Lev Prasov, MD, PhD

Lev Prasov, MD, PhD, earned his undergraduate degree in Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Michigan. Following his studies, he completed his medical and graduate studies as part of the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) at the University of Michigan with a PhD in Human Genetics. Dr. Prasov completed ophthalmology residency training at the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center and Ophthalmic Genetics Fellowship at the National Eye Institute (National Institutes of Health). During this time, he discovered several genes involved in inherited ocular conditions ranging from nanophthalmos to hereditary forms of glaucoma. Clinically, he sees patients with a variety of inherited ocular disorders and provides comprehensive care to patients with eye disease, including macular degeneration and glaucoma. In the research lab, he uses a combination of human genetics, mammalian and cell culture models to identify and validate disease genes and to determine novel pathways for pathogenesis and therapeutic targets. As part of this work, he studies the role of RPE in diseases of development (small eyes, farsightedness) and aging (age-related macular degeneration). His work has received numerous accolades including the ARVO Alcon Clinician Scientist Award. His foundational work aims to identify new therapeutic targets and ways to restore normal developmental pathways in the context of aging.