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Peter Gehlbach

Peter Gehlbach, MD, PhD

Retina and Vitreous DiseasesOphthalmology

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 Peter Gehlbach

Professional Titles

  • J. Willard Marriott, Jr. Professor of Ophthalmology

Primary Academic Title

Professor of Ophthalmology

Johns Hopkins Physician

Logo for Johns Hopkins Physician

Background

Peter L. Gehlbach, M.D., Ph.D. is the J. Willard Marriott, Jr. Professor of Ophthalmology with joint appointment in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The Whiting School of Engineering. A member of the Wilmer faculty since 2000, he was recruited by a national search to become the inaugural Maumenee Scholar at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. 

His clinical practice is composed of international, national, and regional patient populations with the most complex retinal disease. An expert vitreoretinal surgeon, Dr. Gehlbach has been a leader in performing and teaching complex surgical cases that require coordination with multiple ophthalmological specialists. His research interests include cutting-edge surgical approaches to patients with retinal disease and the development of novel surgical tools and approaches to retinal microsurgery. 

Dr. Gehlbach’s work has been supported by multiple NIH grants and prestigious foundations with research published in numerous peer-reviewed journals and presented at ophthalmology conferences around the world. The founding director of the former Wilmer Gene Therapy Vector Center, he has served as the director of the Wilmer Echography Center as well as the Retina Fellowship Training Program at Johns Hopkins. He holds multiple patents in both the U.S. and abroad. 

Dr. Gehlbach received his B.A. and M.D. degrees from the University of Vermont, and his Ph.D. in cell and integrative physiology from the University of Minnesota. He completed an internship and residency training in general surgery at the University of Health Sciences, Chicago Medical School. His ophthalmology residency was at Washington University in St. Louis, where he also completed a fellowship in protein chemistry. He completed a medical and surgical retina fellowship at the Casey Eye Institute in Portland.

Clinical Trial Keywords

Macular Degeneration; Diabetes

Research Interests

Angiogenesis, Diabetic Retinopathy, Gene Therapy, Macular Degeneration, Microsurgical Instrument Development, Novel surgical tool development, Robotic Surgery

Lab Website

Honors

  • Nomination for Excellence in Service and Professionalism Award, Johns Hopkins Medicine Clinical Awards
  • Grant Funding, Fight for Sight
  • Career Development Award, Research to Prevent Blindness
  • Knights Templar Eye Foundation
  • Inaugural Maumenee Clinician Scientist Scholar, Johns Hopkins University
  • Ophthalmology Fellowship, Heed Ophthalmic Foundation Fellowship
  • Vitreoretinal Clinical Fellowship, merican Ophthalmological Society - Knapp Fellowship

Locations

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

Expertise

Education

  • Fellowship: Oregon Health & Science University Hospital, Retina, 2000
  • Residency: Barnes-Jewish Health, Ophthalmology, 1998
  • Fellowship: Barnes-Jewish Health, Ophthalmology, 1995
  • Graduate School: University of Minnesota Medical School, PhD, 1994
  • Fellowship: University of Minnesota Hospital & Clinics, Ophthalmology, 1994
  • Residency: Chicago Medical School Rosalind Franklin University, Surgery, 1989
  • Medical Education: University of Vermont College of Medicine, MD, 1986

Board Certifications

  • Ophthalmology: American Board of Ophthalmology, 2000

Insurance

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

4.9 out of 5

240 ratings, 100 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.

Search reviews
    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/21/2026

    Absolutely amazing! He is very caring; especially bcuz he knows that I am very nervous about needles. He makes sure that I am comfortable always.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/16/2026

    Knowledgeable, responsive and caring

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/16/2026

    Great Doctor

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/14/2026

    Dr. Gehlbach is fabulous!!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/14/2026

    He has a professional and kind demeanor and is very knowledgeable.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/14/2026

    I am very pleased with Prof. Gehlbach.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/14/2026

    Everyone treated me professionally and with with respect.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/9/2026

    Dr Gehlbach is extremely knowledgeable about the retina, he carefully explained my condition, he is a gentleman, and you are fortunate to have such an extremely wonderful Dr. on your team. I have already recommended him to so many friends.

