Education

SUNY Downstate Ophthalmology Residency (2026)
- Chief Resident 2025-2026
South Brooklyn Health Transitional Year Residency (2023)
Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University (2022)
- Doctor of Medicine
- USMLE Step 1: 245
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2017)
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Molecular & Cellular Biology Minor

Awards/Honors

Diversity in Medicine Visiting Elective Scholars Program Scholarship (2021)

Awarded by the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Long School of Medicine to qualified students of underrepresented backgrounds in medicine who attend a visiting elective at the institution.

Presidential Access Achievement Scholarship (2013 - 2017)

Awarded to students in historically underrepresented groups who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Presidential Access Achievement Certificate of Excellence (2013 - 2017)

Recipient of the Presidential Access Achievement Certificate of Excellence each semester at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Research Experience

Retina Associates of Cleveland Inc. David G. Miller, M.D. (2020 - Present)

Multiple projects, including: investigation of the presence and symptoms regarding silicone oil droplets following intravitreal bevacizumab injections using BD and Norm-Ject syringes; Migration of dexamethasone containing implant to the anterior chamber in patients with scleral sutured intraocular lenses; and endophthalmitis rates in association with patient facemask usage during the COVID-19 pandemic and complications of intravitreal injections.

Oversaw medical student research projects and presented multiple projects at ARVO.

Cleveland Clinic Florida Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. Vani J. Sabesan, M.D. (2019 - 2021)

Multiple projects including: investigation of preoperative planning software for glenoid implants in total shoulder arthroplasty; review of social determinants, resource utilization, and cost analysis of physical therapy following shoulder surgery; innovative methods to achieve an opioid free postoperative course following shoulder arthroplasty; and evaluation of opioid risk assessment tools in postoperative patients.

Publications

Abizadeh, E Abizadeh, A; Lavi, A Berglas, E Musheyev, D; Shimshon, H Glatman, J Farahmandpour, N; Wilneff, M.; and Laudi J (2025) "Analyzing the Research Publications of Successful Ophthalmology Residency Matches in 2024: Trends, Impact, and Outcomes," Journal of Academic Ophthalmology: Vol. 17: Iss. 3, Article 9. September 2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.62199/2475-4757.1320
Zorc S, Wilneff M, Deutsch J Bilateral Pre-Papillary Vascular Loops in a Pediatric Patient. Fundus Photography and OCT. Photo and Abstract Accepted for Publication by the Digital Journal of Ophthalmology September 2025
Zorc S, Wilneff M, Shrier E, Horseshoe Tears after Traumatic Vitreous Detachment. Photo and Abstract Accepted for Publication by the Digital Journal of Ophthalmology February 2025
Zorc S, Wilneff M, Shrier E, Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy. Fundus Photography and Fluorescein Angiography. Photo and Abstract Accepted for Publication by the Digital Journal of Ophthalmology January 2025
Miller A, Wilneff M, Yazi A, Petrinec E, Carbone M, Miller C, Malik E, McCrossin C, Miller DG. Analysis of Urgent Follow Up Visits and Complications After Intravitreal Injections: A Retrospective Cohort Study. International Journal of Retina and Vitreous. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40942-021-00358-W January 2022
Miller CW, Wilneff M, Wuller A, Platt S, Schartman J, Lewis S, Rao L, Wuller S, Miller DG. Frequency and Symptoms of Intravitreal Silicone Oil Droplets Following Becton Dickinson and Norm-Ject Bevacizumab Injections. Ophthalmic Surgery, Lasers and Imaging Retina. 10.3928/23258160-20220124-03 August 2021.
Sabesan VJ, Lima DJL, Rudraraju RT, Wilneff M, Sheth B, Yawman J. Reliability and Accuracy of 3D Preoperative Planning Software for Glenoid Implants in Total Shoulder Arthroplasty, Seminars in Arthroplasty: Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. Volume 30, Issue 4 2020, Pages 375-382. September 2020

