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Thomas Vincent Johnson III

Thomas Vincent Johnson III, MD, PhD

GlaucomaComprehensive Ophthalmology

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 Thomas Vincent Johnson III

Professional Titles

  • Shelley and Allan Holt Rising Professor of Ophthalmology

Primary Academic Title

Associate Professor of Ophthalmology

Johns Hopkins Physician

Logo for Johns Hopkins Physician

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.

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)

Additional Academic Titles

Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Associate Professor of Neuroscience

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 studiesiScience. 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 secretomeBrain. 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 ConsortiumMol 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 disruptionStem 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 cellsStem 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

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

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

Expertise

Education

  • Residency: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Ophthalmology, 2018
  • Medical Education: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, MD, 2014
  • Graduate School: University of Cambridge School of Medicine, Neuroscience, PhD, 2010

Board Certifications

  • Ophthalmology: American Board of Ophthalmology, 2020

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

4.9 out of 5

290 ratings, 116 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

    Absolutely love Dr. Johnson. Very informative and attentive

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/20/2026

    He inspires confidence.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/20/2026

    I am very grateful for Dr. Johnson's care and expertise.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/20/2026

    I Respect Dr.Johnson's expertise. He practices at a high level of professionalism.

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

    No complaints in any of the few visits I had with him.

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

    Dr Johnson is very knowledgeable and professional. He also kind and very respectful

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

    I have a great deal of confidence and Dr. Johnson.

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

    He is a very good doctor.

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

    Excellent treatment, follow up and follow through.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/6/2026

    Dr. Johnson is simply excellent. Great ophthalmologist and surgeon. Provides great patient care.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/6/2026

    Dr. Johnson is an outstanding physician and I have recommended to many others who have glaucoma

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/6/2026

    I think he is very nice and informative.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 3/6/2026

    Concise and clear about abswering question.

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

    Very nice and understanding we

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

    Very positive impression, as always

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

    Good doctor

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

    Excellent!!

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

    My provider was,excellent as,always.

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

    Understood and communicated my options clearly. He has said excellent personality and very easy to talk to. Was very efficient.

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

    They were caring, professional and respectful.

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

    Dr. Johnson is a world class surgeon whose ""bedside manner"" is warm, engaging, expert, and informative. He is a model physician in every respect, I have 100 per cent confidence in his advice and counsel. I cannot state strongly enough how lucky I feel to have him as my doctor

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

    All went smoothly. 8am 8am i

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

    Very. Good

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

    I have full confidence in Dr Johnson. He is an excellent provider.

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

    Dr. Johnson is the best of the best. I look forward to our visits.He is very professional, knowledgeable, friends, warm, and make your visit go well.

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

    Dr Thomas V Johnson is one of the best doctors and he gave excellent care to me

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

    Very professional performance

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

    Excellent doctor I loved it.

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

    Eager to help with my concerns about being able to play the organ in church

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

    As I have noted previously, Dr. Thomas V. Johnson is outstanding. Thoughtful, kind, an enormously gifted physician. Johns Hopkins is fortunate to have him! They better treasure him as much as I do!!

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

    Seems highly competent.

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

    Very good

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

    Dr. Johnson is an excellent physician who takes time to speak with his patient and advise treatment treatments moving forward. I feel fortunate to have him as my glaucoma specialist.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/14/2026

    Dr. Johnson us the cat's meow, the bee's knees!He is an extremely competent and caring physician!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/14/2026

    Excellent doctor.

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

    Suberb doctor and surgeon.

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

    Personable yet professional

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

    Dr. Johnson is highly noted for his professionalism , he's a great doctor. And I can understand clearly his advice. He operated on both of my eyes,one at a time. Cataracts, Glaucoma and stint in my eye. Everything went well!!

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

    Dr. Johnson is wonderful

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

    Very knowledgeable, on-time for appointments, easy to talk with during visit and very focus on delivering the best care for my Illness.

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

    Great visit with thorough instructions for eye care.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 1/2/2026

    Very good A1 plus

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/19/2025

    Dr Johnson was timely informative and listened to me and explained answers well.The assistant or tech who checked my eyes was polite listened and did his job well. The woman at the desk was professional when greeting me walking In and scheduling my appt as I left.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/19/2025

    Excellent

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/19/2025

    Very professional, organized and efficient.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/19/2025

    He does a great job

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 12/19/2025

    Extremely knowledgeable, very caring and helpful.

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

    Very pleasant , reassuring, personable ,and caring!

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

    Dr Johnson continues to provide GREAT treatment for my gloucoma

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

    Cares about his patients. Answers all questions. Is a great doctor.

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

    Great doctor

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

    Top notch. Have full confidence. Very approachable. Excellent provider.

