About Us

The first Emory Eye Center Clinic opened its doors in 1872 and has grown over the past 154 years to become the largest and most comprehensive eye care facility in Georgia.

Looking ahead, we aim to grow alongside our patients, faculty, staff, clinicians, and supporters—those who transform our ambitious mission into meaningful action and help us to realize it in the work that we do.

RESEARCH. The department is expanding its research footprint under the leadership of Dr. Machelle T. Pardue, Vice Chair and Director of Research. Three key researchers joined the team in 2024-25. The center welcomed Dr. Michael Girard, bringing cutting-edge expertise in ocular AI, glaucoma and optic neuropathies. Renowned retinal clinical trial expert and former Chair of the Cole Eye Institute, Dr. Dan Martin, rejoined the Emory faculty. Dr. James Zhao also came on board, launching a research program focused on using AI to predict outcomes of oculoplastic surgery. 

EDUCATION. The Eye Center is excited to welcome six ophthalmology residents, nine ophthalmology fellows, two optometry residents, and three additional transfer residents to the program for 2025–2026. The education team is also proud to welcome Tia Prather as the new residency program coordinator. 

EXPANSION FOR CARE. The Emory Eye Center is set to undergo a significant expansion with a major project at Executive Park in Brookhaven. This new, state-of-the-art facility will nearly double the center’s clinical space, significantly enhancing its capacity to provide exceptional patient care, research, and education. 

The new center will further support ophthalmic translational research, clinical trials, residency and fellowship programs. It will include cutting-edge surgical simulation tools and interactive learning spaces, ensuring that trainees have access to the latest advancements in ophthalmology.

In summary, the future for EEC is very bright. Please join us as a patient, a colleague, a student, or as a friend.