Dr. Williams obtained her undergraduate degree in Biology from Yale University and spent a term at Oxford University, Oxford, England at the Institute for Scholars in International Studies. Upon returning to the United States she completed her Medical Degree at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and went on to a Residency in Ophthalmology at the University of Rochester. She completed her fellowship in Neuro-ophthalmology under the directorship of Neil Miller at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University in July 2009. There she was a recipient of the W. Richard Green Research Grant Award and the Fight for Sight / North American Neuro-ophthalmology Society Postdoctoral Fellowship Award.

Dr. Williams is licensed in the State of New York and is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology. She is a Member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the New York State Ophthalmological Society and Women in Ophthalmology. Her interests include optic nerve disorders and she is currently conducting research on new optic nerve imaging modalities.

Dr. Williams sees patients at the University of Rochester Flaum Eye Institute offices. The office is located at 210 Crittenden Boulevard.

Certified Specialties

Ophthalmology - American Board of Ophthalmology

Faculty Appointments

Professor - Department of Neurosurgery (SMD)

Professor - Department of Neurology (SMD) - Joint

Professor - Department of Ophthalmology (SMD) - Joint

Credentials

Residency & Fellowship

Fellowship, Johns Hopkins University Hospital. 2008 - 2009

Residency, Ophthalmology, University of Rochester Medical Center. 2005 - 2008

Internship, Internal Medicine, Fletcher Allen Health Care. 2004 - 2005

Education

MD | Wake Forest University School of Medicine. 2004

Awards

Faculty 1000 Travel Grant. 2011

The North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society and Fight for Sight Fellowship Award. 2009

The W. Richard Green Research Grant Award. 2008

The Snell Ophthalmology Resident Investigator Award. 2008

The Snell Ophthalmology Resident Investigator Award. 2007

Heed Ophthalmic Foundation Residents Retreat. 2007

David Bryan Sloan III, M.D. Award for Excellence in Ophthalmology. 2004

Alpha Omega Alpha. 2003

Bachelor of Science with Distinction of Intensive Degree, Molecular Biology. 1996

Hitachi America Summer Intern Scholarship. 1994

Flaum Eye Institute Outstanding Resident Teaching Award 2015.

Publications

Journal Articles

Advancement in perioperative management of pituitary adenomas-Current concepts and best practices.

Shafiq I, Williams ZR, Vates GE

Journal of neuroendocrinology.. 2024 November 36 (11):e13427. Epub 07/04/2024.

Wasp Venom-Induced Intracranial Hypertension.

Ansah DO, Halpert DH, Williams ZR

Journal of neuro-ophthalmology : the official journal of the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society.. 2024 September 144 (3):e363-e365. Epub 04/19/2023.

Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy After Recreational PDE5 Inhibitor Use in a Healthy Patient: More Evidence for Causation.

Brossard-Barbosa N, Williams ZR

Journal of neuro-ophthalmology : the official journal of the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society.. 2024 April 19 Epub 04/19/2024.

Horner Syndrome and Internuclear Ophthalmoplegia Due to Biopsy-Proven Giant Cell Arteritis.

Kang T, Patil G, Williams ZR

Journal of neuro-ophthalmology : the official journal of the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society.. 2024 March 144 (1):e134-e135. Epub 08/19/2022.

FLUORESCE: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial of Fluoxetine for Vision Recovery After Acute Ischemic Stroke.

Schneider CL, Prentiss EK, Busza A, Williams ZR, Mahon BZ, Sahin B

Journal of neuro-ophthalmology : the official journal of the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society.. 2023 June 143 (2):237-242. Epub 07/08/2022.

Opinion article: Neurosurgical treatment for neuro-ophthalmologic conditions.

Williams ZR, Lee AG, Fraser CL, Falardeau J, Subramanian PS, Chen JJ, Al Othman B, Dinkin MJ, Mollan SP, Al-Zubidi N, Vates E

Frontiers in ophthalmology.. 2023 3 :1189725. Epub 04/20/2023.

