After a long and distinguished career with the Department of Ophthalmology, Dr. Andrew Eller, MD, decided to retire effective end of June 2025.
“Throughout his tenure, he has been instrumental in advancing our Department’s mission, educating residents and fellows, and making significant contributions to our academic objectives,” Department Chair Dr. José-Alain Sahel wrote in an email to colleagues. “Fortunately, Dr. Eller will continue to be available to the Department through his casual affiliation with UPP. We will continue to benefit from his wisdom and knowledge of medical and surgical retina, as well as his deeply rooted understanding of the regional and national landscape.”
Dr. Eller was educated at Pennsylvania State University and obtained his medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine, formerly Hahnemann Medical College. He completed his residency in ophthalmology at Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia, and obtained fellowship training in vitreoretinal diseases with the Retina Associates, Eye Research Institute of Retina Foundation, and Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary.
Following his training, Dr. Eller joined the full-time faculty in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in 1985 as an assistant professor. Over the past nearly 40 years, he has risen through the academic ranks to professor. He was also Division Chief, Retina and Vitreous Services, Director of Ocular Trauma, Director of Outreach and Business Development, and Retina Fellowship Director.
Additionally, Dr. Eller is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and has served as an associate oral board examiner for more than 20 years. He is a member of The Retina Society and the American Society of Retinal Specialists.
Dr. Eller has taught and mentored numerous medical students, residents, and fellows, and has been honored with various teaching awards. He has authored or co-authored over 70 papers in peer-reviewed literature and has served as a reviewer for multiple ophthalmic journals. In addition to his teaching and providing clinical care, he has served in numerous organizations, including the Pittsburgh Ophthalmology Society, and as a board member of the Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology (PAO). He represented the PAO on the Council of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and served a term on the Secretariat of State Affairs of the AAO.
Dr. Joseph Martel, MD, Vice Chair, Patient Experience and Access and Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, will assume the role of Retina Division Chief and Fellowship Director effective July 1, 2025. Dr. Eller will remain for the next year to co-lead the division with Dr. Martel and assist in transitioning him fully into the role.
“Dr. Martel has been a dedicated and productive member of the Retina Division, demonstrating excellent organizational skills, strong engagement in research and education, and strengthening the ties to the Department’s clinical trials and academic missions,” Dr. Sahel wrote. “Please join me in congratulating both Dr. Eller and Dr. Martel as they embark on the next chapters of their illustrious careers.”