Images - Volume XLI | Issue 1

Shooting for the Moon

A New Era for Inherited Retinal Diseases

Honored to be #1

Bascom Palmer Eye Institute’s mission is to enhance the quality of life by improving sight, preventing blindness, and advancing ophthalmic knowledge through compassionate patient care and innovative vision research.

Eduardo C. Alfonso, M.D.

Kathleen and Stanley J. Glaser

Chair in Ophthalmology

Director, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute

Editor

Marla Bercuson

Executive Director of Business Operations

Bascom Palmer Eye Institute

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Tackling the Most Difficult Challenges

Dear Friends and Colleagues:

As Bascom Palmer enters its seventh decade, we continue to build on our rich tradition of scientific discovery and clinical innovation. With your support, our researchers are tackling some of the most difficult challenges in ophthalmology, as highlighted in this issue of Images.

For example, we have recently established the Mark J. Daily Inherited Retinal Diseases Research Center thanks to the support of Mark J. Daily, M.D., a distinguished Illinois ophthalmologist who completed his residency here in 1977. This new center will provide a dedicated home for our scientific research, clinical trials, patient care, and medical education; advancing care for pediatric and adult patients with vision-stealing genetic disorders.

We also welcome the arrival of Felipe A. Medeiros, M.D., Ph.D., one of the world’s leading glaucoma experts, as professor of ophthalmology and vice chair of translational research. Dr. Medeiros brings a deep understanding of biostatistics and bioinformatics and uses advanced clinical and research tools like artificial intelligence and virtual reality applications to diagnose and treat patients with glaucoma and other blinding conditions.

Undoubtedly, our most ambitious research initiative is finding a way to transplant an eye and restore vision through the optic nerve. This is our “moon shot” project, which would lead to new therapies for potentially blinding diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. In addition, a successful whole eye transplant could potentially be a breakthrough discovery that offers hope for patients with spinal cord injuries and other nerve-damaging conditions.

In moving toward this long-term goal, our researchers can draw on the extensive medical, surgical, and bioengineering resources of our university. This collaborative approach is already advancing our understanding of the steps involved in a whole eye transplant and holds the promise of developing groundbreaking therapies that could ultimately restore vision for millions of patients.

As we move to a bold new future in vision care, I want to thank our many philanthropic donors for supporting our research, clinical care, and medical education programs. Your gifts for our institute, including research grants, endowed chairs, and training scholarships, help Bascom Palmer continue to be a global leader in virtually all aspects of ophthalmic medicine.

Sincerely,

Eduardo C. Alfonso, M.D. Kathleen and Stanley J. Glaser Chair in Ophthalmology Director, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute

Images is produced by Bascom Palmer Eye Institute with support from the George C. Brosius Endowment Fund.

Bascom Palmer’s ‘Moon Shot’ Project: A High-Impact Initiative to Transplant the Whole Eye

In 1961, President John F. Kennedy announced an ambitious goal: landing a man on the moon before the decade’s end. That project succeeded on July 20, 1969, when Neil Armstrong stepped onto the lunar surface, taking “one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

Now, Bascom Palmer is taking on its own “moon shot” project: a whole eye transplant. It’s a high-impact ophthalmic initiative that would lead to new therapies for potentially blinding diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Patients with spinal cord injuries and other nerve-damaging conditions could also be helped if the Institute’s multidisciplinary research team can repair a severed optic nerve and restore vision.

“I want Bascom Palmer to be the first eye center in the world to achieve this ‘moon shot’ goal,” said David T. Tse, M.D., professor of ophthalmology and the Dr. Nasser Ibrahim Al-Rashid Chair in Ophthalmology. “A whole eye transplant is a final destination, but in the course of scientific discovery, we hope to identify and close critical knowledge gaps, overcome developmental bottlenecks, and find missing pieces of scientific puzzles. A successful eye transplant will involve groundbreaking therapies that could ultimately restore vision for millions of patients.”

A multidisciplinary approach

After decades of treating patients who have lost their eyes to injury or disease, Tse is leading a multidisciplinary initiative to perform a whole eye transplant. It involves partnerships with the University of Miami experts in surgical transplantation, neurosciences, cellular and molecular biology, bioengineering, computational science, and statistics.

“We have embarked on a journey that can provide many benefits to patients with different conditions. Even if we never reach our goal, this project can lead to advances in many fields of medicine.”

– Dr. Daniel Pelaez

Dr. Daniel Pelaez

“I want Bascom Palmer to be the first eye center in the world to achieve this ‘moon shot’ goal. A whole eye transplant is a final destination, but in the course of scientific discovery, we hope to identify and close critical knowledge gaps, overcome developmental bottlenecks, and find missing pieces of scientific puzzles.

– Dr. David Tse

“This project can shift the paradigms of vision therapies,” said Daniel Pelaez, Ph.D., research associate professor of ophthalmology, and scientific director of the Dr. Nasser Ibrahim Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center. “We have embarked on a journey that can provide many benefits to patients with different conditions. Even if we never reach our goal, this project can lead to advances in many fields of medicine.”

Pelaez said one of the hopeful aspects of the Institute’s ambitious initiative is that whole eye transplants have already been done in different species. Back in the 1960s, Nobel Prize winner Roger Sperry, Ph.D., transplanted the eyes of frogs and salamanders – two species with high regenerative ability – and found that the optic nerves reconnected with the visual centers of the brain. “We know that there is a natural biological mechanism for regeneration to occur,” said Pelaez. “It’s just a matter of understanding how this occurs in nature and being able to adapt those findings to the human system.”

To move toward that goal, Pelaez uses experimental models to study the optic nerve’s response to injury, as well as the genetic and epigenetic timing of natural repairs. “We are making progress in understanding how genes can coordinate the metabolic responses to injuries, using supercomputers to analyze these massive sets,” he said.

Addressing the challenges

Optic nerve regeneration and reconnection are far from the only daunting challenges to overcome for a successful whole eye transplant. On the surgical side, the donor eye tissues must be removed and transported to the recipient. Microsurgery and oculoplastic procedures are needed to place the eye in the right position, reconnect tiny muscles, and restore blood flow through tiny capillaries and veins.

“Our oculoplastic surgery group is on the cutting edge of clinical and basic science research,” said service director Thomas E. Johnson, M.D., professor of clinical ophthalmology. “We use our imagination, experience, and skills to find solutions to problems, no matter how difficult or complex.”

Once the donor eye tissues have been placed in the host orbit, the immune system response must be suppressed to prevent rejection, as only the retina is protected by the body’s blood-brain barrier, said Pelaez. If all those hurdles can be overcome, neuroophthalmologists may still need to retrain the brain to interpret the images it is receiving from the new eye. Therefore, the whole eye transplant initiative brings together specialists from the Miami Transplant Institute, the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, the College of Engineering’s Department of Biomedical Engineering, and other programs at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. “The role of teamwork and collaboration in this endeavor cannot be overemphasized,” said Pelaez.

Transplantation and survival

Despite major advances in microsurgical techniques and transplant immunology, the eye is one of only four organs that scientists worldwide have never been able to transplant. Now, the research team is developing a model workflow from donor eye procurement and preservation to recipient orbit preparation and implantation.

In a major advance for the initiative, Tse has designed a surgical technique for transplanting the globe of the eye and making the vascular connections to preserve an eye once it is removed from a donor’s blood supply. He is also working with biomedical engineers to build a pilot life support system to maintain the globe being transported from donor to

Dr. David Tse

recipient. Restoring the blood flow is essential for the survival of the transplanted ocular tissue, said Pelaez, who is collaborating with Robert Starke, M.D., associate professor of clinical neurosurgery, neuroradiology, and neurosciences, on this challenge. “We are also collaborating with bioengineers to develop stents smaller than a strand of hair to reconnect the vessels and restore the flow of blood,” he added.

Eye transplant recipients would probably need immunosuppressant medications to prevent rejection of the ocular tissues, added Pelaez. Collaborators in this aspect of the initiative include Robert Levy, Ph.D., professor of microbiology and immunology.

Pelaez is also studying the creation of new retinal tissue in the laboratory, using the patient’s stem cells – an alternative approach to restoring lost vision. “If we can generate a new retina in a dish and integrate the new tissues into the visual system, we could avoid the issue of transplant rejection,” he said.

Optic nerve regeneration

While the initial stages of the moon shot initiative focus on the fundamentals of transplantation, the longer-term goal is to overcome perhaps the most difficult challenge: reconnecting the retina to the brain through a broken optic nerve. “We are looking at molecular and biological approaches to overcoming the scar tissue that forms a barrier at the donorrecipient optic nerve junction,” said Tse.

Sanjoy K. Bhattacharya, M.Tech., Ph. D., professor of ophthalmology, and founding director of the Miami Integrative Metabolomics Research Center, is leading a large, international, collaborative research effort for regenerating axons, the long projections of retinal ganglion cells that carry visual signals from the eye to the brain. “The axons are the most delicate part

of a whole eye transplant,” said Bhattacharya. “Key questions include how much of the fibers from the donated eye can be functionally connected, how to protect their functioning with a myelin insulation sheath, and how you can coax axons to regrow in the recipient’s eye.”

Bhattacharya’s research uses high-throughput metabolomics to identify thousands of molecules involved in axon regeneration. He is also searching for clues in nerve regeneration studies published over the last 300 years using computer natural language processing and integrating those insights with today’s laboratory findings.

Now, Bhattacharya focuses on small molecules that encourage axon growth not only in young mammals but also at advanced ages of life. “If we can deliver these factors to a transplanted eye, they could do their short-term job of regenerating axons before being taken away by the vascular system without any adverse effects.”

Successful axon regeneration and reconnection will be a major step forward in restoring vision in traumatic optic neuropathies, glaucoma, and in a variety of disorders, Bhattacharya said, while cautioning that the mixture of metabolites varies in individuals. “We may need to take a portfolio approach and customize the regenerative for each patient,” he said. “Ideally, we want a long-term solution to restoring and maintaining the optic nerve connections.”

Hope for other patients

Bascom Palmer researchers are far from alone in studying potential approaches to regenerate retinal ganglion cells or regrow axons. “The whole eye transplant project could bring hope to patients with spinal cord injuries and other disorders,” said W. Dalton Dietrich, Ph.D., scientific director, Miami Project to Cure Paralysis; senior associate dean for discovery science; and professor of neurological surgery, neurology, biomedical engineering, and cell biology. “The optic nerve provides a model for repairing or regenerating the spinal cord and other parts of the central nervous system.”

Dr. Sanjoy Bhattacharya

With application support from the Institute, Kevin K. Park. Ph.D., professor of neurological surgery, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, was recently awarded a $1.9 million grant from the National Eye Institute to study a new long noncoding RNA (LncRNA) that regulates gene expression to protect injured retinal ganglion cells from dying. Bhattacharya and Park had earlier secured a multiprincipal investigator U01 grant from the NEI and an exploratory grant from the U.S. Department of Defense to test small molecules and lipids that promote axon regeneration.

“Virtually nothing is known about this LncRNA, and this study provides an opportunity to better understand the possible molecular mechanisms underlying this process,” said Park, whose work focuses on genetic and molecular pathways that regulate retinal cells in experimental models. “Being able to protect retinal ganglion cells from dying would potentially help millions of patients with glaucoma by restoring damage to the optic nerve.”

Looking ahead

Reflecting on the value of Bascom Palmer’s moon shot initiative, Tse believes the Institute’s multifaceted approach to eye transplants will lead to medical breakthroughs, benefitting patients with uncurable vision, spinal cord, and other nervous system disorders. “This is a great example of how Bascom Palmer’s clinicians and researchers work together on big, audacious ideas that could transform ophthalmology in the future.” 

“Whatever we are able to do with the transplanted eye, we will need to grow or regenerate longdistance axons from the retinal ganglion cells within the retina of the donor eye.”

– Dr. Sanjoy Bhattacharya

“This is a great example of how Bascom Palmer’s clinicians and researchers work together on big, audacious ideas that could transform ophthalmology in the future.”

– Dr. David Tse

Bascom Palmer’s Research Center for Inherited Retinal Diseases

Mark J. Daily, M.D., is dedicated to finding new treatments for inherited retinal diseases that steal vision from children and adults. “We need laboratory studies and clinical trials to advance our understanding of these genetic disorders,” said Daily, a retinal specialist in Wheaton, Illinois, who completed his residency at Bascom Palmer in 1977. “Bascom Palmer is in the forefront of genetics, stem cells, and imaging, making it a natural location for a new center.”

translational research with a superior patient experience.”

Since the 1990s, Bascom Palmer has built an extensive gene therapy program that includes ophthalmologists and research scientists studying various forms of inherited eye diseases, said the center’s director Byron L. Lam, M.D., professor of ophthalmology, the Mark J. Daily Chair in Ophthalmology, and the medical director of clinical research. “We have a large pool of patients whose genes have been linked to specific disorders,” said Lam. “We also have an excellent infrastructure with novel imaging techniques and instrumentations that will contribute to our basic science and translational research.”

A challenging landscape

Inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) affect millions of people globally, reducing vision and causing blindness. There are more than 300 types of IRDs, which usually result from a mutation in one or more genes that code for a retinal protein. These rare blinding conditions include X-linked retinitis pigmentosa (RP), achromatopsia, choroideremia, Leber congenital amaurosis, Leber hereditary optic neuropathy, X-linked retinoschisis, and Stargardt macular dystrophy.

Now, the longtime Illinois ophthalmologist is bringing renewed hope to patients and families with the opening of the Mark J. Daily Inherited Retinal Diseases Research Center at Bascom Palmer. By providing a home for scientific research, clinical trials, patient care, and medical education, the new inherited retinal disease center will usher in a new era for the Institute’s growing team of retinal specialists.

