Rajesh C. Rao, M.D., is a clinician–scientist at the University of Michigan, serving as an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences and Pathology. His work bridges patient care, molecular pathology, and regenerative medicine, with a strong focus on developing innovative treatments for retinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration. Rao leads clinical and laboratory research exploring how stem cell–based therapies and advanced eye-imaging techniques can preserve or restore vision. Through his combined expertise in surgery, pathology, and genetics, he is helping to advance next-generation therapies that aim to tackle some of the leading causes of blindness.