Prof. Dr. Anja Eckstein, FEBO is a distinguished ophthalmologist specializing in strabismus, neuroophthalmology, oculoplastic and reconstructive surgery, and orbital diseases. She serves as the Head of the Orbital Center at University Medicine Essen (UME), University of Duisburg-Essen.
Her primary research focus is on autoimmune disorders of the orbit, particularly Thyroid Eye Disease (TED). In her molecular lab, she leads both in vitro and in vivo models of Graves’ disease, investigating new compounds for treatment and optimizing therapeutic protocols. Using the UME TED patient database, her research group also identifies risk factors that influence the progression of the disease.
Her work is supported by funding from the German Research Foundation (DFG), the European Union (EU), and various industry collaborations. Prof. Eckstein’s group also contributes to multiple clinical trials testing novel drugs for the treatment of TED.
Anja Eckstein is an active member of the European Group on Graves’ Orbitopathy (EUGOGO) and serves as the Clinical Trials Lead within its Executive Committee.