    3 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/31/2026

    He is a very knowledgeable doctor.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/31/2026

    Akways on time and through

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/24/2026

    Dr. Gehlbach is fabulous!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/24/2026

    Respectful and kind.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/24/2026

    Dr. G is a kind, patient man. He's easy to talk with and explains things in a non medical jargon way that helps in understanding and shows compassion

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/17/2026

    The Provider was aware of my condition in the background of the issues that I Suffered from a car accident. He has always been patient and cared for the patient.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/17/2026

    GREAT DOCTOR, WHO KNOES HIS STUFF AND HAS A GREAT ""BEDSIDE"" MANNER.

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

    Very professional!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/10/2026

    I'm always very pleased with my Provider. He always makes sure that I am not nervous or in pain.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/10/2026

    Excellent

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/10/2026

    Dr.Gehlbach and his assistant were very professional and they answered all my questions. The doctor explained my problem clearly.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/10/2026

    Excellent care

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

    Excellent!

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

    Knowledgeable and highly respected - great ""bedside"" manner

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

    The best of the best. Very knowledgable comprehensive care. He knows his speciality without a doubt. 5 stars!!!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/17/2026

    The doctor explained the condition I have and was conversational.

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

    Excellent doctor

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

    I trust him.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 2/3/2026

    Excellent visit! See you next time. Happy New Year!

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

    Great Doctor

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

    Very professional, courteous and friendly.

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

    Dr. Gehlbach possesses all of the positive qualities that you could ever ask for in a physician, especially when you are being seen to prevent blindness! I trust him impeccably.

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

    A world-renowned expert in his field. Very warm and personable bedside manner. Very easy to talk with and he is always well-informed on his own, and many other aspects of medicine in general that intersect with his work. He ihas become a very trusted physician and surgeon, whose care I request exclusively.

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

    He was excellent. I received information to make a confident decision on my eye treatment

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/20/2026

    Dr. Gehlbach is very patient, gentle and listen to patients. I always recommend him to my friends on their eye's problems.

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

    I have been going to Dr Gehlbach for years He is always calm, listens and takes appropriate action.

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

    Absolutely the best. Doctor Gehlbach hs organized my eye cae over the lst several years and provided me with the top advice available about what to do when and with whom. I have recommended him to others and will cntinue to do so if his specialty is appropriate.

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

    Dr Gehlbach and his assistant were welcoming, clear and knowledgeable of my case. I have recommended them to friends.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/13/2026

    Excellent

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/13/2026

    Dr Gehlbach is the best. Always takes time to explain what is going on.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/13/2026

    Rxcellent

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/13/2026

    Easy to work. Advised on future care

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

    Extremely knowledgeable - explained my medical condition and options perfectly and enabled me to make a decision

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/6/2026

    The Best!! Support I've. Clearly explains clearly what is needed and encouraging

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

    Dr. Gehlbach is one of the best doctors I have. He always cares about my eye health and takes as much time as needed during my appointments.

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

    Dr. Gehlbach has provided excellent care since my first visit. He is extremely thorough and kind.

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

    Thanks and appreciate!

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

    He is great.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/16/2025

    At this point Gehlbach and a great deal of the Wilmer institute. Present a respectful sffection and curiosity about my continual well being. I feel very comfortable and safe here. Especially as a trans woman

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/16/2025

    Outstanding physician who is extremely knowledgeable and caring.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/16/2025

    Great doctor

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/9/2025

    I have worked with Dr. Gehlbach since 2017. He is my top choice for retina physician, and I have seen several at Hopkins since 2012.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/9/2025

    Excellent

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/9/2025

    Great doctor and knowledgeable

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/2/2025

    I feel very confident in Dr G's experience & knowledge. He is thorough & communicates well. I am getting good care.

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

    Dr. Gehlbach, [staff] and [staff] all took excellent care of me. I appreciate Dr. G's wisdom and insight regarding my treatment and patience when explaining pieces of the process. [staff] was extremely thorough and helped me to get as comfortable as possible.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/18/2025

    Dr Gehlbach Very Professional

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/18/2025

    I was 15 minutes early for appointment, but was not seen until 55 after appointment time.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/18/2025

    Excellent, clear and prompt

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

    Dr. Gehlbach is extremely knowledgeable about my condition and always explains everything and answers all of my questions

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

    My Provider is excellent and very carrying. My Provider always make sure that I am comfortable and free of pain. I have no complaints.

