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

Treatment & Services

  • Anterior Segment Surgery
  • Cataract Evaluations
  • Cataract Implant Surgery
  • Cataract Surgery
  • Clinical Drug Trials
  • Clinical Trials
  • Cornea Transplant
  • Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking
  • Corneal Surgery
  • Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK)
  • Descemet's Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK)
  • Descemet's Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSEK)
  • Femtosecond Cataract Surgery
  • Intraocular Lens Implantation
  • Lamellar Keratoplasty
  • Laser Cataract Surgery
  • Laser Eye Surgery
  • Laser Vision Correction
  • LASIK (Laser in situ Keratomileusis)
  • Multifocal Intraocular Lenses
  • Noninvasive Diagnostic Testing
  • Noninvasive Ocular Ultrasound
  • Ophthalmic Surgery
  • Ophthalmology
  • Optical Coherence Tomography
  • Penetrating Corneal Transplant
  • Phacoemulsification
  • Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK) Eye Surgery
  • Refractive Cataract Surgery
  • Refractive Lens Exchange
  • Refractive Surgery
View all 31 Treatment & Services +

Specialty in Diseases & Conditions

  • Anterior Ocular Disease
  • Cataracts
  • Cornea Ulcer
  • Corneal Abrasion
  • Corneal Disease
  • Corneal Scar
  • Dry Eyes
  • Iridocyclitis
  • Keratoconus
  • Lens Dislocation
  • Myopia (Nearsightedness)
  • Ocular Injuries
  • Refractive Errors
  • Refractive Surgery Complications
View all 14 Specialties +
Insurance

Insurance

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Biography

About William Dupps, MD, PhD

William J. Dupps Jr., MD, MS, PhD, a native of Catawba Island, Ohio, joined the staff of Cleveland Clinic in 2006 and has appointments in Ophthalmology, Biomedical Engineering and Transplantation. His academic appointments include Professor of Ophthalmology at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine and Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Case Western Reserve University. After graduating with an undergraduate degree in chemical Engineering from Purdue University, he completed his master’s and doctoral degrees in Biomedical Engineering at The Ohio State University, where he also earned his medical degree with honors as a fellow in the Medical Scientist Training Program. He completed an ophthalmology residency at the University of Iowa Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, a research fellowship in ocular gene therapy at the National Eye Institute, and a two-year Cornea and Refractive Surgery Fellowship at the Cole Eye Institute. He specializes in refractive surgery, corneal transplantation, and cataract surgery.

With research support from sources such as the National Keratoconus Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, and Research to Prevent Blindness, Dr. Dupps leads an interdisciplinary research team in the Ocular Biomechanics and Imaging Laboratory at the Cole Eye Institute focused on the biomechanics of keratoconus and methods for improving refractive surgery outcomes with patient-specific computational modeling. Dr. Dupps is listed in Who’s Who in Medicine and Healthcare, Who’s Who in Science and Engineering, and America’s Top Ophthalmologists. His contributions have been recognized by his peers through membership in the American Ophthalmological Society and honors such as the Kritzinger Award and a Senior Achievement Award from the International Society of Refractive Surgery and the American Academy of Ophthalmology.  He was named Teacher of the Year by the residents of the Cole Eye Institute in 2010 and is the Director of Cole Eye Institute’s cornea and refractive surgery fellowship training program.

Dr. Dupps is Editor of the Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery, a leading journal in the field of anterior segment eye surgery, and has authored numerous journal articles and book chapters. He is named on several patents and received the Cleveland Clinic’s first Early Career Innovation Award in 2008.


Education & Professional Highlights

Education & Professional Highlights

Appointed
2004

Education & Fellowships

Fellowship - Cleveland Clinic
Cornea & Refractive Surgery
Cleveland, OH
2006

Residency - University of Iowa College of Medicine
Ophthalmology
Iowa City, IA
2004

Internship - Indiana University School of Medicine
Transitional Medicine
Indianapolis, IN
2001

Medical Education - The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health
Columbus, OH
2000

Medical Education - The Ohio State University College of Medicine and Public Health
Biomedical Engineering
Columbus, OH
1998

Graduate School - The Ohio State University
Biomedical Engineering
Columbus, OH
1995

Undergraduate - Purdue University
Chemical Engineering
West Lafayette, IN
1992

Professional Highlights

  • Editor, Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery
  • Principle Site Investigator, NIH/NEI Multi-Center Genetic Study of Fuchs’ Dystrophy   
  • Research to Prevent Blindness Career Development Award
  • NIH K12/KL2 Multidisciplinary Clinical Research Career Development Programs Grant
  • Cleveland Clinic Foundation Innovations Grants
  • Oral Examiner, American Board of Ophthalmology
  • American Academy of Ophthalmology: Practicing Ophthalmologist Curriculum (POC) Refractive Management/Intervention Panel & Committee for Research, Regulatory & External Scientific Relations

