Bascom Palmer Eye Institute | University of Miami Health System
Excellence, Distinction, and Vision
Bascom Palmer Salutes Its Distinguished Endowed Chairholders
Sustaining Excellence, Distinction, and Vision
“Bascom Palmer Eye Institute is a
testament to human ingenuity, energy, and commitment, expressed by example more than words. Bascom Palmer is committed to educating physicians, strengthening research partnerships, and providing the finest possible clinical care.
The patient’s needs always come first.”
EDWARD W.D. NORTON, M.D. Founding Chair Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute’s worldwide leadership would not be possible without the generous support of donors and benefactors who share the Institute’s commitment to excellence in eye care, scientific research, and medical education. Steeped in tradition and ceremony, an endowed chair is the highest academic honor the University of Miami can bestow on a faculty member. It represents prestige and honor for the distinguished recipient of the chair and the donors who share Bascom Palmer’s mission.
In this special issue of Images, Bascom Palmer is extremely honored to recognize those faculty members who have achieved the distinction of an endowed chair and their expertise and contributions to the field of ophthalmology. These physicians and scientists are a tribute to the strength of the Institute’s faculty, which includes renowned leaders in every field of ophthalmology.
In terms of the impact Bascom Palmer Eye Institute’s contribution has had on ophthalmic knowledge during the last 60 years, it could be said that its founding in 1962 marked the beginning of a new era in eye care, not only in South Florida but throughout the world. Its growth and success since then demonstrate what is achievable given the power of commitment, effective leadership, and the involvement of friends and benefactors.
The Bascom Palmer Eye Institute is deeply grateful to the generous donors who, through their philanthropic support, have made establishing endowed chairs and distinguished professorships possible. This support forms the basis and foundation of Bascom Palmer’s dedication to excellence, and the impact on its achievements cannot be overstated.
EDUARDO C. ALFONSO, M.D. MARLA BERCUSON
Kathleen and Stanley J. Glaser Editor
Chair in Ophthalmology Executive Director, Director and Chair Business Operations
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
Ophthalmic images provide vital information for diagnosing and monitoring eye conditions and diseases. The cover images were taken by ophthalmic imagers within Bascom Palmer’s Estelle and George G. Rosenfield Imaging and Macular Center. Special thanks to Rosa M. Long, Senior Manager, Ophthalmic Imaging Services.
4 Chrisfouad R. Alabiad, M.D.
Brand Butcher Youngdahl Chair in Ophthalmology
5 Thomas A. Albini, M.D.
Robert Z. & Nancy J. Greene Chair in Ophthalmology
6 Eduardo C. Alfonso, M.D.
Kathleen and Stanley J. Glaser Chair in Ophthalmology
7 Audina M. Berrocal, M.D.
Johnstone Horvitz Chair in Ophthalmology
8 Hilda Capó, M.D.
John T. Flynn Chair in Ophthalmology
9 William W. Culbertson, M.D.
Lou Higgins Chair in Ophthalmology
10 Janet L. Davis, M.D., M.A.
Leach Chair in Ophthalmology
11 Kendall E. Donaldson, M.D., M.S.
Rodgers Clark Chair in Ophthalmology
12 Sander R. Dubovy, M.D.
Victor T. Curtin Chair in Ophthalmology
13 Harry W. Flynn Jr., M.D.
J. Donald M. Gass Chair in Ophthalmology
14 Jorge A. Fortun, M.D.
Gordon R. Miller, M.D. Chair in Ophthalmology
15 Steven J. Gedde, M.D.
John G. Clarkson Chair in Ophthalmology
16 David S. Greenfield, M.D.
Douglas R. Anderson Chair in Ophthalmology
17 Ninel Z. Gregori, M.D.
Lois Pope Endowed Chair for
Age-Related Macular Degeneration Research
18 Thomas E. Johnson, M.D.
Breyer Rodgers Chair in Ophthalmology
19 Carol L. Karp, M.D.
Richard K. Forster Chair in Ophthalmology
20 Byron L. Lam, M.D.
Dr. Mark J. Daily Chair in Ophthalmology
21 Richard K. Lee, M.D.
Walter G. Ross Chair in Ophthalmology
22 Felipe A. Medeiros, M.D., Ph.D.
Rodgers Research Chair in Ophthalmology
23 Terrence P. O’Brien, M.D.
Charlotte Breyer Rodgers Chair in Ophthalmology
24 John Marie Parel, Ing. ETS-G, Ph.D.
Henri and Flore Lesieur Chair in Ophthalmology
25 Richard K. Parrish II, M.D.
Edward W.D. Norton Chair in Ophthalmology
26 Victor L. Perez, M.D.
Higgins Clark Chair in Ophthalmology
27 Vittorio Porciatti, D.Sc.
James L. Knight Professorship in Ophthalmology
28 Stephen G. Schwartz, M.D., M.B.A. Robert Z. & Nancy J. Greene Chair in Ophthalmology
29 William E. Smiddy, M.D. M. Brenn Green Chair in Ophthalmology
30 Swarup Swaminathan, M.D.
Mary L. & Richard E. Bastin Chair in Ophthalmology
31 David T. Tse, M.D. Dr. Nasser Ibrahim Al-Rashid Chair in Ophthalmology
32 Sonia H. Yoo, M.D.
Greentree Pruett Hickman Chair in Ophthalmology
Retinal Detachment
Photo credit: Beatriz Diaz
Retinopathy of Prematurity Photo credit: Giselle “Gigi” De Oliveira Snowflake Cataract Photo credit: Alexander Higgins
Chrisfouad R. Alabiad, M.D.
Brand Butcher Youngdahl Chair in Ophthalmology
CHRIS R. ALABIAD, M.D., is not just a medical professional but a mentor and guide for the next generation of vision researchers and clinicians. His academic career is a living testament to his unwavering dedication to empowering others. He measures his success not by his personal achievements but by the accomplishments of those he has trained.
Alabiad was awarded the Brand Butcher Youngdahl Chair in Ophthalmology. “This generous gift of an endowed chair will safeguard dedicated time for crafting innovative training programs
that shape 21st-century leaders in ophthalmology, integrating elements of science, technology, business, policy, and global health,” Alabiad said.
As a professor of clinical ophthalmology, Alabiad has directed Bascom Palmer’s residency program since 2021. He has introduced innovative simulation training and fostered collaborative international educational relationships. His vision for the future is clear: to seamlessly integrate virtual and digital learning tools with clinical, laboratory, and classroom instruction. He is prepared to adapt the residency training to new conditions, whatever they may be, ensuring the future readiness of ophthalmology professionals.
Alabiad’s commitment to medical education extends beyond his role as a professor. As the assistant dean for student affairs at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, he maintains the highest ethics and professionalism among medical students. He is focused on building a diverse medical workforce and laying the groundwork for future medical breakthroughs. He helped guide the school’s transition to NextGenMD, a revolutionary curriculum that shapes medical students into impactful leaders who will transform the future of health care.
A specialist in ophthalmic plastic, cosmetic, and reconstructive surgery, Alabiad earned his medical degree from the Miller School in 2002, followed by a residency in internal medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. He returned to Miami, completing a residency in ophthalmology and a fellowship in oculofacial plastic surgery at Bascom Palmer. His research interests include orbital inflammatory disease, orbital infectious disease, orbital and adnexal oncology, and medical education.
“Bascom Palmer continues to embody the spirit of its founder, Dr. Edward W. D. Norton, wherein our faculty empower each other to be the best ophthalmologists we can be, striving to deliver the highest quality care to our patients and instilling the same commitment in our trainees, the future of our amazing specialty.”
Thomas A. Albini, M.D.
Robert Z. & Nancy J. Greene Chair in Ophthalmology
“Bascom Palmer is a special place for patients and their families. Our physicians always have the best interest of patients
at heart.
Being
surrounded by top colleagues is the best way to ensure
we can continue improving our clinical care and scientific understanding of eye disease.”
THOMAS A. ALBINI, M.D., is an active clinician, surgeon, and researcher dedicated to providing the best possible care to patients with vitreoretinal and ocular inflammatory disease. His internationally recognized expertise in uveitis and retina has been instrumental in advancing patient care. Recently, he was awarded the Robert Z. & Nancy J. Greene Chair in Ophthalmology, a testament to his commitment and contributions to the field. This prestigious award supports the expansion of Bascom Palmer’s clinical research, ensuring that the Institute continues to attract the best academic physicians to South Florida, further enhancing patient care.
