About

Mark Draelos is a researcher at the intersection of medical robotics, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and computer vision, with a particular focus on advancing precision in ophthalmic microsurgery. His most influential work centers on integrating OCT imaging with robotic systems to overcome the fundamental limitations of human dexterity and perception in delicate eye procedures. His 2020 paper on reinforcement learning from demonstration for OCT-guided robotic ophthalmic microsurgery (74 citations) established a compelling framework for automating surgical tool control at micrometer scales, while his series of contributions on deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) — spanning cooperative robotic assist devices, guided needle insertion, and data-driven control models — demonstrate a sustained commitment to making one of ophthalmology's most technically demanding corneal transplantation procedures safer and more reproducible. Draelos has also pioneered contactless, robotically-aligned OCT scanners capable of imaging freestanding individuals (53 citations), significantly expanding the accessibility of clinical eye imaging. With over 270 cumulative citations and contributions ranging from real-time FMCW 3D imaging to surgical teleoperation, his work represents a cohesive and impactful research vision: bringing intelligent robotic systems and advanced imaging together to transform the standard of ophthalmic care.

Research Focus

Key Achievements

11
H-Index
29
Papers
365
Total Citations
13
Avg Citations/Paper
🏆 Most Cited Paper
Optical Coherence Tomography-Guided Robotic Ophthalmic Microsurgery via Reinforcement Learning from Demonstration
74 citations · 2020
📈 Most Prolific Year: 2025 (6 Papers)
🤝 Key Collaborators: 55
🏛 Institutions: Duke University, North Carolina State University, University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, Duke Medical Center, University of Mary

Top Papers

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Key Collaborators

Contact & Links

Available for collaboration
Content generated · 15 days ago