“Thanks to the extraordinary philanthropy of our alumnus Dr. Mark J. Daily, Bascom Palmer will have a renowned center where cutting-edge inherited retinal diseases research is conducted and enhanced,” said Eduardo C. Alfonso, M.D. “The center will allow us to multiply the output of research and clinical trials in inherited retinal diseases, and we will integrate

Because of the complexity and rarity of most IRDs, the Institute’s new center will play a key role in focusing scientific and clinical research on gene therapies. “Even though traditional gene replacement therapy is very powerful, it can only treat one mutation at a time,” said Vittorio Porciatti, D.Sc., professor of ophthalmology, vice chairman of research, and the James L. Knight Professor in Ophthalmology. “Therefore, our basic science program is generating in-house therapies that are gene agnostic. By targeting pathways common to many mutations, we could develop one therapy that is effective against multiple mutations.”

Lam said the Daily Center will advance translational research in the treatment of IRDs that will lead to clinical trials in a reasonable time frame. “The new

“We need laboratory studies and clinical trials to advance our understanding of these genetic disorders. Bascom Palmer is in the forefront of genetics, stem cells, and imaging, making it a natural location for a new center.”

– Dr. Mark Daily

Dr. Mark Daily

endowment will support early-stage studies, which can hopefully draw funding from government agencies as well as industrial partners,” he said. “New research could aid in the rapid identification of these complex conditions and one day might halt the progression to blindness or lead to sustained improved vision.”

A long history

Bascom Palmer has a long history of treating IRDs. The Institute’s founder, Edward W.D. Norton, M.D., had a clinical and research interest in retinitis pigmentosa, as his wife and son lost their vision from this blinding disease. In 1983, Norton recruited Samuel G. Jacobson, M.D., Ph.D., to establish a research and clinical center for retinal degeneration. In his 12 years at the Institute, Jacobson established a highly productive multidisciplinary research program investigating the mechanisms of retinal degeneration.

Over the past 20 years, the Institute has conducted numerous studies funded by the National Eye Institute. Lam said the achievements thus far of identifying genes and biomarkers associated with mutations furthered the testing of clinical gene therapies for a spectrum of inherited retinal diseases.

In addition, John R. Guy, M.D., Bascom Palmer professor and holder of the Rodgers Research Chair in Ophthalmology, conducted pioneering gene therapy research for the treatment of Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), optic neuritis, multiple sclerosis, and other diseases caused by mutations in mitochondrial DNA.

Before he died in 2020, Guy developed a novel

technological treatment for LHON. By successfully modifying a virus, he was able to introduce healthy genes in the mitochondria to correct the genetic defect. His research demonstrated the immense potential for gene therapy applications to treat other blinding and life-threatening conditions. As Lam put it, “We are all standing on his shoulders.”

Giving back to the Institute

Reflecting on the 1970s, Daily has fond memories of his training at Bascom Palmer. “Working with Dr. Norton and other pioneers in ophthalmology was the highlight of my educational experience,” he said. “I was fortunate to be there when the faculty members were pioneering vitrectomies and ocular lens implants, as well as making major advances in glaucoma, corneal and retinal procedures.”

In the past few years, Daily, who is also a clinical professor of ophthalmology at Loyola University Medical Center, has paid increasing attention to IRDs. “When I was in medical school, our genetics course was very basic,” he said. “Since then, we have learned a tremendous amount about the human genome and genetic testing can identify most of the mutations. Now, we need to take the next step and develop effective treatments.”

Daily knows that understanding the genetics of the eye can provide insights into other medical problems. Two years ago, he saw a 60-year-old wheelchair-bound diabetic patient who came to his office with her daughter. After a careful eye examination and blood testing, he found she had a rare genetic condition called MELAS (mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like symptoms). “It was an important finding for her and her daughter, who inherited the genes,” Daily said. “The more we learn about IRDs the more we can unravel those types of medical mysteries.

Delivering clinical care

Today, the Institute has one of the largest gene therapy programs in the nation with additional clinical trials and studies coming soon. “Our patients are seen by

Dr. Byron Lam

“New research could aid in the rapid identification of these complex conditions and one day might halt the progression to blindness or lead to sustained improved vision.”

– Dr. Byron Lam

clinicians who can diagnose inherited eye disorders,” Lam said. “Genetic testing and careful evaluation are necessary to determine if these new therapies are appropriate for individual patients.”

In gene therapy, a tiny dose of adeno-associated virus (AAV) is used as a transmission vector to carry functional new genes into the retina. Once delivered, the new genes use the body’s cellular mechanisms to produce functional proteins with a therapeutic impact on the retinal cells. Every step of the process has to be carefully managed for patient safety and maximum efficacy of the treatment. The Institute’s multidisciplinary support for gene therapy includes the research pharmacy of the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, which stores the therapeutic vectors at -80 degrees Fahrenheit and delivers them to the operating room just in time for the procedures.

“We spend a lot of time planning cases, beginning with a comprehensive study of the patient’s retinas,” said Janet L. Davis, M.D., professor of ophthalmology and holder of the Leach Chair in Ophthalmology. Advanced imaging technology, including optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fundus autofluorescence, is used to determine if a patient is a suitable candidate. Next, the surgical team carefully maps the patient’s retina to determine precisely where to apply the gene-changing vector. For patient safety, only one eye is treated at a time.

Ninel Gregori, M.D., professor of clinical ophthalmology and chief of eye care services at the Miami Veterans Affairs Hospital, typically works with Davis on gene therapy surgeries on adult patients, while Audina M. Berrocal, M.D., a pediatric retinal surgeon and professor of clinical ophthalmology, operates on children. In 2018, Berrocal operated on a 9-year-old, one of the first persons in the United States to receive an FDA-approved gene therapy treatment.

During the Institute’s first gene therapy trial in 2015, the team integrated OCT imaging into the surgery and shared the results with other surgeons. “We have evolved since then, learning how to do injections more safely and efficiently,” Gregori said. “Industry partners have responded as well. We started with our own injection tubes, and we now have a commercial cannula for these procedures.”

Since the FDA approval of voretigene (Luxturna) in 2017, Davis and Gregori have used subretinal and

intravitreal injections to treat adult patients with retinitis pigmentosa, Leber congenital amaurosis, and other diseases. “We are a great team, and we all contribute to each other’s development,” said Davis. “Going forward, we plan to expand our training program and teach ophthalmologists around the world to do these complex surgical procedures.”

“When I met Mark Daily at a dinner several years ago, he had a big vision for advancing retinal care,” said Davis. “Now, having a dedicated, patient-focused center will help families feel comfortable here while providing support for recruiting additional scientists and clinicians. We are entering a new era in genetic medicine, and this is a brilliant way for us to help patients with IRDs.”

Jesse D. Sengillo, M.D., who is currently completing his vitreoretinal surgery fellowship, is also looking forward to the new center. “My mother is affected by an IRD, which sparked my interested in ophthalmology,” he said. “I feel very fortunate to see the advances our field is making in real-time, particularly at Bascom Palmer. The Daily Center will provide state-of-the-art care for patients and facilitate research that brings innovative treatments to the bedside.”

Sengillo is also collaborating with investigators at the Institute on several projects, such as assessing how the location of mutations in particular genes relates to the risks of complications in inherited vitreoretinopathies. “The more we understand about the genes that cause IRDs, the better we can prognosticate for patients and identify candidates for treatment in the future,” he said.

Reflecting on Daily’s support, Berrocal said, “Having a center dedicated to an integrated approach to genetic eye disorders is essential to the future of eye care. Before, we had no cure for pediatric IRDs and blindness was many times inevitable. Now, we can identify and treat certain diseases at an early age for better outcomes. With gene therapy, the future is limitless.”

Advancing laboratory research

Through the years, Lam has participated in more than 25 clinical trials in hereditary retinal diseases including gene therapy, stem cell, and other novel treatments. He also initiated the first U.S. clinical trial in choroideremia gene therapy.

Now, Lam is looking forward to the opportunity to bring more laboratory findings into the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) pipeline for clinical trials.

“We plan to generate our ideas, gain funding for initial studies, and move forward into larger-scale studies,” he said. “We have also developed new endpoints by using new imaging techniques and a novel way of measuring light sensitivity.”

Several treatment strategies are currently being examined, including gene replacement and stem cell therapies, as well as delivering light-sensitive proteins into the residual retinal cells, Lam said. “We are also looking at RNA-based therapies using antisense oligonucleotides,” he added. “Our goal is to bring meaningful vision benefits to individuals living with inherited blinding disorders.”

For 20 years, Abigail Hackam, Ph.D., professor of ophthalmology, has been working on experimental models of IRD to better understand how inherent mutations lead to photoreceptor death. “We are also using advanced retinal imaging techniques to follow patients over time,” said Hackam. “We have a great collaborative approach that allows us to identify patients and enroll them in clinical trials. It is exciting to have a new IRD center that can translate basic scientific discoveries into potential therapeutics.”

Rong Wen, M.D., Ph.D., professor of ophthalmology, has been studying retinitis pigmentosa for decades. Because RP has more than 200 mutations in 60 genes, Wen is looking for mutation-independent neuroprotective therapies in collaboration with other researchers. “Neuroprotection by CNTF also affects the electroretinography (ERG) amplitudes. ERG is considered a surrogate functional test for the photoreceptors though the ERG effect raised a concern,” he said. “We proved that the ERG effect is a natural effect similar to the retinal response to habitate light. If you put animals in an environment with strong background light, the ERG gets smaller.”

“Retinitis pigmentosa is a long-term disease that is very difficult to treat,” Wen said. “It can take years for a clinical trial to produce results, making it difficult for pharmaceutical companies to invest in such a long timeline. Having the new Daily center here assures us that the IRD research will be here to stay over the long term. After all, it’s worth waiting for good things like effective new therapies for these inherited diseases.” 

Gene Therapy for Inherited Retinal Disorders

Identify the Gene Mutation

Genetic testing identifies the specific gene mutation behind a person’s vision loss or impairment. Since there are hundreds of retinal disease genes, it is important to know the gene mutation to determine treatment eligibility.

The Eye is Easy to Acess

Compared to other organs of the body, the eye is small and easy to access for treatment administration. This makes inherited retinal disorders (IRDs) strong candidates for gene therapy.

Vector Delivery

Gene therapy uses a vector—a virus without the disease-causing parts—to deliver a working gene into the cells. The vectors are delivered via injection to the eye, which enables the cells with the new functioning genes to start doing the work the faulty genes could not.

Control Progression

By targeting the cause of disease —a faulty gene— gene therapy aims to stop disease progression and improve vision with a one-time administration.

Felipe A. Medeiros, M.D., Ph.D.

Introducing the Vice Chair of Translational Research

World-renowned

As a student in Brazil, Felipe A. Medeiros, M.D., Ph.D., dreamed of becoming an ophthalmologist. Today, he is one of the world’s leading glaucoma experts with a passion for using data science and computing to bring better vision treatments to patients.

On June 1, Medeiros will join Bascom Palmer Eye Institute of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine as professor of ophthalmology, vice chair of translational research, and the Rodgers Clark Chair of Ophthalmology. “I am very honored to join Bascom Palmer, and I look forward to working with this exceptional group of clinicians, scientists, and educators to improve the lives of glaucoma patients through cutting-edge research and state-ofthe-art care,” he said.

A pioneer on the use of artificial intelligence and big data to help improve management of glaucoma and other eye conditions, Medeiros was recently ranked among the top three glaucoma experts in the world by Expertscape, an independent organization that evaluates publications and citations from

more than 40,000 glaucoma specialists and researchers worldwide.

“Dr. Medeiros brings extraordinary interdisciplinary expertise to our Institute,” said Eduardo C. Alfonso, M.D., professor and director of Bascom Palmer, “In addition to his exceptional skills as a surgeon specializing in complex glaucoma cases, his trail-blazing research and commitment to clinical care will significantly benefit patients here in South Florida and throughout the world.”

Medeiros is joining the Institute from Duke University, where he was the Joseph A.C. Wadsworth Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology. He was also vice chair of technology and professor of electrical and computer engineering, biostatistics, and bioinformatics at Duke. He is moving here with his wife Milenny, who is an attorney, and daughter Melissa. “We love traveling, and I enjoy tennis, mountain biking, and playing the drums,” he said.

“Dr. Medeiros is an innovative thinker and a visionary leader who will drive Bascom Palmer’s translational research program to new heights,” said Henri R. Ford, M.D., M.H.A., dean and chief academic officer of the Miller School of Medecine. “He brings many years of remarkable research accomplishments to our school.”

Recognized for leadership

In the global ophthalmology community, Medeiros is known for developing innovative methods and technologies for diagnosis, risk assessment, and detection of disease progression in glaucoma. At Bascom Palmer, Medeiros’ new colleagues respect his worldwide influence on clinical practice, as well as his commitment to leading-edge research,

Dr. Felipe Medeiros

glaucoma researcher, clinician, and surgeon brings extensive experience in clinical trials, artificial intelligence, and bioinformatics to Bascom Palmer

“Dr. Medeiros brings extraordinary interdisciplinary expertise to our Institute. In addition to his exceptional skills as a surgeon specializing in complex glaucoma cases, his trail-blazing research and commitment to clinical care will significantly benefit patients here in South Florida and throughout the world.”

– Dr. Eduardo Alfonso

personalized patient care, and 21st-century medical education.

“Dr. Felipe Medeiros is nationally and internationally recognized as a leader in the field of glaucoma,” said Steven J. Gedde, M.D., professor of ophthalmology, the John G. Clarkson Chair in Ophthalmology, and vice chair of education. Gedde led the selection committee that chose Medeiros from a group of highly qualified candidates. “He will provide strategic vision and operational leadership to build upon the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute’s outstanding research program.”

Gedde added that Medeiros’ funded research has focused on developing innovative methods and technologies for early diagnosis and detection of progression, identification of biomarkers and risk factors for glaucoma, and use of big data and artificial intelligence to improve the diagnosis and monitoring of eye diseases.

“Clinician-scientists are rare birds in ophthalmology, and none has flown higher or faster than Felipe Medeiros,” said Richard Parrish II, M.D., professor of ophthalmology, and the Edward W. D. Norton Chair in Ophthalmology. “His unique ability to leverage the in-depth knowledge of clinical glaucoma and sophisticated artificial intelligence lays the groundwork for rapid progress in our understanding of this disease.”