Albini is a professor of clinical ophthalmology, medical director of the retina division, and codirector of the surgical retina fellowship. He is involved in the full spectrum of vitreoretinal surgery and care for patients with complex retinal disease, including rare and difficult-to-treat conditions. He lectures worldwide and teaches Bascom Palmer’s residents and fellows in the clinic and operating rooms. He drew national attention when he published multiple papers on the risk of alternative, unproven stem cell therapies for eye disorders, leading to significant changes in federal policies relating to these practices.
With wide-ranging expertise, Albini’s work spans diverse clinical topics such as diagnostic imaging in uveitis, complications of unproven stem cell therapies, posterior segment drug delivery, and retinal vasculitis as a rare complication of intravitreal injection. Currently, he is leading a review of the most extensive series of patients with acute retinal necrosis, a potentially devastating viral infection of the retina. This breadth and depth of research make him a valuable resource for those interested in these fields.
Albini earned his medical degree at Johns Hopkins University. He completed a residency in ophthalmology and a fellowship in uveitis at the University of Southern California before completing a fellowship in vitreoretinal diseases and surgery at Baylor College of Medicine.
Eduardo C. Alfonso, M.D.
Kathleen and Stanley J. Glaser Chair in Ophthalmology
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute’s chairman, EDUARDO C. ALFONSO, M.D., proudly holds the endowed chair in honor of Kathleen and Stanley J. Glaser. Stanley Glaser was the founding chair of the Board of Governors of Bascom Palmer’s Anne Bates Leach Eye Hospital, and this substantial grant supports the department chair’s research and educational efforts. Alfonso is a summa cum laude Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Yale College and Medical School. Following his training at Bascom Palmer and the
Harvard Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, he has been a physician, endowed professor, researcher, and leader in health care administration. As chair and director of Bascom Palmer since 2007, the Institute has been ranked the number one eye hospital in the United States and continually recognized as having the best residency program in ophthalmology.
Alfonso’s clinical expertise and research in eye diseases, corneal surgery, corneal transplantation, and ocular microbiology have made significant contributions to the field of ophthalmology. His international recognition as an expert on ocular infectious diseases is further solidified by his role as the medical director of Bascom Palmer’s Ocular Microbiology Laboratory. In 2006, his groundbreaking research documented an increased incidence of an aggressive form of fungal corneal infection related to soft contact lens use. This research not only drew considerable media attention worldwide but also led to a significant reduction in the number of new infections.
Alfonso is the consummate ophthalmology advocate for patients, physicians, students, ophthalmic education, and eye care. This is evidenced through his numerous awards and honors, including his current appointment to the national board of directors of the National Alliance for Eye and Vision Research, a non-profit advocacy organization whose mission is to achieve the best eye and vision care for all Americans through advocacy and public education, and by mapping the blueprint of how vision research and discovery will take place.
“Bascom Palmer Eye Institute’s commitment to excellence is evident in everything we do. We are dedicated to constantly improving our systems to provide the best possible patient care, support our researchers, and enhance our educational programs. We are grateful for the generous philanthropic endowment that helps us to grow our faculty and staff, facilities, and educational, research, and community service initiatives.”
Audina M. Berrocal, M.D.
Johnstone Horvitz Chair
in Ophthalmology
AUDINA “NINA” BERROCAL, M.D., is a global pioneer in applying gene therapies to combat blindness in children with inherited retinal disorders. Her groundbreaking surgical procedure performed several years ago, restored the photoreceptor cells of a 9-year-old boy with Leber’s congenital amaurosis. This procedure, a landmark in the field, halted the boy’s vision loss caused by a genetic mutation.
A professor of clinical ophthalmology who specializes in pediatric retina and vitreous diseases, Berrocal was recently awarded the Johnstone Horvitz Chair in Ophthalmology. This endowment will allow her to focus more intensely on advancing clinical care for Bascom Palmer’s unique population of children and adults with complex retinal disease. Along with looking at the genetics driving pediatric retinal disease, she will continue to enhance patient care through targeted gene therapy and contribute to understanding retinal diseases.
Berrocal also highlighted the award’s support for the Institute’s training mission for pediatric retina disease and its unique focus on children with blinding and life-threatening diseases, noting that Bascom Palmer provides advanced patient care, enhanced diagnostics, and cutting-edge research in a training environment that maximizes the influence of its world-class ophthalmology team.
Through the years, Berrocal has been instrumental in advancing the management of pediatric retinal disorders, such as using fluorescein angiography to improve outcomes. She has also treated premature infants in neonatal intensive care units for more than 20 years, striving to preserve their vision. Along with her clinical and surgical skills, Berrocal devotes time to supporting women in the field of ophthalmology.
Berrocal is the daughter of Jose Berrocal, M.D., the first fellow to train under Bascom Palmer’s founder, Edward W.D. Norton, M.D., back in 1964. She earned her medical degree at Tufts University and completed a rotating residency at St Vincent’s Hospital & Medical Center and an ophthalmology residency at Tufts University. She joined the faculty after completing a fellowship in vitreoretinal diseases and surgery at Bascom Palmer.
“I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to contribute to training the next generation of pediatric specialists at the resident and fellow level. It is a privilege to collaborate with colleagues who are leaders in their fields and are passionate about educating our students.”
Hilda Capó, M.D.
John T. Flynn Chair in Ophthalmology
Since its founding, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute has had a service dedicated solely to the unique ophthalmic needs of children, thanks to the insight and commitment of John T. Flynn, M.D., one of Bascom Palmer’s earliest faculty members., HILDA CAPÓ, M.D., the medical director of the pediatric ophthalmology service at Bascom Palmer, holds the John T. Flynn Chair in Ophthalmology, in honor of Flynn, one of Bascom Palmer’s “founding five” ophthalmologists and his tireless advocacy of the vital role clear vision plays in the mental, social and physical development of children, and to support research in pediatric ophthalmology.
Capó, a professor of clinical ophthalmology, is world-renowned for her expertise in strabismus in children and adults and adjustable sutures, embodying the consummate strabismus surgeon. As a pioneer in identifying the anesthetic agent’s role in the onset of double vision after cataract surgery, her landmark articles on vertical strabismus after cataract extraction,
publications on strabismus surgery outcomes of adult-onset esotropia, surgery after glaucoma implants and retinal detachment repair, strabismus secondary to thyroid eye disease, and optical coherence tomography measurements of muscle insertion have had a tremendous impact on the field of strabismus.
In addition, she has participated in the American Academy of Ophthalmology task force on disparities in eye care. She has published The Importance of Health Literacy in Addressing Eye Health and Eye Care Disparities, reflecting her interest in underserved populations. Under Capó’s leadership, the pediatric ophthalmology service expanded to include subspecialties such as pediatric retina and pediatric glaucoma.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology’s Senior Achievement and Secretariat Awards and the American Academy of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Senior Honor Award have acknowledged her valuable contributions. She lectures nationally and internationally in Latin America, sharing her knowledge and vast experience. Additionally, her training of more than 200 residents and fellows reaffirms her abilities as an exceptional academician and educator.
“I would not practice ophthalmology anywhere else. In addition to our exceptional physicians, Bascom Palmer has tremendous resources, including the most advanced diagnostic and ancillary testing equipment available anywhere in the world. Our youngest patients and their families get near-immediate answers.”
William W. Culbertson, M.D.
Lou Higgins Chair in Ophthalmology
A recognized pioneer in vision correction surgery and expert in corneal disease, WILLIAM W. CULBERTSON, M.D., holds the Lou Higgins Chair in Ophthalmology, established to support cornea research. Culbertson is recognized as one of the world’s most skilled refractive and cataract surgeons, with a wealth of experience and knowledge of the field. With more than 40 years of experience in corneal diseases and surgery, Culbertson has seen the capabilities of extending the use of lasers grow dramatically. Decades ago, he participated in the first nationally organized study of refractive surgery. Today, with an innovative team of ophthalmologists, he has co-developed a femtosecond cataract laser that may be among the most
significant advancements in cataract surgery in the last 55 years.
Culbertson’s unique contributions to the field of ophthalmology include the first description of floppy eyelid syndrome, a disorder of unknown origin manifested by a loose upper eyelid that everts with papillary conjunctivitis. He also identified the herpes class virus as a cause of acute retinal necrosis, a devastating retina infection. His pioneering work includes the first genuinely successful posterior lamellar endothelial transplantation, demonstrating its potential therapeutic value in eyes with corneal endothelial dysfunction.
