
Thomas Vincent Johnson III, MD, PhD
Glaucoma
Comprehensive Ophthalmology
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty
About Thomas Vincent Johnson III
Professional Titles
- Shelley and Allan Holt Rising Professor of Ophthalmology
Primary Academic Title
Associate Professor of Ophthalmology
Background
Thomas V. Johnson III, M.D., Ph.D. is a glaucoma specialist and the Shelley and Allan Holt Rising Professor of Ophthalmology at Wilmer Eye Institute. He received his BA (summa cum laude) in Biological Sciences from Northwestern University in 2005. As a Gates-Cambridge Scholar and an NIH-OxCam Scholar, he earned his PhD in Clinical Neuroscience from the University of Cambridge (UK) in 2010. He completed his medical training (AOA) at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in 2014 and served as an intern on the Johns Hopkins Osler Medical Service prior to completing his ophthalmology residency and glaucoma fellowship at the Wilmer Eye Institute.
His research interests are focused on understanding the pathophysiology of retinal and optic nerve neurodegenerative disorders, and on the development of neuroprotective and neuroregenerative therapies for these conditions. His doctoral thesis work evaluated intraocular stem and progenitor cell transplantation as a possible neuroprotective therapy for glaucoma. His research contributions have been recognized with a World Glaucoma Association Award nomination, the National Eye Institute’s Scientific Director’s Award, and the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology’s Merck Innovative Ophthalmology Research Award. He also founded and served as director of the Student Sight Savers Program, a program that provides vision screening services to low-income residents of Baltimore, and helps them obtain access to clinical ophthalmological care.
Presently, he is interested in the neurobiological processes that lead to retinal ganglion cell death and dysfunction in glaucoma and other optic neuropathies. In particular, he seeks to better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying axonal degeneration, dendrite retraction and afferent synapse loss, and cell body death in glaucoma. His goal is to utilize knowledge of these processes to develop targeted neuroprotective strategies to slow or halt RGC death and preserve vision for patients with glaucoma. He is also leading new investigations into the use of stem cell transplantation to achieve retinal ganglion cell placement, as a potential regenerative treatment for optic nerve disease, with a focus on anatomic incorporation of cell grafts, neurite growth and synapse formation, and electrophysiological retinal circuit integration.
Videos
Recent News Articles and Media Coverage
Student-led Volunteer Group Gives Free Vision Screenings and Follow-up Care to Baltimore Residents, Johns Hopkins Medicine (Oct. 2021)
A Rift in the Retina May Help Repair the Optic Nerve, JHM Newsroom (Jan. 2021)
Home Monitoring of Eye Pressure Comes of Age, Johns Hopkins Clinical Connection
IOP increase consistent with dose after glaucoma medication washout, Helio (Jun. 2020)
Students Inspired to Save Sight, Wilmer (Summer 2020)
Moonshot: Collaborative Effort Targets Irreversible Blindness, Johns Hopkins Medicine (Apr. 2020)
Sight saving from a grassroots to a global level, Gates Cambridge (Jan. 2019)
Research Interests
Glaucoma, Optic Nerve Neurodegeneration and Neuroprotection, Retinal Ganglion Cell Regeneration, Stem Cell Transplantation
Lab Website
Johnson Laboratory - Lab Website
Selected Publications
Johnson TV, Calkins DJ, Fortune B, Goldberg JL, La Torre A, Lamba DA, Meyer JS, Reh TA, Wallace VA, Zack DJ, Baranov P. The importance of unambiguous cell origin determination in neuronal repopulation studies. iScience. 2023 Mar 9;26(4):106361. PMID: 37009209. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589004223004388?via%3Dihub
Johnson TV, DeKorver NW, Levasseur VA, Osborne A, Tassoni A, Lorber B, Heller JP, Villasmil R, Bull ND, Martin KR, Tomarev SI. Identification of retinal ganglion cell neuroprotection conferred by platelet-derived growth factor through analysis of the mesenchymal stem cell secretome. Brain. 2014 Feb;137(Pt 2):503-19. PMID: 24176979. https://academic.oup.com/brain/article/137/2/503/282008?login=true
Soucy JR, Aguzzi EA, Cho J, Gilhooley MJ, Keuthan C, Luo Z, Monavarfeshani A, Saleem MA, Wang XW, Wohlschlegel J, The RReSTORe Consortium, Baranov P, Di Polo A, Fortune B, Gokoffski KK, Goldberg JL, Guido W, Kolodkin AL, Mason CA, Ou Y, Reh TA, Ross AG, Samuels BC, Welsbie D, Zack DJ, Johnson TV. Retinal ganglion cell repopulation for vision restoration in optic neuropathy: A roadmap from the RReSTORe Consortium. Mol Neurodegen. 2023. PMID:3775444. https://molecularneurodegeneration.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13024-023-00655-y
Zhang KY, Nagalingam A, Mary S, Aguzzi EA, Li W, Chetla N, Smith B, Paulaitis ME, Edwards MM, Quigley HA, Zack DJ, Johnson TV. Rare intercellular material transfer as a confound to interpreting inner retinal neuronal transplantation following internal limiting membrane disruption. Stem Cell Rep. 2023. PMID: 37802075. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589004223004388
