Announcements
A Legend in Ophthalmology: Bradley R. Straatsma, MD, JD
Bradley Straatsma, MD, JD passed away on April 16, 2026 at 98 years of age. He is survived by his children, Derek, Cary, and Greer.
Dr. Straatsma graduated from Yale University School of Medicine, completed residency at Harkness Eye Institute of Columbia University, and undertook fellowship training at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology and the Wilmer Ophthalmology Institute at John Hopkins University. Dr. Straatsma served in the US Navy’s Underwater Demolition Team (UDT), a precursor to the S.E.A.L. Teams.
Arriving in Los Angeles in 1959, he was appointed Associate Professor of Surgery and Chief of the Division of Ophthalmology. In 1963, he became a full professor and began laying the groundwork for what would become the Jules Stein Eye Institute. In 1964 he became the Institute’s first Director, and in 1968 he was appointed as Chairman of the new Department of Ophthalmology.
Dr. Straatsma led the construction of the Jules Stein Eye Institute Building, which opened in 1966, and later the Doris Stein Eye Research Center Building, which opened in 1989. His era of running the Institute was marked by recruitment of outstanding basic science and clinical faculty members for our Department, commitment to the training of residents and fellows, the first mobile eye clinic, celebrity gatherings at the Institute, beautiful galas and fundraisers, and a commitment to doing things the “best way possible.”
Dr. Straatsma has served in the highest leadership positions in both national and international ophthalmology; he has been president of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology, the American Ophthalmological Society, the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology, the Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology, and the Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis (AOI). He has also served as chairman of the American Board of Ophthalmology. Dr. Straatsma effectively created the American Academy of Ophthalmology as we know it today and wrote the Academy blueprint for ophthalmologic care. He served as the Editor-in-Chief of the American Journal of Ophthalmology from 1983-2002, working to strengthen the peer review process.
After transitioning to Emeritus status in 1994, he earned a Juris Doctorate degree from University of West Los Angeles School of Law and represented the Jules Stein Eye Institute in legal proceedings.
In the early 2000s, Dr. Straatsma took his ophthalmological expertise to Africa and began work on plans for an eye care facility in west Africa, in collaboration with the Africa Eye Foundation. He was directly involved in the eventual establishment of the Magrabi ICO Cameroon Eye Institute at Yaoundé, Cameroon. The Institute, which opened in 2016, serves to improve, preserve, and restore eye health and vision for the people of central Africa.
Dr. Straatsma has won more than 80 medals and awards from Universities, Medical Societies, Charities, and Associations, both domestic and international. He has presented over 50 distinguished lectures and has over 575 scientific publications. His honors and awards include an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Columbia University, a Laureate award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Lucien Howe Medal Award for Distinguished Service to Ophthalmology from the American Ophthalmological Society, and a Jules François Golden Medal from the International Council of Ophthalmology.
Dr. Straatsma was beloved by his patients, trainees, and colleagues for his exceptional skill and for his unwavering dedication to the Institute and field of ophthalmology. His impact extended far beyond his professional achievements; he was a mentor and friend to many, always willing to share his knowledge and share stories about the creation of the Institute and Dr. Jules Stein.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time. Dr. Straatsma’s legacy will continue to inspire and guide us in our work at the Jules Stein Eye Institute. We plan to celebrate his contributions to all of our lives and to ophthalmology and medicine at a celebration of life this summer.
Documentary Premiere of "Jules Stein Eye Institute: A Celebration of Our Founders"
The Department of Ophthalmology is thrilled to share Jules Stein Eye Institute: A Celebration of Our Founders, an original interview documentary featuring the founding chair of the Institute, Bradley R. Straatsma, MD, JD. Dr. Straatsma reminisces upon his personal journey in ophthalmology, as well as his relationship with Dr. Jules Stein and the world of Hollywood. With the use of recently recovered archival footage, the documentary takes the audience to the initial chapter of the Institute’s story and provides inspiration for the future. An internal premiere of the film will occur in June 2025.
New Home, Same Vision: A Celebration of Doheny Eye Center UCLA, Pasadena
On March 4th, we celebrated an exciting milestone at the Doheny Eye Institute campus: the official ribbon-cutting for our brand-new clinic! Previously spread across multiple suites at Huntington Pavilion, our clinical team now has a state-of-the-art, centralized space on the first floor of the clinic in Pasadena. This new location enhances patient care, fosters collaboration, and marks a new era for Doheny and UCLA Stein’s commitment to excellence in ophthalmology.
To celebrate this milestone, a celebration will occur June 2025 at Doheny Eye Center-UCLA Pasadena. Invites were circulated via email.
Next Grand Rounds Reception
Grand Rounds consists of a series of patient case presentations by residents and fellows followed by faculty discussion. Scheduled on Wednesday afternoons from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm during the academic year, Grand Rounds are held in the Research to Prevent Blindness Auditorium of the Jules Stein Eye Institute. The next Grand Rounds with a reception following will be Wednesday, September 3, 2025.
More information on the Department of Ophthalmology’s weekly Grand Rounds