Ongoing Research

Shimshon H, Wilneff M, Siddique O, Laudi J. Analysis of Ophthalmological Clinical Reasoning Mapping Exercise (CResMe) In Medical Residents. Manuscript in Preparation. February 2026
Wilneff M, Zorc S, Muscente J, Mostafavi D. Bilateral Non-arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy Associated with Recent SGLT2 Inhibitor Use: A Case Report. Manuscript in Preparation. November 2026
Zorc S, Wilneff M, Deutsch J Ectopia Lentis in Marfan Syndrome. Photo and Abstract. Submitted to American Academy of Ophthalmology Educational Images. August 2021

Abstracts and Presentations

Wilneff, M., Wuller, S., Zorc, S., Miller, C., and Dean Sciulli, H. (2025). Endophthalmitis Rates Post 25g Vitrectomy Categorized by Procedure Type in a Large Retinal Practice from 2010-2024. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 66(8). doi:https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid 2805591 Presented at ARVO 2025. May 2025
Wuller, S., Wilneff, M., Miller, C., Zorc, S., and Sciulli, H. (2025). Surgeon Impact on Endophthalmitis Incidence Post Para Plana Vitrectomy. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 66(8). doi:https://arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2805591andresultClick=1 Presented at ARVO 2025. May 2025
Miller, C., Wuller, S., Wilneff, M., and Dean Sciulli, H. (2025). 14 Year History of Culture Results and Visual Outcomes in Endophthalmitis post 25-Gauge Vitrectomy Surgery. Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, 66(8). doi:https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2806458andresultClick=1 Presented at ARVO 2025. May 2025
Wilneff M, Miller A, Wuller S, Sciulli H; Trends in Anti-VEGF Intravitreal Injections over 4 Years in a Large Retinal Practice. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2024;65(7):3148. Presented at ARVO 2024. May 2024
Miller A, Wilneff M, Miller Z, Sciulli H; Five Year Trend in Intraocular Steroid Usage in a Large Retinal Practice. Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2024;65(7):809. Presented at ARVO 2024. May 2024
Wilneff M. Review of Keratoconus and Current Literature Review of Emerging Treatment Modalities. Oral Presentation to Eye Associates of Boca Raton P.A. July 2021
Grunhut J, Wilneff M, Chatha K, Sabesan J. Managing Recurrent Clavicle Nonunion and Construct Failure: A Case Report. Southern Orthopedic Association Annual Meeting. July 2021.
Grunhut J, Chatha K, Borroto WJ, Wilneff M, Gilot G, Sabesan VJ. Failure Liposomal Bupivacaine in Managing Pain Following Shoulder Surgery. Southern Orthopedic Association Annual Meeting. July 2021.
Miller DG, Wilneff M, Miller A, Miller C, Coney J. Retina Associates of Cleveland Internal Research: ARVO 2021, Retina Associates Summer Update. June 2021.
Wilneff M, Lukose K, Paloka R, Wuller S, Miller DG. Anterior Chamber Migration of Intravitreal Steroid Implants with Scleral-Fixated Intraocular Lens: A Case Report. Florida Medical Association David A. Paulus, MD Poster Symposium. June 2021.
Wilneff M, Paloka R, Wuller A, Wuller D, Miller CW, Wuller S, Miller DG. The Effect of Patient Facemask Usage on Post-Injection Endophthalmitis Among Intravitreally Injected Patients in Ohio from 2019-2020. The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology: Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science. May, 2021.
Wilneff M, Paloka R, Miller CW, Wuller A, Platt S, Schartman J, Lewis S, Rao L. Wuller S, Miller DG. Frequency and Symptoms of Intravitreal Silicone Oil Droplets following Becton Dickinson and Norm-Ject Bevacizumab Injections. American College of Physicians Florida Chapter Residents and Medical Students Spring 2021 Virtual Poster Competition. April, 2021.
Wilneff M, Paloka R Miller CW, Miller A, McCrossin C, Miller DG. Dexamethasone Intravitreal Implant Migration to Anterior Chamber in Patients with Sutured Intraocular Lenses. Society of Hospital Medicine Florida Summit RIV Virtual Competition. April, 2021.
Paloka R, Wilneff M, Wuller A, Wuller D, Miller C, Wuller S, Miller DG. The Effect of Patient Facemask Usage on Post-Injection Endophthalmitis Among Intravitreally Injected Patients in Ohio from 2019-2020. Society of Hospital Medicine Florida Summit RIV Virtual Competition. April, 2021.
