About Us – Retina and vision institute

Derek Kunimoto, M.D., J.D.

Serving Arizona for over 20 years

Derek Y. Kunimoto graduated from Harvard College summa cum laude, and Harvard Medical School with honors. He received his law degree with honors from Oxford University on a Rhodes Scholarship. He was a medicine intern at Massachusetts General Hospital, and completed his residency at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, where he served as co-chief resident. Dr. Kunimoto was the managing partner at Retinal Consultants of Arizona, and founded Retina and Vision Institute of Arizona in 2024.

Awards, Clinical Research & Authorships

Dr. Kunimoto completed a 2-year vitreoretinal fellowship at Wills Eye Hospital. He was recognized as both a Heed Foundation Fellow and a Ronald G. Michels Fellow. Dr. Kunimoto has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and 2 major ophthalmology textbooks, The Wills Eye Video Atlas of Ocular Surgery, and the 4th edition of The Wills Eye Manual. He has been invited to speak at ophthalmology conferences, both nationally and internationally. Dr. Kunimoto has been very active in the clinical research of retinal diseases, acting as Principal Investigator or Investigator in over 180 clinical trials. Dr. Kunimoto is a co-founder of Aviceda Therapeutics, a biotechnology company in clinical trials with a treatment for dry macular degeneration.

Dr. Kunimoto has extensive research experience in molecular biology and basic science, and received numerous honors for academic and research achievements. Some these include the Thomas T. Hoopes Prize, awarded by Harvard University to the top honors theses of “uncommon excellence;” the Bowdoin Prize, a prestigious award by Harvard University for work in the Natural Sciences; the Young American Award, the highest honor presented to a young adult by the Boy Scouts of America for exceptional achievement; the JAMS award, presented by the Japan Association for the Mathematical Sciences; and the Academic First Team, named “one of the top twenty undergraduate scholars in America” by USA-Today.

He has also been awarded numerous fellowships for scientific and medical studies. Some of these include the Fulbright Scholarship for the study of infectious eye diseases in India; the Peace and Friendship Scholarship, awarded by the Japanese Government; the Frederick T Sheldon Scholarship, awarded by Harvard University. He was the first recipient of the Ann Sullivan Scholarship, awarded by the Massachusetts General Hospital and Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, for ophthalmology research in India.

Professional Service & Affiliations

Dr. Kunimoto is a founding member and served as Founding President of the Vit-Buckle Society, a national society that promotes the dissemination and discussion of the most cutting-edge innovations in vitreoretinal surgery. He served as Chair of the Medical Student Governing Council in the Massachusetts Medical Society, and as a member on the Council on Constitution and Bylaws of the American Medical Association. Dr. Kunimoto served as President of the Phoenix Ophthalmological Society, and on the Board of the Arizona Ophthalmological Society. Outside of medicine, Dr. Kunimoto serves on the Board of Directors of the Association of American Rhodes Scholars.

Practice, Mission & Family Life

Doctor Derek Kunimoto is passionate about delivering the best eye care available, and his patients’ vision is of utmost importance to him. He strives to make every patient comfortable, and well informed about his or her eye conditions. He was raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, and enjoys traveling with his wife and 2 children, barbequing, and hiking.

What To Expect As A Patient

As a patient at Retina and Vision Institute of Arizona, you can expect to have the very best medical and surgical treatment of your retinal disease.You will receive world-renowned expertise, and every aspect of your treatment plan will be backed by deep experience. You will receive the utmost in care, and be treated with the greatest of respect and caring. Dr. Kunimoto understands that many retinal conditions can cause anxiety, and he will take the time to explain your condition and treatment options, and work together to reassure you that yours is the best treatment plan.

Your visit will include a comprehensive dilated fundus examination, a review of findings and any diagnostic testing, and a detailed discussion of your condition and any recommended treatments. We will devote our best efforts to answer any questions you may have, and create the best plan for your condition. Initial visits can last up to 2 hours because of the extensive information and work up that must be completed, and we strive to perform all necessary diagnostic tests on the same day for your convenience if possible.