Ula V Jurkunas, MD

Ula V Jurkunas, MD

Not currently accepting new patients

4.831746 average rating from 252 patient reviews

Specialties

Affiliation

Mass General Brigham

Provider Locations

  • Lexington, MA
  • Boston, MA

Dr. Ula Jurkunas is a clinician-scientist who performs corneal and refractive surgery at Mass Eye and Ear and conducts basic science research on Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy and stem cell transplantation at Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear. In addition to being one of the highest volume refractive and transplant surgeons at Mass Eye and Ear, she teaches residents and fellows about corneal, cataract, and refractive surgery as well as the clinical management and diagnosis of corneal and refractive conditions. Dr. Jurkunas is the Associate Director of the Cornea Service at Mass Eye and Ear and Co-Director of the Harvard Ophthalmology Cornea Center of Excellence.

After obtaining her medical degree from University of Louisville, Dr. Jurkunas completed her ophthalmology residency at Boston University. She then completed subspecialty training in cornea, external diseases and refractive surgery at Mass Eye and Ear, serving as Chief Cornea Fellow for one year.

In 2006, Dr. Jurkunas was one of the first HMS junior clinician scientists to receive a prestigious K12-Harvard-Vision Clinical Scientist Development Program Award, which supported her award-winning research into the pathophysiology of Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy. Today, she heads a fully-staffed laboratory focused on Fuchs dystrophy research, a disease that accounts for over 10,000 corneal transplants (roughly one-third of all corneal transplantations) each year in the United States. Her laboratory is funded by numerous grants, including ones from National Eye Institute and National Institutes of Health.

In addition, Dr. Jurkunas conducts research in collaboration with the Center for Human Cell Therapy Boston into the development of cultivated epithelial stem cell constructs for patients suffering from limbal stem cell deficiency. To aid in the translational development of stem cell therapy in corneal disorders, she was awarded the Production Assistance for Cellular Therapies (PACT) grant from National Heart/Lung and Blood Program of the National Institutes of Health. Her work has led to numerous peer-reviewed publications, review articles, and presentations nationally and internationally.

Clinical Interests

Refractive surgery, Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy, corneal transplantation, DMEK, DSEAK, corneal reconstruction with stem cells, cornea and external diseases

Education & Training

  • Fellowship: Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Cornea and Refractive Surgery, 2006
  • Residency: Boston Medical Center (BMC), Ophthalmology, 2004
  • Internship: University of Louisville Hospital, Internal Medicine, 2001
  • Medical Education: University of Louisville School of Medicine, 2000

Board Certifications

  • Ophthalmology, American Board of Ophthalmology

Languages Spoken

  • Russian
  • Lithuanian
  • English

Age Group Treated

  • Adults

Patient Feedback

4.831746 average rating from 252 reviews

  • Very happy everything was professional and efficient

    2026-07-06

  • Dr is excellent very knowledgable

    2026-07-06

  • Excellent care, The MEEI is the BEST

    2026-07-06

  • The office runs very well and the people, from the doctors to the receptionist, are lovely.

    2026-07-06

  • Dr Jurkunas is exceptional. She inspires confidence.

    2026-07-05

  • I am totally impressed by MEEI. I would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone with eye issues to see one of your doctors.

    2026-07-05

  • Dr. Jurkunas was clear and detailed in her explanations. She listened to me and provided answers to all my questions. She inspired a high degree of confidence in me.

    2026-07-02

  • I have such great respect for and gratitude for the care given me by Dr. Jurkunas.

    2026-07-02

  • I was very comfortable with everyone and so happy to understand my issues. Dr Jurkunas was wonderful as were all her staff

    2026-07-01

  • I like being served by Ula Jurkunas.

    2026-06-24

  • A wonderful doctor, both as a person and as a professional. I've trusted Dr. Ula Jurkunas with my eye care for many years and have never been disappointed.

    2026-06-22

  • Great!

    2026-06-28

  • Dr. Jurkunas makes me feel very comfortable and confident. She is cautious in her approach to handling my eye situation. I feel that other doctors would rush this procedure even though it may be too soon and I appreciate her restraint very much!

    2026-06-21

  • Competent and confident.

