Michael John Allingham

Michael Allingham, MD PhD is a retina fellowship-trained clinician scientist with expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions affecting the retina. Trained in the interpretation of retinal vascular imaging techniques, including video fluorescein angiography (FA) and indocyanine green (ICG) angiography, he specializes in the use of these imaging studies to guide injection and laser-based treatment of disease. His research focuses on using a mouse model of retinal edema to elucidate the role of Müller cell dysfunction in diseases such as diabetic macular edema and retinal vein occlusion. He also studies the use of computer aided image analysis in predicting response to specific treatment modalities in patients with diabetic macular edema. Dr. Allingham’s ultimate goal is to develop new therapies for macular edema and to better utilize ocular image analysis techniques to guide individualized treatment of his patients.

Dr. Allingham attended Duke University where he earned a B.S. in Chemistry with Distinction. He next pursued his M.D./Ph.D. at the nearby University of North Carolina. He earned his Ph.D. in Cell and Developmental Biology in the lab of Keith Burridge, Ph.D., an internationally recognized expert in cell adhesion. As a graduate student, Dr. Allingham studied the role of leukocyte-endothelial adhesive interactions in the endothelial regulation of leukocyte diapedesis. Upon completing his M.D./Ph.D., he returned to Duke for his internship, residency in ophthalmology and fellowship in medical retina before accepting a faculty position in the Duke Eye Center Department of Ophthalmology.