Alan Letson, MD
Physician
Ophthalmology - Retina, Ophthalmology
Conditions and expertise
- Retinal Detachment
- Wet Macular Degeneration
- Epiretinal Membrane
- Vitreous Detachment
- Hypertensive Retinopathy
- Retinal Degeneration
Academic information
Department: Ophthalmology
About
- Gender
- Male
Biography
As an ophthalmologist, my primary interest is in retinal diseases, especially diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and other vascular diseases. I have 40 years of experience, including more than 25,000 retinal surgeries and care for thousands of patients. I am particularly interested in providing consultations and second opinions for patients with retinal problems. I help those who desire more information and guidance for managing their conditions.
I've always enjoyed biological sciences and wanted to serve people. Medicine was the perfect combination. I love the patient care aspect of my practice and I have a lifelong passion for teaching patients, students and residents.
It's important for patients to play an active role in their care. The best treatment for one may not be the best for another. 'Cookbook medicine' is not always best for individual patients. I provide each person with patient-specific information to help them select the treatment that best fits their needs.
Educating my patients also enables them to monitor their condition, report changes and practice the best preventative care. In addition, my leadership in many major retinal disease clinical trials enables me to provide cutting-edge therapy to my patients.
Highlights
- Rated in the top 10 percent of physicians in the nation for patient satisfaction, 2014, 2015, 2016
- director, Retina Division, 2007-2016
- director, Residency Program, 2007-2016
- Leader, Ohio State medical student ophthalmology curriculum, 2005-2016
- Best Doctors, 2007 - 2016
- Professor emeritus
- Havener Chair in Ophthalmology Research, 2007 - 2016
Conditions and expertise
- Epiretinal Membrane
- Hypertensive Retinopathy
- Retinal Degeneration
- Retinal Detachment
- Retinitis Pigmentosa
- Vitreous Detachment
- Wet Macular Degeneration
Credentials
Education
- Fellowship - Vitreo - Retinal Disease
- Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
1/1/1981 - 1/1/1982 - Residency - Ophthalmology
- Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
1/1/1978 - 1/1/1981 - Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
1/1/1963 - 6/1/1977
Certification
-
American Board of Ophthalmology
4/22/1982
Consulting and Related Relationships
At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, we support a faculty member’s research and consulting in collaboration with medical device, research and/or drug companies because a faculty member’s expertise can guide important advancements in the practice of medicine and improve patient care. In order to provide effective management of these relationships, the University requires annual disclosures from all faculty members with external interests related to their University responsibilities.
As of 11/3/2025, Dr. Letson has reported no relationships with companies or entities.