Granulomatous Amoebic Encephalitis Mimicking Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder.

Douglas CE, Haynie ML, Weinberg GA, Johnson MD, Bharadwaj R, Williams ZR

Journal of neuro-ophthalmology : the official journal of the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society.. 2022 June 142 (2):e473-e475. Epub 07/01/2021.

Does Vitreopapillary Traction Cause Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy?

Parsa CF, Williams ZR, Van Stavern GP, Lee AG

Journal of neuro-ophthalmology : the official journal of the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society.. 2022 June 142 (2):260-271. Epub 12/28/2021.

A novel endovascular treatment for true ophthalmic aneurysms: A case report.

Furst T, Mattingly TK, Williams ZR, Schartz D, Bender MT

Frontiers in ophthalmology.. 2022 2 :940479. Epub 09/30/2022.

Ocular Flutter in Acute Doxylamine Intoxication.

Li DZ, Williams ZR, Nacca N, Lizarraga KJ

Neurology. Clinical practice.. 2021 October 11 (5):e740-e741. Epub 1900 01 01.

Nonabsorbable intrasellar stent placement for recurrent Rathke cleft cyst: illustrative case.

Ellens NR, Miller MC, Shafiq I, Williams ZR, Vates GE

Journal of neurosurgery. Case lessons.. 2021 April 121 (15):CASE2117. Epub 04/12/2021.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for functional recovery after stroke: similarities with the critical period and the role of experience-dependent plasticity.

Schneider CL, Majewska AK, Busza A, Williams ZR, Mahon BZ, Sahin B

Journal of neurology.. 2021 April 268 (4):1203-1209. Epub 07/25/2019.

Empty Sella Syndrome as a Window Into the Neuroprotective Effects of Prolactin.

Paul DA, Strawderman E, Rodriguez A, Hoang R, Schneider CL, Haber S, Chernoff BL, Shafiq I, Williams ZR, Vates GE, Mahon BZ

Frontiers in medicine.. 2021 8 :680602. Epub 07/08/2021.

Presentation and Progression of Papilledema in Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis.

Liu KC, Bhatti MT, Chen JJ, Fairbanks AM, Foroozan R, McClelland CM, Lee MS, Satija CE, Francis CE, Wildes MT, Subramanian PS, Williams ZR, El-Dairi MA

American journal of ophthalmology.. 2020 May 213 :1-8. Epub 01/09/2020.

Retrospective, Multicenter Comparison of the Clinical Presentation of Patients Presenting With Diplopia From Giant Cell Arteritis vs Other Causes.

Ross AG, Jivraj I, Rodriguez G, Pistilli M, Chen JJ, Sergott RC, Moster M, Sheldon CA, Liu GT, Foroozan R, Ko MW, Francis CE, Williams ZR, Lee AG, McClelland CM, Shindler KS, Yalamanchili S, Osborne B, Hedges TR, Van Stavern GP, Puckett E, Rigi M, García-Basterra I, Tamhankar MA

Journal of neuro-ophthalmology : the official journal of the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society.. 2019 March 39 (1):8-13. Epub 1900 01 01.

Survival of retinal ganglion cells after damage to the occipital lobe in humans is activity dependent.

Schneider CL, Prentiss EK, Busza A, Matmati K, Matmati N, Williams ZR, Sahin B, Mahon BZ

Proceedings. Biological sciences. 2019 February 27286 (1897):20182733. Epub 1900 01 01.

Using Vision to Study Poststroke Recovery and Test Hypotheses About Neurorehabilitation.

Busza A, Schneider CL, Williams ZR, Mahon BZ, Sahin B

Neurorehabilitation and neural repair.. 2019 February 33 (2):87-95. Epub 1900 01 01.

Spontaneous in-flight accommodation of hand orientation to unseen grasp targets: A case of action blindsight.

