Tarun Sharma, MD

Dr. Tarun Sharma is a retina specialist and an expert in treating medical and surgical vitreoretinal diseases. In addition to providing clinical care, Dr. Sharma continues to pursue his research investigations in treating inherited retinal diseases, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration and collaborates closely with many of our clinician-scientists in the Department.

Prior to joining Columbia, Dr. Sharma served on the faculty for over three decades at the Tamilnadu Dr. MGR Medical University in India, where he was a leading expert in medical and surgical vitreoretinal diseases. During his tenure, he held prominent roles such as Professor of Ophthalmology, Director of Vitreoretinal Services, and Program Director of the retina fellowship at the tertiary eye care institute – Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, India. Dr. Sharma was also an accomplished researcher and principal investigator of several clinical and epidemiological studies. 

Dr. Sharma has over 300 peer-reviewed publications and continues to serve as a reviewer of several ophthalmology journals including Retina, Ophthalmology, IOVS, TVST, New England Journal of Medicine, American Journal of Ophthalmology, and the British Journal of Ophthalmology. His significant contributions have been recognized by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, which honored him with three prestigious awards: the Achievement Award, the International Ophthalmologist Education Award, and the International Scholar Award. Similarly, the American Society of Retinal Specialists (ASRS) bestowed upon him the designation of Fellow, in recognition of his dedication, expertise, and leadership within the field of medical and surgical retina. 

Throughout his career, Dr. Sharma has been dedicated to education and training. He has mentored over 100 retinal fellows who now practice worldwide. In recognition of his outstanding contributions to resident education and ophthalmology, he received the John Martin Wheeler Memorial Teaching Award at the Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia Ophthalmology.