
Jim Handa, MD
Ocular Oncology
Retina and Vitreous Diseases
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty
About Jim Handa
Professional Titles
- Chief, Retina Division
- Robert Bond Welch Professor
Primary Academic Title
Professor of Ophthalmology
Background
James T. Handa, M.D., is Chief of the Retina Division and the Robert Bond Welch, M.D., Professor of Ophthalmology at the Wilmer Eye Institute. He specializes in medical and surgical management of complex vitreoretinal diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, retinopathy of prematurity and other pediatric retinal diseases. He also has expertise in intraocular oncology and manages patients with choroidal melanomas and metastatic tumors of the eye.
Not only is he a highly skilled surgeon and clinician, but he also devotes significant effort to research related to the early causes of age-related macular degeneration using molecular pathological approaches to understand how the eye transforms from normal aging to early disease.
He has been funded by the National Eye Institute for the last 19 years, and he currently holds two R01 awards for his work in AMD. He has also been funded by the Thome Foundation, Research to Prevent Blindness, Fight for Sight and the American Health Assistance Foundation. His other research focuses on surgical innovation using an integrated robotic surgical system. Dr. Handa is currently the Wilmer Eye Institute’s implanting surgeon for the Argus II retinal chip implant, which was recently approved by the FDA after Dr. Handa participated in the clinical trial leading to its approval.
Centers and Institutes
Clinical Trial Keywords
Age-Related Macular Degeneration; Diabetic Retinopathy; Retinal Chip Implants
Videos
Recent News Articles and Media Coverage
WRA Day: Steeped in History, Rooted in Education, Wilmer Insider (May 2021)
Modern Miracles, Baltimore Style
Research Interests
Development of Robotic Surgical System, Mechanisms of Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Locations
- The Johns Hopkins Hospital
- 1800 Orleans Street, Maumenee Lobby, Baltimore, MD 21287
- phone: 410-955-5080
- fax: 410-955-0869
Expertise
Education
Children's Hospital Los Angeles
Fellowship, 1993Duke University Hospital
Fellowship, Vitreoretinal Surgery, 1992Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals
Residency, Ophthalmology, 1990Penn Medicine University of Pennsylvania
Medical Education, MD, 1986Board Certifications
Ophthalmology
American Board of Ophthalmology, 1991Insurance
- Aetna
- CareFirst
- Cigna
- First Health
- Geisinger Health Plan
- HealthSmart/Accel
- Humana
- Johns Hopkins Health Plans
- MultiPlan
- Pennsylvania's Preferred Health Networks (PPHN)
- Point Comfort Underwriters
- Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)
- UnitedHealthcare
- Veteran Affairs Community Care Network (Optum-VACCN)
Ratings & Reviews
5 out of 5
252 ratings, 114 reviewsThe Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to physician related questions on the national CG-CAHPS Medical Practice patient experience survey through Press Ganey. Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best score. Comments are also gathered from our CG-CAHPS Medical Practice Survey through Press Ganey and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/20/2025
Fabulous care from all involved.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/13/2025
Dr Handa is very professional and focased on the patient
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/13/2025
I am very satisfied with Dr. Handa and thankful a lot~
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/13/2025
Wonderful experience. On time, thorough, professional, courteous. Explanation of results and diagnosis where we could understand.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/10/2025
Professional
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/10/2025
Dr. Handa was excellent and explained everything very clearly. He was kind, respectful and attentive.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/3/2025
Thorough and clear in his explanations. Answered my questions and was patient.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/30/2025
Excellent and expert in every regard during my visit.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/27/2025
He is excellent!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/27/2025
Very pleased with Dr. Handa - would refer any one to the Doctor .