Prentiss EK, Schneider CL, Williams ZR, Sahin B, Mahon BZ

Cognitive neuropsychology.. 2018 October 35 (7):343-351. Epub 03/15/2018.

In Vivo Adaptive Optics Ophthalmoscopy Correlated with Histopathologic Results in Cancer-Associated Retinopathy.

Williams ZR, Rossi EA, DiLoreto DA

Ophthalmology. Retina.. 2018 February 2 (2):143-151. Epub 09/09/2017.

In vivo adaptive optics ophthalmoscopy correlated with histopathologic results in cancer-associated retinopathy.

Williams ZR, Rossi EA, DiLoreto DA Jr.

Ophthalmology Retina. 2018; 2: 143-151.

Left Ventricular Systolic Function Assessed by Global Longitudinal Strain is Impaired in Atrial Fibrillation Compared to Sinus Rhythm.

Ross Agner BF, Katz MG, Williams ZR, Dixen U, Jensen GB, Schwarz KQ

Journal of atrial fibrillation.. 2017 December 10 (4):1437. Epub 12/31/2017.

Central Retinal Artery Occlusion With Subsequent Central Retinal Vein Occlusion in Biopsy-Proven Giant Cell Arteritis.

Williams ZR, Wang X, DiLoreto DA

Journal of neuro-ophthalmology : the official journal of the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society.. 2016 September 36 (3):290-1. Epub 1900 01 01.

Risk factors for poor visual outcome in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension.

Wall M, Falardeau J, Fletcher WA, Granadier RJ, Lam BL, Longmuir RA, Patel AD, Bruce BB, He H, McDermott MP,

Neurology.. 2015 September 185 (9):799-805. Epub 08/05/2015.

White matter changes linked to visual recovery after nerve decompression.

Paul DA, Gaffin-Cahn E, Hintz EB, Adeclat GJ, Zhu T, Williams ZR, Vates GE, Mahon BZ

Science translational medicine.. 2014 December 106 (266):266ra173. Epub 1900 01 01.

Baseline OCT measurements in the idiopathic intracranial hypertension treatment trial, part I: quality control, comparisons, and variability.

, Auinger P, Durbin M, Feldon S, Garvin M, Kardon R, Keltner J, Kupersmith M, Sibony P, Plumb K, Wang JK, Werner JS

Investigative ophthalmology & visual science.. 2014 November 455 (12):8180-8. Epub 11/04/2014.

Baseline OCT measurements in the idiopathic intracranial hypertension treatment trial, part II: correlations and relationship to clinical features.

, Auinger P, Durbin M, Feldon S, Garvin M, Kardon R, Keltner J, Kupersmith MJ, Sibony P, Plumb K, Wang JK, Werner JS

Investigative ophthalmology & visual science.. 2014 November 455 (12):8173-9. Epub 11/04/2014.

The immunopathology of giant cell arteritis: diagnostic and therapeutic implications.

Liegel K, Feldon S, Williams Z

Journal of neuro-ophthalmology : the official journal of the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society.. 2014 March 34 (1):100-1. Epub 1900 01 01.

Effect of acetazolamide on visual function in patients with idiopathic intracranial hypertension and mild visual loss: the idiopathic intracranial hypertension treatment trial.

, Wall M, McDermott MP, Kieburtz KD, Corbett JJ, Feldon SE, Friedman DI, Katz DM, Keltner JL, Schron EB, Kupersmith MJ

JAMA.. 2014 311 (16):1641-51. Epub 1900 01 01.

Diffusion tensor imaging of the optic nerve in multiple sclerosis: association with retinal damage and visual disability.

Smith SA, Williams ZR, Ratchford JN, Newsome SD, Farrell SK, Farrell JA, Gifford A, Miller NR, van Zijl PC, Calabresi PA, Reich DS.

AJNR Am J Neuroradiol. 2011; 32(9): 1662-8.

Keratophy, Pseudophakic Bullous

Aquavella JV; Hindman H; Williams ZR; McCormick GJ.

