Alan J. Franklin MD, PhD
Ophthalmologist, Vitreoretinal Diseases and Surgery
Dr. Alan Franklin attended Northwestern University as an undergraduate where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering then attended medical school at the Medical College of Ohio/ University of Toledo. After graduating medical school, Dr. Franklin earned a PhD at Vanderbilt University in the Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics. His thesis focused upon the molecular biology and cell type specific gene expression in the insulin producing cells of the pancreatic islet. Dr. Franklin continued his training at Vanderbilt as a Medical Intern, and ultimately completed his thesis during internship and residency.
Dr. Franklin fulfilled ophthalmology residency at Saint Louis University where he was chief resident in 1996-1997, and then completed his clinical training at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for vitreoretinal diseases and surgery. While at University of Iowa, Dr. Franklin secured both HEED and HEED-Knapp scholarships. His research work on an anti-vascular agent as a candidate to treat retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration was awarded the best research project by an ophthalmic physician in training at the 1999 Association of University Professors in Ophthalmology meeting.
He has continued his interest and progress in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in his vitreoretinal practice. He has served as principle investigator in a number of diabetic retinopathy and AMD trials. Dr. Franklin has presented his work at international meetings and has published multiple manuscripts on candidate molecules to treat AMD and diabetic retinopathy. His other primary interest is in surgical visualization. He has authored multiple articles and presentations on 3D Digitally Assisted Vitreoretinal Surgery in addition to highly acclaimed video procedures. He has served on several advisory boards regarding this technology and has presented both nationally and internationally.
Dr. Franklin is a member of the Academy of Ophthalmology, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, American Society of Retina Specialists and the European Society of Retina Specialists.
