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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
  • Macular Degeneration Evaluations
  • Management of Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
  • Microincision Vitrectomy Surgery
  • Ophthalmic Surgery
  • Ophthalmology
  • Optical Coherence Tomography
  • Pars Plana Vitrectomy
  • Pediatric Ophthalmology
  • Retinal Laser Surgery
  • Scleral Buckle
  • Surgical and Medical Treatment of the Retina
  • Sutureless (Small Gauge) Retinal Surgery
  • Vitreoretinal Surgery
View all 17 Treatment & Services +

Specialty in Diseases & Conditions

  • Age-Related Macular Degeneration
  • Diabetic Retinopathy
  • Diseases of the Vitreous
  • Lens Dislocation
  • Macular Hole
  • Macular Pucker
  • Pediatric Retinal Detachment
  • Retinal Detachment
  • Retinal Diseases
  • 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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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
1998

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

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

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

Undergraduate - Yale University
Chemistry
New Haven, CT
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 8/17/2023, 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

359 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

79 Patient Comments

Reviewed on Sep 10, 2024

Dr Sears and staff great

Reviewed on Sep 10, 2024

The kindness, hope and treatment I have received from Dr. Sears and his team has been excellent. Words can not express our gratitude.

Reviewed on Sep 10, 2024

Dr Sears, Christine and the rest of staff are outstanding

Reviewed on Sep 10, 2024

Dr. Sears described/explained the problem very understandably and requested a follow-up. He was also very up-front.

Reviewed on Sep 5, 2024

Dr. Sears is wonderful! He is respectful and so knowledgeable.

Reviewed on Aug 27, 2024

Dr Sears is fantastic, explains conditions very well and never rushes you. He is always very kind and pleasant.

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2024

Great Doctor!

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2024

Dr Sears was wonderful!!

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2024

Dr. Sears is excellent.

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2024

Dr. Sears is an incredible doctor as well as a very special person.

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2024

I did not care for the physicians assistant and fellow that I saw before I saw Dr. Sears.

Reviewed on Aug 8, 2024

I am only referring to Dr. Sears. Staff seen before he entered the room provided very little caring care.

Reviewed on Aug 6, 2024

I have been a patient of Dr. Sears for a number of years, and I find his demeanor to be always the same. He is soft-spoken which always puts me at ease. He cares about giving me the best diagnoses and treatment plans. His approach has always been conservative when dealing with my eyes, meaning his goal is for me to maintain the eyesight I have. He does not try other treatment plans unless the eyesight worsens. I hope he continues practicing at CCF for awhile longer. I thank him for his service.

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2024

Specifically pertaining to my procedure that was performed on July 31, 2024. I would have to say that it was a major success lead by Dr. Jonathan Sears!!!

Reviewed on Jul 23, 2024

Dr.Sears is OUTSTANDING!

Reviewed on Jul 23, 2024

ONLY COME TO CLEVELAND because it is the BEST. DR SEARS THE BEST! Has treated my whole family for YEARS

Reviewed on Jul 23, 2024

Dr Sears is a superstar!

Reviewed on Jul 23, 2024

Doctor Sears is very caring and listens to my questions. He takes his time and I never feel rushed or hurried, and I appreciate that.

Reviewed on Jul 16, 2024

Excellent 1st dr visit, very thorough, listened well, taught trainee w care and empathyear requested my permission to sgare some teaching w visit. Very caring of my opinion/ feeling but working carefully and clearly thru exam to identify and understand my concerns for visit, clearly well trained w strong methodology to arrive at and explain end thoughts regargin exam . Good doctor

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2024

Excellent . I'm moving to the Cleveland area because this great doctor saved my eyesight and I am so grateful to be 71 and doing well.

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2024

Sometimes the wait is long, but I always get the best of care. I deeply appreciate Dr. Sears competence and caring.

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2024

Been a patient for many, many years. Dr. Sears is always a true professional and a compassionate physician. A great doc!

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2024

I always recommend Dr. Sears and Cole Eye

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2024

Dr Seers is a great person

Reviewed on Jun 4, 2024

I am grateful to Dr Sears that he performed this surgery and know that my son is in great hands with him.

