David Noam Zacks, MD, PhD
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About
David N. Zacks completed his undergraduate degree at Cornell University, where he majored in neurobiology. This was followed by a combined M.D. and Ph.D. from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in Bronx, New York. He finished his ophthalmology residency in 2000 and his vitreo-retinal fellowship in 2002, both at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Zacks joined the Retina Service of the University of Michigan’s Kellogg Eye Center in 2002. His clinical activity focuses on diseases and surgery of the retina. His main research interest is in the molecular control of photoreceptor cell death during retinal disease. He holds (or has held) research grants from the National Eye Institute, Research to Prevent Blindness, Inc., Foundation Fighting Blindness, Midwest Eye Bank and Transplantation Center, as well as other foundations. Dr. Zacks has received numerous honors and is a member of various societies, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, the Retina Society, the Macula Society and the American Society of Retina Specialists.
Areas of Practice
Subspecialty: Retina
Diseases and surgery of the retina and vitreous, including retinal detachments, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinal vascular disease, ocular trauma, ocular inflammation, macular and sub-macular surgery, surgical management of complex retinal detachments
Expertise
Locations
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Retina & Uveitis Clinic | Kellogg Eye Center 1000 Wall St
Elevator B Floor 2
Ann Arbor, MI 48105-1912Get Directions
Insurance Accepted
University of Michigan Health participates with most health insurance plans.
Education & Training
Medical School or Training
Residency
Fellowships
Board Certifications
Research Overview
Molecular biology underlying retinal cell death during retinal diseases such as retinal detachments, age-related macular degeneration and ocular inflammatory disease, and to develop therapies for improving vision in patients with retinal disease.
Photoreceptor cell death mechanisms; Retinal detachment pathophysiology
Patient Ratings & Comments
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Patient Ratings
557 Patient Ratings
Patient Comments
June 29, 2026 - "My retina [...] and Dr Zacks fixed it [...]"
June 24, 2026 - "After all the waiting, Dr Zacks spent approximately 10 minutes with me. He seemed annoyed and asked very little about me. For a first visit with this provider I definitely did not feel like Dr. Zacks was interested in me."
June 22, 2026 - "I would rank Dr Zacks as good to very good [...]"
June 17, 2026 - "Dr. Zacks has outstanding people skills and is able to explain things clearly."
June 3, 2026 - "Dr. Zacks is very professional and expert at what he does. He's very good with my husband."
May 12, 2026 - "Dr Zacks is easy to work with and very accommodating"
April 29, 2026 - "In addition to being very professional, Dr. Zacks always takes the time to answer my questions and curbs my anxiety regarding the pending procedure. He shows compassion and is positive about my treatment."
April 22, 2026 - "Dr. Zacks was excellent. [...]"
April 22, 2026 - "Dr. Zacks and [...] are always professional and personable. They provide me with excellent feedback about my condition and are open to any questions. I have complete confidence in Dr. Zacks and would recommend him and U of M to anyone who had concerns about their eyes. I never feel that I am an imposition with Dr. Zacks and I value you his care immensely."
April 22, 2026 - "Dr. Zacks explanation of [...] was exceptional. His analogy to "growing weeds" was so beneficial for my husband in understanding the treatment plan."
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