Swarup S. Swaminathan, M.D., assistant professor of clinical ophthalmology and the Mary Lee & Richard E. Bastin Chair in Ophthalmology, said, “I am particularly excited about Dr. Medeiros’ arrival at Bascom Palmer, as he will be able to guide junior clinician-scientists such as myself in building successful research programs. I look forward to working with him in further developing our data science research.”

Pointing to Medeiros’ wide spectrum of knowledge, including electrical and computer engineering, biostatistics, informatics, and technology development, Vittorio Porciatti, D.Sc., professor of ophthalmology, vice chairman of research, and the James L. Knight Professor in Ophthalmology, called him “uniquely suited to provide a road map to advance our institute’s research mission.”

Launching his career

Medeiros grew up in Fortaleza on the northeast coast of Brazil. Several family members were ophthalmologists including his mother, Marcia Medeiros, M.D., who maintains an active clinical practice. After choosing a career in medicine, he pursued both clinical and research studies at the University of Sao Paulo, where he earned his medical degree, completed a residency in ophthalmology,

– Dr. Steven Gedde

– Dr. Richard Parrish II

“Dr. Medeiros is an innovative thinker and a visionary leader who will drive Bascom Palmer’s translational research program to new heights. He brings many years of remarkable research accomplishments to our school.”

– Dr. Henri Ford

“Dr. Felipe Medeiros is nationally and internationally recognized as a leader in the field of glaucoma. He will provide strategic vision and operational leadership to build upon the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute’s outstanding research program.”

“Clinician-scientists are rare birds in ophthalmology, and none has flown higher or faster than Felipe Medeiros. His unique ability to leverage in-depth knowledge of clinical glaucoma and sophisticated artificial intelligence lays the groundwork for rapid progress in our understanding of this disease.”

WHAT IS GLAUCOMA?

Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness that affects more than 3 million Americans. It is a family of more than 30 diseases that affects pressure within the eye and damages the optic nerve. Loss of sight from glaucoma can often be prevented with early treatment.

WHO IS AT RISK FOR GLAUCOMA?

Some people have a higher than normal risk of getting glaucoma. This includes people who:

 are over age 40

 have family members with glaucoma

 are of African, Hispanic, or Asian heritage

 have high eye pressure

 are farsighted or nearsighted

 have had an eye injury

 use long-term steroid medications

 have corneas that are thin in the center

 have thinning of the optic nerve

 have diabetes, migraines, high blood pressure, poor circulation of other health problems affecting the whole body.

Courtesy of American Academy of Ophthalmology

Regular eye examinations are the best way to detect glaucoma.

To schedule an appointment with a glaucoma specialist, please call

1-888-845-0002 or visit us online at bascompalmer.org

became a senior clinical fellow in ophthalmology, and obtained his Ph.D. in vision science.

“I started doing glaucoma research as a resident,” Medeiros said. “It was intriguing because glaucoma is the number one cause of irreversible blindness in the world, and there is still so much to discover about this chronic disease.”

Medeiros came to the U.S. in 2002 for a fellowship in glaucoma at the Hamilton Glaucoma Center of the Shiley Eye Institute at the University of California San Diego (UCSD). He joined UCSD as a faculty member in 2005 and quickly progressed to became the youngest full professor of ophthalmology in the country in 2011. He was honored with the Ben and Wanda Hildyard Endowed Chair and served as medical director of the Hamilton Glaucoma Center.

In 2017, he joined Duke Eye Center, where he led the department’s efforts in glaucoma research and assembled the Duke Ophthalmic Registry, which incorporates hundreds of thousands of clinical records, images, and laboratory tests. “Meaningful research today requires big data,” said Medeiros. “Tools like artificial intelligence algorithms can help us understand risk factors for the disease, create predictive models and develop better endpoints for clinical trials.”

Medeiros holds several patents on the development of innovative devices for diagnosing diseases and assessing patient outcomes in ophthalmology and other areas of medicine. He has been at the forefront of using innovative technologies, such as virtual reality (VR), in assessing how loss of vision from glaucoma may lead to disability and

impact the daily lives of patients. “We developed a VR test that allowed us to assess risk of falls in patients in a way that could not be done with conventional testing in clinic,” Medeiros said. He has also developed the first portable brain-computer interface (BCI) that allows for objective testing of vision loss in glaucoma and other diseases. “The BCI offers a promising avenue for quick and efficient screening for eye diseases as well as home monitoring for loss of vision,” he added.

Through the years, Medeiros’ research has been funded by numerous grants from the National Institutes of Health and other public agencies and foundations. He has also established numerous collaborations with industry and has been at the forefront of research leading to the development of innovative treatments for glaucoma. Recently, he was the principal investigator of the clinical trial leading to the FDA approval of the first sustainedrelease drug treatment for glaucoma, a major landmark in the treatment of this condition. Medeiros’ high-impact research has been published in more than 400 peer-reviewed publications that have received over 30,000 citations, being one the most highly cited authors

Bascom Palmer’s Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Vision Research Center will be home to a Medeiros research laboratory.

in the field of ophthalmology. He has also published six books and over 50 book chapters covering many different aspects of the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma.

Through the years, he has given hundreds of invited keynote lectures worldwide and has received dozens of honors and awards, including the Association for Research in Vision in Ophthalmology’s Cogan Award, one of the most prestigious awards in vision science. He has served on the editorial boards of several ophthalmology journals and is an elected member of the prestigious Glaucoma Research Society, whose members are restricted to the top 100 glaucoma researchers in the world. Thanks to his scientific contributions, he was selected to be the first scientist to have a feature profile in Ophthalmology, the journal of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He currently serves as the chair of the American Glaucoma Society Strategic Planning Committee, which is tasked on developing the five-year strategic plan for the society. He is also an active member of the World Glaucoma Association, as well as many other professional organizations.

Plans for the future

As a vision science leader at Bascom Palmer, Medeiros’ primary goal is to advance innovative and impactful translational research and expand funding through grants and philanthropic gifts. That includes adding to the Institute’s programs of distinction in key research areas, establishing a big data portfolio with the creation of a Bascom Palmer Ophthalmic Registry, and seeking resources to create a new Bascom Palmer Center for Artificial Intelligence & Innovative Technology.

Medeiros also wants to advance team-based collaborative research, including cross-discipline projects at the University of Miami as well as regional, national, and international research partnerships.

In keeping with that approach, Medeiros will focus on attracting, developing, and retaining outstanding faculty researchers and enhancing training and mentoring for residents, fellows, and junior faculty members.

To accelerate the bench-to-bedside process, Medeiros will promote entrepreneurship so that new laboratory findings and technological innovations can lead to start-up ventures and other forms of commercialization. “It is important to facilitate partnerships that can transform discoveries into innovative solutions.”

“Dr. Medeiros’ focus on collaborative research will create new opportunities for scientists and clinicians throughout the Miller School,” said Stephen D. Nimer, M.D., the Miller School’s executive dean for research; director of the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center; the Oscar de la Renta Endowed Chair in Cancer Research, and professor of medicine, biochemistry, and molecular biology. “In leading Bascom Palmer’s translational research program, Dr. Medeiros will accelerate the process of turning scientific discoveries into leading-edge therapies for patients with vision loss.” 

“I am particularly excited about Dr. Medeiros’ arrival at Bascom Palmer, as he will be able to guide junior clinician-scientists such as myself in building successful research programs. I look forward to working with him in further developing our data science research.”

– Dr. Swarup Swaminathan

Faculty Continues Expansion

Bascom Palmer Eye Institute is pleased to announce the appointment of five new faculty members. Bascom Palmer continues its rich tradition of having the nation’s best and brightest ophthalmologists advancing the practice of ophthalmology through innovation in therapeutics, diagnostics, and vision research.

MAURA DI NICOLA, M.D.

Bascom Palmer Eye Institute welcomes Maura Di Nicola, M.D., a board-certified specialist in retinal diseases, uveitis, and ocular oncology, to the faculty as an assistant professor of clinical ophthalmology. She received a doctor of medicine degree, summa cum laude, from Vita-Salute San Raffaele University in Italy, where she also completed an internship in the department of ophthalmology’s uveitis and oncology service. Following a residency in ophthalmology at the University of Milan, she completed a research fellowship in ocular oncology at Wills Eye Hospital. Di Nicola then served as a research associate in ocular oncology at the University of Cincinnati, where she also completed an ocular oncology clinical fellowship. This training was followed by a uveitis and medical retina clinical fellowship at the University of Illinois Chicago. Her research interests include diagnosis and treatment of retinal and ocular inflammatory diseases, as well as adult and pediatric ocular tumors, with a focus on multimodal imaging. She is available for consultation on retinal diseases, uveitis, and ocular oncology, either in person or through virtual visits.

ANH H. PHAM, M.D., PH.D., a board-certified specialist in glaucoma, joins the faculty as an assistant professor of clinical ophthalmology. Pham received a bachelor of science degree in chemistry, with highest honors, from the University of California at Berkeley, and a doctorate in molecular and cell biology from the California Institute of Technology. She received her medical degree from the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine. Following an internship in preliminary medicine at Huntington Memorial Hospital, she completed an EyeSTAR post-doctoral fellowship and a residency in ophthalmology at the UCLA Jules Stein Eye Institute. Most recently, Pham completed a fellowship in glaucoma at Bascom Palmer. Her research interests include examining mitochondrial dysfunction in glaucoma models and gene therapy for mitochondrial DNA diseases. She is available for consultation on glaucoma either in person or through virtual visits

MARIAM S. VILÁ-DELGADO, M.D., a board-certified specialist in neuro-ophthalmology, pediatric ophthalmology, and pediatric and adult strabismus, joins the faculty as an assistant professor of clinical ophthalmology. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Puerto Rico with a bachelor of science degree in cellular and molecular biology. At the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, she received a medical degree, magna cum laude, in addition to completing a transitional year internship and a residency in ophthalmology. This training was followed by two fellowships at Bascom Palmer: the first in pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus, and the second in neuro-ophthalmology. A member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society, Vilá-Delgado is part of the Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) Collaborative Center team in partnership with the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind. She is available for consultation either in person at Bascom Palmer or through virtual visits for neuro-ophthalmology – including optic neuritis; optic neuropathy and visual field defects; pediatric ophthalmology; and childhood and adult strabismus.

BASIL K. WILLIAMS JR., M.D., joins the faculty as an associate professor of clinical ophthalmology and Bascom Palmer’s vice chair for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). A board-certified specialist in retinal diseases and ocular oncology, Williams comes to Miami from Cincinnati, where he was the Mary Knight Asbury Chair of Ocular Oncology and associate professor of clinical ophthalmology at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center; a vitreoretinal specialist, ocular oncologist, and director of the retinoblastoma program at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center; and a vitreoretinal diseases specialist and surgeon at the Cincinnati Eye Institute. Williams received a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Yale University and received his medical degree from the Chicago Medical School. Following his transitional year internship at Resurrection Medical Center, Williams completed a residency in ophthalmology as well as a surgical retinal fellowship at Bascom Palmer, both preceding his tenure as the Institute’s chief resident. The following year he completed an ocular oncology fellowship at Wills Eye Hospital. His

research interests include vitreoretinal diseases and surgery, as well as adult and pediatric surface and intraocular tumors. A member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society, Williams has received numerous teaching awards including the Medical Student Educator of the Year from the University of Cincinnati, the William Tasman M.D. Outstanding Fellow Teaching Award from Wills Eye Hospital, and Fellow of the Year Award from Bascom Palmer.

In his role as the Institute’s vice chair for DEI, Williams will lead the strategic planning of Bascom Palmer’s commitment to DEI, and serve as a national figure to ensure diversity in recruiting, training, mentoring, and hiring within the field of ophthalmology. Williams has been active in DEI activities within the medical community, having served as vice president of diversity and inclusion of the Vit-Buckle Society, and has taken an active role in committees of the American Society of Retina Specialists, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and the Retinal World Congress. He has presented 34 invited lectures on topics ranging from vitreoretinal surgery to intraocular tumors to the role of diversity and challenges in the field. Williams is available for consultation in retinal diseases and ocular oncology for in-person appointments and virtual visits.

CONNIE M. WU, M.D., a board-certified glaucoma specialist, joins the faculty as an assistant professor of clinical ophthalmology. She completed a combined BA/ MD program in liberal medical education at Brown University, where she graduated magna cum laude, receiving a bachelor of science degree in human biology and a medical degree with a scholarly concentration in aging. She is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society, Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society, and Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. Wu completed transitional year training at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center at Stanford University followed by a residency in ophthalmology and a fellowship in glaucoma at Wills Eye Hospital. Her research interests include clinical practice guidelines and patterns, quality improvement, and lifestyle factors of glaucoma progression. She is available for consultation either in person or through virtual visits.

Bascom Palmer Ranked #1 in USA

For the twenty-first consecutive year, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute has been ranked as the nation’s best in ophthalmology by U.S. News & World Report.

The magazine’s Best Hospitals guide ranks America’s top hospitals in 15 medical specialties and is a resource for consumers who seek optimal care in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of difficult medical problems. Bascom Palmer was also honored to be ranked #1 in Clinical Care in the nation by Ophthalmology Times in their 2022 annual survey of best hospitals.

For 60 years, Bascom Palmer has been at the forefront of innovation in ophthalmology and its decades-long run in the top spot of these national rankings is a demonstration of its excellence in the field of ophthalmology. “Our professional team is dedicated to delivering the most advanced vision care to patients throughout our diverse community and around the world,” said Eduardo C. Alfonso, M.D. “In addition to clinical care, our unwavering focus on excellence also drives our integrated approach to research and education. I am so proud of our team.”

“Our professional team is dedicated to delivering the most advanced vision care to patients throughout our diverse community and around the world. In addition to clinical care, our unwavering focus on excellence also drives our integrated approach to research and education.”

– Dr. Eduardo Alfonso

Residency Program named Best in Nation

Ophthalmology Times named Bascom Palmer’s residency program as the best in the country. Chris Alabiad, M.D., professor of clinical ophthalmology and residency program director said, “We are truly humbled that our colleagues hold our training program in such high regard. It is a testament to our faculty’s dedication to teaching and to our residents’ commitment to learning and caring for patients from all walks of life.”

