John J. Chen MD, PhD

Dr. Chen attended the University of Virginia for his undergraduate and combined MD/PhD degrees.  He completed his Ophthalmology residency and Neuro-Ophthalmology fellowship training at the University of Iowa.  He then took a position at the Mayo Clinic in 2014 where he specializes in Neuro-Ophthalmology. Currently, he serves as a Consultant and Professor of Ophthalmology and Neurology, and Neuro-Ophthalmology Fellowship Director at the Mayo Clinic.  Among Dr. Chen’s awards/honors are the AAO Achievement Award, Top Doctors in Minnesota, the Heed Fellowship, Real World Ophthalmology Inspiring Academic Leader Award, resident and fellow teaching awards at the University of Iowa, Ophthalmology Teacher of the Year Award four times at the Mayo Clinic leading to induction to the Educators Hall of Fame, and the 2023 Mayo Clinic Distinguished Educator Award (given to the best educator for the entire Mayo Clinic).  He is currently the Secretary for the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society and is on multiple committees for the AAO, co-chairs the Upper Midwest Neuro-Ophthalmology Group, is a member of the American Ophthalmological Society and American Eye Study Club, previously served as the President for the Minnesota Academy of Ophthalmology, and participated in the AAO and AUPO Leadership Development Programs.  He has over 200 peer-reviewed publications, has received several research awards, and is currently RO1 funded through the NIH and is the co-primary investigator for the upcoming randomized clinical trial for early plasma exchange for severe optic neuritis and transverse myelitis.  He has given over 200 oral presentations, including multiple named lectureships and visiting professorships, on his interests in ophthalmic imaging, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, and optic neuritis, especially NMOSD and MOG antibody-associated disease.