Loading Complete
Jim Handa

Jim Handa, MD

Ocular OncologyRetina and Vitreous Diseases

Accepting New Patients
Online Booking

Highlights

Age Groups Seen

  • Young Adult 18-25
  • Adult 26-64
  • Older Adult 65+

Languages

  • English

Gender

Male

Johns Hopkins Affiliations:

  • Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Faculty

About Jim Handa

Professional Titles

  • Chief, Retina Division
  • Robert Bond Welch Professor

Primary Academic Title

Professor of Ophthalmology

Johns Hopkins Physician

Logo for Johns Hopkins Physician

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

Wilmer Eye Institute Research

Clinical Trial Keywords

Age-Related Macular Degeneration; Diabetic Retinopathy; Retinal Chip Implants

Find a Clinical Trial

View all trials by this principal investigator.

Recent News Articles and Media Coverage

Research Interests

Development of Robotic Surgical System, Mechanisms of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Locations

  1. The Johns Hopkins Hospital
    • 1800 Orleans Street, Maumenee Lobby, Baltimore, MD 21287
    • Get Directions

Expertise

Education

  • Fellowship: Children's Hospital Los Angeles, 1993
  • Fellowship: Duke University Hospital, Vitreoretinal Surgery, 1992
  • Residency: Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, Ophthalmology, 1990
  • Medical Education: Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania , MD, 1986

Board Certifications

  • Ophthalmology: American Board of Ophthalmology, 1991

Insurance

Please contact the location directly to confirm your health plan is accepted.
Search plans
  • Aetna
  • CareFirst
  • Cigna
  • First Health
  • Geisinger Health Plan
  • HealthSmart/Accel
  • Johns Hopkins Health Plans
  • MultiPlan
  • Pennsylvania's Preferred Health Networks (PPHN)
  • Point Comfort Underwriters
  • Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)
  • Veteran Affairs Community Care Network (Optum-VACCN)

Ratings & Reviews

5 out of 5

330 ratings, 143 reviews

The 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.

Overall Rating by Patient
Provider Listened Carefully
Provider Explained Things Clearly
Provider Knew Medical History
Provider Showed Respect
Provider Spent Enough Time
Search reviews
    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/20/2026

    Dr. Handa is the best! He's thorough, informative and very helpful.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/13/2026

    Dr. Handa is very thorough and attentive.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/13/2026

    I have been seeing Dr Handa for years and he is the best. Very knowledgeable, kind, explains everything thoroughly and shows genuine concern for my health.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/13/2026

    He was very educational with information to ease myself.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/12/2026

    I have been a patient of Dr Handa for over 20 years. I have confidence in his knowledge and skill and trust that he has my best interests as the core of my treatment and care.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/12/2026

    Dr. Handa has seen me through a bump on my retina several years ago to the Current diagnosis of an ocular melinoma. He has prepared me for this eventuality and I'm ready to face t.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/9/2026

    Top shelf care was provided. Dr. HANDA and his team were engaging and totally professional.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/9/2026

    Dr. Handa has seen me about my retina for a number of years. I have only superlative things to say about his skill, his manner, clarity, patience

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/9/2026

    Every person I encountered was exceptional -- especially Dr Handa!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/5/2026

    Dr Handa is pleasant and professional. He takes time to answer my questions and is thorough in his examination. I have great confidence in the care he provides.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/27/2026

    The visit was very informative

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/26/2026

    I have total confidence in dr. Handa

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/23/2026

    They were excellent. Extremely helpful

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/23/2026

    Dr Handa is great! He is a great physician and is extremely personable.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/20/2026

    Very good doctor!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/20/2026

    Excellent visit all the way around. The Technician was fantastic. He explained what he was doing and answered some questions. Dr. Handa was wonderful. He's the 4th Retina Doctor I've seen in a year and the only one to calmly and patiently take time to explain everything to me and answer questions without being in a rush.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/19/2026

    He was excellent, fit me into his office immediately when a second opinion was needed from his colleague.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/13/2026

