedule the next appointment and check out.

Reviewed on Apr 5, 2022

I always feel that I am getting the best possible care available from Dr. Sears.

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2022

Dr.Sears is an excellent and compassionate physician.

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