Russell N. Van Gelder, M.D., Ph.D.

Dr. Van Gelder is UW Professor and Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology. Dr. Van Gelder is a clinician-scientist. His primary clinical interest is in ocular inflammatory disease (uveitis and related conditions), and he cares for patients with medical retinal diseases.

He attended Stanford University, earning his bachelor's degree in biological sciences. Dr. Van Gelder remained at Stanford for his M.D. and Ph.D. (neuroscience) and completed his medical internship at Stanford University Hospitals. He completed his ophthalmology residency at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, and his fellowship in uveitis at the Barnes Retina Institute.

Patient Care Philosophy
Dr. Van Gelder practices evidence-based medicine supported by more than a decade of practice in uveitis. He gives the same thorough, personal attention to each patient. He involves the entire eye care team in patient care, and examines each patient and discusses his or her care with patience and thoroughness. Dr. Van Gelder involves patients in their care decisions and takes each patient's individual philosophy and preference into account when deciding on a treatment course.

Scope Of Care
Dr. Van Gelder treats ocular inflammatory and medical retinal disease primarily through medical treatments, as well as in-office procedures.

Personal Interests
He enjoys being with his family, skiing, photography and music.

Clinical Interests
Uveitis, including iritis, pars planitis, retinitis, choroiditis and scleritis. Dr. Van Gelder is also interested in medical retinal disease, including hereditary retinal disease and macular dystrophies.

Research Interests
Dr. Van Gelder's laboratory is interested in the mechanisms of uveitic disease, including discovery of novel pathogens and understanding the role of auto-antibodies in uveitis. His laboratory is also interested in how the eye can sense light without seeing it.

Teaching Interests
Dr. Van Gelder spends considerable time teaching residents, fellows and medical students about ocular inflammatory disease.


Languages
English

Expertise
Eye Care (Ophthalmology)