WebMD. 2010; .

Sjogren Syndrome

Aquavella JV; Williams ZR; Boghani S; Hammond BP.

WebMD. 2010; .

Late onset optic neuropathy in methylmalonic and propionic acidemia.

Williams ZR, Hurley PE, Altiparmak UE, Feldon SE, Arnold GL, Eggenberger E, Mejico LJ

American journal of ophthalmology.. 2009 May 147 (5):929-33. Epub 02/25/2009.

Arteriovenous Malformations and Carotid-cavernous Fistulae

Subramanian P.; Williams, ZR.

International Ophthalmology Clinics. 2009; 49(3): 81-102.

Management of exposure keratopathy associated with severe craniofacial trauma.

Williams ZR, Aquavella JV

Journal of cataract and refractive surgery.. 2007 September 33 (9):1647-50. Epub 1900 01 01.

Delayed enophthalmos following a minimally displaced orbital floor fracture.

Gagnon MR, Yeatts RP, Williams Z, Matthews B

Ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery.. 2004 May 20 (3):241-3. Epub 1900 01 01.

Books

International Ophthalmology Clinics (2018)

Chapter: Carotid-Cavernous Fistulae: A Review of Clinical Presentation, Therapeutic Options, and Visual Prognosis.

Authors: Williams ZR

Publisher: LWW 2018

Principles & Practice of Ophthalmology (2018)

Chapter: Neuroimaging in Neuro-ophthalmology.

Authors: Williams ZR, Lin EP

Publisher: Elsevier Health 2018

Ratings & Comments

At URMC, we believe that patients should be empowered to make the right decisions regarding their personal healthcare. To do so, transparency is critical. URMC partners with Press Ganey, to survey our patients about all aspects of their care experience. We are now putting this pertinent information at your fingertips by displaying star ratings for our providers along with anonymous patient comments on our website. This will help you make better-informed choices about how and with whom you seek care. Click here to learn more about the surveys used to generate this vital information. Learn more about our survey process.

Ratings

Care provider's discussion of any proposed treatment (options, risks, benefits, etc.)

4.8

Likelihood of recommending this care provider to others

4.8

Explanations the care provider gave you about your problem or condition

4.8

Care provider's efforts to include you in decisions about your care

4.9

Concern the care provider showed for your questions or worries

4.9

Patient Comments

5.0

There was no question in my mind that I was in the care very competent and experienced Doctor. To be her patient was a privilege.

Feb 14, 2025

5.0

Outstanding physician. A real gem

Feb 11, 2025

5.0

Dr Williams was very informative and thorough.

Dec 18, 2024

4.4

Good

Nov 30, 2024

5.0

Dr. Zoe Williams is very thorough, able and willing to any questions I may have.

Nov 29, 2024

5.0

The care that Dr. Williams gives is wonderful her explanations are thorough. [...]

Nov 22, 2024

5.0

Dr. Zoe Williams is a very dedicated Physician. She listens to the patients concerns/questions and takes the time to explain in detail the resolutions to the issues. She is obviously very experienced and observes determines that I had some issues that were not originally reported/diagnosed.

Nov 20, 2024

5.0

The best.

Oct 25, 2024

5.0

No problem, very good experience

Oct 14, 2024

1.2

My feelings and concerns were dismissed. [...]

Sep 23, 2024

5.0

This was a postop eye surgery visit. Dr. Williams was wonderful throughout the entire process. I always felt that I was in good hands.

Sep 12, 2024

5.0

Dr Zoe Williams is so sweet and knowledgeable! She makes me feel comfortable

Sep 06, 2024

5.0

Dr Williams is wonderful! So thorough and easy to understand. I am thankful to have her monitoring my condition.

Sep 03, 2024

5.0

ZOE, is a GREAT PLEASURE ! I look forward to seeing her every year !! Telling me everything as she examines me ! I am AMAZED with her knowledge , EXPERTISE ,wisdom !!! She Is the greatest eye doctor I have ever had !!!