    2026-06-20

  • Dr. Jurkunas is attentive, respectful, and takes the time to discuss and explain things clearly and in a warm manner.

    2026-06-13

  • Dr. Jurkunas was very understanding. She listened. She offered great help. She offered lots of advice. She truly cared about what was going on in my eyes. And I was thoroughly, thoroughly satisfied with her performance. I would recommend her to anyone that needs help with their cornea. I am just so grateful that she is part of the Mass Eye and Ear.

    2026-06-11

  • Excellent job! Thank everyone for all their support and understanding!

    2026-06-08

  • This doctor is a genius

    2026-06-06

  • Dr. Jurkunas is an undeniable expert in the treatment of the cornea and Fuchs Disease. I trust her care completely. [redacted]

    2026-06-03

  • Dr. Jurkunas is excellent.

    2026-05-24

  • Very caring and competent. I await to see if I get a follow up with the provider she has said she will refer me to for more investigation

    2026-05-23

  • Complete professionalism. Efficient, thorough and clear in communication.

    2026-05-17

  • I was very impressed with the doctor and the efficiency of the clinic. It was a very smooth operation.

    2026-05-17

  • Fantastic

    2026-05-06

  • She was very helpful and explained everything about what was going on. She did a very good job.

    2026-05-03

  • Dr. Jurkunas always has a clear understanding of everything and always takes the time to answer any questions I might have thoroughly. She does her own examination and she's always very positive and informative and you feel like you're in very capable hands.

    2026-04-30

  • Good job! Thank you

    2026-04-13

  • Exceptional knowledge; I feel confident that my eyesight is in good hands.

    2026-04-05

  • Dr. Jurkunas was attentive and professional. She is impressive!

    2026-04-05

  • Dr. Jacounis was very into finding out everything she could do for me. [redacted]

    2026-04-02

  • Kind , Polite, took care of me very well. they all did a great job.

    2026-03-30

  • Very caring and helpful

    2026-03-29

  • She was recommended as one of the best in her field. I cannot dispute this. However her bedside manners were the worst I have ever experienced. She hardly made eye contact, did not listen when I explained my condition and was rude when I asked questions. [redacted]

    2026-03-30

  • Doctor Jurkunas was wonderful. remembered me from my previous experiences. did a thorough exam and answered all my queations with patience and effort. She's great .

    2026-03-25

  • Great care

    2026-03-22

  • After I was treated by this care provider, my cornea significantly improved.

    2026-03-18

  • All was well... Put a plan of action in place if necessary. Excellent and professional

    2026-03-16

  • She was extremely knowledgeable and she explained things to me that nobody else has before and I look forward to working with her in the future.

    2026-02-26

  • Over many years I have had total confidence in Dr Jurkunas. She is easy to talk to and is very knowledgeable.

    2026-02-15

  • Very knowledgeable. Showed me results of most of my tests and what she could do for me.

    2026-02-16

  • My daily medications were not discussed at visit as I had provided that information online doing the pre check-in. All staff were polite and professional.

    2026-02-16

  • Prep staff(those who do the tests prior to seeing the doctor) do a wonderful job and are very nice to work with.

    2026-02-14

  • I trust the doctor who is in charge of my eye emphatically. Would never consider going to someone else.

    2026-02-08

  • Very nice doctor, and her assistants were very thorough.

    2026-02-01

  • I always have a good experience. She's very knowledgeable.

    2026-02-02

  • Dr Jurkunas & her staff are excellent! It was a great experience.

    2026-02-01

  • Dr Jurkunas explained my condition and listened to my concerns. She was kind and very professional.

    2026-01-19

  • One of the best care facilities on the planet

    2026-01-18

  • It was a positive experience.

    2026-01-17

  • Her team is excellent. I only see them once a year but am always very satisfied.

    2026-01-18

  • The experience was good. I forgot to ask about eye drops, so.

    2026-01-15

  • Dr Jurkunas has given me my eye sight back and I'm so humbled and grateful to have been her patient because she knew that maybe a cornea transplant in my left eye and year later my right eye would be a blessing for me to have vision after all that I've been through [redacted] now I'm [redacted] years younger (",") now I see my grandkids without glasses

    2026-01-12

  • I wish she didn't act like she was to soft at me and I wish she had listened to me and I wish she had answered her answering machine when I called. I shouldn't have to call several times a day.