Culbertson’s professional achievements have been recognized globally. The American Academy of Ophthalmology presented him with the prestigious Senior Honor Award and Life Achievement Award, and he has received the Lifetime Award from the International Society of Refractive Surgery, the Victor Curtin Award, and the Swedish Ophthalmological Society. His expertise has been acknowledged through numerous named lectures worldwide, including Bascom Palmer’s Norton Lecture, the Proctor Foundation O’Connor Lecture, Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children’s Lloyd Morgan Lecture, Laval University’s Jean Lacerte Lecture, and Vanderbilt’s Snyder Lecture. Culbertson’s leadership in the field of ophthalmology is extensive. He has served as president of the American Uveitis Society and is a member of the board of directors of the Cornea Society and Miami Lighthouse for the Blind. At Bascom Palmer, he founded the uveitis service, the Laser Vision Center, and the clinic at the Ocean Reef Club. His commitment to advancing the field is further demonstrated by his role as director of Bascom Palmer’s cornea and refractive surgery service.
“My professional goal is to provide the best clinical care to patients while working to develop treatments and technologies that will make a substantial difference in the management of eye disease.”
Janet L. Davis, M.D., M.A.
Leach Chair in Ophthalmology
After completing her ophthalmology residency, JANET L. DAVIS, M.D., M.A., followed an unusual career trajectory by completing two fellowships: the first in vitreoretinal surgery at Bascom Palmer and the second in ocular immunology at the National Eye Institute Laboratory of Immunology. She then returned to Bascom Palmer and its patient care facility – the Anne Bates Leach Eye Hospital. In January 2015, Davis was awarded the Leach Chair in Ophthalmology, the first chair funded at the University of Miami School of Medicine, created with a gift to support ophthalmic research from Anne Bates Leach, the hospital’s namesake. Davis is an internationally recognized expert in uveitis as well as a medical retinal and vitreoretinal specialist. As director of Bascom Palmer’s uveitis service, she initiated a consultative uveitis clinic for the resident physicians where she has mentored dozens of residents and fellows. Her expertise includes infectious and inflammatory diseases of the eye, with an emphasis on
diagnostic procedures and clinical management of uveitis, including the surgical management of uveitic complications. She is active in the diagnosis of primary vitreoretinal lymphoma utilizing flow cytometry and gene rearrangement combined with cytology. She has participated in numerous clinical trials in uveitis and ocular inflammatory diseases throughout her career, including surgical implantation of drug-delivery devices. For the past seven years, she has also led the Bascom Palmer surgical team, which has performed over 100 subretinal gene therapy procedures for inherited retinal diseases such as retinitis and choroideremia. She has participated in important multicenter trials in ocular inflammatory diseases and Phase I and II trials for drug development and surgical implantation of drug delivery devices, therapeutic subretinal stem cells, and subretinal gene therapy. Her exceptional service to the field of ophthalmology includes being the chair of the American Board of Ophthalmology in 2016 and a past president of the American Uveitis Society and the International Uveitis Study Group. She has written more than 40 books or book chapters and more than 230 juried publications extensively on uveitis, infections of the posterior segment, and vitreoretinal lymphoma.
“Bascom Palmer’s uveitis center has grown significantly in the past few years, particularly in terms of clinical research. We aspire to have the best uveitis training in the country.”
Kendall E. Donaldson, M.D., M.S.
Rodgers Clark Chair in Ophthalmology
KENDALL E. DONALDSON, M.D., M.S., a well-known specialist in corneal and external diseases, helps her patients tackle their daily vision challenges. As a professor of clinical ophthalmology, Dr. Donaldson was recently honored with the Rodgers Clark Chair in Ophthalmology. This generous gift will support her research interests in ophthalmology.
Donaldson’s current studies examine visual outcomes from cataract surgery, including freedom from glasses after cataract
surgery, and are a testament to her innovative approach. In her practice, she has enjoyed studying patients with a variety of intraocular lens types, including the Light Adjustable Lens (the world’s first lens that can be adjusted post-operatively. As cataract surgery and intraocular lenses continue to advance, cataract surgery is being performed at a younger age, sometimes even before cataract formation (as an alternative to LASIK surgery). As medical director of the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at Plantation since 2004, Donaldson has helped many patients receive complex care closer to their homes. For seven years, she was co-director of the corneal fellowship program at Bascom Palmer and continues to participate in national instructional and mentorship programs, including various programs for the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. Donaldson earned her undergraduate, master’s, and medical degrees at the University of Maryland. She came to Bascom Palmer in 2000 and completed a residency in ophthalmology and a fellowship in cornea and external disease. She has authored numerous professional articles and book chapters, launched the journal Corneal Physician during the pandemic, and currently serves on the editorial boards of several journals. As the incoming president of the American European Congress of Ophthalmic Surgery, she hopes to expand collaboration between American and European ophthalmologists to facilitate technology development. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with colleagues in clinical practice and industry to advance ophthalmic technology to benefit patients.
“I feel privileged to be part of the Bascom Palmer family of colleagues and friends worldwide. This allows me to work with many brilliant minds and compassionate physicians to provide the highest level of patient care while focusing on creating the future of ophthalmology. I feel fortunate to work in a field that provides me with the potential to make a tremendous difference in my patients’ lives.”
Sander R. Dubovy, M.D.
Victor T. Curtin Chair in Ophthalmology
Ophthalmic pathology and understanding ophthalmic disease at the tissue level are integral to properly training ophthalmologists.
Victor T. Curtin, M.D., Bascom Palmer’s second faculty member, established the Florida Lions Ocular Pathology Laboratory at Bascom Eye in 1962 and guided its growth for nearly 40 years. Today, it is directed by SANDER R. DUBOVY, M.D., one of only a handful of physicians board-certified in ophthalmology and anatomic pathology. Dubovy holds the Victor T. Curtin Chair in Ophthalmology, established with a significant gift from the Lions of South Florida to support experimental ophthalmic pathology. With more than 50,000 eye tissue samples dating back to the 1960s, the Florida Lions Ocular Pathology Laboratory at Bascom Palmer is likely the busiest ophthalmic pathology laboratory in the United States. In one of the nation’s fewer than ten dedicated eye pathology laboratories, pathologic material is sent to the laboratory from throughout the United States and internationally
for both primary diagnosis and second opinion. The resident’s pathology rotation is considered one of the central areas for education at the Institute. Dubovy directly supervises residents in the gross dissection of surgical specimens and in evaluating tissue at the microscopic level through a multiheaded microscope. Given the lack of specialists trained in the specialty, he established an ocular pathology fellowship and has trained fellows from around the world. An outstanding educator, Dubovy has received multiple teaching awards for resident education, as evidenced by Bascom Palmer residents typically achieving their highest subsection scores in ocular pathology on national board exams.
Dubovy’s clinical practice involves both clinical ophthalmology and diagnostic ocular pathology. His practice is limited to medical retinal disease and includes age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vascular disease, and inherited retinal diseases. He serves as medical director of Beauty of Sight, formerly the Florida Lions Eye Bank. He also serves on the Medical Advisory Board of the Life Alliance Organ Recovery Agency and the board of directors of the American Association of Ophthalmic Oncologists and Pathologists.
“The tremendous amount of clinical and pathologic material at Bascom Palmer is essential to the expansion of our research efforts on a national and international level.”
Harry W. Flynn Jr., M.D.
J. Donald M. Gass Chair in Ophthalmology
HARRY W. FLYNN JR., M.D., has a long and distinguished academic career through a combination of teaching, research, and patient care. His work, which has significantly advanced the field of ophthalmology, is a testament to his dedication and expertise. He holds the J. Donald M. Gass Chair in Ophthalmology, an honor that underscores his commitment to research in retinal and macular diseases. This chair is named in honor of J. Donald M. Gass, M.D., selected as one of the ten most influential ophthalmologists of the 20th century. During his 30-year tenure at Bascom Palmer, Gass described several hundred previously unidentified eye diseases and published the first major book on retinal and macular diseases. This chair is a fitting tribute to Flynn’s accomplishments. Flynn’s passion for his work is evident in his role as an internationally known retina specialist and expert in diabetic retinopathy. His special interests in vitreoretinal surgery, including retinal detachment surgery and complications of cataract surgery,
endophthalmitis, retained lens fragments, dislocated intraocular lenses, and suprachoroidal hemorrhage, are driven by a desire to improve patient outcomes. He is particularly interested in infections following cataract surgery, which is evidence of his dedication to understanding and addressing the challenges in his field.
