Robert B. Bhisitkul

MD PhD

Ophthalmologist
Vitreoretinal surgeon

Dr. Robert Bhisitkul is an ophthalmologist and retina specialist who provides medical and laser treatment for macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and other retinal diseases. He also performs surgery on macular hole and macular pucker (conditions that cause blurred or distorted vision), retinal detachment and complications of diabetic eye disease.

Bhisitkul recruits patients to participate in UCSF clinical trials on novel therapies for macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, and also for studies on long-term outcomes for treatments such as surgically implantable devices that deliver medication. He also conducts research on retinal disease mechanisms and surgical innovations. With the USCF Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, he is collaborating on a project to develop a bioengineered polymer device for ocular drug delivery.

Bhisitkul earned his medical degree at Stanford University School of Medicine and his doctoral degree in neurosciences at Yale University. He completed a residency in ophthalmology and a vitreoretinal fellowship at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts Eye and Ear.

Bhisitkul has received the Achievement Award of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He has published more than 60 papers in clinical and scientific journals. He serves on the editorial board of American Journal of Ophthalmology Case Reports and has served as associate editor of the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

Bhisitkul is an associate examiner for the American Board of Ophthalmology and has served on the exam committee of Kuwait's ophthalmology board.

  • Education

    Yale University, PhD, Neurosciences, 1992

    Stanford University School of Medicine, 1993

  • Residencies

    Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Ophthalmology, 1996

  • Fellowships

    Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Vitreoretinal Fellowship, 1998

  • Board Certifications

    Ophthalmology, American Board of Ophthalmology

  • Academic Title

    Professor

Conditions I specialize in

Clinics I work with

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Retina and Vitreous Clinic

Wayne and Gladys Valley Center for Vision

See all three of our Bay Area locations.

