Highlights
Age Groups Seen
- Adult
Languages
- English
Gender
MaleAbout Justis P. Ehlers
Biography
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. Â
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. Â 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.
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Locations
- Hillcrest Medical Building Atrium
- 6770 Mayfield Road, Mayfield Hts, OH 44124
- Get Directions
- i Building - Cole Eye Institute
- 2022 East 105th Street, Cleveland, OH 44106
- Get Directions
Education & Board Certifications
Education
- Fellowship: Duke University Medical Center , 2010
- Residency: Wills Eye Hospital, 2008
- Internship: Saint Luke's Hospital, 2005
- Medical Education: Washington University School of Medicine, 2004
- Undergraduate: University of Notre Dame, 2000
Board Certifications
- Ophthalmology: American Board of Ophthalmology, 2009
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.
Awards
- 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
Professional Memberships
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.
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 2026-03-30, Dr. Ehlers has reported the financial relationships with the companies listed below.
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:
- Annexon Biosciences, Inc.
- Adverum Biotechnologies, Inc.
- Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
- AbbVie, Inc.
- Boehringer Ingelheim
- Stealth BioTherapeutics Incorporated
- Iveric bio, Inc.
- Alcon, Inc.
- BeyeonicsÂ
- Roche (Hoffman-La Roche, Ltd.)
- Opthea Limited
- Ocular Therapeutix, Inc.
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation
- 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.
Insurances Accepted
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Ratings & Reviews
4.9 out of 5
388 ratings, 43 reviewsThe 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.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/8/2026
Dr. Ehlers answers my questions and provides the details I need. He gives you his full attention.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/20/2026
Super impressed with Dr Ehlers and entire staff. A well oiled machine given all of the tests / assessments needed.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/11/2026
Dr. Ehlers is always thorough, knowledgeable and very patient in answering all my questions. I have recommended him to others and am very happy to be his patient.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/11/2026
Everyone, from Fern, the intake nurse, to Dr. Ehlers, were courteous, and showed genuine concern for any issues I may be having. Dr. Ehlers'' plan going forward also made a tremendous amount of sense to me.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/9/2026
Dr. Ehlers has an excellent manner. He communicates clearly and thoroughly. It''s clear that he cares. I have so much confidence in his opinion and care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/20/2026
Dr Mary-Grace Reeves (Fellow) was helpful and I appreciated her doing the initial exam once I had the imaging studies done. She was friendly and proficient. Dr. Justis Ehlers and Jamie (BSN) were fabulous, as always! I couldn''t be happier with their care and feel fortunate to be able to see them regularly for my issues.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/9/2026
Dr. Ehlers and his staff are very respectful and courteous.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/8/2026
There is nobody better than Dr Ehlers. I have total respect for him and I appreciate everything he has done for me An awesome physician and surgeon
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/24/2025
The Doctor always answers my questions. He is very good.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/18/2025
Dr. Ehlars I listens, recommends and discusses treatment options. He is very mindful of the patient's needs.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/4/2025
Dr. Ehlers is ALWAYS professional and caring! I trust him so.much
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/4/2025
Doctor did a great job in listening to my issues and solving my concerns.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/13/2025
Dr. Ehler's level of listening, explaining options, and personal engagement is outstanding. I'm very confident his medical skill and knowledge is as good as it gets.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/13/2025
Both physicians I saw listened and took the time necessary to address all my issues. I was very happy with their care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/16/2025
Dr. Ehlers Jamie were very thorough and explained in detail my situation. I left feeling relieved and confident in my care. It was a great experience!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/13/2025
When I finally met with Dr. Ehlers, he was amazing. Patient, kind, and clear about explaining my situation. If I have further problems, I will definitely consider seeing him again.
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/13/2025
Dr. Ehlers Is a very knowledgeable and caring physician. I would highly recommend him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/7/2025
Dr. Ehlers is an excellent doctor who listens to my concerns and has a plan of action for my care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/7/2025
Dr. Ehlers is the Best. He saved my sight 14 years ago and I see every 6 months for check ups. He is an engaging person who always is interested in you personally. I have great trust in his professionalism and care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/19/2025
Love Dr Ehlers. Unanswered questions are n/a
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/20/2025
Excellent Dr. And resident
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/28/2025
Dr. Ehlers and his staff have consistently exceeded my expectations for the past two years. They are the best in the business!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/22/2025
Super doctor
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/14/2025
I love this care giver she is exceptional
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/26/2025
Dr Ehlers was very nice and helpful with my diagnosis. I am very thankful to be his patient.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/20/2025
I have recommended Dr. Ehlers to several of my friends with retina issues or AMD issues
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/20/2025
Dr. Ehlers is always willing to listen and addresses any concerns or questions that I present to him. He also makes you feel comfortable and he is reassuring to my needs . Always, lets you know that you can call his office if the need arises . Does not make you feel like you are just a number !
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/29/2025
Dr. Ehlers has been my doctor for over 14 years. He is brilliant and caring---perfect combination for any patient
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/29/2025
Dr.Ehlers is a compassionate and competent doctor!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/29/2025
Dr. Ehlers and his team are the BEST. I am so happy he is my doctor
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/22/2025
Dr.Ehlers is an amazing physician.The retinal fellow seemed superficial in his evaluation and needs more experience looking at the retina without making the patient uncomfortable.The fellow also did not introduce himself.He only introduced the pa student.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/22/2025
A terrific Doctor Who has an extremely good bedside manner.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/16/2025
Dr. Ehlers is one of my favorite doctors. He's personable and efficient at the same time, and he always gives clear and detailed answers to my questions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/16/2025
Dr. Ehlers is the best!!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/8/2025
Dr. Ehlers has a very efficient plan that involves scheduling ahead. That allows me to prioritize visits to the Clinic in synch with my other activities.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/8/2025
If the Fellow was the doctor caring for me I would not go back.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/2/2025
Dr Eihlers and his team all took excellent care of me. The team explained the procedure and made me feel comfortable.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/2/2025
Dr. Euler is very professional and attentive to my eye needs.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/2/2025
Excellent Physician
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/2/2025
I'm very grateful to have been referred to Dr Ehlers. Both he and everyone on his care team are always very kind and professional
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/2/2025
I have already recommended Dr. Ehler and they are also happy with the care they have received.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/25/2025
Dr Ehlers is the very best
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/25/2025
Dr. Ehlers and the team - superb!