    2025-12-25

  • Dr. Jurkunas is a great doctor.

    2025-12-22

  • Yes, I was very happy with Dr. Jurkunas and the team and Dr. Jurkunas' work. Thank you.

    2025-12-16

  • I thought everyone was very nice & respectable to me .

    2025-12-16

  • Very responsive and thorough

    2025-12-24

  • She has been seeing me for the last 12 years and every visit is very professional, knowledgeable and respectful

    2025-12-15

  • She is always knowledgeable about my medical problems. She shows care and concern.

    2025-12-14

  • It is very hard to get messages through to this provider. I left multiple messages on the office voice mail and sent messages through the patient gateway but none were answered.

    2025-12-11

  • Above and beyond!

    2025-12-09

  • Dr. Jurkunas is an outstanding care provider She shared with me her valuable time, attention, and expertise. She ordered tests to determine what is best for my circumstance, and helped me put into perspective my surgery options. She took the time needed to evaluate and explain. I am very grateful for her help.

    2025-12-08

  • I love the surgeon. She is always professional and courteous. [redacted] I would still recommend the Dr to my friends and family.

    2025-12-03

  • Very good and efficient.

    2025-12-03

  • Dr Jurkunas is the best. 10/10.

    2025-12-01

  • Answered all questions. Respectful

    2025-12-01

  • Everyone is very professional. Thank you for everything.

    2025-11-30

  • Dr. Jurkunas is outstanding, understanding, and very caring and facilitated and explained. I love her and I think she's the best. Bye.

    2025-11-27

  • Dr. Jurkunas recognize how much dry eye affected my vision. She notified my Glaucoma doctor to change my eye drop prescriptions to preservative free eye drops. She also advised me to order a Bruder Mask to use at before going to bed. I have already noticed an improvement in my vision. Dr. Jurkunas is an excellent Cornea Doctor.

    2025-11-27

  • The assistant to the Dr was wonderful! The Dr was excellent!

    2025-11-24

  • The care provider is an expert in my eye disease and very capable. The care provider is usually hurried and can be aloof. She often does not take the time to explain things.

    2025-11-23

  • Very knowledgable and appeared to understand my conditions and concerns

    2025-11-17

  • We were early and were taken in early, the three members of the medical staff we worked with were professional, polite and explained all the elements of the tests and results thoroughly. Overall an excellent experience.

    2025-11-16

  • Dr. Jurkunas and her staff are exceptional! I have recommended her to my family and friends already and they are very pleased with her and her staff!

    2025-11-16

  • Very thorough and competent. Understands the patients needs and works to provide a good outcome.

    2025-11-10

  • The doctor was informative professional and courteous.

    2025-11-10

  • Dr. J. is one of the world authorities in evaluating the putative condition for which I consulted her. She is very bright and friendly and made for a very good patient experience!

    2025-11-11

  • My care provider was much, much, much too busy. She was trying to take care of too many patients at the same time and we were there much longer than we should have been.

    2025-11-10

  • My Provider is knowledgable and easy to talk to.

    2025-11-10

  • Dr. Jurkunas is brilliant, capable, kind, thoughtful and reassuring. She is the best in her field.

    2025-11-07

  • Courteous and professional

    2025-11-04

  • Dr Jurkunas and staff are excellent. So grateful that I am a patient in that office.

    2025-11-01

  • Provider is excellent.

    2025-10-31

  • Dr Jurkunas saved my vision. She is not a chatty "hugger person but she is someone who is a consummate professional...am extremely thankful that I became a patient of Dr J

    2025-10-30

  • Always excellent

    2025-10-29

  • Dr Ula Jurkunas, Is a very good doctor I've always had good experiences with her she's kind friendly caring. But my last visit recent visit, I don't know I was not pleased with it I was disappointed I felt like she wasn't thorough as she usually is. [redacted]

    2025-10-27

  • Professional, thorough, and responsive!

    2025-10-20

  • The doctor is knowledgeable and concerned with making the best solutions to my particular problems.

    2025-10-20

  • Thank you very much. She helped me out and I'm grateful that she could see me.