Wilneff M, Paloka R, Miller CW, Miller A, McCrossin C, Miller DG. Ozurdex Migration to Anterior Chamber in Patients with Sutured Intraocular Lenses. Palm Beach County Medical Society 2021 Virtual Poster Showcase. April, 2021.
Wilneff M, Miller A, Yazi A, Petrinec E, Carbone M, Miller CW, Malik E, McCrossin C. Miller DG. Analysis of Urgent Follow Up Visits and Complications After Intravitreal Injections: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Palm Beach County Medical Society 2021 Virtual Poster Showcase. April, 2021.
Paloka R, Wilneff M, Miller CW, Wuller A, Platt S, Schartman J, Lewis S, Rao L, Wuller S, Miller DG. Frequency and Symptoms of Intravitreal Silicone Oil Droplets following Becton Dickinson and Norm-Ject Bevacizumab Injections. Palm Beach County Medical Society 2021 Virtual Poster Showcase. April, 2021.
Paloka R, Wilneff M, Wuller A, Wuller D, Miller C, Wuller S, Miller DG. The Effect of Patient Facemask Usage on Post-Injection Endophthalmitis Among Intravitreally Injected Patients in Ohio from 2019-2020. Palm Beach County Medical Society 2021 Virtual Poster Showcase. April, 2021.
Wilneff M, Paloka R, Miller CW, Wuller A, Platt S, Schartman J, Lewis S, Rao L, Wuller S, Miller DG. Frequency and Symptoms of Intravitreal Silicone Oil Droplets following Becton Dickinson and Norm-Ject Bevacizumab Injections. FAU Medical Campus Research Day. February, 2021.
Sabesan VJ, Drummond M, Dawoud M, Ohanisian L, Al-Mansoori A, Wilneff M, Martinez C, Stephens J. Determinants of Physical Therapy Utilization Following Shoulder Surgery: A Retrospective Review. Orthopedic Summit Evolving Techniques Annual Meeting. December, 2020.
Grunhut J, Borroto WJ, Wilneff M, Merriam J, Gilot G, Sabesan VJ. Failure of Liposomal Bupivacaine in Managing Postoperative Pain Following Shoulder Surgery. Orthopedic Summit Evolving Techniques Annual Meeting. December, 2020.
Grunhut J, Borroto WJ, Wilneff M, Merriam J, Gilot G, Sabesan VJ. Failure of Liposomal Bupivacaine in Managing Postoperative Pain Following Shoulder Surgery. American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Annual Meeting. October, 2020.
Malik E, Wilneff M, Petrinec E, Platt S, Novak M, Miller DG. Unexpected Poor Visual Acuity Outcomes Following Silicone Oil Tamponade of Retinal Detachments. The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology: Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science. June, 2020.
Sabesan VJ, Rudraraju RT, Drummond M, Ohanisian L, Borroto WJ, Lima DJL, Wilneff M, Chatha K. What is the Optimal Dilution of Liposomal Bupivacaine in Multimodal Pain Management for Shoulder Surgery? Mid America Orthopedic Association Annual Meeting. April, 2020.
Sabesan VJ, Lima DJL, Rudraraju RT, Wilneff M, Yawman J. Does Preoperative Planning Simulation Software Aid in Implant Positioning in Total Shoulder Arthroplasty? FAU Medical Campus Research Day. February, 2020.
Sabesan VJ, Al-Mansoori A, Dawoud M, Drummond M, Ohanisian L, Wilneff M, Chatha K. Resource Utilization and Cost Analysis of Physical Therapy After Shoulder Surgery. FAU Medical Campus Research Day. February, 2020.
McLaughlin J, Rabinowitz S, Wilneff M, Schmidt-Kastner R. Creating an Illustrated Guide for a Novel Brain Dissection Method. FAU Medical Campus Research Day. February, 2020.
Sabesan VJ, Drummond M, Dawoud M, Ohanisian L, Wilneff M, Al-Mansoori A. Resource Utilization and Cost Analysis of Physical Therapy Trends After Shoulder Surgery. Holy Cross Innovation and Technology Symposium. January, 2020.
Sabesan VJ, Chatha K, Koen S, Wilneff M, Gilot G. Innovative Methods to Achieve an Opioid Free Postoperative Course Following Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair. Holy Cross Innovation and Technology Symposium. January, 2020.
Drummond M, Merriam J, Dalton C, Sharan J, Seth B, Wilneff M. Gilot G, Sabesan VJ. Early Mobilization Rehab Protocol Impact on Pain Score and Opioid Consumption in Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty. Holy Cross Innovation and Technology Symposium. January, 2020.
Wilneff M, Sabesan VJ, Drummond M, Dawoud M, Ohanisian L, Al-Mansoori A. A Retrospective Review of Physical Therapy Utilization Between Private and Medicare Insurance Groups. Southern Orthopedic Association Annual Meeting, July 2019.

