Peter L. Sonkin, M.D.

Fellowship
Surgical and Medical Vitreoretinal
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
Iowa City, IA

Residency
Ophthalmology
University of Texas - Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, TX

Internship
Roanoke Memorial Hospital
Roanoke, VA

Medical School
M.D.
Duke University
Durham, NC

Undergraduate Education
B.A. Chemistry
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC

Professional Affiliations
Nashville Academy of Ophthalmology
Nashville Academy of Medicine
Tennessee Academy of Ophthalmology
Tennessee Medical Association
American Academy of Ophthalmology
American Society of Retinal Specialists

Academic Affiliations
Vanderbilt University - Assistant Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology

Dr. Sonkin joined Retina-Vitreous Associates (now Tennessee Retina) in July, 1998.  Dr. Sonkin earned a B.A. in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and an M.D. degree from Duke University.  Dr. Sonkin completed his ophthalmology residency at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, with extensive ocular trauma experience at Parkland Memorial Hospital.  He then completed a two-year fellowship in vitreoretinal surgery and medical retina at the University of Iowa.  At Iowa, Dr. Sonkin received extensive training in ultrasound and ocular tumors.  Dr. Sonkin has published and presented research in the areas of diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, ocular trauma, retinal detachment, and hereditary retinal disorders, and has written several book chapters. Dr. Sonkin was the principal investigator in a multicenter clinical trial that investigated the efficacy of the drug pentoxifylline for prevention of diabetic retinopathy, and has served as a principal investigator and co-investigator on many national clinical trials, particularly in the area of macular degeneration.  Dr. Sonkin has been on national advisory boards related to new treatments for macular degeneration, and is the retina representative on the American Academy of Ophthalmology Patient Education Committee.

Dr. Sonkin is a past President of the Nashville Academy of Ophthalmology, and is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at Vanderbilt University where he is active in resident education and has won numerous resident teaching awards.  Dr. Sonkin is a diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology, and a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Society of Retinal Specialists.

Dr. Sonkin’s clinical interests include surgical, laser, and medical management of macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and other retinal vascular disorders.

Dr. Sonkin enjoys tennis, golf, travel, and quality time with his family when he is not working, and is a big fan of the Tennessee Titans and Nashville Predators.