Zhang KY, Tuffy C, Mertz JL, Quillen S, Wechsler L, Quigley HA, Zack DJ, Johnson TV. Role of the internal limiting membrane in structural engraftment and topographic spacing of transplanted human stem cell-derived retinal ganglion cells. Stem Cell Reports. 2021; 16:149-67. PMID: 33382979. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2213671120304951?via%3Dihub
Honors
- 2022 Douglas H Johnson Award, BrightFocus Foundation, Clarksburg, MD
- 2022 40 under 40 list, selected to inaugural list, Ophthalmology Management. Doylestown, PA
- 2023 Top-10 most impactful author of research involving applications of stem cells (1999-2022), Frontiers in Cell and Development Biology
- Artemis Award, American Academy of Ophthalmology, 9/1/21
- Dr. David L. Epstein Award, ARVO, 5/2/19
- Tuggle Community Excellence Award, Bloomberg School of Public Health, 12/1/18
- Heed Society Fellowship, Heed Society of Fellows, 7/1/18
- Innovative Ophthalmology Research Award, AFER/ARVO - Merck, 5/1/15
- David E Rogers Award, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 6/1/14
- Stephen J Ryan Prize, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, 6/1/14
- NEI Scientific Director's Award, National Institutes of Health, 7/1/09
- NC3Rs Prize, National Centre for Replacement, Refinement, and Reduction of Animals in Research, 6/1/09
- Imogen Rose Prize in Brain Repair, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, 6/1/08
- Gates-Cambridge Scholarship, Gates-Cambridge Trust, 10/1/06
Memberships
- Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology,
- American Medical Association,
- American Academy of Ophthalmology,
- American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery,
- American Glaucoma Society,
- Society for Neuroscience,
Professional Activities
- Ophthalmology Science, Editorial Board Member
- Organizing Committee, RGC Repopulation, Stem Cell Transplantation and Optic Nerve Regeneration Consortium, Chairman
- Student Sight Savers Program - Johns Hopkins University, Founder, Director, Faculty Mentor/Supervisor
- The Glaucoma Foundation, Scientific Advisory Board Member
Additional Training
- Advanced Specialty Training Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine - Glaucoma Fellowship (2019)
Locations
- The Johns Hopkins Hospital
- 1800 Orleans Street, Maumenee Lobby, Baltimore, MD 21287
- phone: 410-955-5080
- fax: 410-955-0468
Expertise
Education
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Residency, Ophthalmology, 2018Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Medical Education, MD, 2014University of Cambridge
Graduate School, Neuroscience, PhD, 2010Board Certifications
Ophthalmology
American Board of Ophthalmology, 2020Insurance
- 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
4.9 out of 5
234 ratings, 101 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 2/14/2025
Very knowledgeable, thoughtfully explained and answered my questions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/14/2025
Dr. Johnson explained why I was having trouble with my vision and the solution
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/14/2025
Dr. Johnson is an excellent doctor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/12/2025
He's Awesome and Excellent at what he doesf.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/24/2025
Great doctor knowledgeable, professional and personable . I am most comfortable with him and his treatment!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/24/2025
Very caring and professional
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/17/2025
Dr Johnson is very kind and considerate. He's very professional and very respectful
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/17/2025
I am a big fan of Wilmer. And now I'm a big fan of Dr Johnson
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/10/2025
Great personal concerning care for me.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/3/2025
Appreciated their professional expertise.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/27/2024
Excellent. Knowledgeable. Kind. A very good listener. It's likely very have to tease out what the patient doesn't know they don't know, but if he could, I feel Dr. Johnson has enough cognitive horsepower to delve into that arena a bit. :-)
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/27/2024
The best!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/20/2024
I like my doctor and he is very pleasant, professional and smiles. A smile can help make a person's day.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/19/2024
He knows his work.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/17/2024
Dr. Johnson was excellent. I chose him because of his expertise with glaucoma. Dr. Johnson served as a second opinion for my diagnosis. I felt confident in his opinions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/17/2024
Great care!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/6/2024
Wonderful.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/6/2024
Knowledgeable, respectful, answered all questions, and included my concerns in treatment follow up.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/22/2024
My technician and doctors did a great job.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/22/2024
