Overview

Ophthalmology Welcome

Hello, I'm Dr. Sophie Bakri, Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

Thank you for taking a moment to learn about who we are and what we do.

Our department provides expert, compassionate care for the full spectrum of eye diseases, from state-of-the-art cataract surgery and glaucoma management to advanced treatments for retinal disease, corneal transplantation, oculoplastic procedures, and neuro-ophthalmology.

We are proud to offer comprehensive services under one roof.

Our patients at Mayo Clinic benefit from a multidisciplinary team approach supported by the latest diagnostic technology and evidence-based treatments.

Our ophthalmologists work closely with other Mayo specialists to ensure holistic care, especially for patients with complex medical needs. We're also deeply committed to education. Our residency and fellowship programs attract top trainees from across the country and the world.

We emphasize excellence in surgery, lifelong learning, and strong mentorship.

Education here extends beyond the classroom. We prepare the next generation of ophthalmologists to lead, to innovate, and to serve.

Research is another important pillar of our mission. Our faculty lead groundbreaking work in retinal gene therapy, ocular imaging, drug delivery, and regenerative medicine, just to name a few.

We are actively engaged in clinical trials that bring new treatments to patients before they are widely available.

Our goal is to translate scientific discovery into better vision for people everywhere.

At Mayo Clinic Ophthalmology, we are united by a single purpose, to preserve and restore sight.

Whether you're a patient, a referring provider, a researcher or a prospective trainee, we invite you to connect with us.

We look forward to partnering with you in advancing the science and art of eye care.

Thank you for listening.

Mayo Clinic's Department of Ophthalmology has internationally renowned eye physicians and surgeons who provide comprehensive care for people who seek answers about conditions and diseases of their eyes. Each year, doctors in the Mayo Clinic Department of Ophthalmology across all our sites provide more than 250,000 outpatient visits for eye care.

Mayo Clinic's eye specialists diagnose and treat hundreds of eye conditions, including many that are rare or complex. They offer a full range of eye care, from routine eye exams to surgery. They have special expertise in:

  • Cataracts
  • Glaucoma
  • Corneal diseases and corneal transplant surgery
  • Cancer of the eye and surrounding tissues
  • Trauma of the eye, eyelid and eye socket
  • Inflammation of the eye and surrounding tissues
  • Retinal disease
  • Optic nerve disorders
  • Pediatric eye conditions
  • Strabismus

Mayo Clinic eye care experts also perform refractions, prescribe corrective lenses and offer refractive laser surgery, cosmetic eyelid surgery and contact lens services, including scleral lenses.

Please visit the Mayo Clinic Optical Store to find available contact lenses.

Why choose Mayo Clinic for eye care

Mayo Clinic specialists work closely with you and your health care team to understand and address your eye care needs. Many eye problems are related to other medical conditions, such as diabetes, immune system conditions and thyroid disease. At Mayo Clinic, your ophthalmology team collaborates with other specialists, such as endocrinologists, oncologists, neurologists and rheumatologists, to provide exactly the care you need based on what's right for you. Eye specialists at Mayo Clinic also offer resources that can complement a local physician's expertise.

Mayo Clinic Ophthalmology has many locations including Arizona, Florida and several sites in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa.

Videos for medical professionals

Medical professionals can find in-depth information on ophthalmology at Mayo Clinic’s Medical Professional Video Center. The videos contain new insights and updates regarding clinical practice, research and education.

Jan. 01, 2026