Duke University ophthalmology chairman, Dr. David Epstein, dies

Durham, NC-David L. Epstein, MD, the Joseph A.C. Wadsworth Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology and chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at Duke University School of Medicine, died on Tuesday, March 4.

Dr. Epstein served as chairman for the past 22 years, and under his leadership, the department grew to include its current team of 73 faculty members and more than 300 staff members.

Dr. Epstein also authored more than 230 scholarly papers and consulted in glaucoma clinical care, while maintaining an active glaucoma research program.

He received many awards for his work, including the 2013 Mildred Weisenfeld Award for Excellence in Ophthalmology from the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO). The award is presented annually to an individual in recognition of distinguished scholarly contributions to the clinical practice of ophthalmology.

In 2012, he received the Duke University School of Medicine Medical Alumni Association’s Distinguished Faculty Award.

Dr. Epstein served on numerous national scientific advisory boards as well.

From 1992 to 1993, he served as president of ARVO. He served as president of the Chandler-Grant Glaucoma Society from 2004 to 2005, and was president of the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology in 2011.

Edward Buckley, MD, has been appointed acting chairman of the department.

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