    2025-10-22

  • Yes, I've seen Dr. Jurkunas before and it's always been very good. This time I felt she was rushed. And I don't think she answered the question why I had that appointment. Unless I just didn't understand understand the answer. Okay, bye.

    2025-10-22

  • My resident doctor at least said he/she had heard of the malady that I feel may be causing my problem. My main provider clearly admitted that he/she did not know of the complaint/malady and had the courage to say they did not know what was causing my problem.

    2025-10-19

  • Everything was fine with the doctor. Also the people doing the eye tests were nice. The problem is I can't get anyone to return my call. I am having eye surgery and haven't heard back.

    2025-10-19

  • Dr. Jurkunas and her assistants were fantastic! I would highly recommend her.

    2025-10-16

  • Dr. Jakunis always provides smart and intelligent information, but does not always seem to be very aware of the patient or very concerned about the patient's welfare.

    2025-10-15

  • Extremely knowledgeable, very good bedside manner, polite, listened, and was very helpful.

    2025-10-15

  • It was the best. Would even consider going else where.

    2025-10-11

  • Dr. Jurkunas and her staff, the fellow and the other supporting staff, including front desk area, are all very professional and caring. Dr. Jurkunas ' expertise, information, kindness, everything, the way she explains everything to you and what your options are, are just much appreciated. And It is always a good experience when we have an appointment with her. Thank you.

    2025-10-06

  • Very knowledgeable, expert doctor.

    2025-10-04

  • It was great ?

    2025-10-04

  • Dr Ula makes me feel I am in good hands

    2025-09-29

  • Doctor Jurkunas is a great doctor and person, She's one of the best doctor I have seen in my life. I'm sure that she will do the best to success my eye Cataract and DMEK surgery.

    2025-10-01

  • A great job.

    2025-09-26

  • I feel like I'm in great hands, speaking with Dr. Jurkunas, and the experience was excellent.

    2025-09-26

  • She's the best!

    2025-09-24

  • Dr. Jurkunas is always very professional, always very helpful, always explains everything, and I always feel as if I'm in well hands when I talk with her and when I work with her.

    2025-09-22

  • I saw this provider for a second opinion, based upon questions raised regarding the status of my cornea. I am very glad that I saw a specialist as careful as this one! It appears my cornea has no significant problems that would relate to my vision issues. That made the visit more than worthwhile!!

    2025-09-21

  • I appreciated the professional care I received. Doctor and her team saw there was cause for concern and immediately put plan into action to try to save my cornea. I couldn't ask for more knowledge, care and professionalism from start to finish

    2025-09-20

  • A prescription was recommended to me, but never forwarded to my Pharmacy. I have made multiple calls for over a week and nobody has followed up

    2025-09-12

  • Dr. Jurkunas is professional, but also very personable, easy to talk to, very thorough, and very good at what she does. So I am 100% satisfied with my experience.

    2025-09-11

  • Dr. Jurkunas 's office and staff and my appointment with Dr. was extremely professional, thorough, and respectful.

    2025-09-11

  • Clearly knows her field of expertise & able to share wll

    2025-09-10

  • I'm very happy with seeing Dr. Jurkunas, and I hope to be able to continue with her as my surgeon for my eyes. And I would highly recommend her.

    2025-09-08

  • Very good Thank you

    2025-09-10

  • Dr Jurkunas and staff are very helpful

    2025-09-08

  • Always feel cared for and have a say in decisions concerning my health

    2025-09-05

  • Great visit

    2025-09-04

  • Dr. Jurkunas is an astute physician, she is unraveled in her entire outreach to assist an individual with needed eye care. I truly appreciate her capable grasp of a situation As she diligently explains the matter that requires attention. She has aided me in my moment of earnest medical care. In her presence at MEE she renders the best care that one could receive. MEE has the zenith of eye care in this dedicated professional.

    2025-08-31

  • Dr Jurkunas is terrific!

    2025-08-30

  • Pharmacist had trouble getting answers from mass eye regarding details for my prescription

    2025-08-23

  • Usually I am in/out in 90 min. Today i was in clinic 2.5 hours but could see clinic much busier than I have ever experienced

    2025-08-23

Accepted Insurance

  • Tufts Medicare Preferred
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