Our goal is to provide evaluation, treatment, and counseling to patients with inherited retinal disease (IRDs). IRDs are a group of retinal diseases which can cause severe progressive vision loss. IRDs are caused by a gene which is not functioning properly.

IRDs represent a broad array of retinal diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa which leads to progressive vision loss and night blindness. There are many other types of IRDs including macular degenerations or mitochondrial macular dystrophies which can affect central vision important for reading and driving.

Though many IRDs and causative genes have been identified, genetics is an emerging field and there are many that are yet to be discovered. We work with our patients to find a genetic cause of their inherited retinal disease to best identify available therapies and clinical trials.

Identifying the gene is only part of the story. We also provide genetic counseling for patients and families both newly diagnosed with an inherited condition and those looking for more information.

The Inherited Retinal Disease and Ophthalmic Genetics Department is headed by Brett Malbin, MD. Dr. Malbin completed his ophthalmology residency at the Kresge Eye Institute where he acted as Chief Resident and continued his education with Kresge by completing a vitreoretinal surgery fellowship. Following his surgery fellowship, Dr. Malbin then completed an Inherited Retinal Disease Fellowship at the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center.

To request an appointment in our IRD clinic with Dr. Brett Malbin, please call 313-577-8900

Our services focus on:

– Treatment and evaluation of inherited retinal diseases such as:

– Retinitis Pigmentosa

– Stargardt Disease

– Pattern Dystrophy

– Mitochondrial Macular Degeneration

– Future genetic treatments for Age-Related Macular Degeneration

– Genetic testing and genetic counseling

– Discussion of currently available clinical trials

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (313) 577- 8900