Please join us in welcoming back Drew H. Scoles, MD, PhD, who has returned home to the Scheie Eye Institute as an Assistant Professor, where he currently specializes in the treatment of pediatric and adult retinal diseases. His clinical practice, shared between CHOP and Penn, addresses a spectrum of patient needs—including inherited retinal conditions, retinopathy of prematurity, traumatic retinal injuries, and intraocular infections. Additionally, Dr. Scoles treats acquired retinal disease ranging from Coats disease to diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. He shares, "A large portion of my surgical practice at CHOP is dedicated to retinal detachment repair. . . It a huge honor to care for patients' eyes from birth [to more than] 100 years old!"
Dr. Scoles received his BS, MD, and Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Rochester. He competed his residency in Ophthalmology here at the Scheie Eye Institute prior to completing a fellowship with Associated Retinal Consultants, P.C. and Beautmont Hospital. Dr. Scoles' research background has been grounded in high-resolution retinal imaging, specifically adaptive optics and optical coherence tomography. Dr. Scoles recounts his fortune in having worked with Dr. Jessica Morgan many years ago—with whom he anticipates collaborating again in the future. After his experiences at Scheie and Associated Retinal Consultants, Dr. Scoles attests that he embraces the opportunity to join the retinal gene therapy team and is eager to contribute to its pioneering work. He notes, "I was very happy to return 'home' after my fellowship training [. . . ] I was very honored to be offered the opportunity to join the retinal gene therapy team in the Department."
Ultimately, Dr. Scoles aims to expand the pediatric retina service at CHOP and to pursue advancements in retinal gene therapy. His return to Scheie is marked by an appreciation for the institution's mentors, who have fostered an environment of learning and professional growth. He attests to their impact, "I value the excellent mentors here that I have known since residency and continue to learn from them." Dr. Scoles embodies the pursuit of knowledge and level of patient care that has long been a defining characteristic of the Department of Ophthalmology's faculty community.