Rajesh Rao, MD

Rajesh Chalamalasetty Rao, MD

Specialty: Ophthalmology
Title: Associate Professor
4.8/5
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734-764-4190
Rajesh Rao, MD
Rajesh Chalamalasetty Rao, MD
Ophthalmology
  • About
  • Areas of Practice
  • Expertise
  • Locations
  • Insurance
  • Education & Training
  • Research Overview
  • Patient Ratings & Comments
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  • About

    Areas of Practice

    Diseases and surgery of the retina and vitreous, including retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinal vascular disease, ocular trauma, ocular inflammation, macular and submacular surgery, and surgical management of complex retinal detachment

    Locations

    • Retina & Uveitis Clinic | Kellogg Eye Center 1000 Wall St
      Elevator B Floor 2
      Ann Arbor, MI 48105-1912
      Get Directions

    Insurance Accepted

    University of Michigan Health participates with most health insurance plans.

    See our insurance details

    Education & Training

    Medical School or Training

    Yale University School of Medicine, 2007

    Residency

    Harvard Medical School, Ophthalmology, 2011

    Fellowships

    Washington University School of Medicine, Retina, 2013

    Board Certifications

    Ophthalmology

    Research Overview

    The goal of my research is to use stem cells and epigenetics as tools to promote retinal regeneration, and reduce scar and tumor formation.

    Learn more about Dr. Rao's research.

    Visit Dr. Rao's lab website.

    Patient Ratings & Comments

    Visit our Physician Ratings & Comments page to learn more about how patient ratings are collected, calculated, and updated to help you make an informed decision when choosing the right physician for your care.

    Patient Ratings

    440 Patient Ratings

    Patient Comments

    February 24, 2026 - "I have been seeing Dr. Rao for [...] years and thank God, my eyes are now stable [...]"

    February 23, 2026 - "My condition is benign, just yearly follow up. But Dr Rao is always nice and takes a minute for my questions."

    February 18, 2026 - "I live in [...] now but it is still worth the drive to have Dr. Rao check my eyes biannually."

    February 17, 2026 - "I love Rao"

    January 28, 2026 - "Dr. Rao is always a Fantastic Provider! I like his way of explaining things so that I understand."

    January 28, 2026 - "Dr. Rao is an excellent clinician. I am very happy with his care and treatment of my eye condition"

    January 27, 2026 - "Dr. Rao is compassionate and supportive. He goes above and beyond with his services. He obtained prior authorization at lightning speed."

    January 7, 2026 - "Dr. Rao has been outstanding with my treatment throughout my entire treatment. Very grateful and thankful for his continued care."

    November 30, 2025 - "Dr Rao discussed the medical implications of my intended move to [...]."

    November 18, 2025 - "Dr Rao is very knowledgeable, friendly, and shows interest in you personally. I have been under his care for [...] or so years now. His attitude and attention to his patients is the best of any physician I have ever encountered."

    Show All Comments

    Featured News & Stories

    eye drawn out with blue and yellow and off white background
    Health Lab

    RNA modifications control how stem cells develop into retinal cells

    Researchers from the University of Michigan investigated which signals control the development of stem cells into retinal cells. Their findings could help inform future research into creating cells for transplantation and screening promising drugs for retinal diseases.
    eye drawing blue yellow highlight
    Health Lab

    Adult stem cells show therapeutic promise in treating vision loss from macular degeneration

    Researchers used retinal pigment epithelial stem cells derived from adult postmortem eye tissue in a phase 1/2a clinical trial. This is the first treatment to show promise for age-related macular degeneration or AMD.
    Dr. Rajesh Rao using his finger to create a pink line of
    Health Lab

    Finding new hope for people with vision loss

    What do you do when you know there’s a disease that’s as common as all cancers combined that steals a person’s vision? For Rajesh Rao, M.D., you conduct a groundbreaking first-in-human trial, with the goal of using an adult stem cell-based approach to restore vision.