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Jason A. Sokol, MD, Luther L. and Ardis Fry Professor and Chairman

Jason Sokol portrait
Professor, Ophthalmology

Department Chair, Ophthalmology

Professional Background

Dr. Sokol received a Distinction in Research Medical Degree in 2004 from Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, New York, where he also completed his medical internship in 2005. He did his ophthalmology residency at the Albert Einstein School of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center in Bronx, New York and an oculofacial plastic and orbital surgery fellowship at the University of Louisville, Kentucky Lions Eye Center in Louisville, Kentucky. He joined KU Eye/Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Kansas in August 2010 as an Assistant Professor. He was promoted to Associate Professor in 2016 and again promoted in July 2020 to full Professor. He was selected as Interim Chair in January 2023 and named Chairman and the Luther L. and Ardis Fry Professor in February 2024. He has been selected to Super Doctors - Ophthalmology, Castle Connolly and 435 Magazine Top Doctors, as well as Best Doctors. He received The Visionary Award from the University of Kansas School of Medicine in 2020.

Education and Training
  • BA, History, Columbia University, New York, NY
  • BA, Talmud, Jewish Theological Seminary of America , New York, NY
  • MD, Distinction in Research, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY
  • Internship, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY
  • Residency, Ophthalmology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine/Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY
  • Clinical Fellowship, Oculofacial Plastic and Orbital Surgery, University of Louisville, Kentucky Lions Eye Center, Louisville, KY
Licensure, Accreditations & Certifications
  • American Board of Ophthalmology Certification, American Board of Ophthalmology
  • Certification, American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
  • Medical License, Kansas Board of Healing Arts
  • Medical License, Missouri State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts
  • Medical License, State of Wisconin
Professional Affiliations
  • American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Member, 2017 - Present
  • American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Fellow, 2017 - Present
  • American Board of Ophthalmology, Member, 2010 - Present
  • American Medical Association, Member, 2010 - Present
  • Kansas City Society of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology, Member, 2010 - Present
  • American Academy of Ophthalmology, Member, 2005 - Present
  • American Academy of Ophthalmology, Fellow, 2005 - Present

Research

Overview

My specialty is Oculofacial Plastic and Orbital Surgery. I perform between 40-70 surgical cases per month, treating a wide range of problems from simple lid malposition to complex orbital tumors and orbital surgery for Graves’ disease. To become a member, I completed the rigorous application process to join the prestigious American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS). This included documenting one year’s worth of case logs totaling approximately 1000 procedures. Once the application was accepted by their board, I had to submit an original thesis (titled- cytokines profiles in the clinical subtypes of Ophthalmic Graves' Disease) and pass an oral and written board examination.
After graduating with distinction in research from medical school, I continued to pursue research throughout my training and career.
This process was done for not only my own Professional growth, but also to help our department, our residents and KU at large gain national awareness for being linked to this elite society. To join ASOPRS was an elective academic goal and was by no means mandatory.
After years of productivity academically, I continue to strive to not only increase my clinical research and publications, at a higher rate following my last promotion application. I am very proud that I maintain a busy patient care specialty practice while keeping up with my scholarly activity. This production Is demonstrated by the 35 peer review published papers, 24 paper presentations at National meetings, 28 papers at local and regional meetings, 55 posters at national meetings, 9 posters at local and regional meetings and 3 book chapters. Additionally, I routinely review articles for 12 peer review journals. I have also participated as a moderator and course instructor at national meetings.
I have continued to participate in multiple committees, teach courses at National meetings and review papers for multiple peer review journals. I enjoy mentoring students and residents in research projects.

Current Research and Grants
  • Oculoplastic Intervention for Endophthalmitis, University of Kansas Department of Ophthalmology, PI
  • Post-Mohs Reconstruction Outcomes study , University of Kansas, PI
  • Use of Locking Forceps in Posterior Ptosis Surgery , University of Kansas, Department of Ophthalmology, PI
  • Use of Telemedicine in Oculoplastic Practice, University of Kansas School of Medicine, PI