Aug 14, 2024

5.0

I have recommended her to my friends and family.

Jul 29, 2024

5.0

Dr Williams is wonderful!

Jul 11, 2024

5.0

Dr. Williams gave me options regarding treatment. When a decision was made as to how to proceed Dr Williams gave me a thorough explanation

Jul 10, 2024

5.0

Dr. Williams was the only doctor who was able to correctly diagnose my medical condition [...] after I began having symptoms in 2017. I saw a number of different doctors and had quite a few different tests. She was the only one who was able to figure it out.

May 22, 2024

5.0

I believe that Dr. Zoe Williams is one of the best Doctors on the URMC staff. She is obviously very experienced and cares about her patients. She takes the time to perform thorough exams and to explain the results. She has assisted me during a time when I was struggling with severe medical issues. I believe that I was able to recover due to her expertise and care.

May 18, 2024

5.0

Dr Williams is one of the kindest, skillful, and knowledgeable doctors I've encountered. Despite my dire diagnosis of eventual blindness I feel well card for. Her surgical skills relieved me of one of my debilitating diagnoses of double vision. I'm forever grateful! This was a follow up visit. She was double booked and yet kept her composure and treated me fully giving the visit adequate time. She is an amazing caring doctor!

May 18, 2024

5.0

Exam was extremely thorough and she spent a long time with me., without me feeling that she was rushed. Answered all my questions. I was very impressed!!!

May 10, 2024

4.4

This care provider happens to be an expert in her field, a specialist.

Apr 29, 2024

2.9

I feel as though the provider is too busy to show individual patient care.

Apr 26, 2024

5.0

I recommend Dr Williams to any of my MS friends who have optic neuritis issues. I know Dr Williams will do everything she can to treat them and allow us to have the best healthcare possible.

Apr 14, 2024

5.0

Dr. Williams is extremely knowledgeable. Her expectations were excellent. It was pleasure seeing her.

Mar 14, 2024

5.0

Dr Williams delivers an unusually comprehensive examination.

Jan 07, 2024

4.6

Dr. Williams is a major asset to URMC. She's incredibly knowledgeable and very approachable.

Dec 18, 2023

5.0

I would recommend my doctor. [...]

Dec 18, 2023

4.5

Dr. Williams was very nice. I didn't understand the medical terms. But all in all it was a good visit.

Nov 20, 2023

5.0

Dr. Williams is wonderful physician and a very kind person! I have complete trust in her!

Nov 14, 2023

5.0

Again, I consider myself extremely fortunate to be in the care of Dr. Williams and her entire staff

Oct 15, 2023

5.0

Thank you Dr Williams for your great care!

Oct 09, 2023

5.0

We had a very good appointment. It was positive and informative. We liked her!

Sep 19, 2023

5.0

I was very impressed with her knowledge and felt very comfortable with her

Sep 14, 2023

5.0

Dr. Williams is wonderful. Incredibly thorough and knowledgeable and really listens and explains everything very clearly. Dr. Broussard is also fantastic -- really enjoy seeing her and getting her perspective when I see Dr. Williams. She is a wonderful addition to the already wonderful care I receive from this office.

Aug 18, 2023

5.0

Dr Zoe Williams is an excellent provider and very knowledgeable. I would recommend her to my family and friends.

Aug 09, 2023

5.0

Wonderful doctor.

Jul 26, 2023

5.0

Very good experience

Jul 23, 2023

5.0

I was very impressed with Dr. Williams in all respects!

Jul 21, 2023

5.0

Excellent provider!

Jul 20, 2023

4.6

I did not have the understanding that this is permanent . I do now I've joined several on line groups for discussions that were not talked about. I appreciate Dr. Williams 100%

Jul 17, 2023

5.0

Doctor is very thorough and caring.

Jul 04, 2023

3.8

She is an excellent doctor and I trust her with my life.

