Kira Yuching Lin
Houston,USA
Summary
Ophthalmology resident with a robust background in research, clinical skills, and hands-on surgical training. Strong foundation in patient care, advanced surgical techniques, and medical leadership. Committed to advancing ophthalmologic care through continuous learning and innovative research in the field of Ophthalmology and Cornea.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Researcher
University of Texas Health Science Center
Houston, Texas
06.2023 - Current
- Developed several IRB protocol and designed several retrospective research study including statistical analysis, interpret results, manuscript writing.
- Conducted literature reviews and synthesized research to identify gaps in knowledge for several key projects:
- Prevalence and Surgical Intervention of Eyelid Malposition Following Glaucoma Surgery: A Retrospective Analysis Using the SOURCE Database
- Comparing the Accuracy of Nine IOL Power Calculation Formulas in Cataract Surgery
- Pterygium Recurrence at MMH and LBJ hospital
- Outcomes of Tissue Adhesives for Corneal Perforations
Research Fellow
Dept. of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, Maryland
06.2021 - 06.2022
- My role, with mentoring from the Principal Investigator, includes responsibility for all aspects of original investigations from protocol development, to preparation of IRB materials, to design of case report forms, recruiting study participants, collecting and analyzing data, and writing and presenting the research.
- In addition, my role includes assisting and continuing projects initiated, but not yet completed, by previous research fellows and medical students.
- Projects include the following primary role and collaborative secondary roles:
- Primary role: Patient preference values for anti-VEGF therapy to prevent vision threatening complications in diabetic retinopathy.
- Secondary role (assist mentor and former medical student): Enroll participants at Johns Hopkins University for a study on peripheral visual field loss in severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy and coordinate with 3 to 4 other centers working on the project within a subcontract for the study; analyze data; assist with reporting of results.
- Secondary role (assist mentor and current medical student): Characteristics of pathologic myopia in patients in an US academic retina clinic that self-identify as being of African descent compared with other patients with pathologic myopia, with specific reference to development of choroidal neovascularization.
- Secondary role (assist mentor and former research fellow): Test feasibility and eventually validate home monitoring of visual acuity through phone apps.
Research Assistant
Dept. of Ophthalmology, Montefiore Medical Center
Bronx, New York
06.2021 - 12.2021
- Studying Neovascular Glaucoma in urban populations of the Bronx; case series assessing medical and surgical intervention effects on overall outcomes that include IOP, VA, and single surgical anatomical success rates. Co-authoring a manuscript in preparation.
Leader and Cofounder
The Bronx PPE Team
Bronx, NY
04.2020 - 06.2020
- Served to source, create, and distribute PPE (personal protective equipment) and other supplies to service frontline healthcare workers and our hospitals in the Bronx community addressing the CODIV-19 pandemic.
- Established relationships with various hospital administrations and organizations in order to obtain a better PPE need assessment to further distribute PPE.
- Collaborated with various PPE donor individuals and organizations and other medical student organizations in NYC.
- Organized and coordinated volunteer efforts in collecting and delivering PPE donations.
- Our donations have gone to hospitals throughout the Bronx including Montefiore, Jacobi, Calvary, St. Barnabas, Bronx Care, and Lincoln hospital and other organizations including NY Harm Reduction Educators and Homeless Outreach programs.
- We have thus far donated approximately 30,000 surgical masks, 4500 N95 masks, 7000 KN95 masks, 3000 DIY surgical masks, 600+ cloth masks, 3500 face shields, 20,000 gloves, 300 gowns, intubation boxes, and more.
Finalist
Weill Cornell Medicine
Manhattan, NY
02.2020 - 02.2020
AI MedTech Health Hackathon
- Finalist: February 7-9 2020, Weill Cornell Medicine, NY
- Project: NYSee – Technology that helps the visually impaired people to have a goal-oriented navigation in GPS/internet inaccessible places, such as underground, the NYC subway system. • Used artificial intelligence and machine learning to develop an algorithm that recognizes specific objects, texts, and targets, including subway lines and directions, to help navigate the visually challenged people via haptic feedback.
Research Assistant
Dept. of Ophthalmology, Jacobi Medical Center (NYC Health & Hospitals)
Bronx, New York
11.2019 - 01.2021
- Investigated shaken baby syndrome and its neurological and ocular manifestations. My role includes working with the previous residents who worked on this project, literature review, and chart review. First author manuscript submission.
