Pediatric Strabismus
Adult Strabismus & Double Vision
Thyroid Eye Disease
Nystagmus
Rajesh C. Rao, MD
Expert in Pediatric & Complex Adult Strabismus & Double Vision
About Dr. Rao
Rajesh Rao, MD is a board-certified, fellowship-trained pediatric ophthalmologist and adult strabismus specialist with nearly three decades of experience caring for children and adults with eye conditions.
Dr. Rao has particular expertise in pediatric and adult strabismus (eye misalignment), including complex forms of strabismus and double vision. His fellowship training at the University of Wisconsin included both pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus, and strabismus has remained an important focus throughout his clinical, surgical, teaching, and research career.
Dr. Rao serves as President of Children’s Eye Care and Chief of Pediatric Ophthalmology at William Beaumont Hospital. He is also actively involved in medical education and the training of future ophthalmologists.
Areas of Clinical Expertise
- Pediatric Strabismus (Eye Misalignment) – evaluation and medical or surgical treatment of eye misalignment in children
- Adult Strabismus & Double Vision – evaluation and surgical treatment of eye misalignment and related double vision in adults
- Complex Strabismus – evaluation and surgical treatment of more complicated forms of eye misalignment, including patients who have undergone previous eye surgery
- Nystagmus – evaluation and treatment of involuntary eye movements, including cases associated with abnormal head positioning
Academic & Hospital Leadership
Dr. Rao has served as Chief of Pediatric Ophthalmology at William Beaumont Hospital since 2013 and is a Professor of Ophthalmology at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine. He also holds an academic appointment at Wayne State University.
Throughout his career, Dr. Rao has been involved in educating ophthalmology residents, physicians, and other eye care professionals. His teaching has covered pediatric ophthalmology, strabismus, double vision, nystagmus, ROP, and pediatric vision screening.
He received the Resident Teaching Award at William Beaumont Hospital in recognition of his contributions to physician education.
Research & Publications
Dr. Rao has been involved in pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus research throughout his career and is a member of the Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group (PEDIG).
His published research includes work on pediatric and adult strabismus, complex strabismus surgery, amblyopia, ROP, pediatric eye disease, and ocular trauma. His longstanding work in strabismus has examined topics ranging from intermittent exotropia and complex eye muscle surgery to double vision and abnormal head positioning.
Dr. Rao has also contributed to the American Academy of Pediatrics Textbook of Pediatric Care and has presented his research and clinical work at national and regional ophthalmology meetings.
Professional Leadership & Recognition
Dr. Rao is a member of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, American Academy of Ophthalmology, Michigan Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons, American Medical Association, and Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group.
His academic honors include Alpha Omega Alpha, graduation with distinction from the University of Michigan Medical School, the Michigan Eye Bank Research Award, and the Resident Teaching Award from William Beaumont Hospital.
Education & Advanced Training
Dr. Rao completed specialized fellowship training in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus at the University of Wisconsin after completing his ophthalmology residency at UCLA’s Jules Stein Eye Institute.
He earned both his medical degree and undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society.