Flynn’s contributions to ophthalmology and patient care have been widely recognized. He is a prolific author and superb educator. He has published more than 700 articles in peer-reviewed journals, 137 book chapters, and eight edited or co-edited books, including Diabetes and Ocular Diseases: Past, Current, and Future Therapies and Vitreoretinal Disease: The Essentials. His H-index is 87 per Scopus. He has delivered 40 named lectures worldwide, including the prestigious Donald M. Gass Lecture at the Retina Society, and received the Hermann Wacker Prize from Club Jules Gonin. In 2019, the University of Miami recognized Flynn with the Distinguished Faculty Scholar Award for his outstanding leadership and advancement of knowledge in the field of retina, mentorship of generations of retinal physicians and surgeons, and his consummate integrity. He considers this honor to be the greatest of his professional career.
“It is a great privilege to be part of the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute team for four decades. I am humbled and honored to hold the J. Donald M. Gass Distinguished Chair in Ophthalmology. Dr. Gass set a standard of excellence against which all other ophthalmologists are measured. We are all students of Don Gass.”
Jorge A. Fortun, M.D.
Gordon R. Miller, M.D. Chair in
Ophthalmology
JORGE A. FORTUN, M.D., is at the forefront of using innovative imaging technology to treat patients with challenging vitreoretinal diseases requiring surgery. “Visualization is a critical factor in successful ocular surgery,” said Fortun, who is associate professor of clinical ophthalmology and medical director of Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at Palm Beach Gardens. “Our advanced technology not only provides an excellent foundation for safer and more efficient retinal surgery, but it also significantly improves the quality of life for our patients.”
Fortun, a specialist in vitreoretinal diseases, was recently awarded the Gordon R. Miller, M.D. Chair in Ophthalmology, an endowment
from a noted Bascom Palmer alumnus. “I am deeply honored and humbled to receive the endowed chair, which will help advance my research, clinical care, and work as a physician educator,” he said.
Fortun’s research and clinical practice are dedicated to developing diagnostic and therapeutic innovations for the medical and surgical management of vitreoretinal diseases.
“At Bascom Palmer, we are actively developing diagnostic, pharmacotherapy, and surgical tools to aid patients with age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and other retinal conditions,” he explained. “We are proud to be able to translate this research into realtime clinical applications, bringing cutting-edge care to our patients.”
One of the ways Fortun has advanced vitreoretinal surgical care is through “headsup” visual technology. In 2016, he became one of the first U.S. ophthalmologists to use the NGenuity® stereoscopic high-definition visualization system, and he continues to pioneer new technologies. His recent publications focus on retinal detachment associated with retinal dialysis and dynamic infrared imaging of vitreous floaters.
Fortun earned his medical degree at the University of Michigan and completed two residencies at Baylor College of Medicine. The first was in thoracic/cardiovasc, and the second was in ophthalmology. He then completed a fellowship in vitreoretinal diseases and surgery at Emory University. Along with research and clinical care, Fortun works closely with residents and fellows, emphasizing the collaborative nature of their work.
“One of the many ways Bascom Palmer is making an impact on ophthalmology is through our collective effort in educating the future generations of vitreoretinal specialists both at our institution and around the world.”
Steven J. Gedde, M.D.
John G. Clarkson Chair in Ophthalmology
Outstanding physician, researcher, and educator STEVEN J. GEDDE, M.D., exemplifies commitment to the field of ophthalmology and unwavering support for medical education. It is fitting the holder of the John G. Clarkson Chair in Ophthalmology is Bascom Palmer’s vice chair of education. This endowed chair supports medical education at Bascom Palmer. It honors Clarkson’s academic leadership as the second chairman of Bascom Palmer and dean emeritus of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
During Gedde’s 21-year leadership, Bascom Palmer’s residency program established a worldwide reputation for excellence, attracting the brightest young physicians entering the field of ophthalmology. Many of the graduates of Bascom Palmer’s training programs join academic institutions, where they, in turn, teach others, allowing an exponential dissemination of knowledge. All of Bascom Palmer’s residency and fellowship graduates provide outstanding care to patients in their local communities, further widening the sphere of influence of Bascom Palmer’s commitment
to education. One of the program’s unique features is an international elective that allows residents to gain firsthand exposure to vision care in other parts of the world. Residents have assisted in delivering ophthalmic care in countries including India, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Mexico, and Haiti. Closer to home, they participate in outreach programs to provide free eye screening exams in underserved areas of South Florida. As the vice chair of education, Gedde also leads the Institute’s many other educational programs, including the Global Center for Ophthalmic Education.
A prolific clinical researcher, Gedde is nationally and internationally recognized as an expert leader in glaucoma, and his research has focused on improving patient care through clinical trials. He has been the study chair of the Tube Versus Trabeculectomy Study and the Primary Tube Versus Trabeculectomy Study, multicenter randomized clinical trials comparing tube shunt surgery with trabeculectomy. These studies provide valuable information to guide surgeons in selecting between commonly performed glaucoma procedures.
“The success of our residency program results from a collaborative effort among a talented faculty who are deeply committed to teaching the next generation of ophthalmologists. Their potential to positively impact patient care through education is exceptional. As they, in turn, educate others, they participate in the exponential dissemination of knowledge.”
David S. Greenfield, M.D.
Douglas R. Anderson Chair in Ophthalmology
DAVID S. GREENFIELD, M.D., professor of ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer’s vice chair for academic affairs, distinguished clinician, surgeon, scientist, and educator, is known for his leadership and contributions to the field of ophthalmology. His expertise is recognized by his appointment to the prestigious Douglas R. Anderson Chair in Ophthalmology. Now a professor emeritus, Anderson served 47 years on the Bascom Palmer faculty and divided his time between clinical care and groundbreaking scientific research. He showed how a rise in intraocular pressure could damage the optic nerve – one of the most important discoveries in the field. Greenfield, an expert in all aspects of glaucoma diagnosis, monitoring, and therapy, follows Anderson’s path of excellence.
The past president of the American Glaucoma Society (AGS) and the American Glaucoma Society Foundation, Greenfield co-founded the International Society for Imaging in the Eye and The Florida Glaucoma Society. His contributions to the field have been recognized with numerous awards, including the 2010 AGS
Clinician-Scientist Lectureship and multiple honors from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, including a 2011 Senior Achievement Award, the 2015 Robert N. Shaffer Lectureship, and a 2016 Secretariat Award.
When Greenfield joined the faculty of Bascom Palmer in 1996, he was named medical director of Bascom Palmer’s new facility in Palm Beach Gardens. A highly respected educator, he serves as the director of the glaucoma fellowship program. He has trained over 50 clinical and research fellows, many of whom hold distinguished academic positions worldwide.
A prolific researcher, he has published over 180 peer-reviewed research papers cited more than 9,000 times and has an H-index impact factor of 54. Two of his publications were identified by the American Glaucoma Society as among the “top 100” articles with the most significant impact on the clinical care of patients with glaucoma. His research interests include optic disc and retinal nerve fiber imaging, normal-tension glaucoma, and complex glaucoma filtration surgery. He was the recipient of a National Eye Institute grant to develop and study advanced imaging technology in glaucoma and received continuous funding from the National Institutes of Health from 1999-2013.
“Bascom Palmer Eye Institute is a one-of-a-kind institution. I realized immediately in 1994 when I was a fellow in glaucoma and neuroophthalmology, that the people define the culture here. There is a shared set of values, standards, and sense of collegiality and purpose to serve our patients and community.”
Ninel Z. Gregori, M.D.
Lois Pope Endowed Chair for Age-Related Macular Degeneration Research
NINEL “NELL” GREGORI, M.D., is dedicated to finding new therapies for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), inherited retinal disease, and other blinding diseases.
“My goal is to provide holistic care to patients of all ages who are affected by retinal disorders, some of which lack a diseasehalting or vision-restorative treatment,” said Gregori, professor of clinical ophthalmology, and active within Bascom Palmer’s Mark J. Daily Inherited Retinal Diseases Research Center. “Our
center is committed to providing holistic care with psychological support, low-vision services referral, referral to ongoing clinical trials, and genetic counseling to assist patients with family planning. By focusing on each patient’s individual needs, we strive to make a real difference in their lives.”
A highly regarded researcher, Gregori was awarded the Lois Pope Endowed Chair for AgeRelated Macular Degeneration Research, reflecting a gift from the Palm Beach County philanthropist whose ongoing support for Bascom Palmer and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine has focused on advancing vision and neuroscience research. “Holding an endowed chair will allow me to continue to focus on our clinical, research, and educational efforts,” said Gregori, who teaches residents and fellows about retinal conditions.
