Sharon D. Solomon, M.D., stands as a distinguished figure in the field of ophthalmology, holding the esteemed position of Katharine M. Graham Professor of Ophthalmology at the renowned Wilmer Eye Institute. As a highly specialized retina specialist and ophthalmologist, Doctor Solomon has dedicated her career to the medical and surgical treatment of a spectrum of retinal conditions. Her expertise encompasses age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, epiretinal membranes, macular holes, and retinal tears and detachment. Patients from across the nation and internationally seek her exceptional skills and knowledge, making her practice at Wilmer a significant referral center.
Doctor Solomon‘s commitment to advancing eye care extends beyond her clinical practice. She has been a pivotal principal investigator at Wilmer for numerous clinical trials sponsored by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Her dedication to research is evidenced by her extensive publications arising from her involvement in these crucial clinical trials, contributing significantly to the body of knowledge in ophthalmology.
Her solid academic foundation began with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Harvard University, followed by a medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). Doctor Solomon completed her internship at Stanford before returning to UCSF for her ophthalmology residency. Further solidifying her expertise, she pursued a surgical retina fellowship at the Wilmer Eye Institute before becoming a faculty member.
Recognition of Doctor Solomon‘s clinical excellence is highlighted by her membership in the prestigious Miller-Coulson Academy of Clinical Excellence at Johns Hopkins. This honor underscores her exceptional contributions to patient care and the medical field.
Her professional affiliations extend to several respected centers and institutes, most notably her association with the Wilmer Eye Institute Research, where she actively contributes to ongoing advancements in ophthalmological understanding and treatment.
Doctor Solomon‘s research interests are deeply rooted in understanding and combating major causes of vision loss, specifically Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy, and Macular holes. Her research summary reveals a focused dedication to unraveling the complexities of idiopathic macular hole development, with the aspiration of pioneering non-surgical therapies for this potentially blinding condition. The current standard treatment, surgery, while often effective, carries risks such as cataract formation and retinal detachment, and necessitates a challenging recovery period.
Doctor Solomon‘s innovative research employs proteomics analyses to delve into the pathogenesis of macular hole formation. This groundbreaking approach holds promise not only for macular holes but also for providing insights into other surgical retinal diseases like vitreomacular traction, lamellar holes, and epiretinal membranes, all of which can significantly impair vision.
The national significance of Doctor Solomon‘s initial research on macular holes is underscored by its expansion into a multi-center clinical trial across the country. This widespread attention and collaborative effort highlight the potential impact of her work on the future of retinal care.
To explore her extensive contributions to the medical literature, you can refer to her publications indexed in PubMed: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=sharon+solomon.
Doctor Solomon‘s professional achievements have been recognized through numerous honors, including Secretariat Awards from the American Academy of Ophthalmology in 2022 and 2017.
Her commitment to the ophthalmology community is further demonstrated by her memberships in leading professional organizations, such as Alpha Omega Alpha, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Board of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Retina Specialists, the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, the Macula Society, the Retina Society, and the Society of Heed Fellows. These memberships reflect her engagement with the broader ophthalmology community and her dedication to staying at the forefront of her field.