Bascom Palmer’s residency program was also ranked #1 by Doximity, a network of more than 2 million U.S. healthcare professionals. Doximity’s Residency Navigator bases their rankings on peer nominations, ratings, and reviews to provide a transparent look into medical residency programs providing medical students information to make informed residency decisions.

Steven Gedde, M.D., Bascom Palmer’s vice chair of education said, “We recognize that training the next generation of ophthalmologists is a powerful way to positively impact the field of ophthalmology. Our many educational programs disseminate medical knowledge around the world and help elevate the quality of care delivered to patients. We are honored to be recognized for our excellence.”

Chief Residents Drs. Thomas Lazzarini Jr. and Hasenin Al-khersan

Residents gather to celebrate the residency program’s #1 ranking.

The World’s 100 Most Influential People in Ophthalmology

EDUARDO C. ALFONSO, M.D., is an internationally recognized expert on ocular infectious diseases and is recognized globally as a leader in healthcare administration. He has been director and chair of Bascom Palmer since 2007. Each year under his leadership, the Institute has been ranked the #1 eye hospital in the United States. Alfonso, holder of the Kathleen and Stanley J. Glaser Chair in Ophthalmology, was named to the Power Lists 2014, 2016, 2018, 2022, 2023.

Holder of the John T. Flynn Chair in Ophthalmology, HILDA CAPÓ, M.D., is a specialist in pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus. She is worldrenowned for her expertise in strabismus and adjustable sutures and a pioneer in identifying the anesthetic agent’s role in the onset of double vision after cataract surgery. She has trained more than 175 residents and fellows, reaffirming her abilities as an academician, educator, and surgeon. Capó was named to the Power Lists 2021, 2023.

ZELIA M. CORREA, M.D., PH.D., is a worldrenown cancer specialist with extensive surgical experience. She is recognized not only in the field of ocular oncology, but also in vitreoretinal surgery and ophthalmic pathology. Her current research focuses on the use of artificial intelligence to distinguish benign from malignant ocular tumors based on imaging characteristics. She was named to the Power List 2022

JANET L. DAVIS, M.D., M.A., is an internationally recognized expert in uveitis as well as a medical retina and vitreoretinal specialist. Holder of the Leach Chair in Ophthalmology, her expertise includes infectious and inflammatory diseases of the eye. For the last six years, she has led the Bascom Palmer surgical team that has performed more than 100 subretinal gene therapy procedures for inherited retinal diseases such as retinitis pigmentosa and choroideremia. Davis was named to the Power Lists 2021, 2023

KENDALL E. DONALDSON, M.D., M.S., is a cornea specialist whose primary research interests are the advancements in cataract surgery, laser-assisted cataract surgery, and severe ocular surface disease. Each year, she presents more than 100 lectures at the local, national, and international level, and has authored a variety of peer-reviewed

Each year, The Ophthalmologist presents a Power List that honors the world’s 100 most influential people in the field of ophthalmology. Meet the doctors who were named in 2022 and 2023 in recognition of their expertise and leadership. They personify the very best of ophthalmology.

and non-peer reviewed articles and book chapters. She was named to the Power Lists 2021, 2022, 2023.

A specialist in the medical and surgical treatment of diseases of the retina and the vitreous, HARRY W. FLYNN JR., M.D., has a long and distinguished career in academic medicine through a combination of teaching, research, and patient care. He has been involved in the training of more than 600 residents, fellows, and visiting physicians over the past 40 years. Flynn, the J. Donald M. Gass Chair in Ophthalmology, was named to the Power Lists 2018, 2022, 2023

ANAT GALOR, M.D., M.S.P.H., is an expert on ocular surface pain and dry eye and its relationship with neuropathic ocular pain. She is also an expert in the epidemiology and treatment of persistent pain after LASIK. Galor has evaluated the efficacy of several therapies in the treatment of neuropathic ocular pain and has focused on how ocular surface symptoms affect the quality of life. Galor was recognized in the Power Lists 2021, 2022, 2023.

STEVEN J. GEDDE, M.D., Bascom Palmer’s vice chair of education and holder of the John G. Clarkson Chair in Ophthalmology is an outstanding physician, researcher, and educator. During his 21-year leadership as Bascom Palmer’s residency program director, the Institute’s training program was continually recognized as one of the best in the nation. He is an expert in the field of glaucoma and his research has focused on improving patient care through clinical trials. Gedde was named to the Power List 2022.

Voluntary assistant professor of ophthalmology, RANYA HABASH, M.D., is a refractive cataract surgeon and comprehensive ophthalmologist with a unique background in the clinical, technical, and business sides of medicine. As the former medical director of technology at Bascom Palmer, she instituted Bascom Palmer’s successful telemedicine program at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic providing patients immediate access to Bascom Palmer’s ophthalmologists. She was named to the Power Lists 2017, 2021, 2022, 2023

CAROL L. KARP, M.D., holder of the Richard K. Forster Chair in Ophthalmology and the Dr. Ronald and Alicia Lepke Endowed Professorship in Corneal and External Diseases, is an expert in the management of ocular surface oncology and anterior segment surgery. In the late 1990s, she pioneered the use of interferon for the treatment of ocular surface squamous neoplasia. Her work has helped to change the standard of care for these lesions. Karp was named to the Power Lists 2019, 2021, 2023.

PHILIP J. ROSENFELD, M.D., PH.D., played a pivotal role in the development of anti-VEGF therapies for neovascular and exudative eye diseases and revolutionized the treatment of these diseases. By pioneering the use of intravitreal Avastin (bevacizumab) therapy, his work has contributed to the prevention of blindness worldwide and saved billions of dollars in healthcare expenses. Rosenfeld has been recognized on the Power Lists 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023.

An expert in vision correction surgery, SONIA YOO, M.D., is recognized as one of the world’s most skilled cornea, cataract and refractive surgeons, with exceptional experience and knowledge of the field. Associate medical director of Bascom

Palmer and holder of the Greentree Hickman Chair in Ophthalmology, Yoo is interested in the development and evaluation of new diagnostic and surgical technologies, as well as laser applications. She was also named to the Power List 2018, 2021, 2023.

Since the Power List began in 2014, Bascom Palmer faculty members have continually been included. Other honorees include:

AUDINA M. BERROCAL, M.D. (2021)

ALANA GRAJEWSKI, M.D. (2021)

RICHARD K. PARRISH II, M.D. (2018) 

To schedule a virtual or in-person appointment with a Bascom Palmer specialist, please call 1-888-845-0002 or visit bascompalmer.org.

Top Honors at AAO

The American Academy of Ophthalmology’s annual meeting is the largest and most comprehensive ophthalmic education meeting in the world. Bascom Palmer’s faculty, residents, and fellows offered more than 180 presentations, posters, and symposiums at the 2022 meeting held in Chicago.

The Society of Heed Fellows presented its prestigious HeedGutman Award to EDUARDO

C. ALFONSO, M.D , during the AAO meeting in recognition of his extraordinary and distinguished leadership in ophthalmology as well as his major clinical, research, and educational contributions to the field. He shares the 2022 Heed-Gutman Award with Mark W. Johnson, M.D., (fellow 1990). Last year’s recipient, James Chodosh, M.D., M.P.H., was also a graduate of the Bascom Palmer training program (fellow 1993).

The 2022 Charles L. Schepens, M.D. Award, the highest award in the field of retina, was presented to PHILIP J. ROSENFELD, M.D., PH.D. A world-renown expert on age-related macular degeneration and optical coherence tomography, this award recognized Rosenfeld’s groundbreaking contributions to the field.

CAROL L. KARP, M.D., received the 2022 Castroviejo Award, which is given to the most outstanding individual in the field of cornea and anterior segment of the eye. She is only the third woman to receive the award since its inception in 1975.

Buenos Aires, Argentina, was the site of the XXXV Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology (PAAO) congress. Congratulations to EDUARDO C. ALFONSO, M.D., for delivering the Gradle Lecture, a lecture that is presented by the person who most exemplifies excellence, promotes best practices in education, demonstrates positive international relationships, and leads in the field of ophthalmology. Alfonso’s lecture was entitled, “Virtual Care = Better Care.” While at the PAAO congress, Alfonso was named an honorary member of the Consejo Argentino de Oftalmologia (CAO).

The 2023 American Journal of Ophthalmology Lecture is also a tradition at the PAAO congress. Felipe A. Medeiros, M.D., Ph.D., presented his lecture, “The Wonders of AI in the Eye.”

ZELIA CORREA, M.D., PH.D., received the 20 Years of the Curso de Liderazgo Award 2003-2023 and CAROL L. KARP, M.D., was acknowledged for her dedication to the PAAO as the Englishlanguage secretary of the scientific committee.

CAO president Dr. Juan Rivero with Dr. Eduardo Alfonso

Heed Fellowships for 2022-23 have been awarded to Bascom Palmer’s oculoplastics fellow BENYAM KINDE, M.D., PH.D.; glaucoma fellow ALCINA LIDDER, M.D ; and retina fellows ANNE L. KUNKLER, M.D., JESSE D. SENGILLO, M.D., and BENJAMIN FOWLER, M.D., (resident 2021). One of the most prestigious honors for post-graduate studies in ophthalmology, the Heed Fellowship is granted to outstanding ophthalmology residents who demonstrate promise in an academic medical career in patient care, education, and research.

Faculty Named Nation’s Best

Thirty-six Bascom Palmer Eye Institute physicians are included in America’s Top Doctors. The doctors on this list are selected by their peers throughout the country for their medical expertise and skill.

Vitreoretinal Diseases

Thomas A. Albini, M.D.

Audina M. Berrocal, M.D.

Janet L. Davis, M.D.

Sander Dubovy, M.D.

Yale L. Fisher, M.D.

Harry W. Flynn Jr., M.D.

Jaclyn L. Kovach, M.D.

Philip J. Rosenfeld, M.D., Ph.D.

Stephen G. Schwartz, M.D., M.B.A.

William E. Smiddy, M.D.

Basil K. Willliams Jr., M.D.

Corneal and External Diseases

Eduardo C. Alfonso, M.D.

Guillermo Amescua, M.D

Victoria S. Chang, M.D.

Having recently completed two consecutive appointments to the National Advisory Board of the National Institutes of Health/ National Eye Institute (NIH/NEI), EDUARDO

C. ALFONSO, M.D., has been nominated and elected by his peers to serve on the national board of directors of the National Alliance for Eye and Vision Research and Alliance for Eye and Vision Research (NAEVR/ AEVR), non-profit advocacy organizations whose missions are to achieve the best eye and vision care for all Americans through advocacy and public education.

William W. Culbertson, M.D.

Kendall E. Donaldson, M.D., M.S.

Carol L. Karp, M.D.

Terrence P. O’Brien, M.D.

Sonia Yoo, M.D.

Angela Y. Zhu, M.D.

Glaucoma

Ta Chen Peter Chang, M.D.

Steven J. Gedde, M.D.

David S. Greenfield, M.D.

Elizabeth A. Hodapp, M.D.

Richard K. Parrish II, M.D.

Sarah R. Wellik, M.D.

Neuro-Ophthalmology

Hong Jiang, M.D.

Byron L. Lam, M.D.

As part of the advisory board of the NIH/NEI, Alfonso was tasked with assessing the U.S. Congress’ annual appropriation of between $600-700 million to the NIH/NEI for research and developing a strategic plan. His responsibilities on the NAEVR/AEVR board will focus on securing new funding from government entities and private foundations. “It is important for Bascom Palmer to maintain its national and international leadership,” said Alfonso. “We have to contribute and keep abreast of what’s happening in terms of eye research so eye care professionals, healthcare advocates, and industry can move in the same direction and achieve common strategic goals.” Whether introducing new therapies for patients, deploying new technology, conducting leading-edge research, or addressing escalating healthcare costs, Bascom Palmer and the NAEVR/AEVR are looking to the future.

Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Chrisfouad R. Alabiad, M.D.

Thomas E. Johnson, M.D.

Wendy Lee, M.D.

David T. Tse, M.D.

Sara T. Wester, M.D.

Pediatric Ophthalmology

Hilda Capó, M.D.

Kara Cavuoto, M.D.

Craig A. McKeown, M.D.

“These very important and influential boards are mapping the blueprint of how vision research and discovery are going to take place,” said Alfonso. “Participating on these boards means not only do we keep our fingers on the pulse of what’s going on, but that we are part of what generates that pulse.”

Drs. Benyam Kinde, Alcina Lidder, Anne Kunkler, and Jesse Sengillo

The Florida Society of Ophthalmologists honored its members at its 2022 annual business meeting. SARAH

R. WELLIK, M.D., received the John R. Brayton Jr., M.D. Leadership Award for her leadership and dedication to the profession. Wellik served as president of the FSO from 2020-2021. The James W. Clower Jr., M.D. Community Service Award was presented to RAQUEL GOLDHARDT, M.D., in recognition of her service. Goldhardt has led health fair vision screenings throughout Florida as well as mission trips to underserved areas in Mexico and South America, including the Darwin Eye Project in the Galapagos. She currently serves as FSO’s vice president of advocacy. Goldhardt follows ZUBAIR ANSARI, M.D., who received the Clower Award in 2021. Throughout his training and career, Ansari’s primary focus has been global ophthalmology – working to combat the evergrowing prevalence of blindness and visual impairment in resource-poor communities. Also, in 2021, cornea specialist VICTORIA CHANG, M.D., received the Michael R. Redmond, M.D. Outstanding Young Ophthalmologist Leadership Award.

Prevent Blindness, the nation’s leading volunteer eye health and safety organization, presented the 2022 “Rising Visionary Award” to MARISSA

K. SHOJI, M.D., a third-year resident. Shoji’s winning essay, “A Guiding Light: A Vision for the Future,” addressed racial and gender disparities in eye care and outlined the need for a national program focusing on fostering diversity in ophthalmology.

Research Scholarship Established

Congratulations to MARK T. DUNBAR, O.D., for receiving a service excellence award from the Healthnetwork Foundation for his outstanding work in making a significant difference in their members’ lives.