Gregori is also chief of the Eye Care Section at Miami/Broward/Homestead Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Centers, bringing specialized care to veterans with incurable blinding conditions. Veterans are referred to her for in-person and telehealth consultations for this unique service in the VA healthcare system.
She has been a leading surgeon in multiple gene therapy and retinal prosthesis clinical trials in recent years, including performing the first Argus II retinal prosthesis implantation in Florida. “Gene therapy is a relatively new field of ophthalmology that can positively impact patients with various incurable conditions.”
Gregori earned her medical degree and completed an internship in internal medicine at the University of Utah, followed by a residency in ophthalmology and a surgical vitreoretinal fellowship at Bascom Palmer before joining the faculty.
“Bascom Palmer is a special home for me. I am passionate about collaborating with incredible colleagues and mentors and engaging in innovative research and clinical trials to bring new treatments to our patients. This passion fuels my commitment to making a difference in the field of ophthalmology.”
Thomas E. Johnson, M.D.
Breyer Rodgers Chair in Ophthalmology
“Bascom Palmer is a family, and I love working alongside an amazing group of talented ophthalmologists in all eye care specialties. The nurses, technicians, and all ancillary personnel are professional, friendly, and valuable members of our family. We attract the finest residents and fellows in the country, and their eagerness to learn, intelligence, and skill make them wonderful students. It is amazing to see them grow and mature into the new ophthalmology leaders nationwide.”
A specialist in oculoplastic and reconstructive surgery, THOMAS E. JOHNSON, M.D., has traveled the world treating patients with dangerous blinding conditions and educating local clinicians. At Bascom Palmer, he studies orbital tumors behind the eye and performs delicate eyelid, tear duct, and orbital procedures.
Presented with the Breyer Rodgers Chair in Ophthalmology, established through an endowment by Charlotte Breyer Rodgers of the famed Breyers Ice Cream Company, the chair will enhance Johnson’s ability to provide top-notch clinical care, effectively teach fellows, residents, and medical students, and conduct vital clinical and basic science research. It will also support his ongoing volunteer work in the community and developing countries and his efforts to advance oculoplastic and reconstructive surgery worldwide.
Johnson’s innovative research is revolutionizing the field of ophthalmology. He is developing a liquid biopsy using tear samples to differentiate between benign and malignant tumors, eliminating the need for invasive procedures. As a professor of clinical ophthalmology, he collaborates closely with oncology, trauma, and reconstructive surgery specialists to improve patient outcomes. He also plays a pivotal role in training fellows and residents in oculoplastic and reconstructive surgery.
Johnson’s impact extends far beyond the walls of his clinic. He is a regular volunteer on ORBIS International’s Flying Eye Hospital. He has performed missions and taught in developing countries worldwide, including Bangladesh, China, Armenia, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Peru.
He earned his medical degree at the University of Iowa. He completed a residency in ophthalmology at the University of Colorado, followed by a fellowship in ophthalmic pathology at California Pacific Medical Center, a fellowship in oculoplastic and reconstructive surgery at the King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital in Saudi Arabia, and a fellowship in oculofacial plastic and reconstructive surgery at Bascom Palmer.
Carol L. Karp, M.D. Richard K. Forster Chair in Ophthalmology
CAROL L. KARP, M.D. embodies a physician-scientist. Her work has fundamentally changed how ophthalmologists approach and treat ocular surface tumors. She holds the Richard K. Forster Chair in Ophthalmology, a prestigious chair named in honor of her mentor, Richard K. Forster, M.D., an international leader in corneal and external diseases, recently retired after a stellar career as a faculty member of Bascom Palmer for fifty years.
Karp’s groundbreaking work on using interferon therapy as a medical treatment for ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) in the early 1990s has revolutionized the field of ophthalmology.
Her innovative approach has led to developing protocols for other medical treatments for this tumor. Before her work, this disease was primarily treated with surgery, which carried the potential risks of scarring and stem cell deficiency with extensive excisions. Thanks to her expertise, many clinicians have adopted her approach and are now successfully treating this tumor medically, without the need for surgery and with less morbidity to the patient. She also pioneered using anterior segment ultra-high-resolution optical coherence tomography (HR-OCT) as an adjuvant in diagnosing and managing these lesions. She discovered that HR-OCT can be used as an “optical biopsy” of conjunctival and corneal lesions, arriving at the diagnosis non-invasively. Furthermore, as the HR-OCT can detect sub-clinical OSSN, she uses this technology to optimize medical therapy by monitoring tumors during therapy until their complete resolution.
Karp’s commitment to disseminating knowledge is her true passion. She has dedicated a significant portion of her academic journey to teaching and shaping the minds of future ophthalmologists. As a mentor, she takes genuine joy in the success of her mentees, a testament to her magnetic personality. Her national and international lectures further underscore her dedication to education. She was honored with the 2022 Castroviejo Medal, a recognition of her outstanding contributions to the field of cornea and anterior segment of the eye - only the fourth woman to receive this prestigious award. She is the president-elect of the Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology, a testament to her leadership and influence in the field. She also co-directs Bascom Palmer’s InterAmerican Course in Clinical Ophthalmology, the largest meeting in the United States for Spanishspeaking ophthalmologists.
“For 30 years at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, I’ve focused on curing ocular surface cancer with effectiveness and gentleness. I am grateful to be in an institution known for excellence, innovation, and compassion in eye care. Bascom Palmer stands as a beacon of hope for top-tier ophthalmic treatment.”
Byron L. Lam, M.D.
Dr. Mark J. Daily Chair in Ophthalmology
Mark J. Daily, M.D., is dedicated to finding new treatments for inherited retinal diseases that steal vision from children and adults. Prioritizing a need for laboratory studies and clinical trials to advance understanding these diseases, Bascom Palmer now has a dedicated center where cutting-edge inherited retinal disease research is being conducted and enhanced. Thanks to Daily’s extraordinary philanthropy, the Mark J. Daily Research Center for Inherited Retinal Diseases has opened at Bascom Palmer with BYRON L. LAM, M.D., the Mark J. Daily Chair in Ophthalmology, as its director.
A world-leading neuro-ophthalmologist, Lam is Bascom Palmer’s director of clinical research. His extensive work in inherited retinal diseases, the Institute’s large pool of patients with genes linked to specific disorders, an excellent infrastructure, and novel imaging techniques will contribute to advancing translational research to potentially treat a wide assortment of these diseases.
New research will also aid in rapidly identifying complex conditions that may one day halt the progression of blindness or lead to sustained improved vision. Lam’s early experience with visual function tests made him realize the importance of understanding disease mechanisms and testing potential therapies for difficult-to-treat conditions. Having established a 30-year database of hereditary retinal degeneration patients, Lam can map associations and analyze various conditions. He is currently the principal investigator of 12 clinical trials.
His ability to effectively integrate clinical and basic science and to make essential connections between them is demonstrated by the textbook he wrote: Electrophysiology of Vision; Clinical Testing and Applications. The book is among the most popular texts in its field and is used by students, physiciansin-training, researchers, and clinicians. He has also been involved in ocular epidemiologic research on how visual impairment increases mortality through indirect pathways, such as its effect on daily living and well-being. Lam is also the medical director of the neuro-ophthalmology service and scientific co-director of the Adrienne Arsht Hope for Vision Retinal Degeneration Laboratory.
“We are fortunate to be in an exciting era where novel diagnostic techniques and innovative therapies, including gene therapy and stem cell therapy, are being tested and will ultimately be implemented for previously untreatable conditions.”
Richard K. Lee, M.D., Ph.D. Walter G. Ross Chair in Ophthalmology
RICHARD K. LEE, M.D., PH.D., an associate professor of ophthalmology, holds the prestigious Walter G. Ross Chair in Ophthalmology. His unwavering dedication to his field is evident in his secondary appointments in the Department of Cell Biology and the Neuroscience Program at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the School of Engineering.
Lee received a medical degree and a doctorate in microbiology and immunology from the Miller School of Medicine through its Physician Scientist Program. He completed a fellowship in viral oncology at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. He completed a residency in ophthalmology at Bascom Palmer, followed by fellowships in clinical glaucoma and glaucoma research at the Institute.
His extensive work, including over 200 book chapters, monographs, abstracts, and journal articles, has significantly advanced our understanding of glaucoma pathophysiology, treatment clinical outcomes, genetics, proteomics, and cellular and molecular biology. His primary research interests, such as neovascular and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma, outcomes of surgical procedures, ocular imaging, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of glaucoma, population glaucoma vision screening, and teleophthalmology, continue to shape the field.
