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INFORMATION FOR

    Mathieu Bakhoum, MD, PhD

    Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Science
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    Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Science

    Biography

    Mathieu Bakhoum is a physician scientist with clinical training in ophthalmology and vitreoretinal surgery. At the Yale Eye Center, he cares for patients with complex retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, epiretinal membrane and retinal artery and vein occlusions.

    His laboratory at the Yale School of Medicine focuses on two research areas with direct clinical applications. The first is to determine mechanisms that drive metastasis in uveal melanoma, a lethal eye cancer. His goal is to translate this knowledge to develop non-invasive biomarkers for diagnosis and metastatic surveillance, and to identify druggable targets that can be employed to treat the primary and metastatic disease. His work has identified a novel mechanism by which cancer cells evolve to become more aggressive. The second area of focus capitalizes upon the ability to visualize the individual cellular layers of the retina during routine eye examination, and utilizes this information to detect underlying systemic diseases. Dr. Bakhoum has demonstrated that retinal ischemic perivascular lesions (RIPLs) can be used as a biomarker for underlying cardiovascular disease. Early detection of cardiovascular disease allows early implementation of therapy or lifestyle modification, thereby slowing disease progression or averting catastrophic events such as a stroke or heart attack.

    Appointments

    Education & Training

    MD
    The University of Texas Medical Branch
    PhD
    The University of Texas Medical Branch

    Research

    Overview

    Medical Research Interests

    Early Detection of Cancer; Epigenetic Repression; Genetics; Melanoma; Neoplasm Metastasis; Ophthalmology; Retina; Retinal Diseases

    Research at a Glance

    Yale Co-Authors

    Frequent collaborators of Mathieu Bakhoum's published research.

    Publications

    2025

    2024

    2023

    Clinical Care

    Overview

    Mathieu Bakhoum, MD, PhD, is an ophthalmologist who specializes in vitreoretinal surgery. At Yale Eye Center, Dr. Bakhoum treats patients with complex retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, epiretinal membrane, and retinal artery and vein occlusions.

    As an assistant professor of ophthalmology and visual science at Yale School of Medicine, Dr. Bakhoum aims to improve the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases, particularly focusing on uveal melanoma and systemic diseases detectable through the retina. His studies have identified new mechanisms of cancer cell aggression and the potential of retinal biomarkers to indicate cardiovascular diseases, enabling earlier interventions and better patient outcomes.

    Dr. Bakhoum received his medical and doctorate degrees from the University of Texas Medical Branch. He completed his residency at Nassau University Medical Center and The University of Texas Medical Branch, followed by a fellowship in vitreoretinal surgery at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine.

    In addition to his clinical and research roles, Dr. Bakhoum teaches courses in ophthalmology and actively mentors students, residents, and fellows, fostering an environment of learning and inquiry. He has contributed to numerous publications in top-tier journals and presented at national and international conferences.

    Fact Sheets

    Board Certifications

    • Ophthalmology

      Certification Organization
      AB of Ophthalmology
      Original Certification Date
      2020

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