Generously funded by Joyce and Robert Rice and named in honor of two Bascom Palmer physicians and professors, the Dr. Larry J. Singerman and Dr. Stephen G. Schwartz Research Scholarship was established to provide medical students with a high-impact research experience at Bascom Palmer. Designed for students during their professional education, each scholar will work with a mentor at Bascom Palmer in conducting basic, translational, or clinical research. In its inaugural year, 46 medical students applied for the scholarship and five were selected to begin this fall: Osmel Alvarez, Jason Greenfield, Parastou Pakravan, Madison Weiss, and Gelilah Yohannes. Each student will have a clinical or scientific mentor whose goal is to establish the trainee as an independent researcher. SWARUP SWAMINATHAN, M.D., CAROL L. KARP, M.D., BASIL WILLIAMS JR., M.D., ABIGAIL S. HACKAM, PH.D., and AHN H. PHAM, M.D., PH.D., will serve as mentors.

Congratulations to BASIL WILLIAMS JR., M.D., who recently won a diversity, equity, and inclusion mini-grant from the University of Miami Office of Faculty Affairs for his project: Handling Discrimination in the Workplace.

Dr. Sarah Wellik Dr. Raquel Goldhardt Dr. Zubair Ansari Dr. Victoria Chang Dr. Marissa Shoji

Congratulations to PAUL PALMBERG, M.D., PH.D., who was recognized as the Guest of Honor at the 2023 American Glaucoma Society (AGS) meeting. An outstanding clinician and educator, Palmberg is credited with clarifying diabetes’ impact on glaucoma. Additionally, his participation in glaucoma surgery innovation resulted in his coining the term “target pressure” in 1988, a term used worldwide to designate a therapeutic goal in the treatment of glaucoma. Kudos also to ALANA GRAJEWSKI, M.D., for receiving the Humanitarian Award at the meeting in recognition of her efforts to preserve vision and improve the quality of life for children with pediatric glaucoma. Also at the AGS meeting, STEVEN J. GEDDE, M.D., was elected as the vice president beginning in 2024 and will assume the presidency in 2025. He will be the third Bascom Palmer faculty member to lead the organization. Professor emeritus of ophthalmology, DOUGLAS R. ANDERSON, M.D., was president in 1991-1992, and DAVID S. GREENFIELD, M.D., the Douglas R. Anderson Chair in Ophthalmology, served in 2015-2016.

Bascom Palmer now offers rapid virtual eye care for common eye concerns.

If you have:

• eyelid swelling

• red or pink eye

• eye discomfort

• styes

• eyelid tenderness

• tearing or watery eyes

• itchy eyes

• discharge from eyes

• dry eyes

• flashes or floaters

• change in vision our doctors can diagnose, recommend treatment, and prescribe medications when indicated as soon as the same or next business day.

Speak with one of our eye doctors virtually from the comfort of your home. Schedule a same-day or next-day virtual appointment online at rapideyecare.com

To make a rapid virtual appointment, go to: rapideyecare.com or call: 1-800-329-7000, option 2, then 1.

Important information: This service is covered by most insurances, please refer to your insurance plan for coverage details. Affordable pricing if you are without insurance. Service is limited to persons located in the state of Florida. Glasses and contact lens prescriptions are not provided through this service.

Current and former Bascom Palmer glaucoma fellows gather at a celebration dinner in honor of Dr. Paul Palmberg

Edward W.D. Norton: Building Bascom Palmer from the Ground Up

By Douglas R. Anderson, MD

Aman of great character, Edward W.D. Norton, MD (1922-1994) was a prominent 20th-century ophthalmologist who in the 1950s and ’60s laid the groundwork for the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at the University of Miami.

PRINCIPLES

When Dr. Norton was asked to what he might attribute the success of the Institute, he provided a list of principles that he followed. These traits reflect the man. These principles are recast here. Integrity was his prime principle. He demanded it of himself and others. No matter what other talents you might have as you applied for a training position or to join his team, you were not welcome if you lacked integrity.

Integrity encompassed selflessness, compassion, and a sense of obligation to the community — these became an infectious ethos that dominated the culture of the Institution.

details of what he, as chairman, would provide — an environment conducive to professional growth and success, an office, secretarial services, a laboratory, compensation, support of professional travel, etc. The next paragraph stated simply, “For your part, I expect you to become the best academic ophthalmologist of which you are capable.”

It is important for the chairman to listen. You do not have to agree. Be genuine when you say, “I appreciate your opinion about this; I just don’t happen to agree.” Dr. Norton’s eldest daughter wrote: “He had the rare ability to hold strong convictions while not being judgmental toward others who held different views.” She also commented that despite having so many things going on, when he conversed with you it was as if you were the only person on his mind.

Edward W.D. Norton, MD

Credibility meant having the facts before clinical and administrative decision-making. Fact-based confidence leads to predictable behavior. He was not arbitrary. He mentioned further, “Be organized: Have a plan with a vision of the outcome and an ability to balance priorities. During your implementation of decisions, back up what you plan; [then] move ahead.”

Develop key faculty and “let key faculty be the stars; don’t you try to be the brightest star in the universe.” Promote individual development: Tell each of them, “Be the best you can be.”

Flexibility to accept the eccentrics: “Don’t try to change them but adapt to the needs of individual faculty.” An offer to join the faculty started with

Capacity to delegate: Issue both responsibility and authority. I remember a time early in my career when Norton and others were to be away, so he left me in charge. He told me that he doubted any decisions of import would arise, but if they did, I should decide whatever I thought best. He said that he might not agree with a decision, but when he returned, he would uphold it. I was pleased that he trusted me. Fortunately, no decisions of much import came up.

Be a caretaker: like a gardener, “Pick the plants, cultivate the flowers, watch the blooms.” He was ever so careful when choosing faculty, staff, and trainees. Then he nurtured them.

Loyalty to the institution: “Chairs and faculty may go, the department may change in strength, the Institution is forever.” Loyalty extended to the faculty. Once you were a member of his team, he would do

anything to have you succeed. Professional travel was an opportunity for faculty members to attend and to speak at a symposium, to learn from other participants, to be heard and respected, and to enhance the Institute’s reputation. He was also loyal to the University, serving as interim dean of the medical school when the position became vacant in 1991, although he would rather have focused on Bascom Palmer.

Bascom Palmer was to be an Institution of the highest quality. The faculty invested in the Institute by donating any “excess” clinical earnings (after overhead costs and promised faculty salaries had been paid), rather than taking the “excess” as a bonus, which University policy would have permitted. The faculty were with him in making a first-class institute.

ORIGINS

Dr. Norton was born in 1922 in Massachusetts, from a family of Irish immigrants. He was a delicate child and was taken to warm beaches, sometimes in Florida. His mother died when he was 19. After graduating from Harvard College in 1943, Norton went to Cornell Medical School. He was inducted into the U.S. Navy and met Mary Knesnik, a student nurse. They married in 1945 and had five children. Dr. Norton was called to active duty and assigned to the Oakland Naval Hospital and later the port of San Diego, where Mary was able to join him. While there, he developed bulbar polio. When he recovered, he was assigned to complete his time on an ophthalmology service instead of sea duty on a destroyer.

Dr. Norton took 15 months of residency training in neurology before starting an ophthalmology residency at Cornell Medical College-New York Hospital. But illness struck yet again; he was discovered to have pulmonary tuberculosis, which required six months of hospitalization. He then completed his ophthalmology residency, and afterwards undertook 15 months of additional training in two fellowships in neuro-ophthalmology — one at the Wilmer Institute of Johns Hopkins University (Dr. Frank Walsh) in Baltimore and another at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary (Dr. David Cogan) in Boston.

In 1954, Dr. Norton became an instructor in surgery (ophthalmology) at Cornell Medical College- New York Hospital. He was quickly recognized as the only person in New York City who could successfully

repair a detached retina, using skills he had learned from Dr. Charles Schepens in Boston. In November that same year, Dr. Norton learned that a medical school in Florida was looking for a chief of ophthalmology, and by mid-1958, the Norton family moved to Miami.

Dr. Norton loved people. From childhood, his innate charm captured many classmate friends. He could strike up a conversation with a stranger, always talking about the stranger’s life and interests rather than his own. He was eager to learn about whatever area of knowledge he hadn’t experienced before. All were captivated by his charisma.

Mary was of similar ilk, having gone into nursing because some of her high school friends had been casualties in the war. She was exceptionally popular, vivacious, outgoing, and joyful. She endured the hardships of being married to a man who responded to war-time obligations, who met the demands of his medical education, and who faced illnesses and unexpected obstacles while he climbed to the top of his profession.

CHRONOLOGY IN MIAMI

Dr. Norton was offered a faculty position at the University of Miami School of Medicine as the fulltime head of ophthalmology in 1958. The medical school was young, having graduated its first class in 1956. Miami had been growing since the end of World War II. Volunteer part-time faculty had established an ophthalmology residency with five residents at Jackson Memorial Hospital as the teaching hospital for the Medical School.

Dr. Norton loved baseball, here in a 1981 faculty vs. residents game.

Dr. Bascom Headon Palmer died in 1955 after serving for 20 years as a member of the University of Miami Board of Trustees. Palmer’s patients included the carriage trade, and he accumulated a fund to establish an eye clinic to provide “eye care for indigents and others, treatment and research, conservation of sight, and dissemination of information.” This coincided with Dr. Norton’s goals, and Dr. Palmer’s widow offered the fund to Dr. Norton, urging that the new institute be named for her husband.

Dr. Norton recruited additional faculty in 1959, beginning with his closest friend and confidant, Dr. Victor T. Curtin, a retina specialist and a pathologist. Dr. J. Lawton Smith came in 1962 as a neuroophthalmologist. Dr. J. Donald M. Gass joined as a retinal specialist. The fifth ophthalmologist was the pediatric ophthalmologist, Dr. John T. Flynn. Two laboratory scientists, Thorne Shipley and Duco I. Hamasaki, came in 1963.

As an upgrade to the residency program, Dr. Norton made himself personally available to the residents whenever they needed help with a patient, and he came to the operating room when the residents performed surgery. He instituted Saturday morning teaching conferences. Afterwards, all faculty and trainees, were welcomed to his home with their families for an afternoon picnic with swimming and games (especially tennis), as an informal social event. It was a close-knit community.

Dr. Norton immediately engaged the community practitioners. Many continued to teach residents

as voluntary faculty and attended the weekly grand rounds on Thursday mornings. Norton also inspired them to social responsibility and teamwork. For example, he expressed concern about the long-term safety of newly developed intraocular lenses for implantation at the time of cataract removal.

The immediate optical advantages were obvious to surgeons and patients, but Dr. Norton suggested not implanting more of them until the long-term safety was better known. Dr. Norton suggested a community-wide moratorium, to be conducted and supervised by a committee of the community, not the Institute, and that a resident be assigned to examine each patient annually and report the results. He also established a policy that patients would be seen by the full-time faculty only by referral and would be sent back to the referring doctor after consultation or requested treatment.

Drs. Norton and Curtin shared two small offices and an examination room in Jackson Memorial Hospital, using two operating rooms dedicated to eye surgery. Meanwhile, they used part of their private clinical earnings to air-condition, clean, paint and upgrade the ward for Blacks in the racially segregated hospital. His biographer, John Flynn, commented that they knew they could not abruptly change the social culture of the time, but this much they could do.

The first building of the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute appeared in 1961. It provided offices, laboratories, and outpatient examination rooms. The faculty grew in number and flourished. Many became national and international leaders. Demand for clinical services expanded faster than could be met. Miami itself grew, especially with a major immigration from Cuba and later the rest of Latin America. As the Institute’s reputation grew, patients from all around the world were referred for consultation or specialized treatment.

Today, there are 83 full-time ophthalmology faculty and 12 optometrists providing clinical care, and 19 full-time non-clinical faculty scientists. The clinical training program now accepts seven ophthalmology

Dr. Norton and his family with their red Volkswagen van.

Dr. Norton received by Pope John Paul II in 1986.

residents each year for three years of training (which along with two co-chief residents is 23 at any given time), plus 38 clinical fellows for extended training in subspecialties, as well as medical students taking an elective course in ophthalmology. There are in addition six optometry residents being trained by the optometric staff, and a number of students on rotation from various optometry schools.

Early in the 1970s, the faculty had outgrown its space. In 1976, the second building of the institute opened on new land, the Anne Bates Leach Eye Hospital. The third building in the complex, the Edith and Earl Retter Education Center, was soon added.

Of great importance to Dr. Norton was the library, later named the Mary and Edward Norton Library of Ophthalmology. He maintained a subscription to nearly all relevant publications in any language. Major textbooks were purchased as they were published. As he traveled the world, Dr. Norton visited stores that carried used medical books and amassed a large collection, which included rare publications from previous centuries, now housed in a secure rare book room. The library was intended to be a resource for the entire community, including optometrists.

Dr. Norton himself became prominent in national and international professional activities and organizations. In the United States he had impact on the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Board of Ophthalmology, and the American Ophthalmological Society. Each organization called on him for help, as did the emerging National Eye Institute. Norton’s character, intelligence, selfless dedication, superb insight, negotiating skills, and administrative talent benefited all these enterprises.

THE LATER YEARS

One day, while in a reflective and pensive mood, Dr. Norton commented to a small number of us waiting for a meeting to begin, that he and most physicians were so devoted to their profession that they were not attentive enough to their families. He began to take off Mondays to spend with Mary, for lunch, going to a museum, or shopping. Now, their nest began to empty, there was no war, and the Institute was largely under control. Finally, they could spend some unhurried time to be together.

Dr. Norton had always met each new obstacle or challenge in life with equanimity. For perhaps the

first time in his life, he was overwhelmed when Mary died suddenly in 1980. His friends and colleagues grieved with him, and it was not too long before he was able to resume his leadership in the profession and at the Institute. And he learned to sail.

Dr. Norton retired in 1991, leaving the Institute in the hands of others. In retirement, Norton travelled the world with longstanding friends. He enjoyed time with his children and his grandchildren with greater leisure. Dr. Norton died in 1994 at the age of 72. Hundreds came to the church for his funeral — colleagues, patients, employees, and admirers from all walks of life. His family generously allowed others to come to say goodbye. An exceptionally strong afternoon thunderstorm, typical of the subtropics in summer, and which Dr. Norton had always loved, also attended the occasion. Its heavy tears delayed the start of the service for over an hour by preventing the casket from being brought into the church from the hearse.

