Dr. Brandon Johnson has two lifelong passions: medicine and music. As both a classically trained pianist and a skilled retina surgeon, he’s spent years developing the focus, discipline, and creativity that define true mastery in both fields. The same dedication that drives his music also shapes the way he cares for his patients.
A Lifelong Passion for Music
Dr. Johnson began playing piano at the age of seven after receiving a toy keyboard as a Christmas gift. What began as simple curiosity quickly evolved into a lifelong passion. He spent countless hours practicing, taking lessons, and performing in school and church settings. Over time, he discovered that music wasn’t just a hobby: it was a way to express focus, patience, and emotion, all qualities that would later shape his approach to medicine.
In college, Dr. Johnson pursued both of his interests, earning degrees in Biology and Music from Haverford College. He continued to perform regularly, serving as an accompanist for choirs and playing at campus events. He remains an active musician and performer with the New York Choral Society, a semi-professional ensemble that allows him to share his love of music with others and stay connected to a community built on creativity.
The Precision and Artistry of Medicine
The connection between music and medicine isn’t just symbolic: it’s how Dr. Johnson approaches his work every day. The same precision and focus needed to perform a complex piano piece translates into the meticulous art of retinal microsurgery. Every surgical movement requires control, rhythm, and timing, much like interpreting a musical score. Both demand full attention to detail and a balance between technical mastery and emotional awareness.
He often says performing surgery feels like playing a piece of music for one person at a time: each note, or each movement, made with intention, care, and purpose. This defines his approach to medicine: combining his skill with empathy to restore vision and improve lives.
Schedule Your Consultation
Dr. Brandon Johnson is a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship-trained retina surgeon who brings exceptional skill and compassion to every patient he treats. With advanced training from the Wills Eye Institute and the Emory Eye Center, he provides expert care for complex retinal conditions. If you’re experiencing vision changes or need specialized retinal care, schedule your consultation with Dr. Johnson in Manhattan today.
