
Peter Gehlbach, MD, PhD
Retina and Vitreous DiseasesOphthalmology
Highlights
Age Groups Seen
- Young Adult 18-25
- Adult 26-64
- Older Adult 65+
Languages
- English
In-Network Plans
View All Accepted Plans (12)Gender
MaleJohns 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
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.
Centers and Institutes
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
Google Scholar - Publications
PubMed - Publications
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
- The Johns Hopkins Hospital
- 1800 Orleans Street, Maumenee Lobby, Baltimore, MD 21287
- Get Directions
- phone: 410-955-5080
- fax: 410-955-0869
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
- 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 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 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 starsReviewed on 4/16/2026
Knowledgeable, responsive and caring
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/16/2026
Great Doctor
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/14/2026
Dr. Gehlbach is fabulous!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/14/2026
He has a professional and kind demeanor and is very knowledgeable.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/14/2026
I am very pleased with Prof. Gehlbach.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/14/2026
Everyone treated me professionally and with with respect.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 3/31/2026
He is a very knowledgeable doctor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/31/2026
Akways on time and through
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/24/2026
Dr. Gehlbach is fabulous!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/24/2026
Respectful and kind.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 3/17/2026
GREAT DOCTOR, WHO KNOES HIS STUFF AND HAS A GREAT ""BEDSIDE"" MANNER.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/12/2026
Very professional!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 3/10/2026
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 3/10/2026
Excellent care
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/5/2026
Excellent!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/19/2026
Knowledgeable and highly respected - great ""bedside"" manner
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 2/17/2026
The doctor explained the condition I have and was conversational.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/12/2026
Excellent doctor
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/5/2026
I trust him.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/3/2026
Excellent visit! See you next time. Happy New Year!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/29/2026
Great Doctor
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/29/2026
Very professional, courteous and friendly.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 1/22/2026
He was excellent. I received information to make a confident decision on my eye treatment
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 1/13/2026
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/13/2026
Dr Gehlbach is the best. Always takes time to explain what is going on.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/13/2026
Rxcellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/13/2026
Easy to work. Advised on future care
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/8/2026
Extremely knowledgeable - explained my medical condition and options perfectly and enabled me to make a decision
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/6/2026
The Best!! Support I've. Clearly explains clearly what is needed and encouraging
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 12/18/2025
Dr. Gehlbach has provided excellent care since my first visit. He is extremely thorough and kind.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/18/2025
Thanks and appreciate!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/18/2025
He is great.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 12/16/2025
Outstanding physician who is extremely knowledgeable and caring.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/16/2025
Great doctor
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 12/9/2025
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/9/2025
Great doctor and knowledgeable
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 11/18/2025
Dr Gehlbach Very Professional
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/18/2025
I was 15 minutes early for appointment, but was not seen until 55 after appointment time.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/18/2025
Excellent, clear and prompt
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 10/30/2025
Great as usual since 1997
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 10/14/2025
Great physician and great person
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 10/14/2025
Dr Gehlbach is a dedicated physician. I always appreciate his guidance.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 9/30/2025
My provider is the best I could ever hope to have taking care of me
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/30/2025
I appreciate Dr. Gehlbach's expertise.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/2/2025
He is always professional and polite. Takes the time to explain and answer questions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/2/2025
Great!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 8/28/2025
I am confident that he provide the best possible care for me.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/26/2025
Dr Gehlbach is outstanding!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/21/2025
I have so much confidence in my provider.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 7/22/2025
Due to age I believe he forgets a lot.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/22/2025
Dr. Gehlbach is wonderful, and very caring.
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 7/17/2025
Provides great care .
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/15/2025
Dr. Gehlbach was great as he always is.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/10/2025
Dr. Gehlbach is the BEST!!! Very knowledge, through and compassionate. Takes time with patient questions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/10/2025
I waited 2 hours to see the Doctor which is highly unusual
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 7/1/2025
Dr Gehlbach is the best in his specialty and a great person
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/26/2025
Knowledgeable, caring, funny and engaged with the patient experience.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/26/2025
Excellent
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/24/2025
He is marvelous, an outstanding clinician, & a warm, caring physician.Above comment.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/10/2025
The very best. I was so incredibly impressed.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/10/2025
I can't say enough good things about the care that was provided to me
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 6/10/2025
Very knoweledgeable and kind.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 6/3/2025
Highly educatedHard working Dedicated
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 5/29/2025
Awesome
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed 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 starsReviewed on 5/22/2025
I am so grateful to Dr Gehlbach and his team.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/22/2025
Superb Professor