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/16/2025
He is great. I like to work with him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/16/2025
Dr. Handa is absolutely phenomenal! I was treated by the elite, top of the top, retina surgeon in the country in my opinion; perhaps in the world!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/15/2025
Dr. Handa treats you as an individual, listens and takes the time needed for a complete visit answering all questions. His professionalism and compassion is undeniable.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/13/2025
Dr. Handa is great . Very professional and kin d and explains everything
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/13/2025
Dr. HANDA IS WONDERFUL!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/13/2025
Dr. Handa is an expert in the field of eye disease and conditions and I am grateful to be under his care. It is clear he cares about his patients immensely. His demeanor and how he talks to his patients establish the standards that every doctor should follow. This is a stark difference than my previous doctor, [ ] at Retina Group of Washington who is completely opposite.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/9/2025
Answers questions and takes the time to talk and explain.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/6/2025
Excellent doctor I had very good experience with his care and concern for my illness and gave me the necessary indications for treatment.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/2/2025
He seems very clear in his advise and information to me.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/12/2024
Dr. Handa was very thorough and answered all my questions and concerns.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/12/2024
Dr. Handa's examination of my retina was quick, painless, and thorough.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/5/2024
Outstanding in every way. Knowledgeable, clear, efficient and thorough.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/5/2024
Dr. Handa was knowledgeable and caring. He explained my symptoms connected to my condition very well, additionally he gave me choices and very good medical advice.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/2/2024
Dr. Handa was fabulous. He listened, was very knowledgeable, professional, caring and explained in a understandable manner.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/2/2024
My visit with the provider was excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/2/2024
Provider was shorthanded and still provided my visit in a timely manner
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/25/2024
Dr Handa and his team have been an outstanding provider for past 23 years
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/25/2024
Dr Handa is very personable. He explained things thoroughly and is extremely knowledgeable.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/18/2024
James Handa has treated my spouse for retinal issues with the utmost care and medical knowledge and professionalism for many years.When I was diagnosed with cancer of eye about 10 days ago and instructed to go to someone..there was no doubt it would be Dr. James Handa at Wilmer Eye in Baltimore. We have some challenges to face but I am in the best possible hands.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/18/2024
Dr. Handa is not only an excellent doctor but he also cares and takes time to answer questions and listens to the patient. I feel very blessed to be a patient of his.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/14/2024
Dr Handa is an excellent, knowledgeable courteous provider!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/11/2024
Dr. Handa is an excellent care provider and a wonderful person. Absolutely the best medical provider I have ever had.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/7/2024
Efficient, informative, courteous & caring. Couldn't ask for more.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/7/2024
Very happy with this provider have been seeing him for quite a few years, always the best care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/7/2024
Best possible care !
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/31/2024
Excellent service and excellent communication skills.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/28/2024
I felt very comfortable throughout the entire experience
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/10/2024
First Time Experience was excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/10/2024
Eveyone involved in testing me, in preparation for my consultation, seemed efficient and professional. They answered my questions but weren't very chatty -- just kept me moving on to the next stage. My consulting physician was very warm and offered information I hadn't thought to ask, as my eyes were very tired from all the testing prior to our interview. His findings that he detailed for me were positive and encouraging. After my consultation, I feltI would be in very competent hands, were my condition to progress to a more serious stage.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/7/2024
Thoughtful and complete
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/7/2024
Very kind
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/3/2024
Excellent physcian
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/3/2024
Very good I trust doctor Handa
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/3/2024
I felt that Dr. Handa is excellent to deal with, and I feel very lucky to have been referred to him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/3/2024
Dr Handa is the very best.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/30/2024
The best!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/30/2024
Answers all my questions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/26/2024
Dr Handa is excellent. Very caring and compassionate. First class doctor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/26/2024
Dr handa is fantastic
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/26/2024
Dr. Handa is an outstanding physician, extremely thorough and compassionate, and able to explain complex medical issues so they are more easily understood.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/26/2024
Dr HANDA is the best doctor ever.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/23/2024
Loved ultrasound person
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/23/2024
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/23/2024
Dr Handa is Outstanding!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/16/2024
Dr. Handa is Knowledgeable, pleasant, patient, & took the time to explain my medical condition and the need for a follow-up exam.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/16/2024
Great provider.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/29/2024
Dr Handa was the ultimate professional while being empathetic, kind and completely supportive. He was thorough and well-informed. I could not possibly have been more impressed and satisfied with him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/29/2024
Dr. Handa was very thorough and answered my questions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/29/2024
I am very pleased with my provider's knowledge, concern for my well being, thoroughness and clarity with explanations.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/26/2024
Good I'm good Communicating
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/22/2024
Excellent provider. Showed care and concern for my well-being.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/22/2024
De. Handa has always been very professional and kind.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/19/2024
Love the doctor very professional very knowledgeable and kind
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/12/2024
Dr Handa is an outstanding physicianI have been his patient for more than twenty years
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/8/2024
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/8/2024
Great job
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/8/2024
Dr Handa is the most qualified, patient, caring ophthalmologist. I value his expertise and his knowledge. He puts me at ease.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/8/2024
Dr. Handa was both very knowledgable and professional.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/5/2024
He is amazing.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/29/2024
Dr. Handa is outstanding he provides the best care possible and he has an excellent bedside manner. He always takes the time to explain everything to the patient.
