Search for a doctor

Sophie J. Bakri, M.D.

  1. Ophthalmologist
  2. Chair, Ophthalmology, Minnesota

Departments

Location

  1. Rochester, Minnesota

Languages

English

Dr. Sophie J. Bakri is a vitreoretinal surgeon and Professor and Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. She specializes in the medical and surgical management of complex retinal disorders, including retinal detachment, macular holes, and epiretinal membranes. She also treats age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, central serous retinopathy, macular telangiectasia (MacTel), and retinal vein occlusion using intravitreal medications, laser photocoagulation, photodynamic therapy, and cell-based therapies.

Dr. Bakri is actively involved in clinical trials investigating long-acting drug delivery, gene therapy, and surgical outcomes. Her clinical approach integrates advanced imaging, evidence-based protocols, and refined surgical techniques to optimize patient care. She is widely published in the field of retina and participates in national ophthalmology leadership and editorial boards. Dr. Bakri is also deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of ophthalmologists and advancing research that directly improves patient outcomes.

  1. Cataract
  2. Diabetic eye disease
  3. Diabetic retinopathy
  4. Epiretinal membrane
  5. Eye floaters
  6. Eye infection
  7. Eye injury
  8. Macular degeneration
  9. Macular edema
  10. Macular hole
  11. Retinal artery occlusion
  12. Retinal detachment
  13. Retinal disease
  14. Retinal vein occlusion
  15. Vitreous detachment
  16. Vitreous hemorrhage
  1. Anti-VEGF injection therapy
  2. Cataract surgery
  3. Eye injection
  4. Gene therapy
  5. Laser eye surgery
  6. Optical coherence tomography
  7. Photodynamic therapy
  8. Retinal angiogram
  9. Retinal exam
  10. Retinal surgery
  11. Scleral buckling
  12. Ultrasound
  13. Vitrectomy
  • Vitreoretinal diseases and surgery
  • Retinal detachment surgery
  • Proliferative vitreoretinopathy
  • Vitrectomy surgery for Macular Disease (e.g. epiretinal membrane, macular hole)
  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Age-related macular degeneration
  • Central serous retinopathy
  • MacTel
  • Intravitreal therapies and sustained delivery
  • Clinical trials in medical and surgical retina
  • Surgical management of complex retinal disease
  1. 2012
    MBAThe Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
  2. 2005
    Fellow - Vitreoretinal Diseases and SurgeryCole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation
  3. 2003
    Chief Resident - OphthalmologyLions Eye Institute, Albany Medical College
  4. 2003
    Resident - OphthalmologyLions Eye Institute, Albany Medical College
  5. 2000
    Internship - Internal MedicineAlbany Medical College
  6. 1999
    House Officer - Surgery, MedicineUniversity of Nottingham Hospitals
  7. 1998
    BMBS - Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of SurgeryUniversity of Nottingham Medical School

