John J. Chen, M.D., Ph.D.

Location

SUMMARY

John J. Chen, M.D., Ph.D., specializes in neuro-ophthalmology and has research interests in idiopathic intracranial hypertension, optic neuritis, ischemic optic neuropathy, imaging and neuro-immunology. He undertakes both clinical and translational research in the pathogenesis and treatment of neuro-ophthalmic diseases.

Focus areas

• Optic neuritis. Dr. Chen evaluates the epidemiology, clinical and radiological features of optic neuritis and related disorders. These include neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein autoantibody-associated demyelinating diseases. He collaborates with a Mayo Clinic neuroimmunology lab to describe the clinical phenotype of new glial autoantibodies that can affect the optic nerve.
• Idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Dr. Chen investigates new tools to detect raised intracranial pressure, including magnetic resonance elastography.
• Imaging. Dr. Chen has a reputation as an expert in optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging of the optic nerve. He explores the use of OCT, hyperspectral camera and other imaging modalities as biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease.

Significance to patient care

Dr. Chen's research strives to provide improvement in the diagnosis of neuro-ophthalmic disease by advancing the application of imaging for various illnesses and on improving understanding of glial autoantibodies and how they affect the optic nerve.

Professional highlights

• Member, American Ophthalmology Society, 2023-present.
• Teacher of The Year, Mayo Fellows Association, Mayo Clinic, 2016, 2020, 2023, 2024.
• Mayo Clinic Distinguished Educator Award, Mayo Clinic, 2023.
• Fellow, Academy of Educational Excellence, Mayo Clinic, 2018.
• Fellow, North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society, 2018.
• Leonard and Mary Lou Hoeft Career Development Award in Ophthalmology Research, Mayo Clinic, 2018.
• Achievement Award, American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2017.
• Best Original Paper Presentation for Neuro-Ophthalmology, American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2017.
• Fellow Teaching Award, University of Iowa, 2014.
• Heed Fellowship Award, The Heed Ophthalmic Foundation, 2014.
• Residency Teaching Award, University of Iowa, 2013.