(415) 353-2020

My reviews

4.5

Overall Experience
365 Ratings
About our process
Jan 31, 2023
Their protocol for patients are excellent
Jan 31, 2023
The end result of the consultation was that nothing needed to be done.
Jan 26, 2023
Dr. Was so busy talking to another intern he barely spoke to me. Did not explain things clearly Dismissed me without even saying goodby.
Jan 21, 2023
The shot in my left eye was given almost immediately after the numbing was administered and the shot was very painful.
Jan 16, 2023
Provider explained what to expect before and after the procedure
Jan 14, 2023
Near painless eye shot best I've ever had; real skill.
Jan 05, 2023
They are good sometimes
Dec 26, 2022
Not once was I asked or advised with only my right eye working Do you drive a car or other vehcile? Or advised not to operate a vehicleIn my condition or for how to get about or for how long. I guess that's okay if you have a self-driving Tesla car or a chauffeur. : o There's a world outside of the doctor's exam room to deal with even if it's transportation on public transportation or how to get groceries.
Dec 09, 2022
I am very satisfied with my care.
Dec 01, 2022
He showed no interest in my questions or historywas only concerned about computer results. He had no time for me no suggestions or advice and no diagnosis.
Dec 01, 2022
Dr Bhisitkul is terrific - super knowledgeable cares and truly listens to his patients. Thank you Doctor!
Dec 01, 2022
Didn't spend too much time explaining!Referring Me to discuss my situation to my ophthalmologist
Nov 29, 2022
Dr Bhisitkul is the best
Nov 24, 2022
The care provider was very friendly and caring
Nov 24, 2022
They were all very friendly and knowledgeable
Nov 14, 2022
Hope next time I'll get more time to discuss my problem.
Nov 08, 2022
If there were an even higher rating for Dr Bhistikul I would rate him even higher
Oct 27, 2022
Always very good
Oct 18, 2022
As a person receiving AMD shots for the first time I expected to be given after-care instructions and information about dangerous side effects to watch out for. I was given the shot the doctor left the room after telling me when to schedule my next shot. His after visit summary indicated that he had discussed possible infection etc. He did not.
Oct 12, 2022
He is amazing
Oct 06, 2022
Excellent care by care providers. However problems with phone scheduling and previous instances of over-booking (which isn't the responsibility of the care provider) makes me unlikely to refer this practice to others.
Sep 29, 2022
I mentioned the injection eye types and their cost. The provider said he doesn't know anything about insurance. One inject tore costs about the other over . A doc should be aware of this.
Sep 27, 2022
Examined wrong eye! Clearly did not look at my chart Did not know what I was referring to regarding my last visits. Kept cutting me off and not letting me finish a sentence when I was trying to convey a very serious concern. Rude condensing and arrogant.
Sep 24, 2022
The resident is very knowledgeable.
Sep 22, 2022
This Doctor was so careful about making sure I was not in pain before the procedure I appreciate it very much
Sep 21, 2022
Dr. Bhisitkul is the consummate excellently-trained medical professional plus friendly kind helpful sincere and gracious.
Aug 25, 2022
In prior visits he applauded the Mexican doctor saying I was getting the right care. We had Such good service from him we were surprised that this time he left me with the opinion that we should quit bothering him. He says information is better if only one provider. He heard that Medicare doesn't cover Mexico and sometimes I'm in the US but that didn't change his opinion (which he repeated three times).
Aug 23, 2022
I was just a number to Dr. I am a stroke victim. I got more attention from one of his students than him!!!
Aug 18, 2022
So happy I came to UCSF.
Aug 16, 2022
Created a very supportive knowledgeable environment
Aug 13, 2022
He is an asset to UCSF
Aug 02, 2022
Would not address my questions just told me to go back to person I saw before....I came to UCSF hoping someone would answer my questions and very disappointed did not even want to hear my questions....wished I had not come...wast of my time money and energy....left more confused then ever....Resident and others treated me better then the MD obvious he was friends with my previous MD and just wanted me to go back to him....almost felt go away you are waiting my time...I tried to ask my question and he replied it will never never happen any questions go back to other MD....left me feeling like he just wanted me to leave...left feeling rejected and not valued as a person let alone patient
Jul 28, 2022
Physican was rude arrogant and abusive. He cut off any conversation or information about care. His treatment of my eye inflamed it and caused great pain.
Jul 23, 2022
Feel like I was rushed at the physician evalution stage.
Jul 21, 2022
Dr. Bhisitkul you the very best!
Jul 21, 2022
Thank you Dr. Bhisitkul & team! I feel so lucky to be a patient here at UCSF Ophthalmology!
Jul 19, 2022
Overall I have a pleasant experience on my visit to clinic.
Jul 14, 2022
The after visit notes are hard to understand due to undefined terms and acronyms.
Jun 09, 2022
Dr. Robert Bhisitkul is amazing!
Jun 02, 2022
Excellent provider.
Jun 02, 2022
Very satisfied
May 26, 2022
The Dr is always in a rush He said there are two options I could have but never said I could make an appointment to discuss themDoes he have someone who does this for him? Who knows its been wham bam thank you mam Don't let the door hit you on the way out for months. Not enough people to take time for the people they take care of.
Apr 26, 2022
