Leon Walker Herndon Jr.

I have an interest in exploring better medical and surgical ways to treat patients and will continue to be involved in clinical trials involving novel drug-delivery systems and new surgical procedures. I also have a research interest in the differential burden of glaucoma on African-derived populations. This question is multi-faceted, and involves a comprehensive evaluation of the genetics, economics, accessibility to treatment, and response to therapy of these populations.

Current Appointments & Affiliations

Professor of Ophthalmology · 2013 - Present Ophthalmology, Glaucoma, Ophthalmology

Chief, Glaucoma Ophthalmology · 2015 - Present Ophthalmology, Glaucoma, Ophthalmology

Recent Publications

Ab Interno Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery Effectiveness in Black Patients: An IRIS Registry Study.

Journal Article J Glaucoma · February 1, 2026 PRÉCIS: MIGS in combination with cataract surgery resulted in clinically significant reductions in IOP and IOP-lowering medications up to 24 months in Black patients. PURPOSE: Describe outcomes following ab interno Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS ... Full text Link to item Cite

Negative Pressure Application by the Ocular Pressure Adjusting Pump to Lower Intraocular Pressure in Normal-Tension Glaucoma: HERCULES Study.

Journal Article Am J Ophthalmol · July 2025 PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering efficacy of the ocular pressure adjusting pump in subjects with normal-tension glaucoma (NTG). DESIGN: Prospective, multicenter, masked, randomized, fellow-eye controlled trial. SUBJEC ... Full text Link to item Cite

Outcome of Glaucoma Drainage Device Surgeries in Nigeria.

Journal Article Niger J Clin Pract · July 1, 2025 BACKGROUND: Glaucoma is the leading cause of functional low vision and irreversible blindness in Nigeria and constitutes a significant public health burden. Glaucoma Drainage Devices(GDD) an increasingly popular option for glaucoma treatment and are relati ... Full text Link to item Cite

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Recent Grants

A Prospective, Multicenter, Non-Randomized, Clinical Trial Designed to Evaluate the Safety and Feasibility of the ELIOS System to Reduce Intraocular Pressure in Patients with Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma as a Standalone Procedure

Clinical TrialPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Elios Vision, Inc. · 2025 - 2026

A prospective, multi-center, randomized, parallel-group, controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of OTXTIC (travoprost) intracameral implant in subjects with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) or ocular hypertension (OHT)

Clinical TrialPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Ocular Therapeutix Inc · 2022 - 2024

Evaluating the use of a sustained-release intracanalicular dexamethasone insert (Dextenza, Ocular Therapeutix, Inc) in Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS)

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Ocular Therapeutix Inc · 2021 - 2024

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Education

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill · 1991 M.D.