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3. Tailun Zhao

Tailun Zhao, MD

Retina Specialist

Ophthalmologist | Retina

Dr. Zhao is a board certified fellowship trained vitreoretinal surgeon who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of various retinal diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, macular holes, epiretinal membranes, retinal detachments, uveitis, and retinal vascular diseases. Growing up in North Carolina, he attended the University of North Carolina where he obtained dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Chemistry and Biology. With strong interests in research, he spent time on clinical and laboratory research at Duke University, Drexel University, and University of Pennsylvania prior to starting medical school. He then went on to complete his Doctor of Medicine degree at the University of North Carolina. After completing medical school, he then completed his Internal Medicine Internship at Harbor-UCLA in Los Angeles where he fell in love with the state of California. During his residency in ophthalmology at the University of Rochester, he continued his interests in research while also spending a large portion of his time providing free eye care to children as well as free glaucoma screenings. Upon completion of his residency, he then went on to complete a two year surgical fellowship in vitreoretinal surgery. Since graduating from fellowship and starting practice, Dr. Zhao continued to engage as principle and sub-investigator in numerous clinical trials involving diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and geographic atrophy.

Education

• Dual Bachelor of Science, Chemistry and Biology: University of North Carolina
  • Chapel Hill, North Carolina
• Post Baccalaureate: Drexel University College of Medicine
  • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Doctor of Medicine: University of North Carolina
  • Chapel Hill, North Carolina
• Internal Medicine Internship: Harbor-UCLA Medical Center
  • Los Angeles, California
• Ophthalmology Residency: University of Rochester
  • Rochester, New York
• Retina Fellowship: Associates in Ophthalmology
  • Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Professional Affiliations and Awards

• Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology
• Member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology
• Member of the American Medical Association
• Principle Investigator and Sub-Investigator in over 12 different Phase II-III Clinical trials involving novel treatments for Geographic Atrophy and Wet Macular Degeneration
• Numerous publications ranging from basic science research with stem cells to clinic applications such as macular edema.

Personal Hobbies

• Spending time with family
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Traveling
• Snowboarding

Languages Spoken

• Mandarin
• Medical Spanish