Christopher Girkin, MD, MSPH, Professor of Ophthalmology and Viterbi Family Chair of Optic Nerve Biology has been selected as the Interim Department of Ophthalmology Chair at the Shiley Eye Institute (SEI) and the Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology at UC San Diego effective June 1, 2026.
“I am honored to serve as the Interim Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology and to support the department during this important period of transition,” stated Girkin. “My focus will be on maintaining stability, fostering collaboration, and ensuring continued progress across all areas of our mission.”
In his new role, Girkin will oversee day-to-day departmental operations, champion ongoing clinical and research initiatives, and provide leadership for faculty, staff, and trainees.
A dedicated search committee will continue its work to identify a permanent Chair, and Girkin will work closely with the committee to facilitate a seamless hand-off once the appointment is made.
“It will be a privilege to help support the next permanent Chair as they step into this role and build upon the strong foundation developed by Drs. Weinreb and Brown,” said Girkin.
Girkin completed residency training at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, a glaucoma fellowship at SEI and a fellowship in neuro-ophthalmology at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University.
Girkin went on to found the Glaucoma Division at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and served as their Department Chair from 2012-2022. Girkin joined SEI as a faculty member in 2024 continuing his active surgical practice, specializing in glaucoma and complex cataracts.
As a scientist, he runs a broad federally funded research program exploring basic mechanisms involved in the development of glaucoma, clinical imaging biomarkers, and health service research. He has received numerous national awards and recently gave the prestigious Clinician-Scientist Lecture for the American Glaucoma Society. He has held several national leadership roles, including recently serving as President of the American Glaucoma Society.
Girkin succeeds Robert N. Weinreb, MD, who served as the UC San Diego Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology Chair for 15 years. Weinreb led the department to become a globally respected leader in ophthalmology research, education, eye care, and community outreach. He oversaw the planning and construction of the newly opened 100,000 square foot Viterbi Family Vision Research Center that includes research laboratories, clinical trial space for gene and stem cell therapies and an education center as well as the renovation of the SEI second floor.
UC San Diego, Shiley Eye Institute
Media Contact: Naomi Kleinschmit