Lee’s commitment to community and international service is a testament to his character. He coordinates and supervises community vision screenings throughout underserved regions throughout South Florida with the Department of Community Service (DOCS) at the Miller School. He volunteers with international eye organizations, including Orbis and LifeLine Express, which has taken him worldwide to render vision care and treatments to hundreds of underserved people. His dedication to improving vision and preventing vision loss is genuinely commendable. In 2011, he traveled to Japan with the Vision Van, Bascom Palmer’s 40-foot mobile eye clinic, to join forces with doctors from the Japanese Ophthalmological Society for emergency vision screenings and eye treatments after the Iwate Great Tsunami. He was instrumental in organizing the Miller School’s tent hospital in Port Au Prince after the Haiti Earthquake. He traveled to Key West to support first responders and other patients with eye emergencies following Hurricane Irma and he created a Bascom Palmer humanitarian initiative that brings vision screening and eye care to the remote Galapagos Islands. This further underscores his dedication to improving vision and preventing vision loss worldwide.
“I am fortunate that the local and worldwide reach of Bascom Palmer has allowed me to not only treat patients from around the globe but also to conduct research and provide humanitarian care worldwide.”
Felipe A. Medeiros, M.D., Ph.D.
Rodgers Research Chair in Ophthalmology
FELIPE A. MEDEIROS, M.D., PH.D., a professor of ophthalmology and Bascom Palmer’s vice chair of research, is one of the world’s leading glaucoma experts. He is a clinician and surgeon whose expertise extends beyond research, as he has played a pivotal role in developing cutting-edge technologies approved for eye care. His extensive experience in clinical trials and artificial intelligence (AI) further solidified his position as a leading figure in the field.
His recent recognition as the recipient of the Rodgers Research Chair in Ophthalmology is a testament to the visionary research
he conducts. This research is essential for driving medical breakthroughs and directly contributes to enhancing patient outcomes. Since joining Bascom Palmer in 2023, Medeiros has been instrumental in expanding the Institute’s research capabilities, particularly in the areas that have the potential to lead to new ophthalmic therapies and diagnostic technologies.
His commitment to advancing translational research shines through his initiative to develop the Bascom Palmer Ophthalmic Registry. This project marries big data with AI to revolutionize ophthalmic research and clinical practice. This database aims to transform the diagnosis and management of eye diseases and to accelerate the discovery of novel clinical trial endpoints to evaluate therapies against vision loss, showcasing his innovative approach to integrating AI and big data in research. Medeiros’ high-impact research has been published in over 400 peer-reviewed publications with more than 30,000 citations. He has been ranked among the Top 3 Glaucoma Experts in the world by Expertscape and named one of the Top 10 Glaucoma Researchers of the decade by Annals of Library and Information Studies. He holds several patents on developing innovative devices for diagnosing diseases and assessing patient outcomes in ophthalmology and other areas of medicine.
A native of Brazil, Medeiros studied at the University of Sao Paulo, where he earned his medical degree, completed a residency in ophthalmology, and obtained his Ph.D. in vision science. He came to the U.S. in 2002 and completed a fellowship in glaucoma at the University of California, San Diego.
“Bascom Palmer’s collaborative environment is designed to foster a convergence of diverse expertise. This will translate cutting-edge research into practical, impactful solutions in eye care, leading to better outcomes for patients in South Florida and worldwide.”
Terrence P. O’Brien,
M.D.
Charlotte Breyer Rodgers Chair in Ophthalmology
TERRENCE P. O’BRIEN, M.D., a globally renowned authority in ocular infectious diseases, corneal, external, anterior segment, and refractive surgery, holds the esteemed Charlotte Breyer Rodgers Chair in Ophthalmology. This chair, dedicated to pioneering ophthalmic research, was established through an endowment by Charlotte Breyer Rodgers, a member of the founding family of Breyers Ice Cream Company.
A professor of ophthalmology, clinician, educator, and scientific investigator, O’Brien has an active clinical and surgical practice in external diseases, cornea, and corneal/anterior segment surgery while serving as director of the refractive surgery service at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at Palm Beach Gardens. He is available for consultation on LASIK and laser vision correction, corneal and external diseases, cataracts, and intraocular lens implants. His research interests include corneal and refractive
surgery techniques, avoiding and managing anterior segment and refractive surgery complications, ocular infectious diseases, ocular microbiology/immunology, and corneal transplant surgery.
Before joining Bascom Palmer, O’Brien was the Tom Clancy Professor of Ophthalmology at the Wilmer Eye Institute of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where he also served as director of ocular infectious diseases and refractive eye surgery. He has written and contributed to numerous published ophthalmological articles, chapters, and books. He is past president of the Ocular Microbiology & Immunology Group and has served on the International Conference of Eye Infections executive board. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology and is an active member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons and the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology. He is editor in chief of Ophthalmology and Therapy and past editor in chief of Contemporary Ophthalmology. He has served as senior assistant editor of the prestigious Journal of Refractive Surgery. He is a frequent international visiting professor who lectures on numerous topics, including advances in ocular infectious diseases and preventing and managing infectious complications with corneal, refractive, and other ocular surgeries.
“The assets generated by this endowment provide important resources needed to support sight-saving clinical and scientific research that will advance treatments and cures for eye disease.”
John Marie Parel, Ing. ETS-G, Ph.D.
Henri and Flore Lesieur Chair in Ophthalmology
During his stellar career at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, JEANMARIE PAREL, ING. ETS-G, PH.D., has dramatically improved patient care worldwide by developing novel technologies and treatments to help physicians and surgeons. A premier biomedical engineer, research associate professor, and holder of the Henri & Flore Lesieur Chair in Ophthalmology, Parel is recognized worldwide for his unparalleled contributions to the field of ophthalmology.
The founder of Bascom Palmer’s Ophthalmic Biophysics Center, he has overseen the creation of more than 350 surgical instruments and clinical devices. When asked about his extraordinary career, he humbly says, “I simply did what three
professors in three continents asked me to do: help clinicians improve patient care. It was logical to listen to their needs and to teach my team to do the same.” Working with scientists and engineers, he and his team continue to solve challenges presented by physicians and surgeons – always with the same goal – to improve patient care. Research and development have blossomed under his leadership for more than five decades. In the early ‘70s, he developed a remarkable surgical instrument – the first vitreous infusion suction cutter (VISC). This revolutionary instrument included a small probe equipped with cutting blades and a suction tip to cut and remove the vitreous while simultaneously inserting a sterile saline solution. The VISC allowed intraocular microsurgery while preventing eye collapse, changing the course of modern retinal surgery.
Over the years, Parel’s team designed the world’s most miniature motorized scissors, which were used to cut retinal membranes that obscure vision. They developed the first modern programmable eye for a patient mannequin with features like a sensor that would close the iris in response to light, mimicking conditions such as retinopathy of prematurity; intraocular fiber optics for illumination; motorized operation microscopes and laser-based instruments for corneal transplantation; a noninvasive coulomb-controlled iontophoresis system to treat intraocular infections and diseases; retinal tacks; and a glaucoma micro shunt (half the size of an eyelash).
His numerous awards include the Gold Medal from the International Congress of Ophthalmology, the Prince Philip Prize for Australian Scientific Design, the Relja Zivojnovic Award from the European VitreoRetinal Society, and membership in the Iron Arrow Honor Society, the highest attainable award from the University of Miami.
“Responding to the massive demand for the vitrectomy instruments we designed, Bascom Palmer launched a global training program. We knew every patient could not come to us for surgery, so we trained the top ophthalmologists around the world so they could do the procedures in their own countries.”
Richard K. Parrish II, M.D.
Edward W.D. Norton Chair in Ophthalmology
While the evolution of medical science during the twentieth century provided opportunities for many inspired ophthalmic leaders, few have excelled in achieving the worldwide acclaim accorded Edward W.D. Norton, M.D., founding chair of Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. A man of unquestionable integrity, wisdom, and energy dedicated to the preservation of vision, it is fitting that the endowed chair to support ophthalmic research, named in his honor, be awarded to RICHARD K. PARRISH II, M.D., a scientist, teacher, and world-renowned glaucoma specialist who has shown unwavering dedication to his field.
An alumnus of Bascom Palmer’s glaucoma fellowship program, Parrish not only embraced the concepts and principles that Norton established to ensure the Institute’s success but also took them to a global level. Joining the faculty in 1982, he has served as a professor of ophthalmology, residency program director, and Bascom Palmer’s third chairman. His global leadership in the field
is evident by his membership in the Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis, as editor in chief of the American Journal of Ophthalmology, and as former president of the American Ophthalmological Society.
