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Jonathan Sears

Jonathan Sears, MD

Pediatric Retina and Vitreous DiseasesRetina and Vitreous Diseases

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Highlights

Age Groups Seen

  • Child
  • Adolescent
  • Adult

Languages

  • English

Gender

Male

About Jonathan Sears

Biography

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.

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Locations

  1. i Building - Cole Eye Institute
    • phone:
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Education & Board Certifications

Education

  • Fellowship: Emory Eye Clinic, 1998
  • Residency: Yale-New Haven Hospital, 1996
  • Internship: Yale-New Haven Hospital, 1993
  • Medical Education: Yale University School of Medicine, 1992
  • Undergraduate: Yale University, 1988

Board Certifications

  • Ophthalmology: American Board of Ophthalmology, 1999

Professional Highlights

  • AAO Achievement Award
  • The Hartwell Foundation Research Fellow
  • Matilda Zeigler Foundation Research Fellow

Awards

  • 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

Professional 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

Innovations & Patents

  • Stimulating angiogenesis to prevent ischemic retinopathy

Research & Publications

See publications for this provider. (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

Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists collaborate with industry to advance medical breakthroughs. These partnerships help commercialize discoveries for public benefit while maintaining scientific integrity. To ensure transparency and minimize potential bias, Cleveland Clinic reviews these relationships and publicly discloses when physicians/scientists receive significant compensation for consulting, serve in fiduciary roles, receive royalties, or hold equity interests related to their work. We manage potential conflicts through approval processes, annual reporting, and targeted management plans.

As of 2026-03-21, 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.

Insurances Accepted

Review a list of accepted insurance plans for our Northeast Ohio locations or learn more about purchasing a contracted managed care plan.

Ratings & Reviews

4.9 out of 5

355 ratings, 51 reviews

The Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.

Explains
Courtesy Respect & Concern
Patient Rating of Doctor
Search reviews
    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/7/2026

    Both the interim and Physician were extremely nice and very thorough in explaining everything.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/30/2026

    Very informative and helpful, yes I do recommend Dr Sears as he was recommended to me by many others

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/30/2026

    Dr Sears is excellent spends time to explain and answers any questions I have

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/30/2026

    Dr.Sears is excellent !

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/23/2026

    It''s difficult to get an appt however dr sears tries to accommodate and that ish Rey much appreciated

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/23/2026

    Dr Sears is outstanding.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/23/2026

    Dr. Sears is the best doctor. I feel very secure under his care. 10/10.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/16/2026

    Can''t say enough good things about this provider

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/16/2026

    Dr Sears was terrific

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/23/2026

    Dr sears is a wizard and I am thankfull he is my eye doctor

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/23/2026

    Ggreat experience w wizard doctor ,, thank you

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/5/2026

    Dr sears and everyone I have ever dealt with at the cole eye clinic are not only fantastic medical professionals they are amazing people doing a very difficult job Dr sears is the absolute best doctor of any kind I have ever met I can't say enough good things about dr sears

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/3/2026

    I learned a lot from him during this visit. He included my husband and answered all questions we had.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/27/2026

    Love Dr Sears

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/12/2026

    I am so impressed by Dr. Sear's knowledge and expertise. I feel very confident of his diagnoses.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/12/2026

    Doctor Sears is wonderful. He is kind and I totally trust him.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/12/2026

    Dr Sears is world class and is supported by a kind and conscientious team.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/12/2026

    World class care and a true treasure for Cole Eye and Dr Sears to be in. Cleveland

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/12/2026

    Dr Sears surgically repaired my detached retina in 2007. I see him nearly every year for a wellness checkup. World class Dr and we are blessed to have him at the Clunic in our city

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/29/2025

    My only hesitation in recommending the care provider is due to the difficulties in being seen within a reasonable time.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/19/2025

    Dr. Sears was excellent as was the pre-doctor and the nurse assistant Highly recommend

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/9/2025

    Dr Sears was excellent in all ways.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/21/2025

    Dr. Sears is great!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/18/2025

    I have been going to Dr. Sears since 1998. I believe I saw him in the first two weeks that he after he arrived in Cleveland. I have seen him yearly ever since, He is an excellent clinician and very concerned about his patient. Welfare. He has seen my Husband for Fora A armed And which has been very successful. OK

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/11/2025

    Dr Sears is Terrific!!!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/29/2025

    Dr. Sears is just an excellent doctor.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/24/2025

    Dr. Sears is very kind and uses a very straight forward approach.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/24/2025

    Always an pleasure seeing Dr. Sears. Dr. Sears always makes his clients feel at ease.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/21/2025

    Dr Sears is outstanding & I will & have recommended him to others.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/8/2025

    An excellent medical doctor. I am very impressed with his ability and professionalism.Dr Sears is an amazing surgeon. I am grateful for his care.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/6/2025

    Dr. Sears is amazing and we are very grateful for him!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/10/2025

    Dr. Sears bedside manner was great. He was very knowledgeable, helpful & friendly. Would, 100%, recommend him.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/28/2025

    Dr. Sears treats and exams eyes, but he CARES about the WHOLE person!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/28/2025

    The scheduling was very easy and professional. Dr . Sears staff were very professional. Dr. Sears was very professional and took time to explain findings and plain of care.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/19/2025

    Dr Sears and Mary Grace, Fellow are phenomenal careproviders! I have never before met a more generously compassionate man nor sweetly knowledgeable and eager to share his wisdom in a down-to-earth manner. I value him enormously. I would walk barefoot to see him! What a treasure!!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/12/2025

    Dr. Sears is incredible. So smart, caring, and experienced. My guess is he is one of the best retina surgeons in the country.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/5/2025

    I routinely recommend Dr.Sears to others.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/29/2025

    Dr. Sears is a great doctor. Concerned and kind

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/8/2025

    Very professional. Dr. Sears and his staff were very caring, helpful and compassionate to their patients.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/8/2025

    Had a very good experience with the doctor

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/26/2025

    The Dr and his self are very nice and attentive.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/29/2025

    Everyone was very kind. I tell everyone about the great team at Cole.Dr Sears is a wonderful person and great Dr.He never makes me feel rushed. He takes time to address my concerns. I am very blessed to have him as my retina specialist. He truly cares about his patients. He is very kind and reassuring.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/29/2025

    I often recommend the Clinic and in particular, Dr. Sears.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/29/2025

    Dr Sears and staff are always very accommodating and helpful.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/27/2025

    The PA seemed to do a good job preparing the Dr prior to meeting with me

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/27/2025

    Dr Sears always interacts with me in a highly professional manner

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/20/2025

    All doctors should strive to be on dr sears' level! Hes a great doctor, bed side manner is over and above what I expected of a specialist. He explained everything to my son to make sure he understood. Love this man!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/20/2025

    Dr. Sears is the best and hi fellow assistant Dr. Downes? Gave me the best injection treatment of all the many good treatments I have had with regard to injections

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/29/2025

    Great doctor. Great bedside manner

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/29/2025

    Dr Sears explained everything so that I could understand

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/29/2025

    I came in for a second opinion and treatment options after a horrible experience with the original doctor who diagnosed me. Not a CC doctor. Dr. Sears reassured me that the situation was not dire as the first doctor had and no immediate alarm was needed. I felt like the weight of the world was off my shoulders.