Jun 23, 2023

5.0

Dr. Zoe Williams is an excellent Doctor. I was initially referred to her by my eye Physician (Dr. Park) for an issue he was concerned about. She at that time spent a great amount of time with me during the examination and also verbally explained in details; all her findings. I continued in her care after have some serious auto-immune issues. She is the reason that I was able to finally receive the proper treatment and to improve.

May 06, 2023

5.0

Provider is excellent. She is very thorough and answers all questions and concerns.

Apr 28, 2023

4.6

Dr. Williams is exceptionally bright and caring.

Apr 23, 2023

5.0

My experience w/everyone involved was excellent no complaints.

Feb 24, 2023

5.0

Great experience, good doctor!

Feb 10, 2023

5.0

She's excellent and very caring. I came to her in 2016 and she has been absolutely wonderful with my particular eye concerns and has addressed them with care and deep concern. I needed her skills as I had just moved back to Rochester [...]. She is the perfect clinician for me and has been just wonderful. Im blessed.... Beyond.

Jan 27, 2023

5.0

Above and beyond Amazing !

Dec 17, 2022

5.0

Impressed with how thorough my exam was and the amount of time the provider spent with me. Thank you.

Dec 05, 2022

4.2

We are not sure what is really going on with my eye but the doctor did her best to explain what they think will happen with time. Some language is confusing

Oct 25, 2022

4.2

Zoe is very good at what she does and very professional, why we all tolerate the wait, in other words she is worth the wait

Oct 24, 2022

5.0

Dr. Williams is excellent and I trust her medical judgement completely.

Oct 24, 2022

5.0

Excellent provider, Dr. Williams!!!

Oct 05, 2022

5.0

Seeing Dr. Williams for 2 yrs. Very good care.

Sep 23, 2022

4.0

Dr. Williams is brilliant, and took her time with me [...]

Sep 18, 2022

5.0

Dr Williams is an excellent physician. The care she provides is always first rate.

Sep 14, 2022

5.0

Dr. Zoe Williams impressed me.

Aug 18, 2022

5.0

Very good experience

Aug 18, 2022

5.0

Except for the wait time, the experience was positive.

Aug 16, 2022

5.0

I have recommended her to my friends and family!

Jul 15, 2022

5.0

Dr Zoe Williams is an excellent Doctor. She is very professional, extremely knowledgeable in her field and very dedicated and patient . It is obvious that she really cares about her patients.

Jun 25, 2022

5.0

Have enjoyed being a patient of Dr. Zoe Williams.

Jun 20, 2022

5.0

She spent a lot of time with me and helped me a lot.

Jun 17, 2022

5.0

I couldn't had more input into my care

May 29, 2022

5.0

Dr. Williams is the gold standard for what you hope a Dr. Would be like! She is very kind, patient and knowledgeable.

May 25, 2022

5.0

Dr. Williams listened very intently and provided excellent feedback...

Apr 12, 2022

5.0

I am grateful to have Dr. Williams as my doctor.

Mar 09, 2022

5.0

Outstanding, as always

Feb 20, 2022

5.0

Excellent listener. Spent a lot of time explaining my condition and options for treatment. Very reassuring and kind provider.

Feb 20, 2022

5.0

Provider is an excellent clinician, explains findings - thoroughly - her follow up letter to PCP is outstanding, has a very calming approach (bedside manner).

Feb 17, 2022

5.0

Doctor Williams always listens to me and answers my questions. She is very kind

Feb 05, 2022

4.2

The thoroughness of the examinations I thought were exceptional. Dr. Williams took a good deal of time talking with me in a sensitive, caring manner. Her explanations were thorough. She paraphrased when asked but my lack of medical knowledge left me some questions. She told me about tests/labs she wanted to order and what they might tell us further. She told me that she was available to further questions before my next appointment, which I took her up on. I was very pleased with the level of completeness, professionalism and obvious care of this consultation.

Feb 05, 2022