    Dr. Handa is very impressive and competent.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/13/2026

    Dr Handa is one of the best doctors I have ever had

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/12/2026

    Dr Handa is an excellent doctor. He provides very good information concerning my condition. He is friendly, answers all my questions and is very knowledgeable.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/12/2026

    Dr. Handa is the ultimate professional. He listens to all concerns and is excellent at explaining details related to your condition.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/12/2026

    Dr Handa was highly recommended to address my issue by the retina specialist I saw at another practice. He more than substantiated that recommendation

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/9/2026

    Really grateful for the sound medical care Dr Handa provides. He stands out as exceptional but without all the fanfare some providers surround themselves with. Such a relief to interact with an expert that is extremely knowledgeable, skilled and approachable! Answers questions in a clear straightforward manner and makes sure we have covered all concerns. Can't say enough about how pleased and appreciative I am for this care .

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/6/2026

    He was excellent. Took the time to get to know me and what was going on with my eyes. I appreciate the way he listened and communicated technical medical information in an easy to understand common language.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/5/2026

    Excellent experience. I am having a follow up treatments for my cystoid macular edema (CME)

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/5/2026

    Great Hospital great care team

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/5/2026

    Overall great experience with him, especially notable was his ability to explain everything clearly and concisely in a way that inspires confidence and is easy to understand but doesn't leave anything out.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/30/2026

    Dr. Handa diagnosed the problem immediately.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/29/2026

    Dr. Handa is outstanding. Fantastic.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/29/2026

    Dr. Handa Is extremely knowledgeable and kind. He listened and explained the problem thoroughly. He is very helpful.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/23/2026

    Dr. Handa is always very helpful and obviously is deeply knowledgable and professional

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/22/2026

    Dr Handa did eye surgery on me for cancer over 20 years ago. I always speak highly of him. Dr Handa is the best. Dr Handa is smart, technically skilled and has the best bed side patient skills always friendly and smiling. Sometimes I wonder how he can always be that way as I'm sure he has like everyone bad stressful days from time to time.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/22/2026

    Excellent -- as usual

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/16/2026

    Dr. Handa was extremely kind and provided excellent care. He explained all my test results, and put me at ease. Highly recommend this provider.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/16/2026

    Dr. Handa is very honest and cares about his patients.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/16/2026

    Everything went smoothly with no delays. Dr. Handa explained everything clearly.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/16/2026

    Great doctor

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/15/2026

    Dr Handa is beyond excellent.He is thorough, thoughtful, and despite being at the top of his field in the world, down to earth and kind!!!!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/12/2026

    Great visit

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/9/2026

    Very attentive and listens well

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/8/2026

    Excellent

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/18/2025

    Excellent visit

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/18/2025

    Precise, Respectful

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/18/2025

    Very thorough with his explanation of my situation, providing me with confidence of how well I have healed. He was very professional and kind.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/18/2025

    Dr. Handa is a professional through and through. He communicates effectively, listens attentively and makes his patients feel comfortable.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/15/2025

    Excellent physician, very knowledgeable and thorough in his exam. Very compassionate and a great bedside manner.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/11/2025

    Dr Handa is an excellent physician. I'm fortunate to have his expertise involved in my care.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/11/2025

    Great

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/8/2025

    This was my first visit with Dr James Handa. He was wonderful!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/8/2025

    The best

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/4/2025

    Dr. Handa is at once professional and personable. He fully explains the test results and relates them to the artifacts I experience with my vision. This provides a degree of comfort knowing there is a rational explanation for my symptoms. He listens carefully and responds thoughtfully to all of my concerns. I trust him with my eyes and will hopefully avoid more surgery for years to come but when the time comes I know I can trust him to give me the best outcome.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/4/2025

    Excellent

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/1/2025

    Dr Handa is awesome. He is polite, knowledgeable and patient. He listens to you and answers all the questions .