Author’s note: This biography is based in part on an extensive biography written by John T. Flynn, “The Chief: A Biography of Edward W.D. Norton, MD,” 2002. The book title reflects the fact that to younger colleagues, calling him “Ed” seemed too familiar. Calling him “Dr. Norton” seemed too formal and distant, so he was addressed by many as “Chief.”

“Scope” editor’s note: We are grateful to our History of Ophthalmology editor, Daniel M. Albert, MD, MS, and his editorial assistant, Ms. Jane Shull, who contributed to the editing of this article.

1983: “Sorry... Dr. Norton is in Consultation and unable to come to the phone just now.” (Consultation was the name of Dr. Norton’s boat.)

Miami Celebrating 60 Years of Excellence

After three years of virtual events, Bascom Palmer’s friends and supporters gathered at the de la Cruz Collection in Miami’s Design District to celebrate the Institute’s 60th anniversary. Hosted by Rosa and Carlos de la Cruz in the museum they built to share the contemporary art they have collected for decades, the evening featured private tours showcasing their extraordinary collection. The evening was a tribute and celebration to the special friends and donors who have helped grow and advance vision research at Bascom Palmer over many decades.

Inaugural Vision Luncheon

Bascom Palmer’s Inaugural Vision Luncheon took place earlier this year at Lakeside Village located at the University of Miami’s Coral Gables campus. Dr. Eduardo Alfonso welcomed more than 80 guests and shared the Institute’s latest developments in vision research and eye care.

The luncheon featured three exceptional Bascom Palmer ophthalmologists sharing their recent work on common eye diseases.

Alfonso L. Sabater, M.D., Ph.D., an assistant professor of clinical ophthalmology, spoke to the audience about ocular surface and corneal diseases including dry eye, a condition that occurs when tears do not properly lubricate the eye. As founder and medical director of Bascom Palmer’s corneal innovation laboratory, he shared the latest treatments for this common chronic eye condition. Retinal specialist, Jayanth Sridhar, M.D., an associate professor of clinical ophthalmology, discussed the latest treatments for macular

degeneration and the latest advances in retinal imaging systems. Swarup S. Swaminathan, M.D., an assistant professor of clinical ophthalmology and holder of the Mary Lee & Richard E. Bastin Chair in Ophthalmology, shared information about glaucoma and data science. He told the audience about Bascom Palmer’s use of artificial intelligence in its vast glaucoma registry, that will enable data scientists to predict the early detection and progression of the disease.

Dr. Eduardo and Molly Alfonso with Rosa and Carlos de la Cruz

Dean Henri Ford

Drs. Swarup Swaminathan, Eduardo Alfonso, Jay Sridhar, Alfonso Sabater

The Whole Eye Transplant Project: Restoring Vision and Beyond

President Julio Frenk hosted a special dinner at the Ibis House – the University of Miami President’s home – to launch Bascom Palmer’s latest transformative project: the transplantation of a whole eye. In preparation for the University of Miami’s centennial in 2025, President Frenk asked all UM departments “to set bold goals and projects that were grounded on an institution that has stood the test of time.” In response, Bascom Palmer launched a bold “moon shot” project. Its scientists envision a day in which they can restore the miracle of sight to millions of people through the transplantation of an entire human eye – one of only four organs that scientists have not been able to successfully transplant. This exciting project will involve groundbreaking technology that could ultimately restore vision for millions of patients. (See related story, page 2)

Ask the Experts: Naples

The Tiburon Ritz-Carlton in Naples was the site of Bascom Palmer’s Ask the Experts event that focused on Bascom Palmer’s cutting-edge treatments for eye disease. Three Bascom Palmer specialists spoke about the newest innovations and research in their respective fields. Audina “Nina” Berrocal, M.D., a professor of clinical ophthalmology; and assistant professors of clinical ophthalmology Alfonso L. Sabater, M.D., Ph.D., and Andrew Rong, M.D., shared the innovative work and research they are currently conducting at Bascom Palmer.

Sabater spoke of developing new diagnostic tools for corneal diseases using genetic sequencing as well as stem cell therapy applications for corneal regeneration. As an oculoplastic, reconstructive, and cosmetic surgeon, Rong’s clinical practice focuses on improving outcomes for patients with functional eyelid and orbital diseases as well as providing surgical options for cosmetic facial rejuvenation. He shared his research journey to save eyes from sebaceous carcinoma, a lethal form of eye cancer, using novel therapeutics. Berrocal, the medical director of pediatric retina and retinopathy of prematurity, shared the latest retinal advances at Bascom Palmer, including gene therapy for macular degeneration.

Special thanks to PNC Private Bank, the presenting sponsor of the event; table sponsors Penny and Mike Isermann, Waterside Shops, Diana and Don Wingard; and vision sponsor, David Greene, M.D.

Drs. Eduardo Alfonso, Andrew Rong, Audina Berrocal, Alfonso Sabater

President Julio Frenk

Palm Beach

“Art and the Eye”

Bascom Palmer Eye Institute celebrated its 42nd annual Evening of Vision gala in March at The Breakers in Palm Beach. This highly anticipated black-tie event brought together elegance, excitement, and the support of the generous Palm Beach community in celebration of the sight-saving mission of Bascom Palmer. With the enthusiasm and leadership generated by the gala chair and grand chair sponsor, Ari Rifkin, the evening celebrated “Art and the Eye.” Following dinner, Dr. Eduardo Alfonso introduced Bascom Palmer’s moon shot project, its new, lofty project of transplanting the human eye. Involving some of the most revolutionary technology, the Institute is looking to make an eye transplant a reality. Grand gala patrons included Tova Leidesdorf, the McNulty Charitable Foundation, and Christy and Earl Powell. Gala Patrons included the Maskin Family Foundation, Lois Pope, and the Irvin Saltzman Family Foundation.

“For Your Eyes Only”

Bascom Palmer celebrated its 6th annual “For Your Eyes Only” Ladies Luncheon at Club Colette. Chaired and generously underwritten by Lois Pope, the diamond sponsors of the event were Dr. Carol Bastek, Ari Rifkin, Tova Leidesdorf, and Lesly Smith. Virginia Gildea was the platinum sponsor, and Penelope Antonini, Sandra Berman, Jenny Cyker, Monnie Donnelley, Arlette Gordon, Christine Lynn, Marietta Muina McNulty, Etsuko O. Morris, Sunny Sessa, Sally Tagialatella, and Susan K. Wright served as gold sponsors.

The featured speaker was Terrence O’Brien, M.D., professor of ophthalmology and holder of the Charlotte Breyer Rodgers Chair in Ophthalmology. He shared an “eye-opening” presentation focusing on the seven A’s for the super ager to achieve good health well into their 90s and 100s: attitude, awareness, activity, accomplishment, autonomy, attachment, and avoidance.

Ari Rifkin and Dr. Eduardo Alfonso

Dr. Luis Haddock with Iris Apfel

Lois Pope and Bill Porter

Dr. Terrence O’Brien

The Bascom Palmer Society

Recognized as the George E. Merrick Society at the University of Miami

Honoring the Institute’s most generous benefactors whose gifts exceed $1 million, the Bascom Palmer Society was created in memory of the Institute’s namesake, Bascom Headon Palmer, M.D., an ophthalmologist who pioneered eye care in Miami.

Alcon Laboratories

Ibrahim N. Al-Rashid

Mohammad N. Al-Rashid

Dr. Nasser Ibrahim Al-Rashid

Dr. Nourah Caskey Al-Rashid

Ramzi Al-Rashid

Salman Al-Rashid

Carl B.* & Iris Apfel

Ms. Adrienne Arsht/Hope for Vision

Sadye Barrel*

Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Alumni Association, Inc.

Dr. Carol Bastek

Richard E. & Mary Lee Bastin

John E. Blair*

Mrs. Gladys A. Bludworth

Michele R. Bowman & Col.

Joseph E. Underwood

Braman Family Foundation

Charles William Brand*

Ms. Theresa Broeman*

Mary C. Brosius & George C. Brosius*

Mary J. & George T. Brosius*

Robert M. & Virginia M. Buck*

Mr.* & Mrs. Willard Butcher

Helen & George Clarke*

Mark J. Daily, M.D.

Thorne B.* & Monnie Donnelley

The Faculty of the Department of Ophthalmology of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

Florida Crystals Corporation

Werner F. Farnell*

The Celia Lipton Farris & Victor W. Farris Foundation, Inc.

Florida Lions Eye Bank

The Foundation Fighting Blindness

Mr.* & Mrs. Samuel J. Frankino

The Samuel J. & Connie M.

Frankino Charitable Foundation

Stanley & Kathleen Glaser*

Gordon R. Miller, M.D *

Nancy I. & Robert Z. Greene*

Allyn J. Heath*

Helen Herold*

W. Pruett & Audrey M. Hickman*

Mrs. Lou Higgins*

William* & Norma Horvitz

W. Starr & Alvira Johnston*

William M. Kennedy*

James L. Knight*

Mr. & Mrs. Theo Kolokotrones

Clara Kresge*

The Kresge Foundation

Hugh & Sally Lalor*

The James Annenberg La Vea Charitable Foundation

Anne Bates Leach*

Dr.* & Mrs. Ronald Lepke

Henri & Flore Lesieur Foundation

Donna Mae Litowitz*

The Joe & Emily Lowe Foundation, Inc.

Mr. & Mrs. Milton S. Maltz

Maltz Family Foundation

Ramonia Mayhall*

William L. & Evelyn McKnight*

McKnight Brain Research Foundation

The Miami Lighthouse for the Blind

The Mnaymneh Family

Ambrose Monell Foundation

Dorothy S. Munn*

The Murray Foundation

Mr. & Mrs. W. Stephen Murray

Naples Children & Education Foundation

National Philanthropic Trust

Frederic S. & Christine B. Nusbaum

Ophthalmology Research Foundation

Mr. & Mrs. Raymond G. Perelman*

Lois Pope & the LIFE Foundation

William & Isabel Collier Read*

Lillian Redlich*

Judy W. Renick*

Renick Trust

Research to Prevent Blindness

Edith & Earl Retter*

Robert R. & Joyce L. Rice

Mrs. Gladys Riggall

Charlotte Breyer Rodgers*

George G.* & Estelle Rosenfield

Walter G. Ross Foundation

The Salah Foundation

Ernie D. Semersky Family & Dory Newell

Richard D. Siegal*

Anne & Matthew Smith Family Endowed Research Fund

Strobis Glaucoma Foundation

William J. Thode III*

Elsie & Tolly Vinik*

Caroline & Alitza Weiss Family Foundation

Richard G. West*

Wildflower Foundation

Morty & Gloria Wolosoff Foundation, Inc.*

Shlomo & Amy Yeminy*

Miles Zisson*

*In loving memory

Donations listed as of May 31, 2022

Dr. Bascom Headon Palmer

The Norton Society

Recognized as The Bowman Foster Ashe Society at the University of Miami Members of the Norton Society have generously supported Bascom Palmer with gifts totaling $500,000 – $999,999. This society honors the vision and leadership of Edward W.D. Norton, M.D., the Institute’s founding chairman.

Mrs. Kathryn W. Davis*

Mary Rocha de E.*

Deering Trust

Mary L. Desmond*

Willis H. & Miren A. du Pont/

The Marmot Foundation

Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Eaton

Lisa O. & George W. Etheridge Jr.

Ms. Katie Fasal

Fight for Sight, Inc.

Fannie & Jacob Frank*

Ms. Elsie Freiman*

Dr. Edward & Theodora Furey Trust*

Jack & Patricia Glass*

Jane & Gene Guttman*

Olivia Hand*

Shirley D. Harris*

Kenneth B. Haynes*

Isador* & Florence Hecht

Shirley Heiman*

Palmer Herman*

Hope for Vision

H. Jerome & Thelma Joseph*

Jewish Guild for the Blind

Thomas N.* & Patricia R. Kearns

Margaret Kelber*

Gertrude G. La Londe*

Estee Lauder*

The Josephine S. Leiser Foundation, Inc.

Mr. Jaime Lerner

Miss Clare O’Keeffe

Esther B. O’Keeffe

Charitable Foundation

The Olayan Group

John & Margaret Ordway

The Pew Charitable Trusts, Inc.

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Frederick Reuter*

Jack W. Rich, Sr.

Ms. Lillian Rienzi*

Leonard* & Ari Rifkin

The Edward D. & Janet

K. Robson Foundation

Eliza Phillips Ruden*

Mrs. Irving R. Rutkin

Mr. & Mrs. Albert Sakolsky

Ralph S. Sott*

SCS Healthcare

Helen Scrimgeour*

Richard D. Siegal*

Doris Shell*

Bruce & Cynthia Sherman

Charitable Foundation

Drs. David H.* & Maureen Smith

Southern Dames of America

The Starr Foundation

Milton Stein*

Edward N. & Della L. Thome

Memorial Foundation

Gladys J. Toelle*

Richard Tucker

Gladys Weiner*

Allergan, Inc.

Anonymous

L. Jules Arkin Family Foundation

Silvia N. Armstrong*

Ruth Ann Asleson*

Mrs. Dora Bak*

Benjamin* & Millicent Bauer

Beauty of Sight Foundation

Robert R. Bellamy*

Dr.* & Mrs. Jose Berrocal

Isadore & Jean L. Bloom*

Roscoe E. Blyler*

James H. Broderick*

Bryan Dare Holdings Limited

Mildred G. Burrows*

Ethel P. Cady*

Castle Connolly Medical Ltd.

The Chatlos Foundation

William H.* & Deborah Cochrane

Arlyn & Stephen Cypen

Lillian Light*

Ruth H. Marvin*

Dale* & Marietta McNulty

McNulty Charitable Foundation

Mr.* & Mrs. D. Richard Mead

Ms. Harriet Messinger*

Lorraine Trumbull Meyer*

Mrs. Alison Miller

David Minkin Foundation

Mr. & Mrs. T. Jack White*

Dr. & Mrs. Frank M. Williams

Cecilia Youngdahl*

Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc.

