Ask the Expert 2025
Eliot Dow, M.D., Ph.D.
Retinal Consultants Medical Group
Dr. Dow completed his ophthalmology residency at Stein Eye Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles. His commitment to providing exceptional patient care, along with his innovative research in artificial intelligence, earned him the prestigious Heed Fellowship, awarded to the top ophthalmology graduates nationwide. Dr. Eliot Dow joined Retinal Consultants Medical Group in 2023.
What made you want to become a retina specialist?
I was drawn to ophthalmology by a deeply personal experience: watching my grandmother lose her vision to wet age-related macular degeneration before effective therapies existed. Although breakthrough medications emerged just a few years later, it was too late for her to regain sight. Her struggle fuels my commitment to both provide each patient with the best possible care today and drive the discovery of tomorrow’s treatments.
What aspects of your job do you find most rewarding?
The relationships. Retina care moves at a brisk pace since there’s a high volume of patients and limited time per visit. But over months and years, I learn about my patients’ lives, hopes and challenges. And since anyone can be affected by a retinal condition, I get to connect with people from all walks of life. Knowing that I’ve helped preserve something extremely important to each patient—their sight—is immensely gratifying.
Can you describe some of the advancements you’ve seen in the treatment of geographic atrophy?
Just two years ago, geographic atrophy (advanced dry age-related macular degeneration) was effectively untreatable. Today, we have two FDA-approved intravitreal medications that slow lesion growth, and emerging light-based modalities aim to prevent progression to advanced disease. Through our clinical-trials program at Retinal Consultants Medical Group, we’re proud to offer patients early access to additional cutting-edge therapies.
Retinal Consultants Medical Group has 13 locations across Northern California. Visit retinalmd.com for more info.
