Zujaja Tauqeer, MD, DPhil

As a retina surgeon and ophthalmologist at Cincinnati Children’s, I am dedicated to helping infants, children, and families facing complex eye conditions that affect the retina—the part of the eye responsible for creating images. My expertise includes diagnosing and performing surgery, laser treatments, and gene therapy for a wide range of retinal diseases, from those affecting premature babies (such as retinopathy of prematurity) to inherited retinal disorders like retinitis pigmentosa, retinoschisis, Coats disease and Stargardt disease. I also care for children with inflammatory eye diseases (uveitis) and complications from severe nearsightedness (myopia).

My approach to care is shaped by the unique spirit of our ophthalmology team. We believe in excellent multidisciplinary care, shared decision-making with families and building world-class expertise in sight-threatening conditions. I don’t believe in the idea that “there’s nothing more that can be done”—there is always something we can do to help children see better, navigate their world more confidently, and work toward ending blindness in the future. I feel privileged to work alongside an all-star team of pediatric ophthalmologists and subspecialists, all committed to providing the very best care and advancing the field for children everywhere.

My journey into pediatric retina care began during my ophthalmology residency, when I encountered children with rare retinal conditions who had nowhere to turn for specialized help. That experience made it clear to me how underserved this specialty of pediatric retina was, and I resolved never to be in a position where I couldn’t help a child simply because I lacked the right training. For me, retinal surgery is the last line of defense to save vision, and I am honored to be able to treat both common and rare diseases that many other surgeons may never see.

I completed my doctorate in the History of Medicine as a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford, earned my medical degree from Harvard Medical School with a merit scholarship, and trained in ophthalmology at the University of Pennsylvania and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. My advanced training in adult and pediatric vitreoretinal surgery was at Associated Retinal Consultants/Beaumont Hospital in Michigan, where I learned from pioneers in the field of retina surgery. I am also a nationally selected Heed Fellow, one of the most prestigious honors in ophthalmic patient care and education.

Outside of work, I enjoy traveling—a passion rooted in my experience as an immigrant who has lived in several countries and states. Exploring new places and cultures helps me stay curious and connected, both as a physician and as a person.