Sayoko Moroi, MD, PHD
Physician, Professor
Ophthalmology - Glaucoma, Ophthalmology
Make an appointment
614-293-8116Conditions and expertise
- Glaucoma
- Cataract
- Genetics
- Pediatric Glaucoma
- Intense Pulsed Light Therapy
- Eye Pain
Locations
- Havener Eye Institute Dublin
- Havener Eye Institute in Eye and Ear Institute
- Havener Eye Institute in Outpatient Care New Albany
Academics and research
Department: Ophthalmology
About
- Gender
- Female
Biography
As an ophthalmologist, I specialize in the medical care and surgical management of glaucoma as well as treating patients with complex cataracts, unusually small eyes, 'complex eyes' as part of a genetic condition, and complications after surgery.
When I first sit down with a patient, I tell them more about their eye diseases and conditions, and the value of tests and procedures to determine if their eyes are stable or not. Glaucoma is a long-term disease and currently there is no cure, so follow-up care and prognosis will be discussed. I inform patients of the treatment options, then we decide which approach to take based on the stage of their disease, lifestyle, cost, side effects of treatment and risk of complications. I’m privileged to help individuals improve and preserve vision, and especially to prevent blindness.
I returned to The Ohio State University to give back in service as chair of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science in appreciation of my MD and PhD training. The people are fantastic and show stellar qualities that help them provide outstanding care to individuals.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, walking our dog, going on fishing adventures, gardening and cooking.
Sayoko Moroi, MD, PhD: Why I chose Ohio State Ophthalmology | Ohio State Medical Center
Highlights
- Delivered the 2018 Robert N. Shaffer Lecture at the American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Delivered the 2020 Clinician Scientist Lecture at the American Glaucoma Society
- Served as co-senior author on the fifth, sixth and seventh editions of the Shields' Textbook of Glaucoma
- Worked on the team science in glaucoma genetics as part of the NEIGHBORHOOD Consortium
- Worked on the team science in eye physiology and eye tissue biomechanics to understand pathways of eye fluid circulation and eye pressure regulation
Conditions and expertise
- Cataract
- Dry Eye Syndromes
- Eye Pain
- Genetics
- Glaucoma
- Intense Pulsed Light Therapy
- Pediatric Glaucoma
Locations
Havener Eye Institute
2nd Floor, Suite 2B
Westerville, OH 43081
Please note: Not all physicians schedule patients at each listed location.
Credentials
Education
- Fellowship - Glaucoma
- Kellogg Eye Center, Ann Arbor, MI
7/1/1994 - 6/30/1995 - Fellowship - Glaucoma
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
7/1/1993 - 6/30/1994 - Residency - Ophthalmology
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
7/1/1990 - 6/30/1993 - Internship - Internal Medicine
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
7/1/1989 - 6/30/1990 - Doctor of Philosophy
- Ohio State University at Columbus, Columbus, OH
8/1/1982 - 6/9/1989 - Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States
6/1/1982 - 6/9/1989
Certification
-
American Board of Ophthalmology
5/4/1997
Academics and research
I am Sayoko Moroi, MD, PhD, professor and chair of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences in The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. I specialize in glaucoma research focused on preventing vision impairment and blindness. My research focuses on improving how we identify risk factors, monitor disease progression and personalize care to achieve better outcomes.
My interest in glaucoma is both personal and professional. Inspired by my father’s experience with the disease, I am driven to combine clinical insight with research to improve patient outcomes and offer hope. Glaucoma damages the optic nerve – the pathway that carries visual information from the retina to the brain – and remains a leading cause of irreversible vision loss worldwide.
Although current treatments including medications, laser therapy and surgery, aim to lower intraocular pressure, some patients continue to experience disease progression. Clinical studies supported by the National Eye Institute and others have identified key risk factors such as thin cornea, family history of glaucoma and fluctuations in eye pressure. Still, these factors do not fully explain why vision loss continues for some individuals.
To address this gap, my research includes advancing how we measure and manage intraocular pressure outside the clinic. We use rebound tonometry devices, such as the iCare HOME instrument, to capture eye pressure throughout the day and night. These real-world measurements help us better understand pressure fluctuations and tailor treatment strategies. Our team maintains a shared library of these devices to support patients and clinicians in personalizing care around this modifiable risk factor.
I am also working to improve access to vision testing through newer technologies. For patients who are unable to complete standard peripheral vision testing, we are using head-mounted display systems that allow visual field testing through goggles. These systems can also assess vision and color vision, expanding our ability to evaluate patients in more flexible and patient-friendly ways.
Another area of focus is genetics. I study how genetic markers relate to disease type, severity, intraocular pressure and the biological pathways involved in glaucoma. This work aims to improve risk stratification, helping us identify which patients are more likely to experience progression and may need more aggressive treatment, while others may be safely monitored.
In addition, I lead efforts in machine learning, deep learning and artificial intelligence to advance precision medicine in eye care. Our multidisciplinary team brings together clinicians, computer scientists and biostatisticians to build large, multimodal data sets that combine de-identified clinical data, high-resolution ocular imaging and functional testing. With strong safeguards to protect patient privacy, we use these data to identify patterns and patient-specific risk profiles that are not visible through traditional approaches.