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/8/2024
Excellent provider with ease of discussion based on his experience and knowledge of his area of expertise.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/8/2024
He was very good.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/8/2024
Dr. Johnson is a good communicator and listens to your concerns. Answers your glaucoma questions with a specific treatment plan. His answers are clear and never vague.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/8/2024
Very attentive
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/8/2024
Love Dr. Johnson..... He is super kind and gentle in providing care and very easy to talk to ... I am always amazed how calm he looks no matter how many patients he has waiting for him...Amazing Doctor...My quality of life has been improved because of his care...
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/7/2024
He was excellent- took time to explain everything, talked plainly about next steps
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/4/2024
Dr Thomas was excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/1/2024
Excellent customer service
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/1/2024
Excellent in his field
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/1/2024
Thanks you. Great visit. Timely and good listening
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/1/2024
Dr. Johnson is simply excellent. He understands my health issue and has an excellent treatment plan for it.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/25/2024
Very knowledgeable and courteous
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/25/2024
Great Dr Johnson does great job
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/25/2024
Very good
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/18/2024
Good listener, answers my questions so I understand what he's saying.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/11/2024
Dr Johnson always makes me feel at ease. He's kind, professional and listens.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/11/2024
Dr. Johnson is extremely competent, compassionate, availableI feel very fortunate to be under his care. He is an excellent practitioner. I am very impressed with his research and his willingness to discuss it with me. I cannot say enough good things about this physician!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/11/2024
Dr Johnson is a remarkable person whose knowledge and skill is exceptional.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/4/2024
Professional and knowledgeable about my issues. Explanation of my complaints were easily understood.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/4/2024
He is always thorough and answers any questions I have.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/4/2024
All went well.Very professional
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/4/2024
Awesome job!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/4/2024
Dr. Johnson is the best, very knowledgeable and explains things clearly..Very personable and makes you feel at ease
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/4/2024
Good
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/27/2024
Have no complaints
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/27/2024
Thorough and explains things clearly.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/13/2024
The Best!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/13/2024
I have seen Dr. Johnson twice now. He is very kind and compassionate and takes the time to listen to my concerns.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/13/2024
First appointment with Dr Johnson and I would definitely recommend him to friends or family.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/13/2024
Excellent. I would highly recommend.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/6/2024
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/6/2024
He is thorough,to the point and good bedside manners.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/6/2024
Job well done
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/23/2024
Unscheduled and Exceptional visit w Dr Johnson. He provided much information and clarity about complex, related issues that others could not clearly diagnose and explain. Very thorough, understanding of our questions / concerns, and patient providing sound opinions and advice! Thank you.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/23/2024
Dr. Johnson is exceptional, as always. His fellow that day was confused about my medication and the date of my surgery and gave me confusing and Incorrect instructions. The fellow dismissed my concerns and wasn't listening to me.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/23/2024
Dr. Johnson is pretty good at his craft
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/23/2024
Very professional
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/16/2024
Very knowledgeable and understanding
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/16/2024
I think Dr. Johnson is a great doctor, based on his great demeanor, ability to explain things and show interest in his patients (besides being very knowledgeable!).
