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

Cleveland Clinic Main Campus

Appointment:
216.444.2020
Desk:
216.636.0183
Fax:
216.445.2226

Additional Locations

Specialties & Treatments

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
View all 18 Treatment & Services +

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
View all 16 Specialties +
Insurance

Insurance

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View All Plans
Biography

About 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

Education & Professional Highlights

Appointed
2010

Education & Fellowships

Fellowship - Duke University Medical Center
Vitreoretinal Surgery
Durham, NC USA
2010

Residency - Wills Eye Hospital
Ophthalmology
Philadelphia, PA USA
2008

Internship - Saint Luke's Hospital
Preliminary Medicine
Chesterfield, MO USA
2005

Medical Education - Washington University School of Medicine
St. Louis, MO USA
2004

Undergraduate - University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, IN USA
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

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

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 9/7/2023, 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:

  • Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
  • Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
  • Alcon, Inc.
  • Adverum Biotechnologies, Inc.
  • Carl Zeiss Meditec AG
  • Beyeonics 
  • Iveric bio, Inc.
  • Roche (Hoffman-La Roche, Ltd.)
  • Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
  • Boehringer Ingelheim
  • Stealth BioTherapeutics Incorporated
  • 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.

Patient Satisfaction Reviews

511 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

71 Patient Comments

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

Dr. Ehlers is wonderful and I am so happy that I'm under his care.

Reviewed on Jan 25, 2024

The PA was extremely courteous.

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.

Reviewed on Oct 26, 2023

Dr is so caring and always listens to my thoughts and adds them into all his plans. I'm so very happy with having my Dr!

Reviewed on Oct 26, 2023

Everybody that we interact with was wonderful! The front desk person, Debbie, that's wonderful, and took extra time to help us out, because we did not know we had to go to the kiosk first. The Itex from the initial person putting everything in the computer the ones taking the pictures were all wonderful, patient, and understanding. I have been to the beachwood office as well, and this one is our surpassed the other office. Dr. Ehlers, as well as his assistant, was patient, great listening, and very informative. I highly recommend him and will be back to see him and his recommendation as well.

Reviewed on Oct 19, 2023

Dr. Ehlers always answers all my questions.

Reviewed on Sep 19, 2023

I couldn't be more satisfied with Dr. Ehlers and his team. They work together efficiently and effectively. I always feel listened to and well informed.

Reviewed on Sep 19, 2023

Dr. Ehlers and his assistant was very caring friendly professional and knowledgeable

Reviewed on Sep 14, 2023

Very grateful to have such a good doctor to help with my eyesight. It helps me not to worry knowing my doctor is there to help as it is needed.

Reviewed on Sep 14, 2023

Dr. Ehlers not only thoroughly explained things to me, he also encouraged me to ask questions

Reviewed on Sep 12, 2023

Dr Ellet's was very thorough and thoughtful and took the time to explain my diagnosis and treatment options. The whole team incl the nurse and resident and "Ann" were excellent and very professional.

Reviewed on Sep 12, 2023

Always have a very positive experience with Dr. Ehlers and staff. Very efficient in every way.

Reviewed on Sep 12, 2023

Feel so fortunate to have acquired Dr. Ehlers as my surgeon. He is very caring, very competent and explains things so that I better understand the situation. His team handles things with professionalism as well.

Reviewed on Sep 12, 2023

Would highly reccomend Dr. Ehlers and his team.

Reviewed on Aug 29, 2023

Dr. Ehler and his staff are wonderful. The doctor is very pleasant and caring about my health . I would recommend him to anyone.

Reviewed on Aug 29, 2023

I recommend this doctor and staff to everyone. Their care and concern for me is 100% commendable.

Reviewed on Aug 24, 2023

I feel all doctors involved communicated before my surgery

Reviewed on Aug 22, 2023

Dr. Ehlers is very professional! His "bedside manner" is second to none! I absolutely trust him and his judgement.

Reviewed on Jul 25, 2023

One of the best doctors

Reviewed on Jul 20, 2023

I feel very lucky that I was assigned to Dr. Ehlers. I am confident in the care that I am given, and he answers every question I have. I would recommend him to anybody and again I am so glad he is my doctor.

Reviewed on Jul 18, 2023

Both the resident and Dr. Ehlers are excellent.

Reviewed on Jul 13, 2023

Dr. Euhler is the best. He always takes his time with you and listens to you. I drive 2 hours to see him

Reviewed on Jul 13, 2023

I could not be more satisfied then I am with the doctor and his staff especially Jamie and Barrett

Reviewed on Jul 13, 2023

This visit was smoother, quicker than previous visits. Dr. Ehlers was, as usual, very kind and descriptive (understandable) as always.

Reviewed on Jul 13, 2023

Regarding recommendation: I've already referred Dr. Ehlers and my friend received the best treatment ever for his vision situation was unusual and he is fine now!

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2023

Amazing. Dr. Ehlers and I forgot to address a small vision issue. He took time to have his staff call with his suggestion

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2023

I love this place! All the doctors I have met with are wonderful and very knowledgeable and make me feel well cared for.

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2023

Dr. Ehlers has provided excellent care.

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2023

Dr. Ehlers is a caring, thorough, excellent surgeon and makes his patients feel comfortable and in good hands!

Reviewed on Jun 15, 2023

Dr was very informative

Reviewed on Jun 13, 2023

Dr. Ehlers is outstanding and I feel very fortunate to have him monitoring my condition. He takes time to explain results to me and answer any questions I may have.

Reviewed on Jun 13, 2023

Efficient and confident Dr Ehlers is providing best treatment available for my eyesight.

Reviewed on Jun 6, 2023

Dr. Ehlers was very friendly and professional. He explained my scan results and his recommended treatment and options. He asked if I had any questions and answered them in detail. I feel confident I am receiving the best care and treatment.

Reviewed on Jun 6, 2023

Dr. Ehlers is a fine doctor who communicates well with his patients and staff.

Reviewed on Jun 6, 2023

I made my appointment at the clinic right after seeing the doctor.

Reviewed on Jun 1, 2023

Dr. Ehlers takes the time to answer all questions and listens to all your requests. Very caring and courteous.

Reviewed on May 30, 2023

I have recommended Cole Clinic and Dr Ehler to my brother!

Reviewed on May 25, 2023

Dr Elleers is always very good and explains everything.

Reviewed on May 25, 2023

I thought Dr Ehlers was a smart and caring doctor who is patient and charming.

Reviewed on May 25, 2023

Dr. Is very personable, and his staff is helpful, kind and just great!

Reviewed on May 23, 2023

Dr. Ehlers ignored the letter I gave him with my concerns. He always appears to be in a hurry, and not willing to address my concerns.

Reviewed on May 16, 2023

Dr. Ehlers is an exceptional physician!

Reviewed on May 16, 2023

I know with Dr. Elhers I'm in good hands. He always take the time to explain everything to me. I wouldn't go to anyone else. I trust him completely.

Reviewed on May 9, 2023

Dr Ehlers is great!

Reviewed on Apr 20, 2023

Dr. Ehlers is knowledgeable and friendly. Answered my questions.

Reviewed on Apr 13, 2023

All of the support people for Dr. Ehlers are excellent.

Reviewed on Apr 13, 2023

My appointment with Dr. Ehlers went very well.

Reviewed on Apr 6, 2023

A Wonderful professional experience with Dr. Ehlers

Reviewed on Apr 6, 2023

As a health care provider myself I was very appreciative of Dr Eyhler's explanation of my problem and potential courses of treatment.

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