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/1/2025

    Love, love, love Dr. Handa. Not only at the the top of his field, but compassionate and caring. I am so thankful to be in his care.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/1/2025

    Excellent

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/24/2025

    Dr Handa took the time to explain my condition in detail and to outline possible outcomes that could be achieved if I opted for surgery. He also suggested changes in diet to slow future deterioration of my condition.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/24/2025

    Made me feel at ease

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/20/2025

    Dr Handa is friendly, courteous, and willing to explain things thoroughly. I have seen other retina specialists and he is by far the best.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/20/2025

    Excellent. Explained all issues with my eye detail.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/20/2025

    Attentive and knowledgeable.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/17/2025

    Dr. Handa is very complex and nice

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/13/2025

    Dr.Handa is the best! He saved my life and eye.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/10/2025

    Very precise with his information he gave me about my condition. He asked appropriate questions.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/7/2025

    Dr Handa is thorough , professional and positive!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/3/2025

    Dr Handa is an excellent physician that cares very much about his patients. He has exceptional skills and knowledge about concerning the retina.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/3/2025

    I've seen Dr. Handa since 2012. He's one of the best doctors I've had. Johns Hopkins is lucky to have him.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/31/2025

    Outstanding.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/31/2025

    Dr. Handa was able to schedule my appointment first in his appointment schedule due to the fact that I live in Northern Virginia I had to endure two rush hours each way (two beltways). Since he accommodated my request for his first appointment (1 PM timeframe, It was very helpful in reducing my commuting time)

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/30/2025

    Dr. Handa is excellent. I am very glad that he is handling my vision care related to my retina and my macula.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/27/2025

    Dr. Handa is fantastic: excellent doctor, wonderful person, spends plenty of time with me at each visit and I feel the care is excellent.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/27/2025

    Dr HANDA is the best doctor ever

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/27/2025

    Dr. Handa is the best; he is an amazing doctor1

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/27/2025

    Dr Handa is the best ! Very thorough, caring, and professional. He has a great personality too.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/16/2025

    He's obviously extremely knowledgeable Doctor in his profession

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/13/2025

    Dr Handa is excellent He explains everything very well

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/13/2025

    They were excellent and this included the care provided by the Fellow physician as well as Dr. Handa.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/13/2025

    Thank you for your time in me getting a diagnosis and explanation of said diagnosis.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/6/2025

    The doctor was excellent and I felt provided me with the very best information and care

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/6/2025

    Dr Handa is the best

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/2/2025

    Dr. Handa is an amazingly gifted medical professional. Despite his obvious intellect and talent, he has an admirable ""bedside manner"" and is mindful of the patient and his/her questions and concerns.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/29/2025

    Provider was very knowledgeable and pleasant .

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/29/2025

    Wonderful doctor

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/22/2025

    Dr. Handa is wonderful!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/22/2025

    Every time very good

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/11/2025

    Easy to talk to. Very professional

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/11/2025

    I appreciate the time Dr. Handa takes to go over test results.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/4/2025

    Very knowledgeable. Interacts very well with patients. Provides enough information for patient to make decisions.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/4/2025

    Very professional, inspired confidence with his knowledge. Provided clear explanation of his diagnosis and answered questions about treatment plan.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/28/2025

    Dr Handa is an excellent physician who is very caring and concerned about how I was doing after each surgery . I received wonderful care from him and his team.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/25/2025

    Excellent.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/25/2025

    Consummate professional. Personable, thorough and knowledgeable.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/25/2025

    Excellent

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/25/2025

    Excellent recommendeded to friiends

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/21/2025

    Dr Handa was fantastic.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/21/2025

    Love my Doctor!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/14/2025

    Everything was exelent with Dr Handa

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/14/2025

    Friendly and professional

    4 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/14/2025

    Excellent, thorough, patient,

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/11/2025

    Dr Handa is excellent. Their new procedure of having test results when you meet with provider is much better.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/11/2025

