Yuzuru Sasamoto, MD, PhD

M.D. Osaka University Medical School, Osaka, Japan
Ph.D. Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
Residency, Osaka University Hospital, Osaka, Japan
Instructor, Harvard Medical School
Assistant Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University

Memberships: Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), Japan Ophthalmology Society

Yuzuru Sasamoto received his MD from Osaka University Medical School in Japan in 2006. After completing his medical training in ophthalmology, he received a PhD from Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine in 2016. He joined the Frank lab at Harvard in 2016, opened his own lab at Boston University in 2022, and moved to the University of Washington in 2025.

UW Medicine - Vision Science Center

Location:

South Lake Union
750 Republican Street, Bldg. E
Seattle, WA 98109

Mailing Address:

Vision Science Center
Box 358058
750 Republican Street
Seattle, WA 98109

Dr. Sasamoto studies corneal regeneration using techniques such as direct reprogramming, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and limbal progenitor cells. He is currently working on the comprehensive characterization of ocular surface epithelium from conjunctiva to cornea. Ultimately, the group’s focus is on the discovery of new therapies that could benefit those who are affected by corneal disease.

2016 Diploma with Honors (Top 10 of PhD graduates), Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine

2016 Alcon Novartis Hida Memorial Award, Alcon Japan Ltd

2020 Department of Medicine’s (DOM) Research Performance Incentive Program (RPIP), Brigham and Women’s Hospital