Mark I. Rosenblatt, MD, PhD, MBADr. Rosenblatt is a corneal surgeon and a highly accomplished physician-scientist, with a National Institutes of Health sponsored research program exploring mechanisms to regenerate corneal nerves following corneal injury. His primary focus is innovation and the translation of basic discoveries in the laboratory into relevant therapies for patients.
Prior to joining the faculty as Department Head in October, 2014, Dr. Rosenblatt was Director of the Margaret M. Dyson Vision Research Institute and Vice Chair of Ophthalmology at Weill Cornell Medical College.
Dr. Rosenblatt has made significant contributions to our understanding of corneal nerve regeneration, as well as the establishment of innovative models for investigating corneal nerves. At Weill Cornell Medical College, Dr. Rosenblatt expanded his research program to not only include regenerative issues related to corneal nerves, but also to regeneration of the ocular surface. He is currently exploring novel ways to promote trans-differentiation of skin stem cells into corneal epithelial stem cells for the treatment of corneal epithelial stem cell deficiency. In support of these regenerative medicine projects, Dr. Rosenblatt has received funding from the National Institutes of Health, the New York Stem Cell Initiative, the Tri-Institutional Institute for Stem Cell Biology, and SBIR funding from the Department of Defense and the National Science Foundation. Dr. Rosenblatt has published numerous papers in peer-reviewed journals, book chapters and presented at national and international academic meetings. He is Cornea Section Editor for the Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology Journal and serves on the Editorial Board of Investigative Ophthalmology and Vision Science.
Dr. Rosenblatt’s clinical practice focuses on laser vision correction surgery and the treatment of cataracts and corneal disease. He is board certified in ophthalmology.
On March 15, 2019 Dr. Rosenblatt resigned his position as Department Head in order to take on his current position as Executive Dean of the College of Medicine. He remains on the faculty of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences.
News
Cornea specialist to head ophthalmology at UIC
Growth factor regenerates damaged nerves without sprouting new blood vessels
Education
BS cum laude—University of Miami Honors Program in Medical Education
MD—University of Miami School of Medicine Combined MD/PhD Program, elected to Alpha Omega Alpha
PhD in Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology—University of Miami School of Medicine Combined MD/PhD
MBA—New York University Stern School of Business
Residency—Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School
Research Fellowship—Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard Medical School
Clinical Fellowship in Cornea and External Disease—Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
Selected Honors and Awards
American Academy of Ophthalmology Achievement Award, 2014
Stern Executive MBA Scholarship, 2012-2014
Research to Prevent Blindness Career Development Award, 2009-2013
AUPO/Research to Prevent Blindness Resident/Research Fellow Award, 2005
Joint Clinical Research Center Fellowship, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and Schepens Eye Research Institute, 2003-2005