    The doctor, the sonogram clinician, the Tech that checked me In and the woman who did the test for the Nevis on my eyes At the Baltimore Wilmer Eye Institute were amazing. They were all very friendly, kind, helpful, professional, patient and also informative. It was a really terrific team and a great experience.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/7/2025

    Been with Dr HANDA for several years. He's one of my favorite drs

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/7/2025

    Thanks you so much Dr.Handa for your care and good attention for mine health problems.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/7/2025

    Dr Handa is excellent at listening and explaining what is happening. Answered my questions and was not pushy to move on to another patient.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/28/2025

    Could not have been better. Everyone in the office/ exam rooms were wonderful. Concerned, thorough and experienced.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/28/2025

    To the point

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/24/2025

    I have the utmost confidence in DR. Handa, he is very professional and courteous.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/24/2025

    Dr. Handa is the epitome of a caring, competent doctor. I see him for what at the present are routine examinations. He takes my condition and concerns seriously. He knows me, and he asks questions and provides answers that address my concerns. He is an asset to Johns Hopkins.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/24/2025

    Kind and caring

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/24/2025

    A very good experience. Dr. Handa is excellent and a great communicator.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/21/2025

    Love my visits with Dr. Handa.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/14/2025

    Everyone was kind and showed me where yo go for the tests and eye pics.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/14/2025

    Dr Handa has been treating my melanoma for over a year. He is kind and positive. He is very informative every step.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/10/2025

    Dr Handa has taken care of me for years. He is the best.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/10/2025

    Ourstanding!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/10/2025

    Absolutely the best at what he does

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/7/2025

    Dr. Handa represents the epitome of capable, caring professionallism. I feel cared for and cared about at every visit.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/30/2025

    Dr. Handa takes the time to listen to questions and answers truthfully, informatively and positively.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/30/2025

    Very good

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/26/2025

    Dr. Handa is professional, kind, considerate, knowledgeable and patient! Very thorough and precise. I consider him to be a top notch doctor and one of my best!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/23/2025

    He was great and explained everything very well

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/23/2025

    Outstanding! Explained test results clearly and my current condition.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/23/2025

    Excellent Physician

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/9/2025

    Dr Handa is exceptional. I trust him to care for my vision

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/9/2025

    Attentive, caring, thorough, expert, in demand but ALWAYS there for questions and care.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/2/2025

    Dr.Handa is the utmost professional. He is thorough and always explains what & why he is doing. He answers my questions & I trust him implicitly. I am fortunate to have him treat me. Thanks!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/15/2025

    Dr. Handa was wonderful.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/12/2025

    Dr. Handa is terrific-kind, knowledgeable, thoughtful, communicates well

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/12/2025

    He is the BEST!!!!!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/9/2025

    Very thoughtful and helpful

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/9/2025

    Excellent communication regarding my health and conditions

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/9/2025

    Dr. Handa is very knowledgeable and explains things clearly. He is up to date on the latest developments in technology related to helping people with vision loss regain some of their vision.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/8/2025

    Dr. Handa is the best phonologies!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/8/2025

    Gives me detail information and answers my questions

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 5/8/2025

    Dr Handa and his fellows are so amazing and thorough

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/24/2025

    I have seen Dr. Handa two or three times now including my surgery and follow up visits. I'm extremely pleased for the service I received from Dr. Handa - he is very thorough when explaining things that will be done and also very thorough in letting me know what to expect. The experience with Dr. Handa is one of the best I have ever had with a provider

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/24/2025

    Very professional and thorough. Explains everything to me and asks if I have any questions.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/21/2025

    I have complete confidence in Dr. Handa. He is an outstanding doctor.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/21/2025

    Was very professional and informative

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/21/2025

    Superb doctor!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/21/2025

    He is very thorough and professional. He seems like a caring professional interested in providing you with all of the information you need.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/17/2025

    He is excellent! I was a few min late due to traffic. It took me 3 1/2 hours to get there. Everyone was understanding. He educated me on the results of my eye photos comparing my past photos to present. Very informative, and doing better.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/17/2025

    Excellent always