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

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

Glaucoma Surgery SOS: Emergency Department Utilization Greater among Younger and First-Time Surgical Patients with Glaucoma.

Journal Article Ophthalmol Glaucoma · 2025 PURPOSE: To describe the frequency, findings, and interventions of patients' emergency department (ED) visits after all types of glaucoma surgery DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study SUBJECTS: All surgical patients with glaucoma between 2013 and 2021 METHODS ... 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 - 2030

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, Training & Certifications

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