Alon Kahana, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor, is the Helmut F. Stern Career Development Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. Dr. Kahana earned a doctorate in molecular genetics and cell biology and his medical degree from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. He completed a residency in ophthalmology and a dual fellowship in oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgery and facial cosmetic surgery at the University of Wisconsin. He completed postdoctoral research training at the University of Chicago and at the University of Wisconsin.

Dr. Kahana’s research interests include the biology, developmental genetics and regeneration of extraocular muscles and neural crest-derived stem cells in and around the eye. His goal is to utilize clinically driven basic science research to develop novel diagnostic and treatment modalities for diseases such as cancer, thyroid-related eye disease, strabismic disorders, and craniofacial syndromes. In addition, he has an active surgical practice focusing on eyelid, lacrimal, and orbital disorders in both adults and children.

He has mentored students, residents and postdoctoral fellows; has published over 20 articles in peer-reviewed publications and several book chapters; and serves as editor for the Orbital Disease section of Byron Smith's Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the definitive textbook in the field.