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

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

Primary Practice Patterns for the Initial Management of Open Angle Glaucoma.

Journal Article J Glaucoma · September 1, 2024 PRCIS: About one-fourth of survey respondents from an ASCRS database initiate treatment for primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) with laser trabeculoplasty. Factors impacting physicians' choice of laser versus topical treatment for POAG were explored. PURPOS ... Full text Link to item Cite

Surgical Outcomes, Ocular Safety and Tolerability of Bio-Interventional Cyclodialysis with Allograft Scleral Reinforcement: Clinical Experience of More than 240 Cases.

Journal Article J Clin Med · August 6, 2024 Background: To report the surgical safety of reinforced bio-interventional cyclodialysis with scleral allograft reinforcement. Methods: This was a consecutive case series of 243 eyes with open-angle glaucoma who underwent a bio-scaffolded cyclodialysis (BS ... Full text Link to item Cite

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Recent Grants

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

Eyes of Africa: The Genetics of Blindness

ResearchSignificant Contributor · Awarded by University of Ibadan · 2017 - 2023

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Education, Training & Certifications

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