Dr. Rajiv Luthra, MD

Media Releases

Get to know Ophthalmologist Dr. Rajiv Luthra, who serves patients in Washington, D.C.

An experienced ophthalmologist & cornea and external diseases specialist, Dr. Luthra is the Founder of Columbia Eye Associates in Washington, D.C.

He has extensive experience in performing cataract surgery (including the use of specialized intraocular lenses for correcting astigmatism and presbyopia), corneal transplant surgery, pterygium surgery and LASIK surgery. He is experienced in performing diabetic eye exams, monitoring of patients with macular degeneration and routine eye exams. In addition, he is proficient in glaucoma management, contact lens fittings, and a variety of advanced laser procedures for the eye.

Columbia Eye Associates has been serving the community in and around Washington, D.C. for over 25 years. Its goal is to provide its patients with the highest quality eye care that will improve their vision and afford them complete spectacle independence after cataract and LASIK surgeries.

Alongside his private practice, Dr. Luthra is on the faculty of the Georgetown University School of Medicine. He previously served on the faculty of The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, and at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at the University of Miami, both of which have been ranked as premier eye institutes by the U.S. News and World Report.

Regarding his educational background, he graduated from The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine with highest honors. He completed an internship and residency in ophthalmology at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, where he also served as Chief Resident. Dr. Luthra followed this up with a research fellowship in ophthalmic epidemiology at The Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins, and a clinical fellowship in cornea and refractive surgery at Louisiana State University under the direction of world-renowned cornea specialist, Herbert Kaufman, MD.

As a testament of his continued education, the doctor is board-certified in ophthalmology by the American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO). The ABO is an independent, nonprofit organization responsible for certifying ophthalmologists in the United States. 

A Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Dr. Luthra was elected as the President of the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Ophthalmological Society (WDCMOS) in 2019. It represents over 150 ophthalmologists in the greater Washington D.C. area.

Ophthalmology is a branch of medicine and surgery, which deals with the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders. Ophthalmologists are experts in the diseases, functions, and anatomy of the eye. They may provide routine care such as vision testing, as well as prescribe and fit eyeglasses or contact lenses. However, ophthalmologists are also surgeons. They repair traumatic injuries to the eye and perform cataract and corneal surgery.

Among his various accolades, Dr. Luthra has received the “America’s Top Ophthalmologist” in “Cataract, Cornea and Refractive Surgery” by Consumer Research Council of America (2007-2015), Compassionate Physician’s Award from Healthgrades (2010), Award for “Outstanding Patient Satisfaction” (2002), Compassionate Doctor Recognition (2011), On-Time Doctor Award (2014), and the First Prize “Michigan Ophthalmological Society” (1998).

Recommended Articles

• Eye Twitching: Causes and How to Stop It

  What is eye twitching?While it may seem like a normal experience of the eye, eye twitching could become irritating and could be a cause for concern when it persists for a long period of time and with higher frequency. In medical terms, eye twitching is known as blepharospasm, which is defined as an...

• How Long Will I Not Be Able to See After Undergoing Blepharoplasty?

  Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery as it's commonly known, is performed to correct droopy upper and/or lower eyelids and under-eye bags. The surgery may be performed for functional or medical reasons. Functional blepharoplasty corrects problems related to upper eyelids that sag or droop enough to...

• Which Doctors Treat Diabetes?

  There are many healthcare providers who can diagnose and treat diabetes. While most people may see a primary care doctor if they start having symptoms of diabetes, other physicians and specialists can also help monitor the condition.Doctors who treat diabetesThe following are doctors and specialists...

• Diagnosing Cataracts: What You Need To Know

  What are cataracts?When the lens located inside the human eye gets cloudy, it is called a cataract. A cataract in Latin means waterfall, thus describing what your vision with cataract is like; seeing through a waterfall. A cataract occurs as a result of the inability of the lens to allow sufficient...

• How Is Sarcoidosis Diagnosed?

  What is sarcoidosis?Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease, which is characterized by the growth of granulomas or tiny collections of inflammatory cells in various parts of the body. When the immune system is slowed down and when these numerous clumps form, they tend to interfere with the organ’s...

• How to Get Rid of a Stye: 17 Home Remedies and Treatments

  What is a stye?A stye occurs when a particular strain of bacteria affects the oil gland of the eyelid. It becomes infected and causes inflammation, redness, as well as pain on the eyelid and its surrounding tissues. A stye is an inflamed swelling or circumscribed abscess. It can be treated with...