Distinguished scientist: Steven Yeh, MD

This profile is part of a series to highlight the researchers who will be honored at a ceremony on March 9 for UNMC’s Scientist Laureate, Research Leadership, Distinguished Scientist, New Investigator and Community Service to Research Award recipients.

• Name: Steven Yeh, MD
• Title: Professor and Stanley Truhlsen Jr. Chair in Ophthalmology, UNMC College of Medicine
• Joined UNMC: March 2021
• Hometown: Houston, Texas, and Atlanta, Georgia

Please describe your research focus in three words or less:

Global vision health

Why is research important in the world today?

Our daily interactions with patients at the Truhlsen Eye Institute, both in the clinic and operating room, underscore the tremendous impact of vision health on quality of life, independence, socioeconomic activities and overall well-being. Vision research that utilizes the latest innovative technologies is extremely important to drive present and future clinical care with a strong evidence basis within the U.S. and globally.

My research will make a difference because:

Our clinical research team in the United States and internationally (Sierra Leone, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Honduras) aims to understand the eye manifestations of infectious diseases (Ebola, COVID-19, herpes virus, syphilis and other emerging pathogens) and the body’s immune response. These findings will inform future outbreaks and allow us to strengthen our approach to vision health systems for child and adult eye care. Within the U.S., our clinical research team aims to develop a leading research program for macular degeneration, diabetes, drug delivery for uveitis and retinal disease and infectious diseases of the eye.

The best advice I’ve ever received is: 

“For me, an area of moral clarity is: You’re in front of someone who’s suffering and you have the tools at your disposal to alleviate that suffering or even eradicate it, and you act.” – Paul Farmer, MD, PhD

Three things you may not know about me are:

• I was born in Providence, Rhode Island, and have lived on the East, West and Gulf Coast. 
• I previously ran marathons, including an ultra-marathon after encouragement from my retina fellowship program director.
• I enjoy learning and trying out different international cuisines and experiencing different cultures with my family and friends.