Parrish edited the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute’s Atlas of Ophthalmology, a comprehensive ophthalmic text that set a standard for ophthalmic education. He is a skilled editorialist who contributed to the national narrative on innovative glaucoma surgical procedures and recommendations of the United States Preventive Services Task Force on Glaucoma Screening. His research interests focus on improving patient care through clinical trials in glaucoma, and he has served as principal investigator of multiple National Eye Institute-sponsored landmark studies, including the Fluorouracil Filtering Surgery Study, the Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study, and the Tube versus Trabeculectomy Study.
He has played a monumental role in the education of ophthalmologists worldwide and was responsible for designing goals and objectives regarding the curriculum for international medicalstudent education. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recognized his character and commitment to the field at their 2014 annual meeting as the Guest of Honor, a rare privilege the Academy’s president bestows annually on only three of the more than 15,000 members.
“I stayed at Bascom Palmer not to be a teacher but to remain a student for the rest of my life. A day does not pass that I learn far more from the residents, fellows, and my patients than I teach them.”
Victor L. Perez, M.D.
Higgins Clark Chair in Ophthalmology
As the director of Bascom Palmer’s cornea research program, VICTOR L. PEREZ, M.D., is dedicated to enhancing the lives of patients with ocular inflammatory and immunological diseases, dry eye, meibomian gland dysfunction, and allergic reactions. His work directly impacts the quality of life of these individuals, making a tangible difference in their daily experiences.
Perez, a professor of ophthalmology, was recently awarded the Higgins Clark Chair in Ophthalmology. He aims to develop new therapies for patients with cornea and ocular surface disorders. Perez has an ambitious cornea research agenda that addresses ocular graft versus host disease and the rejection of corneal transplants in some patients. Another field of interest is ocular
regeneration, using genetic and cellular therapies to restore damaged corneas. These are new frontiers in the field, with the ultimate goal of reversing blindness in these challenging cases.
Known for his innovations in ophthalmic care – including the first U.S. “eye-tooth” prosthesis –Perez will take a collaborative approach to initiating fresh studies on the diagnosis and treatment of corneal and ocular infections and cancers.
Advancing dry eye therapy is another priority for Perez, who is hopeful his research will lead to clinical trials of new treatments to stimulate tear production or protect the eye’s surface.
Perez’s translational research program in ocular immunology and transplantation has been funded by the National Institutes of Health-National Eye Institute for 20 consecutive years. He was inducted into the American Ophthalmology Society and will deliver the J. Wayne Streilein Lecture at the 33rd Biennial Cornea Conference, Harvard Ophthalmology, in partnership with the Champalimaud Foundation. Streilien was Perez’s mentor, game-changer leader in the field of ocular immunology, and chair of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
Perez earned his medical degree at the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine. He was an ophthalmology resident and clinical fellow at Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School. He was a research fellow at the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, followed by a postdoctoral research fellowship in immunology at the Brigham & Women’s Department of Pathology and Ocular Immunology at Harvard Medical School.
“I am very honored to hold the Higgins Clark Chair in Ophthalmology. This chair will allow me to continue to expand our translational research program and change the world of cornea, transplantation, and beyond.”
Vittorio Porciatti, D.Sc.
James L. Knight Professorship in Ophthalmology
The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation created a professorship in ophthalmology with an emphasis on vision research and education. Bascom Palmer’s director of research, VITTORIO PORCIATTI, D.SC., a professor of ophthalmology, neuroscience, and biomedical engineering, holds the esteemed chair named in honor of James Landon Knight, an American newspaper publisher and co-founder of the Knight Ridder group of newspapers.
Porciatti’s scientific career as a visual neuroscientist is unconventional. His professional career began in Italy after obtaining a diploma in chemistry. He then worked in a chemical plant producing chlorine derivatives of ethylene and soon realized he was better suited for laboratory work. He subsequently joined a nuclear research facility of the Italian Ministry of Defense as a research associate in the radiochemistry and then radiobiology laboratories.
The stimulating nuclear research environment eventually developed his interest in visual neurophysiology. He honed his electrophysiological skills in brain research in clinical and basic research environments. He concentrated on the benefits of
translational research and the importance of using non-invasive electrophysiological tools in patient and experimental models. In several landmark studies, he described electrophysiological techniques for the functional exploration of the visual pathway from the retina to the visual cortex. Joining Bascom Palmer in 2001, Porciatti developed a program on early detection and reversibility of glaucoma. Since 2003, his programs have been continuously funded by National Institutes of Health (NIH) R01 grants and an NIH-P30 core grant to support research activities.
Porciatti’s studies published in major journals have shown that the pattern electroretinogram (PERG) was reversibly altered in diseases of the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) such as glaucoma and optic neuropathies. The PERG represented the only known way to evaluate the function of RGCs, providing a unique tool for physiological and clinical applications. The PERG technique is now widely used. In glaucoma, whether visual loss precedes or is secondary to neural loss is not known. His research has shown that patients with suspicion of glaucoma who were followed over time showed that loss of RGC cell function anticipates loss of optic nerve tissue by eight years on average, providing a sizeable time window for preventive treatment.
“Using the tools of 21st-century medicine – including genetics, cellular biology, molecular diagnostics, and advanced imaging – Bascom Palmer researchers are poised to understand why the eye may become susceptible to disease and how biotechnologies may help to prevent these conditions.”
Stephen G. Schwartz, M.D., M.B.A.
Robert Z. & Nancy J. Greene Chair in Ophthalmology
STEPHEN G. SCHWARTZ, M.D., M.B.A., is a specialist in the retina and vitreous diseases, a professor of clinical ophthalmology, and the medical director of Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at Naples. He was recently awarded the Robert Z. & Nancy J. Greene Chair in Ophthalmology, one of several faculty endowments funded by the late Florida philanthropists.
Schwartz joined Bascom Palmer in 2004 to build a new ophthalmology program in Naples. “This was considered a risky step at the time. However, wasn’t concerned because it was clear that our Institute would do the right thing in serving the community,” he said. “One of the things that makes Bascom Palmer special is the ‘all hands on deck’ approach to the most difficult challenges.”
For the past 20 years, Schwartz has led Bascom Palmer’s multidisciplinary team at Naples. “Initially, we had several of our top specialists driving over from Miami to see patients at our original
facility,” he said. As patient demand increased, philanthropic donors supported the construction of a dedicated center on U.S. 41, a few miles north of downtown Naples, that opened in 2015. The Naples center is now the professional home of eight full-time practitioners and an ambulatory surgery center.
Schwartz earned his medical degree at New York University School of Medicine where he also completed a residency in ophthalmology. He pursued a fellowship in retina/vitreous at Baylor College of Medicine and earned a master of business administration degree at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School. He sees patients with macular and vitreoretinal diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy and retinal vascular disease, and his research interests include the genetics of agerelated macular degeneration.
Active in ophthalmic organizations, Schwartz served as president of the Florida Society of Ophthalmology, where he had previously received the John R. Brayton, Jr., M.D. Leadership Award. He has also received the Chairman’s Award from Prevent Blindness Florida and the Senior Achievement Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). He is also a graduate of the AAO’s Leadership Development Program.
“I have had a nontraditional academic career; however, there are many different ways to contribute. In the future, satellite academic practices like our center in Naples will become increasingly common. Once again, Bascom Palmer leads the way.”
William E. Smiddy, M.D. M. Brenn Green Chair in Ophthalmology
WILLIAM E. SMIDDY,
M.D., is an internationally recognized and respected vitreoretinal surgeon whose unwavering commitment to advancing the field of ophthalmology and improving patient care is evident in his work. He holds the M. Brenn Green Chair in Ophthalmology, a testament to his dedication and the impact of his research on diabetic eye disease.
Smiddy’s areas of expertise include retinal detachments, complications of cataract surgery, and diabetic retinopathy. His particular area of interest is the surgical treatment of macular diseases such as epiretinal membranes and macular holes. His initial research involved the histopathologic effects of laser on
“I am deeply gratified that patients worldwide
the retina and the clinicopathologic correlation of macular diseases, such as epiretinal membranes and impending macular holes. In the early 1990s, he made important contributions to developing the treatment of macular holes with vitrectomy and performed clinical studies defining subgroups that would respond best. Consequently, previously thought untreatable macular holes are now one of the most successfully treatable retinal conditions. In addition, he has studied and introduced numerous contributions to the management of retinal complications of anterior segment surgery. For example, he introduced an important and nowestablished method of repositioning dislocated intraocular lenses. Smiddy has been active in diabetic retinopathy clinical studies for over three decades. More recently, he has developed economic cost containment strategies for managing several common disorders.
