Dr. Kirill Zaslavsky MD, PhD, FRCSC, DRCPSC
Vitreoretinal Surgeon
Saint Mary’s General Hospital/WRHN @ Queen’s Blvd
About
Dr. Zaslavsky completed fellowship training in vitreoretinal surgery at the University of British Columbia and in inherited retinal degenerations at Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Harvard Medical School. His clinical practice will encompass the medical and surgical management of retinal disease, with additional expertise in inherited retinal conditions.
His research has shown that genetic variants linked to inherited retinal degenerations cause disease less often than previously thought. This work suggests that additional genetic or environmental factors may help determine whether disease develops. His broader research interests include retinal imaging, gene therapy, and the use of artificial intelligence to convert clinical records into research-ready data.
Prior to fellowship, Dr. Zaslavsky completed ophthalmology residency at the University of Toronto, where he received the Woywitka Cup for the highest academic standing over five years of residency and the Hurwitz–Vaile Award for excellence in ophthalmic surgery, compassionate patient care, and mentorship. He previously completed the University of Toronto’s combined MD/PhD program. His doctoral research focused on gene editing in human stem-cell-derived neurons and was recognized with the Ankle Award for Innovation Excellence.
He has contributed to 50 academic publications, including first-author work in Nature Neuroscience, Ophthalmology, Stroke, Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, and the American Journal of Human Genetics.
Dr. Zaslavsky is pleased to return to Ontario and contribute to the continued growth of the vitreoretinal surgery program at Waterloo Region Health Network. He looks forward to caring for patients throughout the region, supporting the education and mentorship of medical trainees, and developing collaborations at the intersection of medicine, engineering, and entrepreneurship
Clinical Interests
Surgical Retina: retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, vitreous hemorrhage, macular hole, epiretinal membrane, vitreomacular traction, lens complications and secondary intraocular lenses, complex cataracts, ocular trauma, and more
Medical Retina: Retinal lasers, intravitreal injections, inherited retinal diseases, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinal artery/vein occlusions, central serous chorioretinopathy, choroidal tumors, intermediate and posterior uveitis, and more
Degree Qualification
DRCPSC Surgical Retinal Fellowship, University of British Columbia
Inherited Retinal Degenerations Fellowship, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School
FRCSC Ophthalmology, University of Toronto
PhD, University of Toronto
MD, University of Toronto
H.BSc, University of Toronto
Research Interests
Large language models for converting clinical documents to research-ready data.
Impact of natural genetic variation on retinal health and disease
Retinal imaging
Language
English
Russian