Elizabeth Fairless, MD

About Elizabeth Fairless

Emily Fairless, MD, is an ophthalmologist at OU Health Dean McGee Eye Institute specializing in comprehensive ophthalmology, cataract surgery, and the medical treatment of vitreoretinal diseases. She cares for patients with a wide range of retinal conditions, including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinal vascular occlusions, and inherited retinal diseases.

Born and raised in Sand Springs, Oklahoma, Dr. Fairless graduated cum laude from Dartmouth College with a degree in neuroscience and a minor in Native American Studies. She earned her medical degree from Yale School of Medicine before returning to Oklahoma to complete her ophthalmology residency at the University of Oklahoma's Dean McGee Eye Institute. During residency, she served as chief resident and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. She then completed a fellowship in medical retina at the University of Utah's Moran Eye Center before joining the faculty at Dean McGee Eye Institute.

As a proud member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, Dr. Fairless is passionate about improving access to eye care and addressing health disparities affecting Native American communities. She works closely with several tribal eye clinics throughout Oklahoma to help deliver specialized ophthalmic care to underserved populations.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Fairless enjoys arts and crafts, DIY projects, and exploring the nation's parks.