Don Budenz, MD, MPH: Chair (2011 – 2025)
David L. Fleischman MD, FACS: Interim Chair (2025 – )
UNC Department of Ophthalmology announces a transition in Chair, effective November 1, 2025. After 14 years as Department Chair, Kittner Family Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology Donald L. Budenz, MD, MPH, returns to University of Miami to rejoin Bascom Palmer Eye Institute faculty and assume several leadership positions. UNC School of Medicine Dean’s office appointed Ophthalmology Vice Chair and Sterling A. Barrett Distinguished Associate Professor of Ophthalmology David Fleischman, MD, MS, FACS, as the Department’s Interim Chair. Dr. Fleischman is UNC Ophthalmology’s Glaucoma Fellowship Program Director and Ocular Trauma Director. Within UNC Health, he also oversees surgical care at UNC Hospitals Hillsborough as this campus’ Perioperative Medical Director.
Dr. Budenz joined UNC Ophthalmology in Fall 2011 after serving for 17 years on faculty in the University of Miami Departments of Ophthalmology, Epidemiology, and Public Health. At UNC, he has been an extraordinary leader, mentor, and advocate for the department’s patients, faculty, learners, staff and the community as a whole. Dr. Budenz’s commitment to excellence has elevated the department’s clinical, research, and educational missions. UNC Ophthalmology wishes him well returning to a familiar, top eye institute for his next chapter of practice as a renowned physician scientist and ophthalmologist.