James C. Lai, MD

Dr. James LaiUndergraduate: University of Michigan (graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude)
Medical School: University of Michigan (graduated Alpha Omega Alpha and in the top 5 of his class)
Internship: University of Hawaii
Residency: Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute at the Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions
Chief Residency: Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute at Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions
Research Fellowship: National Institutes of Health, Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Research Fellow (Dean’s Award for Research Excellence)
Vitreoretinal Fellowship: Duke University Eye Center (selected the Teaching Fellow of the Year)

Dr. Lai was awarded the Heed Fellowship, and designated as the top Heed Fellow in the country. During his fellowship, he also received the Knapp Ophthalmic Foundation Award as well as the Ronald G. Michels Foundation Fellowship. Dr. Lai then returned to Johns Hopkins Hospital where he served as the Assistant Chief of Service and Director of the Ocular Trauma Service. Prior to joining Retina Consultants of Hawaii, Dr. Lai was in practice in Long Island, NY where he held clinical appointments at both New York University and the Long Island Jewish/North Shore University Hospital systems. There he was actively involved in teaching the medical students and ophthalmology residents and was awarded Teaching Attending of the Year.

Dr. Lai is Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Hawaii Medical School. He is also a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Society of Retinal Specialists, and the Retina Society.  He specializes in the latest techniques for the medical and surgical management of macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachments, macular holes, retinal vascular disorders, and macular puckers. He is also co-investigator in several national clinical trials for new treatments for macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and vein occlusions.

Dr. Lai has published numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters and has lectured extensively on diseases of the retina. Dr. Lai has been recognized as being a “Best Doctor in America” and “Best Doctor in Honolulu”.

Website: retinahi.com