David N Zacks MD PhD
Retinal Disease
Professor, Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center
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1000 Wall StAnn Arbor, MI 48105
Phone+1 734-764-4190
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Summary
- Dr. David Zacks is a retina specialist who sees patients at the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center's office in Ann Arbor. His clinical interests include diseases and surgery of the retina and vitreous, including retinal detachments, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinal vascular disease, ocular trauma, ocular inflammation, and macular and submacular surgery.
Dr. Zacks' research focuses on the mechanisms of retinal cell death during retinal diseases such as retinal detachments, age-related macular degeneration, and ocular inflammatory disease. His particular focus is on the role of apoptosis in the death of photoreceptor cells and the development of neuroprotective therapies for preservation of retinal elements during retinal disease.
To make an appointment, please call the Kellogg Eye Center Retina and Uveitis Clinic in Ann Arbor at 734-763-5874. To refer a patient, please visit www.kellogg.umich.edu/refer.
Education & Training
Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary/Harvard Medical SchoolFellowship, Surgical Retina and Vitreous, 2000 - 2002- Mass General Brigham/Massachusetts Eye and Ear/Harvard Medical SchoolResidency, Ophthalmology, 1997 - 2000
Brigham and Women's Faulkner HospitalInternship, Department of Medicine, 1996 - 1997
Albert Einstein College of MedicineClass of 1996
Cornell UniversityBS, Neurobiology and Behavior, 1984 - 1988
Certifications & Licensure
MI State Medical License 2002 - 2027
MA State Medical License 2000 - 2004
American Board of Ophthalmology Ophthalmology
Awards, Honors, & Recognition
- CMS Meaningful Use Stage 2 Certification EpicCare Inpatient 2014 Certified EHR Suite, Epic Systems Corporation, 2013-2014, 2016-2017
- CMS Meaningful Use Stage 2 Certification OpTime Surgical 2014 Certified Module, Epic Systems Corporation, 2013-2014, 2016-2017
- CMS Meaningful Use Stage 2 Certification Outgoing Public Health Reporting from EpicCare Functionality, Epic Systems Corporation, 2013-2014, 2016-2017
Clinical Trials
- Oral Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) for Retinitis Pigmentosa Caused by P23H- Rhodopsin (RHO) Start of enrollment: 2020 Feb 25
Publications & Presentations
PubMed
- 3 citationsPathogen-Associated Visual Outcomes Following Postprocedure Endophthalmitis.Marusha Ather, Elizabeth Lyden, Yue Zhan, Rachana Haliyur, Alina Sinha
American Journal of Ophthalmology. 2026-03-01 - 1 citationsRecovery from apoptosis in photoreceptor cells: A role for mitophagy.Bhavneet Kaur, Bruna Miglioranza Scavuzzi, Jingyu Yao, Mengling Yang, Lin Jia
Cell Death & Disease. 2026-01-30 - 1 citationsIn Vivo Characterization of ONL1204, a Small Peptide Inhibitor of the Fas Receptor, as a Potential Neuroprotective Therapy for Geographic Atrophy and Dry Age-Related M...Andrew J Kocab, Marisol Cano, Marianna Bacellar-Galdino, Jeffrey A Jamison, William J Brock
Biomedicines. 2025-08-22
Journal Articles
- Vitreous Cytokine Expression and a Murine Model Suggest a Key Role of Microglia in the Inflammatory Response to Retinal DetachmentLee Kiang, David N Zacks, Cagri G Besirli, Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science
Press Mentions
Conducting Impactful Research as a Retina FellowMarch 2nd, 2023- BitLicense at 5: For Startups Regulated Overseas, New York Isn’t so ToughJune 24th, 2020
SUBSPECIALTY NEWS: Subspecialty News Slowing Geographic Atrophy Progression, Studying Retinal Detachment, Developing Treatment for Macular Edema Due to Uveitis, and MoreJanuary 1st, 2020
Grant Support
- Michigan Vision Clinician Scientist Development ProgramUNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR2013–2028
- Autophagy And Control Of Photoreceptor ApoptosisNational Eye Institute2010–2011
- Apoptosis In Retinal DetachmentsNational Eye Institute2002–2006
Professional Memberships
- Fellow
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