His significant accomplishments in the field of ophthalmology have not only garnered recognition worldwide but have also brought pride to the field. He was honored with the Macula Society’s Rosenfeld Award, the Belgian Ophthalmological Society’s Jules Francois Prize (an international prize awarded annually to the physician under age 40 who has made the greatest contributions to the field of retina), and has received the Lifetime Honor award for service to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. In addition to presenting lectures worldwide, he trains medical students, residents, and fellows and teaches continuing medical education courses for practicing ophthalmologists. He Is a sought-after reviewer for dozens of peerreviewed journals and the associate editor of two. His role as an educator and reviewer further underscores his global influence and recognition.
can
benefit from my contribution to the development of vitrectomy for the treatment of macular holes. Once thought untreatable, macular holes are now one of the most successfully treatable retinal conditions.”
Swarup Swaminathan, M.D.
Mary L. & Richard E. Bastin Chair in Ophthalmology
A magna cum laude graduate of the Harvard-MIT Health Sciences and Technology program at Harvard Medical School, SWARUP SWAMINATHAN, M.D., a glaucoma specialist and assistant professor of clinical ophthalmology, was named the Mary L. and Richard E. Bastin Chair in Ophthalmology, the first endowed chair at Bascom Palmer to support a junior faculty member. Swaminathan completed a residency at Bascom Palmer and a glaucoma fellowship at Duke Eye Center. His promising work to advance glaucoma research continally garners recognition. In the next few decades, more than six million patients in the U.S. will be diagnosed with glaucoma. A significant percentage
of these patients will progress at such a rapid rate that they are at high risk of going blind or developing visual disability. Early identification of these patients is critical to maintaining vision.
Swaminathan works on techniques to identify these fast progressors sooner.
He and his team have constructed the Bascom Palmer Glaucoma Repository, a database containing clinical and imaging data of more than 70,000 glaucoma patients seen at the Institute. As a premier ophthalmic academic center, Bascom Palmer has one of the country’s largest electronic health record (EHR) databases. Populationlevel data from this database substantially aid disease predictions. This work has also created a streamlined protocol for extracting EHR data for further ophthalmic research. One of the strengths of this repository is Bascom Palmer’s diversity, given the large number of patients from the African American, Afro-Caribbean, and Latin-American communities in South Florida. Large data sets will become increasingly important as artificial intelligence and data science become integral to healthcare. His work has been highlighted in several prominent peer-reviewed journals, as well as national and international presentations that he has given.
Swaminathan also serves as the clinical director of informatics at Bascom Palmer, optimizing the EHR interface for the Institute’s clinicians while supporting efforts to provide innovative care.
He is also a member of the Ophthalmology Specialty Steering Board for Epic EHR Systems. He is integral to several national and international initiatives to improve data standards in ophthalmology and facilitate future multi-center research.
“Bascom Palmer’s incredible patient diversity provides us as researchers with the ability to harness powerful EHR data that can not only help identify which glaucoma patients are at greatest risk for rapid progression but also help us develop a database that will provide invaluable insights when utilized with artificial intelligence.”
David T. Tse, M.D.
Dr. Nasser Ibrahim Al-Rashid Chair in Ophthalmology
DAVID T. TSE, M.D., a thought leader in oculoplastic surgery and orbital disease, pioneered intra-arterial neoadjuvant chemotherapy in treating a lethal lacrimal gland malignancy to improve long-term disease-free survival substantially. He founded the Nasser-Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, the first cure-based orbital research laboratory of its kind in the world, assembling a broad range of research scientists and clinicians focused on finding novel therapies for orbital diseases in which effective treatment remains elusive, orbital cancers, traumatic optic nerve injury and clinical applications for stem cells and biomedical studies. Dr. Nasser Ibrahim Al-Rashid established an endowed chair at Bascom Palmer in honor and deep gratitude to Tse. Tse’s compassion and ingenuity are evident in his work with children born without an eye. He developed and introduced an orbital tissue expander - an expandable balloon implanted into the child’s eye socket and progressively inflated with fluid to stimulate socket growth and minimize facial disfigurement. This innovative solution reduces the number of surgeries these children often
require. In addition, he and a team of University of Miami engineers developed a rapid and costeffective method of fabricating orbital prostheses using facial topographic mapping, 3-D printing, and silicone casting of the prostheses. This novel approach addresses the global barriers of access and cost. They also developed an exenteration prosthesis that moves and blinks synchronously with the fellow eye to enhance realism. His laboratory is at the forefront of transformative eye disease research. Bascom Palmer’s most ambitious initiative on the horizon – whole eye transplantation – aims to restore vision by transplanting a donor’s eye to a recipient. Tse is leading a multidisciplinary initiative to perform this “moon shot” project, involving partnerships with University of Miami experts in surgical transplantation, neurosciences, cellular and molecular biology, bioengineering, and computational science.
A professor of ophthalmology, Tse’s clinical interests include the full spectrum of lacrimal, eyelid, and orbital reconstructive surgeries due to disease or injury and aesthetic and rejuvenation surgeries. His clinical research centers on innovative ways to treat extensive skin cancers, lethal orbital malignancies, and translational research.
“I want Bascom Palmer to be the first eye center in the world to achieve this ‘moon shot’ goal. This daunting challenge exemplifies how Bascom Palmer’s clinicians and researchers work together on big, audacious ideas that could transform ophthalmology in the future.”
Sonia H. Yoo, M.D.
Greentree Pruett Hickman Chair in Ophthalmology
SONIA H. YOO, M.D., a distinguished figure in vision correction surgery, stands out as one of the world’s most adept cornea, cataract, and refractive surgeons. Her extensive experience and understanding of the field have earned her international recognition. As a professor of ophthalmology with a dual appointment in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, she is Bascom Palmer’s associate medical director and the esteemed holder of the Greentree Hickman Chair in Ophthalmology.
Interested in developing and evaluating new diagnostic and surgical technologies and laser applications, she has been a principal investigator on numerous drug and device trials, including testing new intraocular lenses and devices for cataract surgery and imaging. She served as a lead clinical investigator in efforts to develop intraoperative optical coherence tomography to assist
and guide anterior segment diseases like dry eye, keratoconus, and Fuchs dystrophy, allowing realtime visualization of the anterior segment during surgery, and on the development of femtosecond laser-assisted suture-less anterior lamellar keratoplasties.
She received the International Society of Refractive Surgery’s prestigious Founder’s Award for her cataract and refractive surgery accomplishments. She was the chief editor of Refractive Surgery Outlook 2020-2023, published by the International Society of Refractive Surgery of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. She serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Refractive Surgery. She holds several patents and has authored over 200 book chapters and peerreviewed journal articles.
During her career, Yoo has trained more than 100 residents and fellows, served as Bascom Palmer’s corneal fellowship director from 2001-2014, and mentored medical students. She serves as a research advisor and has helped dozens of medical students pursue a residency in ophthalmology. She has also served on six Ph.D. candidates’ doctoral thesis and dissertation committees. With a deep commitment to ophthalmic education for more than 24 years, she has taught numerous courses to ophthalmologists at the local, national, and international levels.
“Holding an endowed chair supports my research in advancing cornea, cataract, and laser vision correction surgery. This chair allows for my scholarly pursuits in the field with my goal to improve the outcomes of patients undergoing various anterior segment surgeries.”
If you do not wish to receive further communications from the University of Miami Medical Programs, please send your request by email to: medoptout@med.miami.edu or mail your request to UHealth Privacy, P.O. Box 019132 (M-879), Miami, Florida 33101. Be sure to include the following: name, address, phone number and email address. Only complete requests can be processed. You may receive additional communications during the processing of your request.
Miami
Anne Bates Leach Eye Center 900 NW 17 Street Miami, Florida 33136 305-326-6000
Information 305-243-2020
Toll free in USA 800-329-7000
bascompalmer.org
Palm Beach Gardens 7101 Fairway Drive Palm Beach Gardens Florida 33418 561-515-1500
Naples 3880 Tamiami Trail North Naples, Florida 34103 239-659-3937
Plantation 8100 SW10 Street Plantation, Florida 33324 954-465-2700
Coral Gables
The Lennar Foundation Medical Center 5555 Ponce de Leon Boulevard Coral Gables, Florida 33146 305-689-0416