Case Competitor
Yale School of Management
New Haven, CT
02.2019 - 02.2019
• 4th Annual Yale Healthcare Case Competition, Participant. Feb 23, 2019, Yale School of Management, CT
• Project: Precision Oncogenomics: Transforming genetic data into real-life results. Investigated and generated solutions for a hypothetical challenging problem at the intersection of technology and healthcare: reducing medical errors with the integration of a precision medicine software into an academic medical center.
• Along with my partner, presented our case solution proposal for a biotech pharmaceutical company’s case addressing a diverse array of questions ranging from ethics, finance, strategy, change management, and operations.
Research Assistant
Dept. of Ophthalmology, Montefiore Medical Center
Bronx, New York
02.2018 - 01.2021
- Project 1: Investigated the diabetic retinopathy population and their comorbidities between the Bronx and Burma. I am responsible for EPIC data extraction and analysis, working with the statistician for subject randomization and sampling, poster creation and presentation.
- Project 2: Investigating the validity of a new AI algorithm (France) for diabetic retinopathy screening via retinal images collected and read by the reading center in Mexico. We are comparing the French algorithm with other currently validated algorithms from the UK, Chile, and India. My role includes literature review, working with the physicians in Mexico, and editing the manuscript for publication.
Research Assistant
Dept. of Human Science, Georgetown University
Washington, DC
05.2014 - 05.2017
- Investigated and characterized the effects of a promising anti-cancer drug, strigolactone, at a molecular and tissue level in MDA231 and U2OS cancer cells; and in an animal model level — zebrafish xenotransplantation experiment (partnering with PI: Dr. Eric Glasgow).
- My role included using the following techniques: tissue cell culture, western blot analysis, gel electrophoresis, Zeiss fluorescent microscopy, cell viability/apoptosis assays, metaphase spread, transfection, DNA purification, RNA interference, zebrafish breeding, embryo collection and implantation, and xenotransplantation experiment.
Research Assistant
Memory Disorders Program, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
Washington, DC
09.2013 - 10.2014
- Investigated the neural bases of Alzheimer’s Disease using a combination of behavioral, neuroimaging, and genetic testing techniques.
- My role included subject recruiting and screening, conducting cognitive and neuropsychological evaluations including MMSE, MoCa, and ADAS-Cog, genetic testing, and fMRI scanning.
Research Assistant
Dept. of Neuroscience, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
Washington, DC
09.2013 - 05.2014
- Investigated how robotic devices can apply as physical therapy to restore walking after a spinal cord injury in rats. I assisted in handling animals, collecting data, and processing data using Cat Walk.
Education
Ophthalmology Residency -
The University of Texas Health Science Center At Houston
Houston, TX06-2026
Doctor of Medicine (MD) -
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Bronx, NY05-2022
B.S. - Human Science
Georgetown University
Washington, DC05-2017
International Baccalaureate Diploma -
Horizon International School
Yangon, Myanmar05-2013
Skills
- Adaptability
- Leadership
- Fast learner
- Effective communication
- Ability to work in a team
- Ability to work under pressure
- Clinical research design
- Surgical precision
- Ophthalmologic treatments
Certification
- Medical Spanish
- CPR
- First Aid
- EMT (Nationally Registered)
Publications and Presentations
Lin K, Chuang A, Feldman R, McCulley T, Chen Y, On behalf of the Source Database. Retrospective analysis of eyelid changes after glaucoma surgery using the SOURCE database. World Glaucoma Congress, Honolulu, Hawaii. June 2025. (Poster)
Lin K, Chuang A, Feldman R, McCulley T, Chen Y, On behalf of the Source Database. Prevalence and Surgical Intervention of Eyelid Malposition Following Glaucoma Surgery: A Retrospective Analysis Using the SOURCE Database. American Ophthalmology Society (AOS), Naples, Florida, USA. May 2025. (Poster)
Lin K, Kheirkhah A. Limbal Stem Cell Transplantation in Graft-Versus-Host Disease. 2025 ASCRS ASOA Annual Meeting, Film Submission, New Producer/Young Physician. (Film)
Lin K, Adesina O. Novel Surgical Technique: Frontal Muscle Flap Advancement for Myogenic and Neurogenic Ptosis. North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society NANOS 2024. (Poster)
Lin K, Chen Y, Feldman R, McCulley T et al (2025). Eyelid Malposition after Glaucoma Surgery. University of Texas Health Sciences Center Resident Research Day, Houston, Texas (Oral, Presented by Lin K).
