Ophthalmology

New Faculty

Neuro-Ophthalmology Division Welcomes New Faculty Physician

Michael Gilhooley, MD, PhD, Joins Department of Ophthalmology Faculty

Michael Gilhooley, MD, PhD, faculty in neuro-ophthalmology division at the stein eye insitute

We are happy to welcome Michael Gilhooley, MD, PhD, to the UCLA Department of Ophthalmology as an Assistant Professor In-Residence, effective June 1, 2025. Michael will provide neuro-ophthalmology care at the UCLA Stein Eye Institute in Westwood, Doheny Eye Center-UCLA Pasadena, and consults at UCLA Santa Monica Hospital.

Michael, a clinician scientist with a special interest in inherited optic neuropathies, is the 2025 recipient of the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society (NANOS) Thomas and Susan Carlow Young Investigator Award.

Originally from the west coast of Scotland, Michael studied at the University of Cambridge, where he completed both his undergraduate and medical degrees and first discovered his passion for neuro-ophthalmology. He deepened this interest during his PhD at the University of Oxford, focusing on optogenetic gene therapies for inherited retinal degenerations, particularly those involving melanopsin—the photopigment found in intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs).

He went on to complete the integrated clinical-academic residency program at Moorfields Eye Hospital, where he also conducted postdoctoral research on ipRGCs and their remarkable resilience compared to other retinal ganglion cells in the context of inherited optic neuropathies. In addition, he has completed clinical fellowships in adult strabismus in London and in neuro-ophthalmology at the University of Colorado.

Michael is now looking forward to coming down from the Rockies to join the team at UCLA.

Appointments can be scheduled with Dr. Gilhooley at UCLA Stein Eye Institute Westwood at (310) 825-4344 and Doheny Eye Center-UCLA Pasadena at (818) 817-4747.