Dr. Julio Echegoyen, MD, PhD

Educational Background & Professional Training

Dr. Echegoyen’s training pathway reflects his commitment to both clinical excellence and scientific advancement:

Medical Education & PhD

Dr. Echegoyen earned his medical degree from the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine as part of the prestigious Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP). He also completed a PhD in Biological Sciences from UC Irvine (2008), with dissertation research focused on endocannabinoid modulation of neuroplasticity following head trauma. This dual MD/PhD background provides him with deep scientific knowledge that informs his clinical decision-making and research contributions.

Academic Honors:

• Postbaccalaureate Research Fellowship, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN (1999)
• Medical Scientist Training Program, UC Irvine (2001)
• Outstanding Service Award, UCI School of Medicine (2001, 2006)
• Sigma Xi Research Honor Society, Inducted (2008)
• Graduation from UCI School of Medicine with Distinction in Research (2010)

Ophthalmology Residency

Dr. Echegoyen completed his ophthalmology residency at the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute at UC Irvine (2011-2014), one of the nation’s leading academic ophthalmology programs. During his residency, he developed expertise in comprehensive ophthalmology, including anterior segment surgery, posterior segment disease, and neuro-ophthalmology.

Corneal & Refractive Surgery Fellowship

Following residency, Dr. Echegoyen completed a specialized fellowship in corneal, external disease, and refractive surgery at the Shiley Eye Center at UC San Diego (2014-2015). This advanced training provided him with expertise in complex corneal cases, refractive surgical techniques, and cutting-edge anterior segment procedures. His fellowship mentors included leading corneal specialists, and he collaborated on research projects evaluating advanced surgical techniques and outcomes.

Board Certifications, Credentials & Professional Information

Board Certifications:

• American Board of Ophthalmology (Certified, 2018)
• Board-Certified in Cataract, Corneal and Anterior Segment Surgery

Professional Memberships:

• American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) — Member since 2011
• American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ASCRS) — Member since 2013
• San Diego Eye Bank — Elected Board Member (2019-present)

Hospital & Surgical Affiliations:

• Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute, La Jolla, San Diego
• Scripps Mercy Hospital, San Diego
• Jennifer Moreno VA Medical Center, San Diego

Research Leadership & Clinical Contributions

Beyond his clinical practice, Dr. Echegoyen is an active researcher and thought leader in ophthalmology. His contributions to the field include:

Peer-Reviewed Publications & Academic Contributions

Dr. Echegoyen has authored and co-authored numerous peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters on topics including corneal surgery, orbital trauma, ocular surface disease, and neurotrophic keratitis. His publications appear in respected journals and medical textbooks, contributing to the evidence base for advanced surgical techniques.

Selected Publications:

• Echegoyen J, Neu A, Graber KD, Soltesz I. “Homeostatic plasticity studied using in vivo hippocampal activity-blockade: synaptic scaling, intrinsic plasticity and age-dependence.” PLoS ONE. 2007 Aug 8.
• Echegoyen J, Armstrong C, Morgan R, Soltesz I. “Single application of a CB1 receptor antagonist rapidly following head injury prevents long-term hyperexcitability in a rat model.” Epilepsy Research. 2009 Jul;85(1):123-7.
• Echegoyen J, Hirabayashi KE, Lin KY, Tao JP. “Imaging of eyelid lymphatic drainage.” Saudi Journal of Ophthalmology. 2011 Oct;26(4):441–443.
• Hirabayashi KE, Echegoyen J, Wang E, Yoon S, Tao J. “Bilateral Dacryocystocele in a Pregnant Woman.” Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2014 May-Jun;30(3).

Book Chapters:

• Echegoyen J, Wachter B, Tao J. “Excisional Biopsy,” “Incisional Biopsy,” “Full Thickness Biopsy,” and “Mohs’ Surgery.” Encyclopedia of Ophthalmology. Springer.
• Echegoyen J, Joseph J, Tao J. “Ectropion Repair,” “Enucleation,” and “Ocular Trauma.” Ophthalmic Microsurgery: Principle, Techniques, & Applications. SLACK Publishing, 2015.

Clinical Trial Leadership

Dr. Echegoyen serves as a principal investigator for multiple clinical trials evaluating emerging treatments and technologies:

• Ilux vs. Lipiflow Trial (2019-2020): A randomized controlled trial comparing thermal pulsation devices for meibomian gland dysfunction. Trial concluded; data presented at ASCRS 2021.
• DEFENDO Trial (2020-Present): A Dompe-sponsored trial evaluating recombinant nerve growth factor (Oxervate) for neurotrophic keratitis treatment.
• Alcon IIT Study (2020-Present): Research evaluating the efficiency of the Active Sentry handpiece for the Centurion cataract system. Awarded $55,000 in research funding (May 2020). Study demonstrates improved efficiency in total ultrasound time, total fluid volume used, and total case time.
• Claris Bio Study (2020-Present): A multi-center, randomized, double-masked trial assessing CSB-001 for neurotrophic keratitis treatment.
• Mankind Pharma Study (2021-Present): A randomized, double-masked bioequivalence study comparing bimatoprost ophthalmic solutions for chronic open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

Research Grants & Funding

Dr. Echegoyen has successfully secured research funding from major ophthalmology companies and organizations:

• Alcon IIT Proposal #57285809: $55,000 awarded (May 2020) for research on improved efficiency in cataract surgery using advanced phacoemulsification technology
• American Orthopedic Society North America: $4,000 awarded (February 2011) for research on orbital wall implants and their effects on orbital and ocular pressure

Conference Presentations & Thought Leadership

Dr. Echegoyen regularly presents his research at national ophthalmology conferences, including:

• American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ASCRS) Annual Meeting: “Decreased Total Ultrasound Time and Surgical Time with Active Sentry™ Hand Piece on the Centurion™ Cataract System” (2020)
• Society for Neuroscience: Multiple presentations on synaptic plasticity and post-traumatic hyperexcitability (2005, 2008)
• American Epilepsy Society: Presentations on CB1 receptor antagonists and post-traumatic limbic hyperexcitability (2007, 2008)