Dimitra Skondra, MD, PhD, has been named vice chair of research for the Department of Ophthalmology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Dr. Skondra is known for her work as a retinal specialist and translational researcher. She previously served as a professor at the University of Chicago, where she directed both the J. Terry Ernest Ocular Imaging Center and the Microbiome Medicine Program.
Dr. Skondra’s research centers on how systemic factors such as diet and the gut microbiome affect ocular health, with a focus on age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Her studies have identified causal links between gut dysbiosis and retinal disease, contributing to new strategies for prevention and treatment.
Kathryn A. Colby, MD, PhD, chair of the Department of Ophthalmology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, said: “Dr. Skondra is an exceptional clinician–scientist whose vision for advancing the field aligns perfectly with our commitment to innovation and patient care. Her collaborative approach and dedication to both research and clinical excellence will strengthen our research mission across the institution.”
Dr. Skondra received her medical degree from the University of Crete Medical School in Greece and completed her residency at Cornell University before undertaking a vitreoretinal surgery fellowship at Harvard Medical School.
In her new role, Dr. Skondra plans to bring together international clinical expertise in diseases like AMD with innovative research methods to offer personalized precision medicine at NYU Langone Eye Center. She will also broaden her work into glaucoma, corneal diseases, and neuro-ophthalmologic conditions by using multiomics data—genetic information, microbiome analysis, imaging results—and artificial intelligence analytics to develop individualized treatment strategies.
Dr. Skondra commented: “I’m thrilled to join NYU Langone Health, an institution truly committed to breaking down silos between departments to drive cross-disciplinary innovation. What excites me most is the opportunity to expand our research portfolio, deliver cutting-edge care and treatment to our patients, and advance our understanding of how the eye serves as a window to systemic health.”
She will lead collaborations across neurology, cardiology, and internal medicine departments aimed at using advanced retinal imaging as noninvasive biomarkers for early detection of neurological and cardiovascular diseases. Planned initiatives include bringing multiple clinical trials—including gene therapy studies for AMD—to NYU Langone.
Clinically active as well as engaged in research, Dr. Skondra specializes in complex retinal detachments and has pioneered noninvasive drop-based treatments for macular holes that can reduce surgical intervention rates by up to 70 percent in selected patients.
Her recent work includes exploring repurposed medications such as metformin for preventing AMD progression—a strategy currently being prepared for clinical trial evaluation in partnership with researchers from the University of California, San Francisco.
With more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and frequent invitations as keynote speaker at international conferences on retinal innovation, Dr. Skondra brings significant experience to her new position.
NYU Langone Health is recognized nationally for its high standard of patient care across seven inpatient locations in New York and Florida; it includes two tuition-free medical schools alongside its extensive research activities. The system has achieved top rankings from Vizient Inc., which placed it first among 118 academic medical centers nationwide over four consecutive years; U.S. News & World Report recently ranked four clinical specialties No. 1 nationally.
