Born and raised in Maryland, Robert Bond Welch, M.D., Med 1953, was the son of an Annapolis ophthalmologist and became a leader in ophthalmology in Maryland and internationally. Dr. Welch completed his pre-medical training at Princeton University and earned his M.D. degree from The Johns Hopkins University in 1953. He subsequently completed his internship and residency at the Wilmer Eye Institute.
Over the next four decades, Dr. Welch established himself as a leading figure in retinal care, clinical research, and medical education. At Wilmer, he co-directed the Retina Service from 1959 to 1985 and later served as chairman of ophthalmology at Greater Baltimore Medical Center from 1985 to 1991. He was active in numerous professional organizations, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Macula Society, the Retina Society, and the American Board of Ophthalmology. His clinical research focused on pars planitis, sickle cell hemoglobin C disease, and intraocular Toxocara canis infection, and he developed improved scleral buckle surgical techniques that advanced the treatment of retinal disease.
To many, Dr. Welch was best known as a gifted teacher and mentor. He served as president of the Wilmer Residents Association and as a member of the Wilmer Advisory Council. A lifelong student of history, he authored The Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute, 1925–2000. A tireless advocate for Johns Hopkins, Dr. Welch was recognized with the Distinguished Alumnus Award from The Johns Hopkins University in 2001. He passed away in 2021.