Thomas Mendel, MD, PHD
Physician, Assistant Professor
Ophthalmology, Ophthalmology - Retina
Make an appointment
614-293-8116
Accepting new patients
Conditions and expertise
- Macular Hole
- Retinitis Pigmentosa
- Genetic Therapy
- Inherited Retinal Diseases
- Epiretinal Membrane
- Retinal Detachment
Locations
- Outpatient Care New Albany
- Havener Eye Institute
Academics and research
Department: Ophthalmology
About
- Gender
- Male
Biography
I chose to specialize in ophthalmology because I am passionate about helping people facing significant threats to their vision, which can be scary. I enjoy educating patients about what is happening inside their eyes so they can feel more confident in their care so we can then decide together on the best path forward.
As a vitreoretinal surgeon, I treat children and adults with medical and surgical problems in the back of the eye. Common conditions my patients face include retinal detachment, epiretinal membranes, macular holes, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and retinal vein occlusions. Along with a great team, I also treat many patients with inherited retinal diseases.
I have additional subspecialty training and expertise in pediatric retinal surgery, and I lead The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center’s Pediatric Retina Service at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
My role further includes helping to educate the next generation of providers as an assistant clinical professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences in The Ohio State University College of Medicine.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my family. My wife and I enjoy the outdoors and going on multiday backpacking adventures. When not watching Ohio State football, you’ll find me coaching baseball, cycling or enjoying time with our two sons and daughter.
Conditions and expertise
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- Epiretinal Membrane
- Genetic Therapy
- Hypertensive Retinopathy
- Inherited Retinal Diseases
- Macular Degeneration
- Macular Hole
- Pediatric Retina
- Retinal Detachment
- Retinitis Pigmentosa
- Vitreous Detachment
Locations
Havener Eye Institute
in Eye and Ear Institute
915 Olentangy River Road
Suite 5000
Columbus, OH 43212
Suite 5000
Columbus, OH 43212
614-293-8116
Please note: Not all physicians schedule patients at each listed location.
Credentials
Education
- Fellowship
- University of Michigan Hospitals, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
8/2/2021 - 12/23/2021 - Fellowship - Vitreoretinal surgery/Ophthalmology
- Cole Eye Institute/Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, United States
7/1/2019 - 7/9/2021 - Residency - Ophthalmology
- Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Nashville, TN, United States
7/1/2016 - 6/30/2019 - Internship - Surgery (General Surgery)
- University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
7/1/2015 - 6/30/2016 - Doctor of Philosophy
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
8/1/2006 - 5/18/2014 - Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
8/1/2006 - 5/20/2015
Certification
-
American Board of Ophthalmology
10/22/2022
Academics and research
In addition to seeing both adult and pediatric patients, Dr. Mendel also leads a translational laboratory investigating new treatments for inherited retinal diseases.
Research interests
- Gene Therapy
- Inherited Retinal Diseases
Awards and Honors
- Foundation Fighting Blindness Career Development Award for 8/1/2024 - 7/31/2029
- ARVO Travel Grant – 2020 – OCTA project for diabetic intraretinal microvascular abnormalities presentation at annual meeting. The Lefkovitz Award for Vision Research – won competitive grant application for project entitled: Use of Optical Coherence
- Tomography Angiography to Guide Evaluation and Treatment of Patients with Birdshot Chorioretinopathy, 2018. Representative to American Academy of Ophthalmology Mid-Year Forum in Washington D.C. – selected to represent residency as Advocacy Ambassador and later worked on scope of practice battle in Virginia, 2017.
- Selected as the representative of the University’s Biomedical Research to speak at Teresa Sullivan’s Inaugural Dinner as she became the University of Virginia’s eighth President, for audience of major University donors, 2011
- Phi Eta Sigma – National Honor Fraternity – 2003
- Makley-Battles Teaching Award for Resident Education 2025
- National Eye Institute (NIH) K08 Award - Insulin-accelerated surgical approach to pre-retinal gene therapy 2025-2030
Academic information
- Department:
- Ophthalmology
- Division:
- Ophthalmology
More about my research
News and media
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.