I wanted to explain something to the doctor but when I said the sentence "my insurance" he interrupted me saying "leave me out of your insurance". What I wanted to explain the doctor why I was there I needed to mention that my insurance changed. Very likely the doctor thought that I was went to UCSF for a second opinion but I was not I explained that I would not go back to see my previous ophthalmologist.
Apr 26, 2022
This doc rocks!
Apr 21, 2022
Dr. Bhisitkul is excellent! He diagnosed & fixed my problem!
Apr 13, 2022
All great
Apr 13, 2022
This was a big improvement. I am aware the situation with my eye has been challenging. But this time. Im finally beginning to feel my concerns and frustrations are being intently listened to
Apr 12, 2022
Insightful clearly a voice of experience listened to my questions and addressed all of them. Exceptional ophthalmologist.
Apr 01, 2022
Bad
Mar 25, 2022
UCSF Ophthalmology is top notch & I am so grateful to receive my care there.Thanks again Dr. Bhisitkul you are the best!
Mar 17, 2022
Bad experience.
Mar 10, 2022
Dr Bhisitkul was very cautious about my condition on a medical level. But as an employee of UCSF I needed more long term information about when/if I can return to work. I did not get clear answers until I had to send emails to all my surgeons post visit pressing them to answer my questions so I could forward the info to HR
Mar 04, 2022
Dr Robert Bhisitkul is the most outstanding care provider I have ever had. He sets the gold standard that other clinicians should be judged by.
Mar 03, 2022
He spoke with his intern used acronyms I don't understand and never really addressed me or my husband. He didn't answer my questions.
Mar 03, 2022
Dr Bhisitkul has been amazing! I first saw him in October 2019 when I had developed a blinding infection in one eye. He and his team were wonderful and I am so appreciative.
Feb 16, 2022
The MD was abrupt. It's OK that there is no treatment for my condition but an extra minute or so of empathy would have cost him nothing.
Feb 15, 2022
Excellent
Dec 31, 2021
This provider is nice knowledgeable but on a time schedule and things run like an assembly line there is really no time allowed for asking questions and having them answered. Get in get your shot move along. They have forgotten they are taking care of people sometimes.
Dec 28, 2021
Dr. B consistently provides top of the line care - a class act every time.
Dec 09, 2021
I usually see specialist retina doctor at CPMC once a year and had surgery once in the past 6 years but due to problems of my Insurance I have to see doctor at UCSF.The resident doctor who examined my eye was hurting my eye and it was very painful.The doctor did not describe why I had suddenly visions problems only said to come back when It gets more seriously like black curtain In visions He doesn't need to see me because my retina Is not detached (yet) As a patient how do I know If my retina detached or not and if I don't have concerns why I would need to see doctor.I have sudden visions change with flash light I have to do more research on computer the doctor didn't care enough to explain the sudden change and how to taking care. I felt like the doctors should be more thoughtful like the doctor at CPMC and care more since eyes are the most important for us to concern and well taking care.
Dec 07, 2021
I am very grateful to have been seen by Dr. Bhisitkul who said "I'm you're eye doctor."Thankful he is the specialist I need.
Dec 02, 2021
Very satisfied
Nov 02, 2021
Most of the appointment time was spent with the resident physician who was excellent in explaining the findings on the scan.
Oct 24, 2021
The female resident that saw my Mom was very rude when we inquired about a new prescription for glasses. She just said they don't do it. She didn't bother to introduce herself either. Her bedside manner was horrendous especially since my Mom had been at the clinic for nearly 2 hours doing tests and at her age isn't easy to get around. She spent at most 5-10 minutes talking to my Mom and another older doctor only came in to check and order the tests. All of the assistants that did the initial exam and tests were exceptionally nice. They were wonderful. This female resident however needs more work on her bedside manner and learn to treat patients with more respect. She needs to be told of her rude behavior and is making your training program come under an ugly light if you are letting trainees get away with this kind of behavior.
Oct 05, 2021
Resident doctor did most of the work to check on me review data.
Sep 30, 2021
Not bad.
Sep 28, 2021
First time visit with this doctor everyone was great
Sep 19, 2021
Have a good experience with this provider
Sep 19, 2021
No complaints about opthamology dept. I am complaining about your nephrology receptionist that won't entertain any appt.In the past I was able to make spot for my hip replacement dr without a referral . I only had to wsit a few months to get an appt now it's impossible .
Aug 24, 2021
Very happy with medical care received
Jul 27, 2021
No issue
May 15, 2021
I don't believe the side effects of treatment were explained well enough
May 14, 2021
I wish he wasn't so hurried. I will seehim again in 3 months with the rest of my questions.
Apr 19, 2021
The primary physician was competent and performed the examination swiftly. The resident or intern who saw me before the Dr. did an eye exam that was extremely painful pressing on the eye with an instrument and did not seem to be aware of how much pain this was causing. When the Dr came in and performed the same examination of pressing on the eye it was tolerable and without pain. It is my feeling that the resident or assistant needs much more training with regards to how she exams patients.

Selected research

Decorative Caduceus

Extension Study for the Port Delivery System With Ranibizumab (Portal)

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