Lin K, Kheirkahh A. (2025) Ocular Surface and Cataract Cross Roads #Graftandfurious.. Guest Lecture Julie Schallhorn. Houston Ophthalmology Society. Grand Rounds, Houston, Texas (Oral, Presented by Lin K).
Lin K, Khan SS, et al. 'Characteristics and associations of ocular and non-ocular manifestations of shaken baby syndrome.' Child's Nervous System, 2024. (Paper)
Lin K, Feldman R. (2025) The Flow: Aqueous Misdirection. University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Glaucoma Case Conference, Houston, Texas (Oral, Presented by Lin K).
Lin K, Shah R. (2025) Glaucoma surgeries and refractive outcomes and tools. Cizik Guest Lectures, Elliott Howard Myrowitz. University of Texas Health Sciences Center Neuroophthalmology Journal Club, Houston, Texas (Oral, Presented by Lin K).
Lin K, Kheirkhah A et al. (2024) Surgical complications of DMEK and comparison of different gases for anterior chamber tamponade in DMEK. University of Texas Health Sciences Center Morbidity and Mortality (M&M) Case Conference, Houston, Texas (Oral, Presented by Lin K).
Lin K, Adesina O et al. (2024) Are the Results of the Optic Neuritis Treatment Trial Still Valid?. University of Texas Health Sciences Center Neuroophthalmology Journal Club, Houston, Texas (Oral, Presented by Lin K).
Lin K, Ghergherechi L. (2024) Anterior uveitis and Langerhans cell histiocytosis in pediatrics. University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Pediatrics Case Conference, Houston, Texas (Oral, Presented by Lin K).
Lin K, Dahr S. (2024) Birdshot chorioretinopathy. University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Retina Case Conference, Houston, Texas (Oral, Presented by Lin K).
Lin K, Kheirkhah A (2024). Overgrowth and Regrowth: Pterygium Recurrence in Houston. University of Texas Health Sciences Center Resident Research Day, Houston, Texas (Oral, Presented by Lin K).
Lin K, Kim S. (2023) Advances in Conreal Neovascularization Treatment and Mitomycin Intravascular Chemoembolization (MICE) Study. University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Cornea Case Conference, Houston, Texas (Oral, Presented by Lin K).
Lin K, Adesina O. (2023) Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON). University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Neuro-ophthalmology Case Conference, Houston, Texas (Oral, Presented by Lin K).
Lin K, Nanegrungsunk O, Normand G, Bressler SB, Kang Y, Bressler NM. Comparison of VA using Near and Distance ETDRS Charts while Monitoring VA at Home in nAMD and DME Participants. The American Society of Retina Specialists, ASRS 2023. (Poster)
Lin Kira, Castiblanco Claudia. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) uveitis, Uveitis, EyeLecture, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, April 2021. (Lecture)
Lin Kira, Castiblanco Claudia. Ocular syphilis, Uveitis, EyeLecture, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, May 2021. (Lecture)
Lin Kira, Castiblanco Claudia. Uveitis related to sarcoidosis, Uveitis, EyeLecture, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, May 2021. (Lecture)
Lin Kira, Rosenberg Jamie. Clinical tests for binocular function, Pediatrics, EyeLecture, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, April 2020. (Lecture)
Lin K, Schlensinger M, Shrivastava A, Rubaltelli D, Klein R. Diabetic Retinopathy in the Bronx and Myanmar: A Comparison Study. CAMS 56th Annual Scientific Conference: Is 100 the New 70? Opportunities & Advances in Caring for the Aging Patient, Manhattan, New York, November 02, 2019. (Poster)
Lin K, Schlensinger, Shrivastava A, Rubaltelli D, Klein R. Diabetic Retinopathy in the Bronx and Myanmar: A Comparison Study. ARVO 2019 Conference Vancouver, Canada, April 28-May 02, 2019. (Poster)
Lin K, Grivas C, Yarden R et al. 'Strigolactone analogs disrupt microtubule dynamics.'