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/16/2024
Dr Johnson and the JHH Wilmer Clinic are excellent!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/16/2024
Very pleased
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/9/2024
Exceptional physician/glaucoma specialists
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/9/2024
Fine
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/9/2024
I love my provider he's very polite and helpful
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/2/2024
Dr. Johnson, his fellow doctors, and the technicians are all first-rate.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/2/2024
Made me feel comfortable that he would be taking care of me
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/2/2024
Excellent listener, good communicator, Dr. Johnson's treatment recommendations were concise with clear explanations of his plan of care. Great smile! Positive attitude! Friendly. It's apparent that he likes what he does
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/2/2024
Dr Johnson is very knowledgeable and does his best to esure a good outcome.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/19/2024
I think that Dr. Johnson was one of the most competent and kindest doctors I have known. He was knowledgeable, patient and caring. The surgery for my cataract extraction was done to perfection. I can finally see. Thank you.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/12/2024
He is the best doctor, next to my primary doctor. Always happy and friendly and caring.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/12/2024
Diligent and carring
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/5/2024
Dr. Thomas is the best. I highly recommend him to everyone.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/5/2024
Very pleasant and approachable meets the needs of his patients at any given time.best doctor hands down
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/5/2024
Excellent doctor and great care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/5/2024
Shows lot of concerns during my visits.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/1/2024
First time meeting Dr.Johnson and he was excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/1/2024
Excellent physician
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/28/2024
He did nicely. I like the respect Dr. Johnson showed his Resident and his Fellow. Impressive. He seemed to want to work with me. My issue is glaucoma and I don't want to go blind. He seemed to want to help, honestly help, me reach that goal.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/28/2024
Dr Johnson is an excellent doctor. U have been under his care for several years now and due to his excellent care my ability to see has improved greatly.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/21/2024
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/21/2024
Dr THOMAS is always professional and compassinate to patient.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/21/2024
Excellent. He's always very courteous.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/14/2024
He's very nice
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/31/2024
Very consistent with overall care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/31/2024
Dr.Johnson is very knowledgeable and his team. I enjoy my visits because I know I'm getting the best care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/10/2024
Dr Johnson is very courteous, patient, thoughtful and professional. His demeanor is open and relaxed. He welcomes questions and provides clear answers. I feel heard and completely trust him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/10/2024
Excellent service
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/10/2024
Good overall
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/26/2024
Well informed, kind, genuine.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/19/2024
Very good
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/19/2024
Dr. Johnson is always nice, and polite. He always answers even a stupid question.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/19/2024
Excellent physician.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/12/2024
Dr. Johnson is an excellent provider. He is very professional, compassionate and readily answers all questions and concerns.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/12/2024
Dr. Johnson is very concerned about my health .
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/12/2024
Wonderful communicator, gives great advice, lives up to the great reputation and kept me from going blind.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/5/2024
Skilled, compassionate, caringexcellent clinician..love that he is a research neuroscientist.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/5/2024
Excellent care
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/5/2024
Delightful
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/5/2024
Outstanding eye doctor. This was a followup visit to the procedure to stop macular degeneration. I scheduled an eye exam for my daughter to get her cataracts removed.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/29/2024
Professional and personable .... Totally comfortable with him and his diagnosis advice and treatments.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/29/2024
Dr Johnson gives his best effort to deal with health challenges. He is very knowledgeable and I have confidence in his treatment