Through this work, we aim to refine diagnosis, better predict disease progression and personalize treatment strategies, ultimately improving outcomes through more precise and data-driven care. .
Research interests
- Intraocular Pressure Variation in Glaucoma Treatment
Active Funding
The Ohio State University Vision Sciences Research Core Program (OSU-VSRCP)
P30EY032857 (PI: Sayoko E. Moroi, MD, PhD)
09/30/2022 - 06/30/2027
The goal of this project is to provide high quality and cost-effective services to the vision scientists at The Ohio State University in three modules: Core A. Structural and Functional Assessments; Core B. Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Genetic Analysis; and Core C. Image Analysis and Data Science.
Towards healthy aging: Quantifying vestibular contributors to age-related changes in balance and fall risk
R01AG073113 (PI: Merfeld)
Role: Co-Investigator
09/30/2021 - 05/31/2026
The goal of this project is to develop and test an intervention designed to improve vestibular precision, which could also improve balance and reduce falls.
Research to prevent blindness challenge grant
(PI: Sayoko E. Moroi, MD, PhD)
01/01/2023 - 12/31/2026
The goal of the RPB Challenge Grant is to encourage growth for a newly emerging eye research program and recently appointed department chair at non-grantee ophthalmology departments at university-connected medical schools.
Metabolic imaging to assess mitochondrial stress in the optic nerve and retina
Columbus Foundation, Ann Ellis Fund, CFB24-0561 (PI: Sayoko E. Moroi, MD, PhD)
01/01/2024 - 12/31/2025
The goal of the Ann Ellis Fund grant from the Columbus Foundation is to characterize oxidative stress in the optic nerve and retina and perform a pilot project in “case-control” design to determine if a signal change in oxidative stress can be detected.
Honors and Awards
- Top 100 Women in Ophthalmology Power List, The Ophthalmologist, 2021
- 43rd Annual Midwest Glaucoma Symposium: Delivered four lectures (2020)
- Roger P. Mason, MD Glaucoma Lecture, Howard University, 2020
- Invited talk, “Illuminating our Blindspots and Preventing Blindness," American Glaucoma Society, 2020
- Invited talk, “How to Play in the Sandbox with Optometry," AAO, 2018
- 39th Annual Robert N. Shaffer Glaucoma Lecture, AAO Annual Meeting, 2018
- Top 25 Most Read Article, Ophthalmology, 2015
- Cohort of the Rudi Ansbacher Women Leadership Scholars Program, 2015
- Marquis’ Who’s Who in Medicine and Healthcare, 2014
- International Association of Healthcare Professionals, 2014
- Best Papers from ASCRS/ASOA Symposium, 2013
- ASCRS Best Paper of Session, 2013
- Certificate of Appreciation for Service as Mentor, ARVO Foundation, 2013
Professional Memberships
- American Academy of Ophthalmology
- American Association for the Advancement of Science
- American Glaucoma Society
- American Medical Association
- Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology
- Women in Ophthalmology
Editorial Activities
Journal Reviewer for:
- American Journal of Ophthalmology
- Archives of Ophthalmology
- British Journal of Ophthalmology
- Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science
- Journal of Glaucoma
- PLOS One
Academic information
- Department:
- Ophthalmology
- Division:
- Ophthalmology
Leadership titles
- William H. Havener, MD Endowed Professor
- Chair and Director of the Havener Eye Institute
More about my research
News and media
My Videos
Welcome to the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences | Ohio State Medical Center
Sayoko Moroi, MD, PhD: What is a physician scientist? | Ohio State Medical Center
My news coverage
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.
88 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 Sayoko Moroi has reported relationships with the companies or entities listed below. If you have questions about the relationships listed below, please ask the faculty member. If you have questions about how these relationships are monitored by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, please contact our Compliance Office.
- Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology
- Canadian Ophthalmological Society
- Genentech
- Loyola University Chicago
- University of Texas Southwestern
Dr. Moroi explained my medical condition and treatment options better that any provider before her, and she was very gentle doing eye testing
Could talk to me a little more instead of just speaking to the assistants or students. I can understand if she would just explain to me more.
My provider is excellent. One of the best I've ever had. Very professional & personable. Always enjoy my appointments w/her.
She was very thoughtful and caring. She ordered prescriptions that are helping and things that are helpful.
Nothing to report either way
Love herSo compassionate and caring
She was very friendly and knowledgeable.
All positive
Very knowledgeable and caring
Love Dr Moroi. She takes time to review and explain test results. She understands all of my eye conditions and how my vision is adversely affected. She has given me solutions/options that none of my other doctors have mentioned.
Very good
Very good and informative.
All good
She is excellent
Feel valued, loved, approachable and friendly.
She is outstanding. I feel fortunate to be under her care.
Always kind, educates and always very busy.
Very good
Dr Moroi was extremely thorough and caring
She is excellent. She was rushed. Nevertheless, I think she spent the time necessary to fully deal with my presentation and care.