Certifications

  • Ophthalmology

Specialty Interests

corneal transplantation & cataract, Refractive Surgery

Awards & Honors

  • Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society
  • S.J. Roessler Memorial Research Scholarship Award
  • Landacre Society Research Honorary
  • Latin American Studies Program Grant
  • American Medical Student Association International Health Travel Grant
  • Graduate Student Alumni Research Award, The Ohio State University
  • Presidential Fellowship, The Ohio State University Graduate School
  • Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society
  • Phi Kappa Phi
  • The Nation’s Deans List
  • Eli Alcorn Prize in Ophthalmology, The Ohio State University
  • National Eye Institute Travel Grant, ARVO
  • The Fischbach Medical Scholarship, Delta Tau Delta Education Foundation
  • Marquis Who’s Who in Medicine and Healthcare
  • Cleveland Clinic Innovator Award
  • Marquis Who’s Who in Science and Engineering
  • America’s Top Ophthalmologists, Consumers’ Research Council of America
  • Academic Hall of Fame, Port Clinton High School, Port Clinton, Ohio
  • Early Career Innovation Award, Cleveland Clinic
  • Distinguished Alumni Lecture, University of Iowa Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences
  • Best Doctors in America, Best Doctors Inc.
  • Teacher of the Year, Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic
  • Distinguished Alumnus Award, College of Engineering, The Ohio State University
  • Cambridge Who’s Who Registry among Executives, Professionals and Entrepreneurs
  • Cleveland’s Top Doctors, Cleveland Magazine
  • Achievement Award, American Academy of Ophthalmology

Innovations & Patents

  • Roberts C, Dupps WJ, Katsube N. “Methods and instruments for refractive ophthalmic surgery.” US Patent 20030208190. Licensed by Bausch & Lomb Surgical. Published Nov. 3, 2003
  • Roberts C, Dupps WJ, Katsube N. “System for refractive ophthalmic surgery.” European Patent Office 05013025.1
  • Dupps WJ, Rollins AM, Ford M. Method for measuring biomechanical properties in an eye. Patent filed May 2006, issued May 3, 2011 as US 7935058 B2
  • Krueger RR, Dupps WJ, Trokel SL, Thornton IL. Method for altering optic nerve head and scleral stiffness. US Provisional Patent Application No. 60/921,317, filed on April 2, 2007
  • Dupps WJ, Sinha Roy A. Computational model of the eye. US Provisional Patent Application 61047179 filed April 23, 2008

Memberships

  • Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Cornea Section
  • American Academy of Ophthalmology
  • International Society of Refractive Surgery
  • American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
  • International Society of Optical Engineering (SPIE)
  • Cleveland Ophthalmological Society
  • Society for Clinical and Translational Science
Research & Publications

Research & Publications

See publications for William Dupps, MD, PhD.

(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 10/29/2024, Dr. Dupps 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. Dupps 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:

  • Alcon, Inc.

Royalty Payments. Dr. Dupps receives or has the right to receive royalty payments for inventions or discoveries commercialized through the companies shown below:

  • OptoQuest, Inc.

Right to Future Distribution of Cleveland Clinic Financial Interest. Dr. Dupps may receive future financial benefits from the Cleveland Clinic for inventions or discoveries commercialized through the companies shown below:

  • OptoQuest, 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.

Patient Satisfaction Reviews

181 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

40 Patient Comments

Reviewed on Oct 10, 2024

Dr. Dupps is an exceptional Doctor.

Reviewed on Oct 1, 2024

Dr. Dupps' engaging personality plus his medical knowledge and experience made me feel assured that his diagnosis and treatment would benefit me greatly.

Reviewed on Sep 19, 2024

I appreciated having both doctors sit with me ahead of my procedure to discuss what to expect, answer any questions, as well as polite conversation. It went a long way to help me feel relaxed.

Reviewed on Aug 28, 2024

I was glad my doctor referred me to Dr. Dupps and feel confident with him providing my care.

Reviewed on Aug 22, 2024

Dr. Dupps has helped me and continues to be appreciated.

Reviewed on Aug 22, 2024

Dr. Dupps is exceptional! While I was waiting, I met a man who travels in from West Virginia to see him. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have him and his wisdom caring for my eyesight!

Reviewed on Aug 22, 2024

Wonderful experience and an amazing Dr and staff

Reviewed on Aug 20, 2024

Dr. Dupps was incredibly friendly, professional and he took time to listen to my concerns and answered my questions thoroughly. As a physician, it can be daunting to undergo a procedure yourself but he put my mind at ease. Knowing that Dr. Dupps will be performing the surgery himself was the key factor in my decision to move forward. Thank you.

Reviewed on Jul 16, 2024

Dr. Dumpster is wonderful. I was also seen by a Fellow. I forget her name.