Certifications

  1. 2005
    OphthalmologyAmerican Board of Ophthalmology

Awards and honors

  1. 2022
    Silver Quality FellowMayo Clinic Quality Academy
  2. 2021
    Speaker of the DayHawaiian Eye Meeting
  3. 2021
    The Revere BowlNew England Ophthalmological Society
  4. 2020
    Mayo Clinic Named Professor: Whitney and Betty MacMillan Professor of Ophthalmology in Honor of Robert R. Waller, M.D.Mayo Clinic Department of Ophthalmology
  5. 2020
    Speaker of the DayHawaiian Eye Meeting
  6. 2020
    Minneapolis St. Paul Top Doctors RecognitionMinnesota Monthly
  7. 2019
    Senior Fellow, Academy of Education ExcellenceMayo Clinic
  8. 2019
    Young Investigator AwardAmerican Society of Retina Specialists
  9. 2019
    InducteeRetina Hall of Fame
  10. 2018
    Senior Achievement AwardAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology
  11. 2018
    Senior Honor AwardAmerican Society of Retina Specialists
  12. 2018
    Speaker of the DayHawaiian Eye Meeting
  13. 2017
    Research AwardVitreoretinal Surgery Foundation
  14. 2017
    The Ophthalmologist Power List: Top 50 Rising StarsThe Ophthalmologist
  15. 2017
    Castle Connolly Medical Ltd
  16. 2017
    Top Doctor, OphthalmologyCastle Connolly Medical Ltd
  17. 2016
    Top Doctors, Metro Area OphthalmologyCastle Connolly Medical Ltd
  18. 2015
    Top 40 Under 40, Ranked #7The Ophthalmologist
  19. 2015
    Outstanding Course Director, Course of the Year Award (awarded to Top 2% of 200 CME courses)Mayo School of Continuous Professional Development Quality Review Board
  20. 2015
    Top Doctor, OphthalmologyCastle Connolly Medical Ltd
  21. 2013
    Speaker of the DayHawaiian Eye Meeting
  22. 2012
    Honor AwardAmerican Society of Retina Specialists
  23. 2011
    Bronze Quality FellowMayo Clinic Quality Academy
  24. 2011
    Best Doctors in AmericaCastle Connolly
  25. 2011
    America's Top OphthalmologistsGuide to America's Top Ophthalmologists
  26. 2011
    135 Leading Ophthalmologists in AmericaBecker's ASC Review
  27. 2011
    135 Ophthalmologists to KnowBecker's ASC Review
  28. 2010
    Research AwardVitreoretinal Surgery Foundation
  29. 2010
    Achievement AwardAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology
  30. 2009
    Patient's Choice AwardPatient's Choice Award
  31. 2008
    Who's Who in Medicine and Healthcare ListingWho's Who in Medicine and Health Care
  32. 2008
    Guide to America's Top Ophthalmologists ListingGuide to America's Top Ophthalmologists
  33. 2008
    Who's Who in America
  34. 2001
    Research Travel AwardNovartis Pharmaceuticals
  35. 2001
    Robert Reinecke Research AwardAlbany Medical College
  36. 2001
    Best Paper AwardVitreous Society 19th Annual Meeting, Puerto Rico
  37. 2001
    Research AwardLions Club of Albany

