- TFOS Ambassadors
USA
Victor Perez
Dr. Victor L. Perez is an internationally recognized clinician-scientist, educator, and leader in ophthalmology, ocular immunology, and ocular surface disease. He currently serves as professor of ophthalmology and Higgins Clark Chair in Ophthalmology at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. His career blends excellence in patient care, groundbreaking research, and international leadership in advancing the treatment of corneal and ocular surface disorders.
At the core of Dr. Perez’s mission is the development of new therapies for patients with corneal disease and ocular surface disorders. His research addresses major challenges including dry eye disease, ocular graft-versus-host disease, and corneal transplant rejection. He also explores ocular regeneration, harnessing genetic and cellular therapies to restore damaged corneas. These investigations aim to reverse blindness in complex cases once considered untreatable, representing the frontier of ophthalmic science.
Dr. Perez earned his medical degree at the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, followed by residency training in ophthalmology. He completed fellowships in cornea/external diseases and uveitis at Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School. His research training included fellowships at the
National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a postdoctoral fellowship in immunology at Brigham & Women’s Hospital under Dr. Abul Abbas, and an ocular immunology fellowship at the Schepens Eye Research Institute with Dr. Wayne Streilein. These experiences established his unique expertise in ocular immunology and translational science.
Dr. Perez was also professor of ophthalmology at
Duke University, where he held the
Stephen and Frances Foster Distinguished Endowed Chair in Ocular Immunology. At Duke, he spearheaded the development of the
Foster Center for Ocular Immunology, enhancing the institution’s reputation as a leader in the field. His work there advanced understanding of ocular immune mechanisms and contributed to new therapeutic approaches for transplantation and ocular surface disease.
For the past 16 years, Dr. Perez’s research has been continuously funded by the
National Eye Institute (NEI) of the National Institutes of Health. His translational research program in Ocular Immunity and Transplantation integrates laboratory discovery with clinical innovation, directly improving patient outcomes. His investigations into ocular surface disease and transplantation have shaped modern approaches to treating some of the most challenging conditions in ophthalmology.
A defining element of Dr. Perez’s career is his deep involvement with the
Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society (TFOS). Since 2009, he has been a distinguished member of the
TFOS Scientific Advisory Board, contributing to the society’s global mission of advancing ocular surface research and clinical practice. In 2023, he was appointed
Chair of the TFOS Dry Eye Workshop III (DEWS III) Report on Tear Film and Ocular Surface, a landmark initiative that will set international standards for the next decade of dry eye research and care. This leadership reflects his global stature and enduring commitment to advancing ocular surface health.
Beyond his laboratory and clinic, Dr. Perez is also a dedicated mentor and educator. He has trained numerous ophthalmologists and clinician-scientists who now continue his legacy of innovation worldwide. His academic leadership, particularly through TFOS and the DEWS III initiative, reflects his commitment to building a global community of researchers and clinicians focused on improving ocular health.