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

    Dr. Johnson exudes contagious confidence.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/21/2025

    Excellent!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/21/2025

    Dr. Johnson is always easy to talk to and always answers your questions/concerns. He exudes confidence and is reassuring in his glaucoma treatment plan. Dr. Johnson personally comes into the waiting area to bring you back to his office - impressive!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/21/2025

    Excellence. I feel lucky to be in his care

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/14/2025

    He is truthful.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 11/14/2025

    Excellent services, Very professional

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

    Excellent doctor.

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

    Saved my vision and I will be forever thankful

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/24/2025

    Efficient but personal, in a good way.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/24/2025

    Dr. Thomas Johnson is very professional n concerned about your health

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

    Dr. Johnson is an excellent Dr.

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

    Easy to understand, good listener

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

    Dr. Johnson is a excellent physician

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/3/2025

    Dr. Johnson is caring and brilliant. I feel safe in his hands.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/3/2025

    Excellent

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 10/3/2025

    This was my 6 month visit for my eyes. It went fairly well.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/26/2025

    Very good

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/19/2025

    Outstanding diagnosis and recommended treatment to eliminate of a thin membrane behind the lens of the left eye

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 9/19/2025

    I have 100 percent confidence in my Doctor Thomas Johnson. He is an extraordinary person for his profession.

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

    Dr Johnson is very kind, knowledgeable and professional.

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

    Dr. Johnson very knowledgeable, patience caring professional. Expert in his field. Feel very comfortable and I can trust everything I'm told and addressed all my concerns, makes me feel at ease.

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

    The doctor is obviously brilliant as well as having a great ability to discuss and explain issues to his patients

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

    Dr Johnson is excellent.

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

    Excellent

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

    Outstanding job in preparing for and replacing left eye lens and a pressure reducing valve (stent)

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

    I greatly appreciate Dr. Johnson's knowledge, care, timely response to questions (my chart), and overall help in managing and coping with a chronic eye disease. I am thankful for him.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/29/2025

    Great provider

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/22/2025

    I'm very lucky to have Dr. Johnson as my doctor / surgeon.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/15/2025

    Great ! Knowledgeable, concerned, responsive

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/15/2025

    He very good

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/1/2025

    Totally professional, knowledgeable and personable. He is ""the one"" to go to for my glucoma issues! I trust him and his advice.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/1/2025

    He is an excellent physician and gentleman.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 8/1/2025

    Very knowledgeable, and concise, while explaining my situation with clarity and understanding.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/25/2025

    Professional, compassion

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/25/2025

    Caring and very informative from Dr. Johnson. His resident was unsure of test results.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/25/2025

    Provider is consistently very respectful, knowledgeable and shows interest in my care and outcomes.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/18/2025

    Excellent

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/18/2025

    He do a good job.

    4 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 7/18/2025

    Dr. Johnson is outstanding. The only area of ""improvement"" I wish could be implemented is to have more of his time. However, given the pressures the systems puts on physicians/ophthalmologists like him to see SO MANY patients, I don't see more time as being possible. He's great. The system overall needs work...

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

    I truly trust Dr. Johnson with my care and well being ... He is awesome...

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

    Caring doctor

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

    Quality care.

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

    Dr johnson is spectacular fantastic a treasurr to johns jopkins

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

    Very satisfied with my provider.

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

    Better visit. No unnecessary wait times like 1/25.

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

    Excellent

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

    Knowledgeable, compassionate, wonderful physician..feel privileged to be under his care!

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

    Professional, knowledgeable, warm and friendly.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 6/12/2025

    Excellent

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

    Great doctor very professional and personable when needed.

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

    Professional and caring

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

    Dr. Thomas Johnson is excellent - he quite literally saved my eyes - that had been misdiagnosed by a non-Hopkins clinic & providers

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

    Excellent doctor

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

    Excellent!

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

    Dr Johnson Is always very professional and attentive . He is through and listens to any and all concerns.

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

    Dr Johnson is wonderful and my visit was very good!!!

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

    Dr Johnson is an excellent provider and provided care that kept me from losing my vision. I am extremely grateful.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/25/2025

    Dr. Johnson is an exceptionally thorough doctor who really takes the time to understand your concerns. What impressed me most was their ability to not just diagnose the problem, but to also find practical and effective solutions. I left feeling heard and with a clear path forward. I highly recommend Dr. Johnson!

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/25/2025

    Very efficient kind helpful and supportive of my needs.

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/25/2025

    The doctor is very concerned about your health

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/18/2025

    Entire experience was great

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/18/2025

    Big fan of Dr Johnson. So glad I asked if to do my cataract surgery

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/18/2025

    I appreciate Dr. Johnson's knowledge and thoroughness. I especially want to point out the professionalism and help provided by nurses [staff] and [staff].

    5 out of 5 stars
    Reviewed on 4/18/2025

    Great visit