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2024

The best of the best for corneal problems and he is a very caring kind physician

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2024

Took almost six months to get an application with this doctor. My main issue hsv already been resolved

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2024

Dr. Dupps and his staff are fantastic! They are so professional and thorough in their examinations. They are also great active-listeners. I always know I am In great hands when my wife and me visit the Cole Eye Institute!

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2024

Wow, Dr. Dups was one of the best doctors I've ever been a patient with. He was very good at explaining things and designing a custom solution for my specific situation. 5 stars!

Reviewed on May 21, 2024

Dr. Dupps is very professional and kind. I felt very cared for throughout the whole process of cataract surgery. I would not hesitate to recommend him to family or friends.

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

Highly recommending friends to Dr. Dupps

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

Surgery with the doctor has been the best experience in my life. Very respectful and guided me and made me feel ease through the whole surgery

Reviewed on May 9, 2024

Dr. Dupps, was just wow. Extremely professional and explained everything he was doing. Made me feel at ease and valued.

Reviewed on May 7, 2024

Dr. Dupps eased the entire surgery process of me and although a short surgery, it was evident my safety and comfort was his priority!

Reviewed on Apr 18, 2024

Dr. Dips and Dr. Marcellus were excellent and were worked with me to make the best decision for my case.

Reviewed on Apr 16, 2024

Dr Dupps is excellent. Explained things very well, took his time and was very engaging. It's always nice to have an open discussion with a provider instead of just sitting through a monologue with instructions. I feel very safe and confident putting the health of my eyes under the experienced care of Dr Dupps and Dr. Meffley.

Reviewed on Apr 16, 2024

Katie at the desk, Christina on the phones, Rob at the beginning of my appointment and Dr. Dupps were all excellent. I thank them for their care and expertise.

Reviewed on Apr 16, 2024

If only there were a way to convey how grateful I am to Dr. Dupps and Dr. Ehlers! They are just the BEST, and have helped me regain much of my vision.

Reviewed on Apr 16, 2024

I recommend Dr. Dupps to everyone I know.

Reviewed on Apr 9, 2024

Dr. Dupps was extremely kind and patient

Reviewed on Mar 14, 2024

Dr Dupps is the only eye doctor that I will go to! His knowledge, willingness to listen and commitment to doing the best job possible and meeting. The knees of his clients is outstanding. He is a very, very special individual and doctor.

Reviewed on Mar 14, 2024

Dr. Dumps is a very kind, caring considerate doctor

Reviewed on Feb 13, 2024

Excellent provider.

Reviewed on Feb 13, 2024

Dr. Dupps and Dr. Marcellus were excellent and went out of their way to help me make an informed decision.

Reviewed on Jan 25, 2024

It took nine months for me to get an appointment with Doctor Dupps but I can see why. He is phenomenal and a specialists specialist. What a fine man he is and VERY humble . I was most fortunate to have met him as he is of excellent counsel obviously.

Reviewed on Jan 25, 2024

Doctor Dupps is absolutely exceptional in every aspect and regard. Obviously he is a brilliant man but also very kind and considerate. A pro's pro for sure!

Reviewed on Jan 24, 2024

Dr Dupp's and the clinical team made the entire process easy.

Reviewed on Jan 16, 2024

I'd love to ding someone a point somewhere, just because I am not an easy grader, but Dr. Dupps, along with Dr. Ehlers, have given me back much of my vision. I am SO grateful.

Reviewed on Jan 11, 2024

Dr. Dupps is an excellent ophthalmologist and a really nice man.

Reviewed on Jan 11, 2024

Dr dupps was extremely understanding of my concerns and took adequate time to listen and explain. An eAcceptable second opinion visit.

Reviewed on Jan 8, 2024

Dr. Dupps was excellent - explained the options very clearly and thoroughly and took the time to check for understanding and answer any questions I had.

Reviewed on Jan 4, 2024

Care providers were all very thorough in their explanations and went to great lengths to ensure I was confident in my care and all my questions were answered.

Reviewed on Dec 19, 2023

I love Dr. Dupps. He spent a fair amount of time with me and he discussed my options with pros and cons for each option. He is kind, gentle and understanding and very good at what he does.

Reviewed on Dec 19, 2023

The Clinic is a great health care facility and is a primary reason we live here during our senior years. Dr. Dupps and his staff are excellent providers for eye care and I would recommend him to anyone.

Reviewed on Dec 12, 2023

All care providers have been amazing, very professional and have answered all questions I've had

Reviewed on Nov 9, 2023

Dr. Dupps Is one incredible surgeon! Between when I made first contact with him in 2022 through current, he has always displayed incredible knowledge, friendliness, kindness and has been a real pleasure to have as my doctor. To be honest I would now say that Dr. Dupps is my favorite doctor!!! He is very patient and always answers every question fully and without making me feel rushed, which is extremely important to me.

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