About the Program

Clinical Description 

Columbia’s glaucoma fellows train in one of the busiest glaucoma practices in the region, gaining exposure to patients across the full spectrum of disease—from early detection to the most complex referrals. The surgical experience includes: 

• Trabeculectomy
• Ahmed glaucoma valves, Baerveldt, and Clearpath glaucoma implants
• A wide array of minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS), including microstents (iStent, Hydrus), goniotomy (Kahook Dual Blade, OMNI, gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy), and canaloplasty
• Laser procedures such as selective laser trabeculoplasty, laser iridotomy, and cyclophotocoagulation
• Combined cataract–glaucoma operations
• Complex cases such as trabeculectomy revision, tube revision or explantation, and choroidal drainage

Surgical responsibility increases progressively throughout the year and fellows play a central role in the post-operative management of patients. This breadth of training ensures graduates are fully prepared for independent practice.

Research and Teaching 

Glaucoma fellows at Columbia Ophthalmology not only train as clinicians and surgeons, but also as researchers and educators. All fellows are expected to complete at least one research project leading to publication, with opportunities to present their work at local, regional, and national meetings such as AGS, AAO, and ARVO. Fellows are encouraged to design their own projects and may also collaborate on ongoing research within the department, including clinical trials, imaging studies, surgical outcomes, and novel device evaluations.

Teaching is equally central to the fellowship, as Columbia hosts one of the nation’s top ophthalmology residency programs. Fellows supervise residents in the laser clinic, guide them through diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making, and provide procedural teaching. They also participate in formal didactics, including glaucoma lectures and conferences, and present cases at departmental Grand Rounds and subspecialty meetings.  

Conferences

Recent Alumni 

The Glaucoma Fellowship at Columbia, begun by Max Forbes, MD, a founding member of the AGS, has a long and distinguished history, with graduates serving as leaders in academic medicine and private practice across the country. Alumni of the program have gone on to direct glaucoma services, advance surgical care, and contribute significantly to vision research. The fellowship emphasizes rigorous clinical training, research engagement, and mentorship, preparing graduates to excel as compassionate and skilled glaucoma specialists.

In 2016, the program was further strengthened through the establishment of the Jean and Kent Sheng Glaucoma Fellowship. This endowment provides dedicated support for recruiting and training fellows in advanced glaucoma techniques, enabling them to acquire the expertise needed to serve the growing glaucoma population in the United States. Sheng Fellows participate in all aspects of patient care, engage in clinical research, and work closely with faculty mentors, including Dr. George Cioffi, Dr. Jeffrey Liebmann, Dr. Noga Harizman, Dr. Aakriti Shukla, and Dr. Tony Valenzuela, ensuring a comprehensive and immersive educational experience.

Recent alumni exemplify the fellowship’s impact and reach. Following Columbia’s Glaucoma Fellowship, Dr. Anfei Li became a member of the Wills Eye Hospital Glaucoma Faculty. Dr. Ari Leshno is a Clinical Senior Lecturer and faculty member at Sheba Medical Center. Dr. Gene Kim is an Assistant Professor at Montefiore Medical Center. Dr. Luna Xu developed her independent private practice at Insight Ophthalmology and holds faculty appointments at multiple institutions. These graduates and others demonstrate the program’s commitment to producing leaders in glaucoma care who excel clinically, academically, and in community service.

Through a combination of rigorous training, research opportunities, and exposure to diverse patient populations throughout Manhattan, the Columbia Glaucoma Fellowship continues to produce exceptional glaucoma specialists. The program’s alumni not only advance the field of glaucoma but also embody the values of innovation, empathy, and leadership that define Columbia Ophthalmology.