Reviewed on May 21, 2024

I had a great experience at the clinic this year. All the staff, especially Dr. Sears, were most helpful in providing me with the greatest of care.

Reviewed on May 21, 2024

Dr. Sears treated my need with the utmost professional care.

Reviewed on May 21, 2024

Dr. Sears communicates well. I have confidence in his approach as well as decisions about my eye care.

Reviewed on May 14, 2024

Waited once again too long to see & hear from Dr. Sears

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

Dr Jonathan Sears is the best doctor. This is why I drive over 3 hours to see him. He is smart, empathetic and does not rush. I always feel like he does a thorough exam.

Reviewed on Apr 23, 2024

I recommend Dr Sears and The Cole Eye Center to everyone I know. I believe I would be blind in my right eye if not for the excellant care.

Reviewed on Apr 18, 2024

Dr Sears was excellent. However the person giving me the shots gave me a shot in my eye to numb it for the shot of medicine. When I had no pain with q tip numbing this should not have happened and the lidocaine shot hurt but he did it anyway.

Reviewed on Apr 16, 2024

After this last visit, my eye was tearing profusely. The on call physician quickly called back. Dr. Sears also called twice to see how I was. He was very kind.

Reviewed on Apr 16, 2024

Dr. Sears was very caring and compassionate and explained everything and answered all questions before and after my eye surgery. He was able to save my eye when the chances weren't very good. I would highly recommend him.

Reviewed on Apr 4, 2024

I had many problems with my eyes in the past, the doctor took time to reflect on past issues and what my current status is.

Reviewed on Mar 21, 2024

Very well run department. Dr. Sears makes sure you understand what is going on.

Reviewed on Mar 19, 2024

Dr Sears has been a caring and compassionate Dr. He has gone above and beyond to treat my eye trauma

Reviewed on Mar 19, 2024

Dr Sears and his team were great!

Reviewed on Mar 19, 2024

Play just excellent, everything. Doctor Sears is a wonderful Doctor I want to trade him for nothing in the world. He actually helped me.

Reviewed on Mar 12, 2024

Dr. Sears is outstanding, great surgeon and doctor. Listens and cares!! And such an intelligent man with experience. Can't ask for a better person/doctor.

Reviewed on Mar 12, 2024

I appreciate Laura, Christine, and Dr Sears, as well as the other staff and registration.

Reviewed on Mar 5, 2024

Dr. Sears and all that helped him took time with me to be sure I knew what was going on and was on board with everything.

Reviewed on Feb 22, 2024

Dr. Sears took the time to discuss my eye concerns and I left feeling that I knew exactly what was happening with my eyes.

Reviewed on Feb 22, 2024

Outstanding communication skills, very well prepared as far has past medical history, highly competent provider

Reviewed on Feb 15, 2024

Dr Sears Is approachable, experienced, and explained things in terms I could understand. I appreciate that.

Reviewed on Feb 13, 2024

Doctor Sears and everyone who works with him are always wonderful. This last experience was excellent as well.

Reviewed on Feb 13, 2024

Every one courteous and efficient. Talk with Doctor Sears, enlightening, and appreciated. Procedure went very well.

Reviewed on Feb 8, 2024

Dr. Sears is a great man. He is so personable. He explains every issue.

Reviewed on Jan 30, 2024

Dr. Sears is the best!

Reviewed on Jan 30, 2024

I routinely recommend Dr. Sears to friends and family.

Reviewed on Jan 25, 2024

Dr. J. Sears, is an awesome "Ophthalmologist". I would recommend him to others. Thank you

Reviewed on Jan 25, 2024

Dr. Sears was and remains excellent in all aspects of my visit with him. More than interested in my condition he is interested in me and is very helpful in explaining and keeping me informed about studies and options.

Reviewed on Jan 18, 2024

Overall, appointment with Dr Sears was very good. I guess I would have felt a little better knowing waht to expect after the surgery. What improvements are we looking for? Better vision incrementally? I know the risks and I am not expecting a miracle but what is the best case and worse case out come.