*In loving memory

Donations listed as of May 31, 2022

Dr. Edward W.D. Norton

The Luminary Society

Recognized as The Grand Founder Society at the University of Miami

The Luminary Society recognizes individuals who are beacons for progress in vision research, clinical care and education. Generous donors have contributed gifts totaling $100,000 – $499,999.

Abbott Medical Optics, Inc.

The Able Trust

His Highness Sheikh Khalifa

bin Zayed Al-Nahyan

Amarone Charitable Trust

Anthony Abraham*

Anthony Abraham Family Foundation

Charlotte D. Ahrens*

Usha & Monte Ahuja

Mr. & Mrs. Marcelo Alvarez

American Health Assistance Foundation

Catherine Armstrong*

Mr. Francis A. Anania

Dr. Robert C. & Veronica Atkins Foundation

Captain Eugene K. & Muriel M. Auerbach*

Louis & Mary August*

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph R. Bagby

Ms. Allen Arthur Barco*

Pondray R.M. Baldwin*

Laurence E. Barreca*

Florence & Harry Hood Bassett

The Bassett Foundation

Bausch & Lomb, Vision Care

James* & Laurie Bay

Dr. Joseph & Jean Beauchamp

Katherine Begeest*

Harry Belafonte

Robert R. Bellamy Memorial Foundation, Inc.

Helen L. Benenati*

Claudia & Dennis Berman

Birk Family Foundation

Thomas H. & Martha Blash*

Mr. James F. Blinder & the Alden Foundation

Mr. James R. Borynack & Mr. Adolfo Zaralegui

Findlay Galleries Inc.

BrightFocus Foundation

The Broyhill Family Foundation

Bryan Dare Holdings Limited

Mildred G. Burrows*

Camiener Foundation

Mr. Nick A. Caporella

Mr. & Mrs. Silvio A. Cardoso

Mr. & Mrs. Woodrow W. Carter

Mr. & Mrs. John K. Castle

H.A. & Mary K. Chapman

Charitable Trust

The Rhoda & David* Chase Family Foundation, Inc.

Mae Knight Clark*

Dr. John G. & Diana Clarkson

Louis & Virginia Clemente*

William H. Cochrane*

Mr. & Mrs. Miles Collier

Nina V. Collins*

Community Foundation for Palm Beach & Martin Counties

Robert Costigan*

Dr. & Mrs. Harvey J. Crocker*

Mr. & Mrs. Andrew E. Cummins

The Dana Foundation

Ellaruth S. Davidson*

Mary Lynn Davis*

Mr. & Mrs. Jim H. Derryberry

Leonard W. Diener*

Lawrence J. & Florence A. De George Charitable Trust*

Hermé de Wyman Miro*

Adele Dousseau*

Louis T. & Ann K. Donatelli

Drasner Family Foundation

The Lowell S. Dunn & Betty

L. Dunn Family Foundation

Dunspaugh Dalton Foundation

Harvey C. & Linda J. Eads

Mr. & Mrs. Albert Ebstein*

Frances M. Elliott*

Amelia P. Farquhar*

Eric Feiler*

Mr. Mark Feldberg & Emily Page

Mr. & Mrs. Simon C. Fireman*

Ms. Elizabeth C. Fisher*

Bernice S. Fitzgerald*

The Jefferson Lee Ford III Memorial Foundation

Helen W. Fraser*

Finker Frenkel Foundation

Friends of the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus Foundation

Friends for Life

Robert G. & Eugenie S. Friedman

Ms. Joyce Froot*

Ruth & August Geiger

Charity Foundation

Genentech, Inc.

John & Bonnie Geraghty

Mr.* & Mrs. Jules Gerson

Isadore Gilbert*

Saul & *Florette Gilinski

Glaucoma Research Foundation

Nellie F. Goettel*

Paul R. & Hattye S. Gordon*

Eleanor K. Graham*

Edward L. & Lois E. Grayson

M. Brenn & Selma W. Green*

Myron & Gladys Greentree*

Virginia E. Greenwald*

Mr. Otto Guidi*

Mr. & Mrs. Alfredo D. Gutierrez

Jane & Gene Guttman

Ms. Gloria B. Halpern*

Mr. Sydney L. Hammer*

John L. Harshfield*

Dr. Lawrence & Doris Hastings*

Doris Hastings Foundation

Mickey Hayes*

Jean L. Haynes*

Claude Hemphill*

Mr. & *Mrs. Edward

L. Hennessy, Jr.

The Edward L. Hennessy, Jr. & Ruth S. Hennessy Foundation

Emma Clyde Hodge

Memorial Foundation

Ms. Jessie S. Hoffman*

John* & Beverly Hoffman

Geraldine Howlett*

Ms. Gail Hughes Galli

Evangelina R. Jimenez*

Bill E. Johnson

Walter A. Kahn*

Marcus Kallman*

Katrina & Rick Kash

Michele & Howard Kessler

Jhamatmal* & Sumintra Kirpalani

Leonard & Norma

Klorfine Foundation

Knight Foundation

Alan & Marilyn Korest*

Mildred W. Kraus*

Mr.* & Mrs. Morton Kutner

Nathaniel H. Kutcher*

Mrs. Rossi Larrea Rionda

Aurell H. Leaf

Mr. Patrick P. Lee

Mr. & Mrs. Richard Lesser

Mr.* & Mrs. Howard Lester

Polly Annenberg Levee

Charitable Trust

Jeanne Schulman Leventhal*

Herman & Millicent Levinson*

Mr. & *Mrs. Richard D. Lewis

Marvin* & Kay Lichtman Foundation

Lighthouse Guild International

Dr.* & Mrs. Warren Lindau

Ms. Susan A. Litowitz

Mrs. Dorothy F. Littman*

Carol Lucas*

Paul R. Lux*

Macula Vision Research Foundation

Ms. Helen Flesch Markowitz*

Richard Markowitz*

Daniel Marks*

Ms. Ann Maroni*

Mr.* & Mrs. Forrest Mars

Mrs. Charles A. Mastronardi*

Mr. & Mrs. David McCrea

McCrea Foundation, Inc.

John & Ellen McDonnell*

Mr. & Mrs. Gerald C. McDonough*

Mr. & Mrs. Randolph A. McKean

Merck & Company, Inc.

Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Meyer

Arthur l. & Sydelle F. Meyer

Charitable Foundation

M.H.B. Ophthalmics

The Miami Foundation

Miami Retreat Foundation

Hazel Dayton Mills*

Salomon Minuchin* & Ruth Kibrick

Luis R. & Ana Mola

Mr.* & Mrs. John M. Monter

Frank J. Morgan Family Fund

Mr.* & Mrs. Peter Mosheim

Pam & Alan Murray

Anne P. Myers*

The Luminary Society

Correcting double vision

In his 30’s, Jeffrey Jones became nearsighted and started wearing glasses. Several years later, he began seeing double and was diagnosed with adult-onset strabismus, a condition in which the eyes are not aligned. When his double vision began to impact his job and personal life, he decided to explore surgery. “It became difficult to drive, play lacrosse with my son, read my computer or phone, and much more,” he said. In 2021, he sought treatment in his hometown in Ohio. “After two surgeries, my vision was worse instead of better,” he said. “It became debilitating and I knew I had to find a cure.”

A friend suggested that he contact Bascom

Palmer. Shortly after he met with strabismus specialist, Michelle M. Falcone, M.D., he said, “For the first time, I felt like someone understood what I was experiencing and could help me. Her confidence gave me hope.” Falcone, an assistant professor of clinical ophthalmology, who routinely deals with complex cases of adult strabismus, completed a comprehensive ocular motility exam to explore Jones’ options before identifying an appropriate surgical plan. “Many patients come to us after unsuccessful surgeries,” she said. “We are experts in the field and use cutting-edge technology to collect the precise data and measurements necessary for a good outcome.”

Following his surgery at Bascom Palmer, Jones said, “When I woke up from my surgery, I could see perfectly for the first time in years with no double vision. I was excited to spend time with friends and family without the visual struggle. My experience at Bascom Palmer was perfect from start to finish. I am forever grateful to Dr. Falcone for what she did for me, my family, and my quality of life.”

Bascom Palmer Eye Institute wishes to thank Jeffrey and Lisa Jones for their support and willingness to share his story to educate others suffering from adult strabismus.

Van & Jane Myers*

Mr. & Mrs. Wyckoff Myers*

Albert H. Nahmad

Albert H. & Jane D. Nahmad Foundation, Inc.

New World Medical, Inc.

Dorothy D. Noble*

North Dade Medical Foundation, Inc.

The Calvin & Flavia Oak Foundation

Olcott Family Foundation, Inc.

OTHERA Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Rye B. Page*

Palm Beach Community Trust Fund

Pfizer, Inc.

Mrs. Carl H. Pforzheimer, Jr.*

Pharmacia & Upjohn Co.

Mr. & Mrs. Earl W. Powell

Emily Powers*

Loretta Pritchard*

Mr. James Randall

The Randall Family Foundation

Harvey T. & Christy Reid*

Jacob L. Reiss Foundation

RHEACELL GmbH & Co. KG

Mr. John W. Rich

Thomas E. Rodgers, Jr.

Mr. David S. Rosenberg*

Nat & Miriam Rosenthal*

Rhoda B. Rubin & Neil Felson

Mr. Joseph Rumbaugh*

Barbara* & Herbert E. Saks

Beatrice & William Sahm*

Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Inc.

Mr. & Mrs. Aurel Sarosdy*

Ms. Shirlee Schiller

Jack Schillinger*

Jack* & *Marjorie Schillinger Family Foundation

Schwab Charitable Fund

Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation

The Berthold T.D. & Thyra Schwarz Foundation

Carl & Ruth Shapiro Family Foundation

Mr. Robert Shell

Dr. & Mrs. Lawrence Singerman/ Retinal Vascular Foundation

Mr. & Mrs. Rajendra Singh

Raj & Neera Singh Charitable Foundation, Inc.

Robert M. Sinskey Foundation

Mr.* & Mrs. Don McQueen Smith

Thomas W. Smith Foundation, Inc.

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas W. Smith

Stearns Weaver Miller Weissler

Alhadeff & Sitterson, P.A.

Milton Stein*

Elaine & Sydney Sussman Foundation, Inc.

Mr. Jesse M. Teague*

Dr.* S. Henry & Sylvia Thaler

Richard E. Thiel

Gladys J. Toelle*

TopCon Corporation

Howard* & Patricia Toppel

Toppel Family Foundation

Daniel P. & Grace I. Tully*

United Way of MiamiDade County, Inc.

Harry & Margaret Uttal*

The Verdun Foundation/

Sir Kyffin D. Simpson

Gladys W. Wallace*

Nancy Sexauer Walsh*

The Sexauer Foundation

Mr. Alfred Walthers*

Charles H. & Elsie C. Warwick, III*

Mr. & Mrs. Bill Weeks

Alex J. Weinstein Foundation

Marcella U. Werblow*

Lena Wershaw*

Enid & Jerry Weygandt

The Dr. Jack Widrich Foundation

Angela W. Whitman

Mr.* & Mrs. Ross Whistler

Ms. Patricia Wilkinson*

Dr. & Mrs. Frank Williams

Mr. and Mrs. G. Ed Williamson, II

Josephine A. Wolf*

Stephen & Delores Wolf

Mitchell Wolfson, Sr. Foundation

Rubin & Gladys Wollowick

Family Foundation

*In loving memory

Donations listed as of May 31, 2022

Dr. Michelle Falcone

The Founder Society

Recognized as The Founder Society at the University of Miami

The Founder Society honors donors who have supported Bascom Palmer’s mission with gifts totaling $50,000 – $99,999 which enable the Institute’s physicians and researchers to combat blinding eye disease.

Mr. & Mrs. Leonard L. Abess*

Dr. & Mrs. Eduardo C. Alfonso

American Hospital of Miami, Inc.

Stanley H. & Jill Arkin*

Ruth Ann Asleson*

Mr. & Mrs. William Avery

Bailey Family Foundation, Inc.

Mr. Brian C. Bastin

Carlos A. Batlle

Dr. & Mrs. Ivan R. Batlle

Theodore Baumritter*

The Alberto & Olga Maria

Beeck Family Foundation

Lowry M. & Diana M. Bell

Estate of Louis Berens

Jack & Elsie Bernstein Foundation

Crawford & Mary Bernstein*

Esther Blattner*

In memory of Edith June Blyler*

Catherine Breyer Van Bomel*

Cornelius Bond

Arnold Bortman*

Dr. Fred F. Brenner

Norma & Larry Brodell*

Mr.* & Mrs. James Broderick

Florence F. Brooks*

John and Kristy Buck

Family Foundation

M. Anthony & Joyce Burns

Bryan & Julie Butzow

The Butzow Family

Mr. Alex G. Campbell

Mr. Michael Cantens

Ms. Phyllis Celestino*

Dr. Stanley & Jean Chang

Mr. L. Frank Chopin, Esq.

Mr. Jonathan Chariff

Ms. Dana L. Clay

Mr. & Mrs. Maurice Cohen

Mr. David A. Collins

Louella Cook Foundation

CooperVision Surgical, Inc.

Mr. John D. Copanos/The Kirk

A. Copanos Foundation

Corporate Management Advisors, Inc.

Marjorie & Irving Cowan*

Mr. & Mrs. Steven G. Curtis

Ms. Jenny Cyker

Dade Community Foundation

Dahlawi Family

The Arthur Vining Davis Foundation

Mr. Christopher C. Dewey

Mr. Joseph Dieppa

Dr. & Mrs. Peter Dockter

Ms. Florence B. Dowdy*

Mrs. Otto E. Dreikorn

Mr. & Mrs. Alexander W. Dreyfoos

Mr. & Mrs. Harvey Eads

Dr. Charles W. Eifrig

The Eye Bank for Sight Restoration, Inc.

Mr. & Mrs. Bruce L. Everette

Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation, Inc.