Lin Kira, Rosenberg Jamie. Sensory physiology and pathology, EyeLecture, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, April 2020
Lin K, Grivas C, Boru E, Dayani Y, Berens E, Glasgow E, Yarden R. Utilizing zebrafish to study the anti-cancer effects of Strigolactone in triple negative breast cancer cells. AACR 108th Annual Meeting 2017; Washington, DC. (Poster)
Lin K, Yaron D, Üren A, Yarden R. The search for protein targets of the anticancer agent, strigolactone in human cancer cells. Human Science Research Day, Georgetown University, March 2017. (Poster)
Lin K, Grivas C, Dayani Y, Glasgow E, Yarden R. Anti-cancer agent, Strigolactone exhibiting anti-metastatic properties in triple negative breast cancer cells. Undergraduate Research Conference, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, 2017. (Poster)
Lin K, Yaron D, Glasgow E,Yarden R. Using zebrafish as a model to study the effects of strigolactone, a promising anticancer drug. Undergraduate Research Conference, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, 2016. (Poster)
Lin K, Karki N, Glasgow E, Yarden R.The in vivo assay of invasive behavior of cancer cells and effects of anti-cancer drugs in zebrafish embryos, Georgetown University, MS Biotechnology Dept, Conference, 2016.
Lin K, Wang VS, Pollock C, Yarden R et al. The characterization of the effects of the strigolactones on the heat shock response. AACR 106th Annual Meeting 2015; Philadelphia, PA. (Poster)
Lin K, Wang VS, Pollock CB, Yarden R. Strigolactone analogue-induced reactive oxygen species activate pro-survival responses in cancer cells prior to apoptosis. Sigma Xi Regional Conference, Washington, D.C., Oct 2015. (Poster)
Lin K, Wang VS, Pollock CB, Yarden R. Strigolactone analogue-induced reactive oxygen species activate pro-survival responses in cancer cells prior to apoptosis. Undergraduate Research Conference, Georgetown University, Washington, D.C., 2015. (Poster)
Lin K, Neckel ND, A Oni-Eseleh, B Bregman et al. Novel robotic gait training patterns enhance recovery of overground locomotion following spinal cord injury in rats. 15th International Symposium on Neural Regeneration, Pacific Grove, CA, Dec 2013. (Poster)
Professional Memberships
- American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2022-Present
- Houston Ophthalmology Society, 2023-Present
- Texas Ophthalmology Association, 2025-Present
- American Medical Student Association, 2018-2023
- Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society, 2015-2022
- Chinese American Medical Society, 2018-2022
Additional Interests
- Traveling
- Hiking
- Photography, Videography, Editing Videos
- Cooking and Dessert Making and Enjoying Food
- Dance
- Painting and DIY Art Projects
- Volunteer work with humanitarian relief programs and non-profit organizations.
Volunteer Experience
- TzuChi Foundation (Non-profit organization), Taiwan, Myanmar, Houston, 2008-present
- Social Media Chair, Houston Ophthalmology Women HOW, 2023-2025 (Chair), 2025-2026 (Coordinator)
- Ophthalmology Lecturer, UTH Houston McGovern Medical School Medical Student Lectures, 2023-present
- Eye Lecture Assistant, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 2020-2021
- Einstein COVID-19 Response Volunteering, 03/2020-08/2020, Worked to help manufacture DIY surgical masks and face shields while maintaining proper sanitization and social distancing.
- Telehealth/Telemedicine Volunteer, 2020, Worked with attendings on-site at CHCC and CFCC clinics in the Bronx to facilitate telemedicine appointments and continuity of care during this COVID-19 pandemic.
- OHS COVID-19 Hotline Volunteer, 2020, Volunteered at the OHS COVID-19 Hotline at Montefiore to help answer phone calls from Montefiore employees about potential or confirmed COVID-19 infection.
- NYC Subway Summit Series Leader Volunteer, 2020, Served as one of the student leader representatives from various medical schools in New York to lead a videoconference for other medical students nationwide.
- ICM Teaching Assistant, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 2020-2021
- New York Marathon Road Runners, Manhattan, New York, Medical Volunteer, 2019.
