Hersh Varma, MD
Physician
Ophthalmology - Neuro-ophthalmology, Ophthalmology
Make an appointment
614-293-8116Conditions and expertise
- Complex Strabismus
- Optic Nerve Diseases
- Brain Diseases
- Ocular Motility Disorders
- Nystagmus, Physiologic
- Unexplained Vision Loss
Locations
- Havener Eye Institute in Eye and Ear Institute
- Havener Eye Institute in Outpatient Care Dublin
Academic information
Department: Ophthalmology
About
- Gender
- Male
Biography
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.
Highlights
- Chief Resident, Ophthalmology
- 1st Place for paper on 'Longitudinal Trends in Optic Nerve Structure and Function in Medically Managed Pediatric Intracranial Hypertension,' Annual Resident Research Day, 2019
- Housestaff Citizenship Award, 2018
- Intern of the Year, Preliminary Medicine, 2016
Conditions and expertise
- Amblyopia
- Brain Diseases
- Complex Strabismus
- Nystagmus, Physiologic
- Ocular Motility Disorders
- Optic Atrophy
- Optic Nerve Diseases
- Optic Neuritis
- Pediatric Ophthalmology
- Unexplained Vision Loss
Locations
Please note: Not all physicians schedule patients at each listed location.
Credentials
Education
- Fellowship - Neuro-Ophthalmology
- University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
7/1/2020 - 6/30/2021 - Fellowship - Pediatric Ophthalmology
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
7/1/2019 - 6/30/2020 - Residency - Ophthalmology
- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
7/1/2016 - 6/30/2019 - Internship - Preliminary Medicine
- Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
7/1/2015 - 6/19/2016 - Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States
6/1/2011 - 5/20/2015
Certification
-
American Board of Ophthalmology
9/13/2020
Ratings and reviews
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.
77 Patient Satisfaction Reviews
Patient Comments
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, Hersh Varma has reported no relationships with companies or entities.
Dr. Varma is a specialist in eye care and listened to my problem and we discussed alternatives. He is a very good doctor in this field.
Dr. Varma is excellent. His diagnosis and his prescription for special spectacles have been life-changing to me. In a way they tried some of my youth
My visit with my care provider was good. No complaints.
Dr. Varma is also friendly, efficient, and clearly terrific at what he does!
Very attentive staff
Very friendly. Gave a thorough examination and described the problem in easy to understand terms
Informative, Caring
Dr Verma was intelligent, patient, and thorough. I greatly appreciated his thoughtfulness on my case.
Incredibly intelligent and knowledgeable about pt's issue
Excellent!
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
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