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

    Great as usual since 1997

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/21/2025

    An excellent doctor with outstanding listening skills and ease of addressing my list of questions. Doctor Gehlbach has a warm and genuine persona. I'm so thankful that he and his team saved my eyesight during the emergency surgery.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/14/2025

    Great physician and great person

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/14/2025

    I appreciate the provider. I respect his expertise and feel he is concerned about the best medical practices to support my eye health..

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/14/2025

    Dr Gehlbach is a dedicated physician. I always appreciate his guidance.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/9/2025

    Dr. Gehlbach seems very knowledgeable and capable. My visit was an annual follow-up pertaining to retina detachment and scrape surgeries. My condition/eyesight in that eye ""is what it is"", so there is not much that he could do or suggest to improve it.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/30/2025

    My provider is the best I could ever hope to have taking care of me

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/30/2025

    I appreciate Dr. Gehlbach's expertise.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/2/2025

    He is always professional and polite. Takes the time to explain and answer questions.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/2/2025

    Great!

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

    Dr. Gehlbach is extremely knowledgeable but he is able to communicate complex information in a clear and simple way. He is kind and caring.

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

    I am confident that he provide the best possible care for me.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/26/2025

    Dr Gehlbach is outstanding!

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

    I have so much confidence in my provider.

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

    Dr Gehlbach is the ultimate provider. He recognized my cataracts problems, requested removal, followup treatment; which resulted no problems. Advised me on how to best protect and care for my eyes.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/31/2025

    Addressed my concerns and discussed frankly my options. Visit was for his second opinion on earlier recommendations from another doctor.

    2 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/22/2025

    Due to age I believe he forgets a lot.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/22/2025

    Dr. Gehlbach is wonderful, and very caring.

    4 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/17/2025

    I waited in waiting area about 15 minutes and was brought back for initial screening and drops were put in my eyes to dilate them. After waiting again, was brought to doctor's office. This all seemed routine wait times. However, I waited 40 minutes in the office; no explanation given, No one checked on me.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/17/2025

    Provides great care .

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/15/2025

    Dr. Gehlbach was great as he always is.

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

    Dr. Gehlbach is the BEST!!! Very knowledge, through and compassionate. Takes time with patient questions.

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

    I waited 2 hours to see the Doctor which is highly unusual

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/1/2025

    Dr, Gehlbach is always very professional and answer all of my questions. He always explains everything about my eye condition very thoroughly

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/1/2025

    Dr Gehlbach is the best in his specialty and a great person

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

    Knowledgeable, caring, funny and engaged with the patient experience.

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

    Excellent

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/24/2025

    He is marvelous, an outstanding clinician, & a warm, caring physician.Above comment.

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

    The very best. I was so incredibly impressed.

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

    I can't say enough good things about the care that was provided to me

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

    Dr. Gehlbach is an outstanding physician in many ways: his expertise in eyes, especially retina, his welcoming personality to invite questions to solve a patient's problems if any, and excellent follow up to make sure what he recommended was taken care of

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

    Dr. Gehlbach is absolutely amazing. I have come to trust him more than anyone I have seen there. He's very considerate in making sure that I am not in pain. He's the best!

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

    Very knoweledgeable and kind.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/3/2025

    Dr. Gehlbach has been very patient in explaining the problems and he is a great physician who cares about Saketh.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/3/2025

    Highly educatedHard working Dedicated

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

    I am very satisfied with the treatment I received from Dr Gehlbach and I look forward to my visits

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

    Awesome

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

    Dr. G was very patient and kind. Even after delivering tough diagnosis he came to check up on me while I waited for next steps. [staff] was also wonderful and careful to explain all parts of what she needed to do. She was also patient and kind answering all of my questions.

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

    Dr. Gehlbach is always extremely friendly. He makes you feel comfortable and at ease.He's knowledgeable and current.

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

    I am so grateful to Dr Gehlbach and his team.

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

    Superb Professor