Conferences
- The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, ARVO, 2023
- American Society of Retina Specialists, ASRS, 2023
- North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society, NANOS, 2024
- American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Mid-Year Forum, 2025
- American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) Annual Meeting, 2025
- The American Society of Ophthalmic Trauma, 2025
- American Ophthalmological Society AOS, 2025
- World Glaucoma Congress, 2025
Affiliations
The American Society of Ophthalmic Trauma (ASOT) Trauma Wet Lab – Trauma Surgery Techniques April 2025
- Oculoplastics wet lab: Enucleation, Orbital decompression, Marginal laceration, Canthotomy & Cantholysis
- Retina: Pars planar vitrectomy
- Cataracts: ACIOL placement, Yamane technique, Anterior vitrectomy, Zeiss MICOR extractor Lens Removal Device
- Open Globe Repair: Cornea laceration, Scleral laceration
American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) Cornea Skills Lab April 2025:
- YES STL-2 Phaco
- YES STL-5 Hands on Yamane
- YES STL-8 MIGS (Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery)
- YES STL-10 DMEK/DSAEK
UTH Wet Lab 2023-2026:
- Phacoemulsification
- Procedural/MIGS/Retina
- Globe suturing and Cornea
- Oculoplastic Procedures
Bausch + Lomb Surgical Mentor Resident Program, Denver, Colorado, August 16-17, 2024
J&J Ophthalmic Resident Symposium, Irvine, Ca, April 11-12, 2025
Accomplishments
- Texas Ophthalmology Association Legislative Education Scholarship, 2025
- Einstein Research Fellowship Award, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 2021-2022
- Einstein-CUNY Summer 2020 Virtual COVID-19 Design Challenge, Pitch Winner, 2020
- AI MedTech Health Hackathon, Finalist, Weill Cornell Medicine, 2020
- Georgetown University, Magna Cum Laude, 2017
- Undergraduate Research Conference Co-Chair, Georgetown University, 2016
- Sigma Xi: The Scientific Research Honor Society, Associate Member, 2015
- Valedictorian, Horizon International School, Myanmar, 2013
- International Junior Science Olympiad, Bronze Medal, Nigeria, Azerbaijan, 2009-2010
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Mandarin
Native/ Bilingual
Burmese
Professional
Spanish
Limited
Taiwanese
Limited
Korean
Elementary
Japanese
Elementary
Timeline
Researcher
University of Texas Health Science Center
06.2023 - Current
Research Fellow
Dept. of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University
06.2021 - 06.2022
Research Assistant
Dept. of Ophthalmology, Montefiore Medical Center
06.2021 - 12.2021
Leader and Cofounder
The Bronx PPE Team
04.2020 - 06.2020
Finalist
Weill Cornell Medicine
02.2020 - 02.2020
Research Assistant
Dept. of Ophthalmology, Jacobi Medical Center (NYC Health & Hospitals)
11.2019 - 01.2021
Case Competitor
Yale School of Management
02.2019 - 02.2019
Research Assistant
Dept. of Ophthalmology, Montefiore Medical Center
02.2018 - 01.2021
Research Assistant
Dept. of Human Science, Georgetown University
05.2014 - 05.2017
Research Assistant
Memory Disorders Program, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
09.2013 - 10.2014
Research Assistant
Dept. of Neuroscience, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
09.2013 - 05.2014
Ophthalmology Residency -
The University of Texas Health Science Center At Houston
Doctor of Medicine (MD) -
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
B.S. - Human Science
Georgetown University
International Baccalaureate Diploma -
Horizon International School
Similar Profiles
Pierre FweloPierre Fwelo
Research associate and program manager at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Center of Health PromotionResearch associate and program manager at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Center of Health Promotion
Anitra B. CampbellAnitra B. Campbell
Certified Medical Assistant at University of Texas Health Science CenterCertified Medical Assistant at University of Texas Health Science Center
Ruben VasquezRuben Vasquez
Laboratory Research Assistant at University of Texas Health Science CenterLaboratory Research Assistant at University of Texas Health Science Center
Qyauna Carter-JonesQyauna Carter-Jones
Detention Officer at Harris County Sheriff OfficeDetention Officer at Harris County Sheriff Office
Jelisa HudgenJelisa Hudgen
Senior Patient Access Representative, OB/GYN Call Center at UT PhysiciansSenior Patient Access Representative, OB/GYN Call Center at UT Physicians