174 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, Dr. Mendel has reported no relationships with companies or entities.
Saw two doctors in a very short period of time. Both of them were very professional and answered all my questions.
Friendly and concerned with my needs
Excellent explanation of my retinal health
Great experience,
Very respectful and professional
Explains everything and answers my questions
He always takes time to listen to all my concerns
Good
Everything was great, friendly, very informative
Good
I was in the hands of a professional. I felt very safe.
Friendly and very know knowledgeable. Was honest about my treatment
Physician explained the reason for delay and was apologetic. He was great about giving me the information I needed quickly and also helped get me out the door as quickly as possible.
The care provider Dr. Mendel and Zhou, the physician's assistant were attentive and professional.
My first visit with him and was VERY impressed with his cre approach for me in thje future
Dr. Mendel is the best doctor I've ever had. He is patient, explains everything well, and keeps me informed of all of my options.
EveryoneDr Mendel is one the most amazing Physicians I have EVER experienced.
Excellent
Doctor Mendel saved my eyesight. It doesn't get better than that! I have total confidence in him.
My care provider were friendly and lovely.
Thorough explanation of my eye health
Good exprance
Super interested in my issue and very knowledgeable!
Extremely knowledgeable and works well with a team.
Thorough and focused
Very professional and very caring and kind person
Dr. Mendel was professional, informative and answered all my questions. I would highly recommend him
He is brilliant and an optimal mix of clinician and scientist as well as a gifted teacher. In my eighty years I have never had a better doctor.
Dr. Mendall was attuned, respectful nd engaged well.
Listened to my questions and then followed up on My Chart with added commentary.
Dr Mendel is wonderful - always patient & kind.
Excellent ophthalmologist. I only wish someone from the office called me later in the week to see how I was doing after the procedure
Could not have been better
Showed me my scans, clarified my questions, discussed my concerns, didn't make me feel rushed
All good
Excellent
Dr. Mendel was very detailed and genuinely concerned for my well being and stayed informed outside of work hours.
Very well
Gave me no treatment. Just a referral to ANOTHER specialist.
Dr Mendel is wonderful. I developed an eye condition that could cause blindness, which is concerning since my wife is blind. Dr Mendel allayed my fears of going blind. My sight is 20/20 and I am not going to lose it. I thank God for Dr Mendel and his wonderful "bedside manner."
Doctor very good
Excellent as always
He was reassuring.
Good
Great good dayg
All good
Dr Mendel makes me feel comfortable during an intense procedure.
I couldn't ask for anyone more skilled or caring than Dr. Mendel.
EXCELLENT
Drs. Are always courteous and give time for questions.
He was excellent and explained and answered all questions
Excellent. Attentive, respectful, informative.
He is excellent and insightful about what is going on. The doctor had some great ideas to assist in my vision journwy
Extraordinary
Dr Mendel is great. He was able to allay my fears about my eye condition! Great bedside manner.
He used a lot of medical jargon that I did not understand, so it was difficult to even know what to ask. He was vague about how my condition had changed over the last 6 years. It was my first visit with him, though, so if I return it will only get better.
Good
Very knowledgeable and caring, listens
This was an urgent situation with my eyesight and the Doctor. Was very, very personand made me feel comfortable.
Dr. Mendel is by far the best physician I've ever worked with.
Very good
Dr. Mendel was a true Professional and very knowledgeable about the problems of the eye. While his testing found nothing wrong with the physical operation of my eyes, he did seem to think that the problem was external to the eye in the form of damage to the communication process between the brain and the optic nerve. Recommended that I see a Nuero-Ophthalmologist.
Wonderful
All good
Dr Mendel. Is exceptional
Very good considering I was experiencing an eye problem never previously experienced.
He takes the time to explain everything in non medical as well as medical terms to make sure that the patient understands
Very nice staff and nice facility. My first time at this location.
Good