Shree Kurup, MD

About

Shree K Kurup MD, FACP, joined the University Hospitals Eye Institute in 2018 and serves as the director of the Division of Vitreoretinal Diseases, Surgery and Ocular Immunology and Uveitis. He is a vitreoretinal surgeon, uveitis specialist, and is a trained immunologist.

Dr. Kurup was born in Calicut, India, and lived in the midwestern Chicago suburbs in his 20s. After graduating with distinction in his high school, he entered the combined residency program in Medicine and Ophthalmology at the New York Medical College and the prestigious New York Eye and Ear Infirmary (now part of the Mount Sinai University system). Dr. Kurup completed his ophthalmology residency at New York Eye & Ear program, where he also served as chief resident. He was chosen to be a fellow both at Johns Hopkins and the National Eye Institute at National Institutes of Health (NIH). He completed his retina fellowship at NIH as well as a laboratory of immunology fellowship at the National Eye Institute. He has served as chief of vitreoretinal surgery, fellowship director for vitreoretinal surgery, as well as director of research. Dr. Kurup was an attending physician and associate and full professor for years prior to coming to the UH Eye Institute.

Clinical Interests

Dr. Kurup cares for both adult and childhood vitreoretinal diseases and ocular inflammation. He has an interest in complex and high-risk macular surgery cases, as well uveitis syndromes. Some of Dr. Kurup's clinical research interests detail new techniques for common retinal surgical disorders. Utilizing his background in medicine and surgery, his research, and personal experience with these procedures, Dr. Kurup will tailor therapeutic options for complex uveitis and retinal diseases based on the patient and the condition.

Dr Kurup was honored by the American Medical Association (AMA), The American Society of Retinal Surgeons, European Vitreoretinal Surgeons, and American Academy of Ophthalmology for his achievements. He was named physician of the year in 2001 by the AMA. He is not only one of its Best Doctors from 2008 to 2016, but is also a consultant for Best Doctors.

Dr. Kurup has contributed to our understanding of therapeutic options to regrown blood vessels, and is the holder of three patents directly related to the field of ophthalmology. He is currently holding a new patent for drug testing in sharks as well as periocular and skin disease.

At the UH Eye Institute, Dr. Kurup has received regional, national and international consultations. Dr. Kurup sees patients at UH Eye Institute's main facility as well as our Landerbrook, Westlake and Hudson satellites.

Other Notable Achievements

Dr. Kurup has a stellar record of academic and public service. Dr. Kurup is a one of the leading educators of ophthalmologists on a national and international level. He serves on various scientific or curriculum committees for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, National Institutes of Health. He has served on advisory committees to the FDA and NIH patent offices and is an editor of numerous journals. Two of note are the PLOS One and Graefe's Journal of Ophthalmology, the flagship of the German Ophthalmology Society. Dr. Kurup is an accomplished writer, having articles in more than 50 peers reviewed high quality journals. He has taught over 25 residents and fellows and introduced them to the world of complex retinal and uveitic disorders and diseases.

Dr. Kurup is married to his spouse, a designer, with whom he has one child. He has been well supported by his wife and enjoys all that the Midwest has to offer.

Public Advocacy

Dr Kurup has served as vice chair for the state of New York for the AMA and worked as advisor to the Governor for both Republican and Democratic parties. He has been awarded and recognized for contributions made in the aftermath of the 9/11 terror attacks.