Jonathan Myers MD Honored as Inaugural Recipient of Benefactors Circle Endowed Chair in Glaucoma
PHILADELPHIA, June 8, 2026 – At a special dedication ceremony on Friday, June 5, 2026, Wills Eye Hospital celebrated a $2.5 million endowment supported by grateful patients for its Glaucoma Service, establishing the Benefactors Circle Endowed Chair in Glaucoma. The most prestigious hallmark of stature in academia, endowed chairs are a centuries-old tradition at renowned institutions, providing dedicated financial support for eminent physicians and researchers through philanthropic donations. The non-profit specialty eye hospital honored Jonathan S. Myers, MD, Chief of the Wills Eye Hospital Glaucoma Service, as the inaugural recipient of the Benefactors Circle Endowed Chair in Glaucoma. This investiture was made possible through the generosity of lead gifts from Patrick and Patty Burke, John and Helen Conway, Michael Fux and Gloria Rubin, and Mary Graham.
The Wills Eye Glaucoma Service was established in 1963, quickly becoming a hub for clinical and translational research under the leadership of its inaugural chief, world-renowned glaucoma expert George L. Spaeth, MD, followed by L. Jay Katz, MD, who served as director from 2006 to 2018. Notable service milestones include the American introduction of laser procedures in glaucoma, the development of the Spaeth Gonioscopy Grading System, leadership in key clinical trials such as the Glaucoma Laser Trial, Advanced Intervention Study, and the Collaborative Initial Glaucoma Treatment Study, Philadelphia Telemedicine Glaucoma Detection follow up study, and validation and popularization of micro-bypass stents developed in partnership with Glaukos Corporation.
Today, under Dr. Myers’ governance, the service is home to nearly two dozen glaucoma specialists seeing thousands of patients annually and continuing to pioneer new treatments, pursue groundbreaking explorations of ophthalmic medicines in clinical trials, and train future physicians all while providing exceptional patient care. The Benefactors Circle Endowed Chair will support Wills Eye Hospital’s ability to recruit and retain top scholars and educators, further innovation opportunities for physicians and researchers, and ensure the Glaucoma Service remains a world-class leader.
“Dr. Myers’ leadership, scholarship, and patient-centered care embody the very best of our institution. Through his clinical excellence, mentorship, research, and teaching, Dr. Myers has helped elevate our Glaucoma Service as a global leader in vision care and innovation. It is my pleasure to join with the Wills Eye community in celebrating this well-deserved, prestigious honor,” said Julia A. Haller, MD, Chief Executive Officer and Ophthalmologist-in-Chief at Wills Eye Hospital. “The Benefactors Circle Endowed Chair will provide permanent support to our Glaucoma Service leaders as its experts continue to pioneer sight-saving therapies and train the next generation of ophthalmologists.”
A nationally recognized expert in glaucoma care, Dr. Myers has been an integral part of Wills Eye since his arrival as a resident some 30 years ago. Through meticulous research and dedicated education, he has led and contributed to numerous surgical trials and multi-center studies exploring innovative glaucoma therapies. Dr. Myers has published extensively on the diagnosis and management of glaucoma and is active in advancing clinical research into its causes and treatments. He earned his undergraduate degree from Princeton University, his medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania, completed his residency at Wills Eye Hospital, and pursued glaucoma fellowship training at Duke University Eye Center.
“Wills Eye is a wonderful place to work and to learn and do so alongside the industry’s best and brightest. I am humbled by this recognition and grateful for the support and generosity of our donors who made the Benefactors Circle Endowed Chair possible,” said Dr. Myers. “The investment made here will have a long-lasting impact on advancing science, training professionals, and elevating patient care throughout our organization. It is an honor to be working with this team to help secure the future of innovation and leadership in glaucoma care.”
This academic chair will complement others at Wills Eye, including The William Tasman, MD Endowed Chair held by Dr. Haller, Brady-Shields Endowed Chair in Ocular Oncology held by Carol L. Shields, MD, Peter and Ruth Laibson Cornea Service Chief Endowed Chair held by Christopher J. Rapuano, MD, Kenneth L. Roper Endowed Chair held by Joel S. Schuman, MD, FACS, Robison D. Harley, MD Endowed Chair held by Kammi Gunton, MD, and Larry A. Donoso Endowed Chair held by Jose Pulido, MD, MS, MBA, MPH..
About Wills Eye Hospital
Wills Eye Hospital is dedicated to the preservation and restoration of vision. As a trusted leader in ophthalmology, the clinical skill and innovative research of top-ranked, compassionate physicians combined with state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment facilities make Philadelphia a global destination for eye care. As an independent specialty hospital, with four regional surgical centers, Wills Eye serves as a comprehensive center for ophthalmology focused on patient care, research, and education. Founded in 1832 through a bequest by Quaker merchant James Wills and registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Wills Eye Hospital has consistently earned top national ranking on U.S. News & World Report’s annual “Best Hospitals” survey.