Franklin T. Li, M.D.

Ophthalmology

Location(s): North Durham, Roxboro, Chapel Hill

Franklin T. Li, M.D., is a board-certified ophthalmologist, eye surgeon, and American Academy of Ophthalmology Fellow. He has particular expertise in femtosecond laser cataract surgery using the most advanced intraocular lenses. He also performs oculoplastic surgery to correct eyelid abnormalities. He treats various general ophthalmic conditions, including trauma, glaucoma, eye infections, dry eye, and retinal disease. Dr. Li also performs aesthetic facial treatments, including Botox and injectable fillers.

He was born in Houston, TX, but relocated to Los Angeles, CA, to pursue higher education. He received the Trustee full-tuition scholarship and graduated from the Thematic Option Honors program magna cum laude in 2000 from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Arts in Biological Sciences with a minor in Psychology.

Dr. Li received his medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. He researched inherited corneal dystrophies and presented his findings at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.

Dr. Li’s training continued with a one-year medical internship at St. Francis Hospital in Evanston, IL. He completed an ophthalmology residency at the prestigious University of California San Diego Shiley Eye Institute. His research focused on the reliability of novel imaging machines used to diagnose glaucoma. At graduation, he received the Outstanding Teacher award for his enthusiasm in educating and instructing medical students. Dr. Li also traveled to Tijuana, Mexico, to provide aid and perform eye surgery for children in underserved communities.

Dr. Li is a Chinese-American whose parents came from Hong Kong. He is married to his wife Jessica, an Infectious Diseases specialist at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 

He enjoys cooking, traveling, playing with his children, and hiking with their two Chow dogs in his spare time.