Dr. Ursula Schmidt-Erfurth is a renowned ophthalmology expert with over 30 years of experience in retinal disease treatment, imaging, and innovative eye care. As Professor and Chair at the Vienna Eye Hospital, she excels in photodynamic therapy, AI-driven retinal imaging, and intravitreal pharmacotherapy, significantly advancing macular degeneration treatment and other vision-related conditions. She founded the Vienna Study Center (VSC) and Vienna Reading Center (VRC), leading institutions for global clinical trials in retinal diseases. Her groundbreaking OPTIMA project integrates artificial intelligence in ophthalmology, revolutionizing diagnostic imaging and retinal disease management.
A former EURETINA president, Dr. Ursula Schmidt-Erfurth has authored over 360 publications and holds multiple patents in retinal imaging and advanced eye treatments. Recognized with prestigious awards like the Donald Gass Medal and the Achievement Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, she remains at the forefront of ophthalmic research and innovation, continuously shaping the future of eye surgery and retinal care.
Received the City of Vienna Prize in Medical Sciences for her outstanding contributions to ophthalmology.
Awarded the J. Donald M. Gass Medal by the Macula Society for her exceptional work in retinal research.
Appointed as an adjunct professor at the Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago.
Established the AI-based Laboratory for Ophthalmic Image Analysis (OPTIMA) at MedUni Vienna, advancing digital retinal imaging.
Founded the Vienna Reading Center, a leading facility for digital retinal imaging.
Dr. Ursula Schmidt-Erfurth is a leading ophthalmologist in Austria, who specializes in the medical and surgical retina, retinal imaging, intravitreal pharmacotherapy, and AI-driven diagnostics. As Chair of Ophthalmology at the University Eye Hospital, Vienna, she has advanced retinal disease treatment through clinical trials in ophthalmology, digital retinal imaging, and precision medicine in ophthalmology.
Founder of the Vienna Study Center (VSC) and Vienna Reading Center (VRC), she leads global clinical research in ophthalmology, pioneering innovative methods in AI in healthcare and ophthalmic innovation. She played a key role in the development of photodynamic therapy, transforming macular degeneration treatment. Her AI-driven diagnostics have enhanced the early detection and management of retinal diseases, cementing her influence in the field.
Author of 360+ scientific papers, she serves on editorial boards of major journals and holds patents in retinal imaging technology. As a recipient of prestigious awards, including the Donald Gass Medal and Carl Zeiss Research Award, she remains at the forefront of artificial intelligence in ophthalmology, shaping the future of ophthalmic advancements through her contributions to organizations such as EURETINA.