Reviewed on Jan 16, 2024

Dr Sears and staff continue to work to treat my amd condition and I am grateful for their expertise and and extraordinary work to savemy vision

Reviewed on Jan 9, 2024

Dr Sears is kind and extremely knowledgeable. His skill has saved my sight. I will be eternally grateful for the exceptional care I received at Cleveland Clinic

Reviewed on Dec 12, 2023

Dr. Sears is very easy to communicate with and provides exceptional care. One can not expect more.

Reviewed on Dec 12, 2023

Our family feels that Dr. Sears is very professional and trust him with our daughter's medical care. The Fellow at this visit was also very kind & confident. Thank you.

Reviewed on Dec 7, 2023

Dr. Sears always discusses his decisions about my treatments which I appreciate

Reviewed on Dec 5, 2023

The Dr usually seems rushed and I would like to have more time to discuss my complicated case even if it resulted in higher charges. All of my questions do not always get answered.

Reviewed on Dec 5, 2023

Dr. Sears has treated my late Father and myself for 20 years. He is superb in every way. The doctors, nurses, and technicians that assist him are equally excellent. I consider myself to be most fortunate to be in his care.

Reviewed on Dec 5, 2023

Dr. Sears is the best!

Reviewed on Nov 28, 2023

Dr. Sears was very understanding when I raised a wish to find a practitioner closer to my home. He offered to work with any specialist I may find for eye injections.

Reviewed on Nov 9, 2023

Dr. Sears and Laura were very professional, knowledgeable and attentive to my needs. The only negative comment that I would add was the long wait time.

Reviewed on Nov 9, 2023

Dr. Sears always explains clearly to me information about my results and condition and informs me about what steps I need to consider concerning my condition. Never had a bad experience with Dr. Sears' ability

Reviewed on Nov 9, 2023

First saw a fellow. She was great. Sure how she stays with CCF. Then met Dr Sears. A++ for his time and talents. He will be doing my surgery.

Reviewed on Nov 7, 2023

Dr Sears is always very kind . He truly cares about this patients.

Reviewed on Nov 7, 2023

Dr. Sears is an excellent physician

Reviewed on Nov 7, 2023

Because of driving distance, scheduler is good working with us for appointments. Staff is respectful, professional and caring. Dr Sears is an outstanding specialist.

Reviewed on Nov 7, 2023

Dr has shown professional concern with my condition. Dr encourages me and has a positive attitude despite the issues I have experienced.. My journey with Dr Sears began in May. Two surgeries and many trips to Cleveland Clinic. He is the BEST

Reviewed on Nov 7, 2023

Dr. Sears encourages frequent follow-ups and addresses problems without delay. When I needed next day surgery, Dr. Sears didn't hesitate to add me on his busy surgery schedule to prevent further damage to my eye.

Reviewed on Nov 7, 2023

Dr. Sears' team is amazing, nurses and schedulers work there for a long time and have experience and compassion

Reviewed on Oct 24, 2023

Very pleased with my appointment. Dr Sears did a great job informing me about my condition and the results of my tests He explained everything very well. Dr Sears was very courteous and friendly. Look forward to seeing him at my next appointment.

Reviewed on Oct 24, 2023

The doctor that performed the eye injection was the best yet. Almost no eye irritation or pain.Blood in eye minimal.

Reviewed on Oct 19, 2023

Staff and Dr Sears are wonderful.

Reviewed on Oct 12, 2023

Dr. Sears is very good. His resident was very helpful and listened.

Reviewed on Oct 5, 2023

Dr. Sears is excellent in explaining treatment options and his manner is encouraging and calming.

Reviewed on Oct 5, 2023

For Dr. Sears' services, I would not mind travelling from any part of the world. Absolutely a great doctor. He treats me like one of his own family members. I am quite at ease to avail his services. I am extremely lucky to have him as my doctor. Thanks a lot Dr. Sears and Cleveland Clinic.

Reviewed on Sep 26, 2023

Dr Sears is a wonderful doctor but scheduling patients close together and having them wait inordinate amounts of time is unfair to the patient

Reviewed on Sep 26, 2023

Dr. Sears treats me like his own family member. For his care, I would travel from anywhere in the world.

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