Professional memberships

  1. 2025 - present
    MemberSurgical Transformation and Anesthesia Reimagined (STAR)
  2. 2025 - present
    Physician LeadDepartmental and Anesthesia Responsibility to Teams (DART)
  3. 2024 - present
    MemberMayo Clinic Personnel Committee, Mayo Clinic Committees
  4. 2024 - present
    MemberConnecting Rochester: Executive Transformation for Excellence (CREaTE)
  5. 2024 - present
    Board of DirectorsWomen in Ophthalmology
  6. 2024 - present
    Development CommitteeWomen in Ophthalmology
  7. 2023 - present
    ChairEnterprise Ophthalmology Specialty Council
  8. 2023 - present
    Board of TrusteesAmerican University Professors of Ophthalmology
  9. 2023 - present
    Finance CommitteeAmerican University Professors of Ophthalmology
  10. 2023 - present
    LiaisonAmerican University Professors of Ophthalmology
  11. 2023 - present
    Survey Committee MemberAmerican University Professors of Ophthalmology
  12. 2022 - 2026
    Planning CommitteeAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology
  13. 2022 - present
    Planning CommitteeHawaiian Eye Meeting
  14. 2021 - present
    Co-ChairAmerican Society of Retina Specialists
  15. 2020 - 2023
    ChairAmerican Society of Retina Specialists
  16. 2020 - 2023
    Active MemberAcademic Advancement and Promotions Committee
  17. 2020 - present
    MemberRochester Surgical and Procedural Committee
  18. 2020 - present
    MemberEnterprise Ophthalmology Specialty Council
  19. 2020 - present
    Deputy Section LeaderAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology
  20. 2019 - 2020
    Nominating CommitteeAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology
  21. 2019 - 2020
    Bylaws Commitee ChairAmerican Society of Retina Specialists
  22. 2019 - present
    MemberDepartment of Ophthalmology, Basic Scientist Search Committee
  23. 2018 - 2023
    CouncilorAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology
  24. 2018 - 2021
    Work GroupAmerican Society of Retina Specialists
  25. 2018 - 2020
    MemberAmerican Society of Retina Specialists
  26. 2018 - present
    CouncilorAmerican Ophthalmological Society
  27. 2017 - present
    Councilor to the American Academy of OphthalmologyAmerican Ophthalmological Society
  28. 2017 - present
    Committee MemberAmerican Society of Retina Specialists
  29. 2017 - present
    Committee MemberAmerican Society of Retina Specialists
  30. 2017 - present
    MentorAmerican Society of Retina Specialists
  31. 2016 - present
    Board of DirectorsAmerican Society of Retina Specialists
  32. 2016 - present
    ContributorAmerican Society of Retina Specialists
  33. 2015 - 2016
    MemberPractice Redesign Taskforce
  34. 2015 - 2016
    MemberFresh Eyes Leadership Development Program
  35. 2015 - 2016
    Committee MemberAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology
  36. 2015 - present
    Committee MemberRetina Society
  37. 2014 - present
    MemberRetina Society
  38. 2013 - 2016
    Meeting Planning ChairThe Macula Society
  39. 2013 - 2016
    MemberPatient Safety Advocacy Panel
  40. 2013 - 2016
    MemberSurgical Practice Chairs Forum
  41. 2013 - 2014
    HeadMedical Retina Faculty Search Committee
  42. 2013
    OrganizerRetina Society
  43. 2013 - present
    MemberMayo Clinic Outpatient Practice Subcommittee
  44. 2013 - present
    Committee MemberAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology
  45. 2013 - present
    Committee Member /AuthorAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology
  46. 2013 - present
    MemberAmerican Ophthalmological Society
  47. 2012
    Organizer and ModeratorAmerican Society of Retina Specialists
  48. 2012 - 2018
    Co-ChairRetina 2020: Age-related Macular Degeneration Public Education Campaign, American Society of Retina Specialists
  49. 2012 - 2016
    Executive Committee MemberThe Macula Society
  50. 2012 - 2013
    Search CommitteeMayo Clinic Center for Translational Science Activities
  51. 2012 - present
    Course DirectorMayo Clinic Retina Update & Case Conference
  52. 2012 - present
    Program Committee MemberAmerican Society of Retina Specialists
  53. 2012 - present
    ProctorAmerican Society of Retina Specialists
  54. 2011
    Organizer and ModeratorAmerican Society of Retina Specialists
  55. 2011 - 2016
    MemberPractice Chairs Forum, Mayo Clinic Committees
  56. 2011 - 2016
    ChairClinical Practice Committee, Department of Ophthalmology
  57. 2011 - 2012
    MemberOphthalmology Space Planning Committee
  58. 2011 - 2012
    ChampionOphthalmology Surgical Process Improvement Committee
  59. 2011 - 2013
    Program CommitteeAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology
  60. 2011 - 2016
    ChairFrontliners Committee, Department of Ophthalmology
  61. 2011 - 2012
    Subject Matter Expert Advisory PanelUpper Midwest Consolidated Services Center
  62. 2011 - 2012
    AdvisorUpper Midwest Consolidated Services Center Subject Matter Expert Advisory Panel
  63. 2011
    MemberQuality Fellow (Bronze Level)
  64. 2011
    Website Focus GroupAmerican Society of Retina Specialists
  65. 2010 - 2015
    HeadOphthalmic Photography Taskforce
  66. 2010 - 2011
    Co-ChairClinical Practice Committee, Department of Ophthalmology
  67. 2010 - 2016
    MemberExecutive Committee, Department of Ophthalmology
  68. 2010
    Search CommitteeDepartment of Ophthalmology Comprehensive Ophthalmology Service Search Committee
  69. 2009 - 2016
    MemberClinical Practice Committee, Department of Ophthalmology
  70. 2009 - 2013
    MemberEquipment Subcommittee, Clinical Practice Committee, Department of Surgery
  71. 2009 - 2010
    HeadVitreoretinal Faculty Search Committee
  72. 2009 - 2015
    MemberUpper Midwest Consolidated Services Center Subject Matter Expert Advisory Panel
  73. 2009 - 2015
    Executive CommitteeComparative AMD Treatments Trial
  74. 2008 - present
    Moderator/FacilitatorAmerican Society of Retina Specialists
  75. 2008 - 2016
    HeadVitreoretinal Surgery Fellowship Selection Committee
  76. 2008 - present
    MemberMayo Clinic Center for Translational Science Activities
  77. 2008 - present
    MemberThe Macula Society
  78. 2007 - present
    Contributing Editor and ReviewerMayo Clinic Patient Education
  79. 2006 - 2016
    MemberResident Selection Committee, Department of Ophthalmology
  80. 2006 - present
    MemberEducation Committee, Department of Ophthalmology
  81. 2006 - present
    Founding MemberCollaborative Network of Innovative Vitreoretinal Specialists (CONNECT)
  82. 2005 - present
    MemberVitreoretinal Surgery Fellowship Selection Committee
  83. 2005 - present
    MemberMinnesota Medical Association
  84. 2003 - present
    MemberAmerican Medical Association
  85. 2001 - present
    MemberAmerican Society of Retina Specialists
  86. 2000 - present
    MemberAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology
  87. 2000 - present
    MemberAssociation for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology

Publications

Research activities

See a description of research activities.