Physician
Ophthalmology, Ophthalmology - Neuro-ophthalmology
Department: Ophthalmology
As a neuro-ophthalmologist, I specialize in treating patients with nerve-related vision issues. I bring a unique combination of dual-fellowship training to my practice at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, having completed fellowships in both pediatric ophthalmology and neuro-ophthalmology. This breadth of specialized expertise positions me to care for patients with complex conditions at the intersection of the eye and the brain, as well as those requiring sophisticated surgical management of ocular misalignment.
I chose my specialty because I find neuro-ophthalmology fascinating. Since so much of our brain is devoted to vision, nearly any neurological condition can impact how we see. Uncovering that connection requires careful detective work. I take pride in gathering a thorough history, performing a meticulous examination and piecing together a patient's story to understand what's driving their visual symptoms. For patients whose alignment or eye movement requires surgical correction, I bring that same precision to the operating room.
My approach to care centers on making sure patients feel genuinely heard. I listen carefully to elicit every meaningful detail, recognizing that the patient's own experience is often the most important diagnostic tool available. I pair that attentiveness with a deep commitment to lifelong learning, and I continuously refine my skills in the clinic and in surgery.
My scholarly work reflects the conditions I am most passionate about treating. I have published research on conditions such as pediatric intracranial hypertension, optic neuritis, autoimmune optic neuropathy and complex strabismus surgery in peer-reviewed journals including Ophthalmology, the Journal of Neuro-Ophthalmology and Pediatrics. I also serve as director of the Neuro-Ophthalmology Fellowship program at The Ohio State University College of Medicine and I am actively involved in clinical research focused on optic nerve disorders, optic disc anomalies, nystagmus, and strabismus – contributing to the evidence base that shapes how these conditions are understood and managed.
I completed my medical degree and ophthalmology residency here at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, and I am proud to return as an attending physician. I value the collaborative, multidisciplinary environment and the access to advanced imaging and diagnostic technologies that help my team make a real difference in patients' lives. I am equally invested in the education of our ophthalmology residents. I hope to learn just as much from them as they learn from me.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my wife, two kids, and our Great Pyrenees, Lucille. I stay active through cycling, hiking, and golf. I also enjoy being in the kitchen, where I’m just as passionate about cooking as I am about eating.
Please note: Not all physicians schedule patients at each listed location.
The overall patient satisfaction rating is an average of all patient responses to the six doctor communication related questions shown below from the Clinician and Group Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey. For additional information about the patient satisfaction survey, please visit our Patient Satisfaction Survey page.
The comments are submitted by patients and reflect their view and opinions. The comments are not endorsed by and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ohio State Wexner Medical Center.
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, Hersh Varma has reported no relationships with companies or entities.
Dr Varma is one of the best Doctors I have ever seen
I feel he is an expert who cares about me
All good
He was great-listened to my concerns
Very good
Very good
Good
One of the best .
Dr Varma is excellent and explained everything so I understood.
My doctor always listen to my concerns and gives me answers
Good: concerned and caring and very knowledgeable. Explained his thoughts and diagnosis in detail. Nothing bad.
Good
Excellent provider. He listened to my symptoms and explained my condition to me. Very kind.
Dr Varma is excellent
All experience was good
Great
Super thorough and patient with
Attentive, respectful of my decisions and time.
Dr. Varma was acutely attentive to changes in my condition over the preceding three months, and especially acutely focused on recent symptomatic developments, explaining their significance and the importance of specific further testing (done) to narrow a differential diagnosis. I am awaiting his review and determination based on those tests.
Very knowledgeable and easy to talk to.
Dr Varma is a great eye specialist, diagnosed my eye problem and solved it with surgery.
Very professional, friendly, honest, and thorough.
Dr Verma is very knowledgeable and professional. I feel very comfortable talking with him.
All good
Dr. Verma is the just the best dr. Ever.
Very informative and took the time to explain all the testing and genuinely cared. Very thankful I was referred to Dr. Varma.
Dr Varma is a great surgeon. He gave me my vision back. Thank you
Dr Hersis Varma is an excellent surgeon.I am so fortunate that was able to see him and do my eye surgery.
Dr Varma is always courteous, informative and an excellent doctor. I can't imagine as good of an outcome with any other doctor. I had been to another doctor but she said she wasn't sure of the results after surgery!I have no double vision which is the outcome I was looking for! Dr Varma was confident he could help me and he did!
Good
Very good
Always good and trying to help in every way possible with the eye problems I have.
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