Grand Rounds and Academic Lectures

Wilneff M, Analyzing Research Publications of Ophthalmology Residency Matched Applicants in 2024, SUNY Downstate Academic Research Symposium, SUNY Downstate Medical Center | May 2025
Wilneff M, Academic Journal Presentation: Risk of Dementia in Glaucoma, Hypertension and Visual Field Progression, SUNY Downstate Medical Center | March 2025
Wilneff M, Peripheral Ulcerative Keratopathy, SUNY Downstate Ophthalmology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center | February 2025
Wilneff M, Bitemporal Hemianopsia, SUNY Downstate Ophthalmology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center | October 2024
Wilneff M, Pneumatic Retinopexy: Patient Selection and Surgical Technique, SUNY Downstate Ophthalmology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center | September 2024
Wilneff M, Coloboma, SUNY Downstate Ophthalmology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center | August 2024
Wilneff M, Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy and Fluorescein Angiography Interpretation, SUNY Downstate Ophthalmology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center | June 2024
Wilneff M, Anterior Chamber Intraocular Lenses: Selection and Complications, SUNY Downstate Ophthalmology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center | March 2024
Wilneff M, Bone Spicule Lesions: Differential Diagnosis and Pathophysiology, SUNY Downstate Ophthalmology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center | January 2024
Wilneff M, Posner Schlossman Syndrome, SUNY Downstate Ophthalmology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center | September 2023

Certifications

ACLS and BLS Certification (2025)
Medications for Addiction Treatment Certification Course by The American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry (2020)

Participated and received certification in the basic science and philosophy behind treatment for addiction and use of opioid medications in addiction treatment.
Advanced Clinical Ultrasound Experience Certification (2019)

Learned basic science and applied clinical skills in ultrasonography under the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at FAU Radiology Department. Accreditation in clinical ultrasound was beneficial in operating equipment, reading, and interpreting results in hospital rotations.

LEADERSHIP and Professional Associations

SUNY Downstate, Department of Ophthalmology

Instructor, Interdisciplinary Medical Education Collaborator | 10/2025–Current

Oversaw medical students and junior residents in the implementation of a validated Clinical Reasoning Mapping Exercise (CResMe) Module. This lecture series was presented to the SUNY Downstate Internal Medicine Program and Emergency Medicine program to improve clinical reasoning with common ocular findings, including "Red Eye"

Advanced Clinical Ultrasound Experience Tutor | 2019–2020

Tutored and instructed medical students in the ACLUE program. Instructed students on basic technique, knobology, basic science behind ultrasound equipment, and clinical findings.

Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at FAU Surgical Interest Group - Orthopedics Section

Chair | 2019–2020

Connected new medical students with clinical opportunities and research opportunities in the field of orthopedic surgery. Provided informal mentoring to new medical students seeking a career in orthopedic surgery and general surgery.

Jewish Association for Health and Medical Students at Florida Atlantic University

Treasurer | 2018–2020

Chosen from applicant pool consisting of class members. Worked within budget constraints to organize events aimed at engaging and teaching medical students about Jewish holidays and heritage. Organized weekly "lunch and learn" with the campus Rabbi. Lobbied and achieved an increase in funds from the FAU school board. Organized genetic screening of heritable genetic disease common to the Jewish population for FAU students and FAU medical students in conjunction with JScreen.

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Community Engagement Course

Project Leader | 2016–2017

Structured/coordinated the production of a film focusing on the oral histories of the residents of The Clark Lindsey Continuing Care Retirement Community

University of Illinois Boxing Club

Assistant Coach | 2015–2017

Coached groups of up to 60 students, teaching fundamental skills, technique, directed sparring sessions and workouts.

Sigma Alpha Mu Fraternity, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Vice-President; New Member Intramural Head Football Coach

Elected Vice-President from a group of nominated class members. Planned and executed finances, social and philanthropic events (Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, Cancer Wellness Center). Assigned responsibilities to board members. Assisted in the creation of the first formal in-house tutoring program.

Work and Volunteer Experiences

Palm Beach County Health Department

STD and Hepatitis Outreach Volunteer | 2019–2020

Assisted the PBC STD and Hepatitis Program in outreach to high-risk populations for STDs and hepatitis. Presented information to high-risk populations on STDs and blood borne pathogens. Conducted follow up calls to ensure linkage to care and vaccinations for hepatitis. Assisted in chlamydia and gonorrhea surveillance.

Gamerzarena.com

Research and Development Team | 2015–2019

Worked with the R&D team to create and implement an e-sports gaming platform for Gamerzarena.com, a competitive network to create gaming contests and monetize through sponsorship and advertising.

Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at FAU Service Learning Project

Volunteer | 2017

Worked with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County at Plantation Park Elementary after school program to create a curriculum with the goal of engaging and educating high school and elementary school students simultaneously on wellness and to pique their interests about the field of medicine.

North Shore Compassionate Care, LLC, Highland Park, IL

Caregiver and Supervisor | 2017–2021

Trained as a Home Health Aide (HHA). Certified by the Illinois Department of Health (IDPH). Performed shift work as a caregiver assisting with bathing, dressing, stand by and transfer assistance, escort to appointments and other Activities of Daily Life (ADLs). Promoted to Field Supervisor responsible for Caregiver introductions, assessments and wellness checks.

The Foot and Ankle Treatment Center

Medical Assistant | 2017–2018

Volunteer EMT

Northwestern Memorial Hospital, University of Illinois at Chicago Hospital, and Fire Department of Highland Park | 2016

Completed EMT certification at University of Illinois at Chicago in 2015

Crossover 4 Cancer Charity Foundation

Fundraiser, promoter | 2015–2017

Promoted the C4C annual basketball tournament in Deerfield, IL. Canvassed the community for sponsorship, coordinated social media outreach, supervised tournament activities.

Park District of Highland Park

Field Supervisor | 2014–2015, 2014–2016

On site coordinator for park district athletics. Managed equipment for teams, directed teams to assigned fields, coordinated with park district management in event of player injury, scheduling conflicts, or weather issues. Officiated games when required.

Skills and Interests

Athletics and Weightlifting, Guitar, Cooking, Hiking, Exploring Trails and Nature Preserves, Boxing and Martial Arts, Gardening, Travel and Experiencing Local Culture.

Matthew A. Wilneff's CV