Lisa S. Schocket, MD, named chair of University of Maryland School of Medicine’s Department of Opthalmology and Visual Sciences

The University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) announced the appointment of Lisa S. Schocket as the new chairperson of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Services at the university.

UMSOM Dean T. Gladwin announced in a news release that the appointment takes effect immediately.¹

Schocket has been serving as Interim chair since July, 2022, and during that time has worked to establish best practices for the department, strengthening its academic programs and improving its financial viability.

“I believe that Lisa has demonstrated the leadership capabilities to drive the clinical care, education and research missions of the department towards continued success,” Gladwin, the John Z. and Akiko K. Bowers Distinguished Professor at UMSOM and Vice President for Medical Affairs, University of Maryland, Baltimore, said in the news release. “I have every confidence in her abilities as the new Chair and I look forward to seeing her and the department flourish.”

According to the university, Schocket has also served as the Department’s Vice Chair for Clinical Affairs, chief of Vitreoretinal Surgery, and medical director of the University of Maryland Eye Associates. She specializes in the medical and surgical management of retinal diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinal vascular occlusions, retinal detachments, macular holes, and cataract complications.

Schocket recently led a study investigating the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI)-based vision screening in health fair settings. That study found these screenings could help improve access to eye care in underserved communities.²

Schocket also serves as a principal investigator for the Paladin study group which is assessing the safety and efficacy of an experimental ocular drug implant in patients with diabetic macular edema.

“I am honored and thrilled to accept the position as Chair of Ophthalmology,” Schocket said in the news release. “I will continue working collaboratively with my colleagues to provide the highest quality coordinated care to all Marylanders and in so doing, support our education, research, and community engagement initiatives.”

Schocket earned her MD degree at the University of Pennsylvania and completed her residency at the University of Pennsylvania/Scheie Eye Institute, followed by a surgical retina fellowship at Tufts University/Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston.

Active in research throughout her career, Schocket’s papers have appeared in journals such as Ophthalmology, Archives of Ophthalmology, American Journal of Ophthalmology, and Retina. She is board-certified in Ophthalmology and is a member of the American Society of Retina Specialists and the American Academy of Ophthalmology.¹

Prior to joining the faculty at the University of Maryland, Schocket was in private practice in Baltimore for 9 years, during which she earned a reputation for caring for her patients while also providing the latest treatments available.

References

1. 2024 News - Dr. Lisa S. Schocket Named Chair of UM School of Medicine’s Department of Opthalmology and Visual Sciences | University of Maryland School of Medicine. www.medschool.umaryland.edu. Accessed June 5, 2024. https://www.medschool.umaryland.edu/news/2024/dr-lisa-s-schocket-named-chair-of-um-school-of-medicines-department-of-opthalmology-and-visual-sciences.html

2. Panchal B, Asanad S, Malek R, Munir K, Schocket LS. Improving Access to Eye Care Through Community Health Screenings Using Artificial Intelligence. Ophthalmic Epidemiol. 2024 Feb 21:1-3. doi: 10.1080/09286586.2024.2317838. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38381150.