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/29/2024
First time seeing Dr Handa. Retina Specialist Office set up appointment with Dr [ ] but she diagnosed the condition and referred us to Dr Handa. Dr Handa quickly and thoroughly explained the condition and procedure.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/25/2024
Dr handa is wonderful and I feel very fortunate to be in his care
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/25/2024
Dr. Handa is the best retinal specialist anyone could ask for. I feel fortunate to see him for my care, which is complicated!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/25/2024
Absolutely one of the best providers around. Knowledgeable, congenial, friendly, kind, caring and professional! Trust worthy too!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/25/2024
He is an exceptional doctor with a caring personality that quickly gains a patient's trust!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/22/2024
Very happy with the treatment with Dr. Handa.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/18/2024
Dr. Handa epitomizes a good physician. He not only provides thoughtful, understandable information about my eyes, but he is also attuned to my concerns about my health and surgery and offers advice useful in making decisions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/18/2024
He's the best. We live about 45 miles away and I absolutely would not consider changing to a closer doctor unless or until Dr. Handa retires or moves away. I trust him implicitly.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/18/2024
The best
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/18/2024
Dr Handa has taken care of my eye problem for years and has helped me always
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/15/2024
He was very friendly and professional and answered my questioned with clarity and in a way that was understandable to me.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/15/2024
Nice visit
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/15/2024
Excellent care
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/11/2024
I feel very fortunate to have such a highly trained doctor helping me with a difficult vision problem.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/8/2024
I love our doctor
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/1/2024
Came for second opinion. Very helpful and took time with me.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/17/2024
Dr. Handa is always friendly and professional and honest. Sam, the technician, was friendly and professional and explained everything.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/17/2024
I have been seeing Dr. Handa for several years and consider him to be an oytstanding physician.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/13/2024
The best
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/10/2024
He's always pleasant, truthful and positive.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/10/2024
Excellent provider, will recommend to any one. I has been seeing him for 24 years
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/3/2024
Dr Handa was extremely considerate, informative and reassuring. Great bedside manner!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/16/2024
Dr Handa is excellent. He is the only doctor that I feel has helped me.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/16/2024
Outstanding Physician. Easy to talk to and very understanding and kind man.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/16/2024
Dr Handa is the best
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/13/2024
Dr. Handa was excellent. He explained everything and answered all my questions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/9/2024
Excellent care. Knowledgeable, professional, wonderful doctor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/9/2024
Dr. Handa was thorough and took his time discussing my retina issue. I didn't feel rushed or dismissed.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/6/2024
Very attentive to my concerns
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/3/2024
Very good.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/3/2024
Very knowledgeable and communicative
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/3/2024
I completely trust Dr.Handa
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/29/2024
Expert in his field and a good chair side manner. The best! Dr
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/25/2024
Excellent first visit. Appointments were made for continuing care
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/25/2024
Dr. Handa has excellent bedside manner but more importantly he was knowledgeable about my eye situation.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/22/2024
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/8/2024
Dr.Handa is very knowledgeable with a wonderful bedside manner. When we met almost 3 years ago, I was told he is the best of the best, and I agree 100%.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/8/2024
Dr. Handa is the best, and he truly cares about his patients.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/1/2024
Excellent, professional and knowledgeable
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/28/2024
This was my first visit with this doctor. It went very well.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/25/2024
Dr Handa is the absolute best!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/25/2024
Dr. Handa provides clear and comprehensive advice about my on going condition. [ ] is ultrasound is very competent and through with a gentle manner
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/25/2024
Dr Handa is very professional & very friendly & explained everything well & answered all our wuestions
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/25/2024
The provider Is an knowledgeable,caring, compassionate and excellent clinician. If I have to give a grade It will be 10/10