Charles S. & L. Jean Faller

Mrs. Anita Feig

Feig Family Foundation

Mrs. Norma Matz Fenton*

Michael A. Fentress*

Dr. Maurice R. Ferre/ Cami Foundation,Inc.

Jose Luis Ferreira de Melo

Maurice & Gertrude Finkle*

Carl T. Fischer, Sr.*

Dr. & Mrs. Marc L. Fishman

Florman Family Foundation, Inc.

The Honorable Rex Ford

Dr. Richard K. & Janet Forster

Mr. Charles M. Foster

Mrs. Muriel S. Freund

Adelaide Gambrill Bowen*

Dewey & Janet Gargiulo*

The Garner Foundation, Inc.

Mr. & Mrs.* Robert Y. Garrett III

The Marilyn Gaylord Charitable Trust

Mrs. Carole S. Gerstein

Mr. & Mrs. Scott Gilbert

Dr. & Mrs. Donald Golden

Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.

Steven E. Goldman, Esq.

Mr. Hattye & *Paul Gordon

Samuel & Norma Gordon

Phyllis &*Lee Gorin

Richard C. & Francelia A. Gozon

Greater Miami Jewish Federation

Samuel Grossman

Mr. & Mrs. Steven Gurowitz

Mr. & Mrs. Michael Hackleman

Mr. & Mrs. Lee F. Hager

Mrs. Patricia Hauben

Herman Haimovici, M.D.*

James M. Haley

Ms. Marjorie L. Haley*

Mr. & Mrs. Dana A. Hamel/The D.A.

Hamel Family Charitable Trust

Anne M. Heeb*

Elizabeth T. Heim & Margaret

L. Rigby Memorial Fund*

Mary B. Hirsch*

Mr. & Mrs. Tibor Hollo

Tibor & Sheila Hollo

Charitable Foundation

Kenneth A. Horowitz

Family Foundation

Mr. Michael D. Horvitz

The Inserra Family Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. Herbert H. Jacobi

Ann Powell Jacobs*

Dr. Norman & Ann Jaffe*

Ms. Birgit U. Jahina, C.P.A.

Jelco Overseas Limited

Lucille K. Johnson*

Dr. Eugene E. & Marlene Joyce

Hannah* & Marvin Kamin

Mr.* & Mrs. David Kantor

Ms. Michele Kaplan

Dr. Danielle Katz Squires

Michael Katz

Mr.* & Mrs. W. George Kennedy

Ms. Ardith D. Kenny

George & Joan Kessel

John S. & James L. Knight Foundation

Ms. Sharon Kranys

Izola Kruger*

Mrs. Louis J. Kuriansky*

Robert E. & Ann D. Kusch

The Eleanor Naylor Dana Charitable Trust

Helene S. Lantz*

Anthony Lapka*

James & Marjorie Leenhouts

Ms. Tova Leidesdorf

Mr. & Mrs. Edward J. Leik

Michael R. Levine

Rose Lichtenstein*

Mr. Michael Liebowitz

Life in Naples Magazine

Mr. & Mrs. Richard Thomas Lowe

R. Cathleen Cox McFarlane

Charitable Foundation, Inc.

Jeannine P. Merrien*

Dr. Fred Moll

Mr. & Mrs. Maren Moore

John & Sue Morrison

Mr. Austin Muller & Ms. Jill J. Otto

Mr.* & Mrs. Linton Murdock

Charles Nenner

Anne Niedwiecki*

Novartis

Belle Ochiltree*

Mr. & Mrs. Jose Ortega

Dave & Deb Perkins

Mrs. Mary Perper

Phillips Foundation

The William H. Pitt Foundation, Inc.

The Plum Foundation

Gladys Post*

Samir M. Ragheb

Gertrude Reis*

Retina Research Foundation

Guy B. Rhoton

Louis Richards*

Harold & Carolyn Robison Foundation

Mr. & Mrs. Mark Rodack

Mildred Rohrlick*

William & Nancy Rollnick

William Rosenberg Family Foundation, Inc.

Diane Ross-Glazer, Ph.D

Walter M. Ross

Helena Rubinstein Foundation

Mrs. Candace Ruskin

Irvin Saltzman Family Foundation, Inc.

Sanbio, Inc.

John & Heloine Savoir

Mrs. Elfriede Schafler

Dr. Norman I. Schatz

Anjette* & Fred Scheiman

Ruth Schumann*

Ms. Marsha Seidman

Mr. & Mrs. Frank J. Semcer

Mrs. Josiah Shamroth

Edward W. Smith Jr. Foundation

Mrs. Janet L. Smith

Ms. Lesly S. Smith/Fortin Foundation of Florida

Elaine Grosfield Spero

Danielle L. Squires, M.D.

Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Stayer

Mr. & Mrs. Richard L. Stone

Steven B. & Caroline Tanger

J. Kenneth & Sandra Tate

Thomsen Foundation Inc.

Roy & Niuta Titus Foundation

Topcon Medical Systems Inc.

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Toussie

The Dennis Turner & Wallace Cook Families

United Way of Martin County

Mr. & Mrs. Roger A. Ward

Ware Bluegrass Foundation

Waterside Shops

Ms. Laura Weinsoff*

Robert S. Wennett & Mario Cader-Frech

Jeffrey D. Rubens/Westminster

Barrington Foundation

The Wolf Foundation

Gladys DuBois Yaffey*

Harriet & Donald Young

Ghassan Zein

Mr. & Mrs. John Zelaya

Mr. & Mrs. Isaac Zelcer

Mr. & Mrs. Sy Ziv*

*In loving memory

Donations listed as of May 31, 2022

The Vision Society

Donors whose gifts total $10,000 – $49,999 are recognized in the Vision Society, honoring their vision of a world free of blindness.

Mr. & Mrs. William Abney

Mrs. Sam H. Abramson

Mrs. Ana Adler

Advanced Cell Technology

Advanced Medical Optics

Mrs. Anna R. Alberico*

Mr. Leo N. Albert*

John Alexander*

Alimera Sciences, Inc.

Mrs. Angela Alvarez

AMO USA, Inc.

August S.* & Bette Andersen

Dr. Douglas & Wirtley Anderson

The Angels of Charity, Inc.

Anonymous

Mr. & Mrs. Roy P. Ans

Mr. & Mrs. Andrew L. Ansin

Viola J. Anterburn, Jr., Esq.*

The Jack & Harriet Appel Foundation Trust

The Applebaum Foundation

Mr. & Mrs. Harold N. Asiel

Mr. & Mrs. Ural Ataman

Mr. Herman Auerbach*

Mr. Burton August

David C. Auth, Ph.D., P.E.

Mr. Richard E. Azar

Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Baer

Barbara & Gerson

Bakar Foundation

Vernon* & Eva Ball

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Baird*

Mr. Luis Bared

Mr. & Mrs. H. Barnhouse

Joan B. & Richard L. Barovick

Family Foundation

Mr. Myron B. Bauer

Mr. Lang Baumgarten

Ms. Paula A. Bebj

Dr. Carmine & Carol Bedotto

Mr. James A. Bell*

Dr. Stuart H. Bender

Bernie Bercuson*

Dr. & Mrs. Leonard Berg

Estate of Louis Berens

In memory of Milton Bergman*

Judy Bergman

Dr. Samuel Berkowitz

Malcolm & Sandra R. Berman

Mr. Morris Bernhard*

Mrs. Helen B. Bernstein-Fealy*

I. Jack & Elsie Bernstein Foundation

Better Vision Institute

Roger E. & Mary L. Birk

David* & Susan Bisgeier

The Bauer Bisgeier Foundation

Harold & Erika Bishins*

Alfreda Blagaich-Smith

Lawrence J. & Lynn M. Blanford

Esther Blattner*

Helen P. Blauvelt*

Dr. & Mrs. Christopher F. Blodi

Ms. Judith Bloom

Marie Bloom & *Theodore

A. Deckert

Morris & *Olga Bluestein

Ms. Leslie N. Bluhm

Ms. Jeanne Blumberg*

Ms. Florence R. Blunden*

In memory of Edith June Blyler *

D. Dixon Boardman

Ms. Constance M. Boggild*

Mrs. Sorrel Ross Bollet*

Mr. Samuel Bolnik*

Ms. Lydia Borgatta

Dr. Elizabeth Bowden

Anita & *Leonard Boxer

Mr.* & Mrs. William M. Boyer

John F. & Denise M. Bracco

Charles W. Brand

Gordon & Trudy Brekus*

Arthur* & Marilynn Bressman

Breyer Foundation Inc.

Mr.* & Mrs. Henry W. Breyer, III

Mr. Jack Brier

Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Brisker

The Shepard Broad Foundation

Mr. & Mrs. James L. Broadhead

Mr. & Mrs. William Broeder

Mrs. Rena M. Broidy*

Mr.* & Mrs. Sheldon V. Brooks

Sara B. Brorein

Mr. Colon Brown, Sr.

Mr. & Mrs. John B. Brown

Mr. And Mrs. James J. Bruder

The Brunetti Foundation

Mr. James Bryan/Auto

Team Management

Mr. Ken Bryfogle, Jr.

Mrs. Blanche S. Buck*

Faye Buchbinder*

Dr. Helmut* & Heide Buettner

Mr. and Mrs. J. Gary Burkhead

Elsie Burstein

David H. & Betty J. Burrows

Betty M. & David H. Burrows, Jr.

Mr. & Mrs. George Bursak

Jean J. Busch

Mr. Samuel T. Byron

Mrs. Joanne B. Calafiura

Rita Campo

Mr. & Mrs. Hilario F. Candela

Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Mrs. Iris Cantor

Robert & Colette N. Cardone

Ms. Hazel H. Carlson*

Mr. Joseph L. Carlton

Mr. & Mrs. Kenny Carmel

Mr. Robert A. Carnavil

Mr. Michael A. Carpenter

Ms. Joy Carr

Thomas J. & Constance Cassady*

Daniel S. Catalfumo Family Foundation, Inc.

Ms. Nancy Cath*

Mr. & Mrs. Terrence W. Cavanaugh

John Cavender, M.D.

Sy & Joyce Chadroff

Mr. Philip H. Chakeres

Mr. & Mrs. Alberto Chamorro

Mrs. Leona Chanin

Marcy & Leona Chanin Foundation

Mr. and Mrs. Harvey R. Chaplin/Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc.

Alvah H. & Wyline P. Chapman Foundation

Dr. Steve Charles

A. Mabis & Jane Chase*

Dr. Percival & Carolyn Chee

Mr. & Mrs. Te Chen

Chengdu Kanghong Biotechnology Co. Ltd.

Dr. Renate Chevli

Dr. Narem Chevli

The Chicago Community Foundation

Clarity Medical Systems, Inc.

Dr. & Mrs. Robert L. Clark

Dr. S. William Clark, III

Dr. Henry Clayman

Clayman Family Charitable Foundation

Coastal Construction Serv. Group

Mr. Charles E. Cobb/The Cobb Family Foundation

Alan & Myrna Cohen Family Foundation

Ms. Carol Rae Cohen

Dr.*& Mrs. Nathan Cohen

Jean & David Colker*

Mrs. Mary Call Darby Collins*

Collins Charitable Foundation, Inc.

Connecticut School of Broadcasting

Mike & Julie Connors

The Connors Foundation

James J. Colt Foundation, Inc.

CooperVision Surgical, Inc.

Mr. & Mrs. Harold F. Corrigan

Mr. & Mrs. George J. Cosgrove

Dr. & Mrs. Thomas B. Coulter

Henry T. Courtney, Esq.

Shirley I. Cowell*

Ms. Mazie Cox

Mrs. Pauline W. Crawford*

Judge A. Jay & Eleanor Cristol*

William E. Cross Foundation, Inc.

Mr. Gary B. Crouch

Mrs. Sara Crown Star

Robert Crystal

Dr. William Culbertson

Dr. Victor* & Mary Louise Curtin*

Jeanne Curtiss*

Mrs. Alice Ginther Cutrona

Judge Irving* & Hazel Cypen

Patricia Dahl

The Eleanor Naylor Dana Charitable Trust

Mr. & Mrs. Henry Danker

Ms. Alice L. Davidson*

The Marvin H. Davidson Foundation, Inc.

James L. Davis*

Shelia Smith Davis

Ms. Martha Debrule

Gerard & Brooke de Gunzburg

Mary De Gunzburg*

John & Elizabeth Deinhardt*

Mr. & Mrs. Larry Deitch

Leslie Delman

Steven Feig/Delray Lighting, Inc.

Dr. David R. DeMartini

Mrs. Cecile L. Demers*

Mr. & Mrs. Ken Denison

Kausal & Deutsch Family Foundation

The Richard & Helen DeVos Foundation

Mr. & Mrs. Mel Dick

Edward L. Diefenthal

Mr. Henry T. Diehl*

Mrs. Maureen M. Donell

Robert G. Miranda Donnelley

Virginia P. Dooley*

Karyn & Stuart Dornfield

Mr. & Mrs. James Dorsey

Dreman Foundation

Mr. Irving L. Duchan

Dr.* Lee R. & Alvina Duffner

Mr. & Mrs. Tully F. Dunlap

Mr.* & Mrs. Atwood Dunwody

Peter & Pamella Dupuis

Mary Elizabeth Durant*

Mrs. Jill Eber

Mr. & Mrs. Aaron J. Edelstein

Margaret Edelstein*

The Robert & Gail Edelstein Foundation, Inc.

Mr. Stefan Edlis

Mr. & Mrs. William J. Edwards

The Eliasberg Family Foundation, Inc.

Gary & Janet Ellis

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Elmore*

The Dorothy Erismann Foundation

Ms. Caroline Ervin

Mr. & Mrs. Charles Ervin

The Saul & Theresa Esman Foundation

Doug Esson & Carol Gilman

Mr.* & Mrs. Daniel Ettlinger

Mr. & Mrs. Bruce L. Evans

Mr. and Mrs. William Everett

Mr. Jeffrey P. Eves

The Eye Bank for Sight Restoration, Inc.

Ms. Frieda Fain*

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph V. Farago

Mr. Donald R. Farquhar*

Mr. Mark Feldberg

Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund

Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Fields*

Fifth Third Bank

Mr. Russell W. Fisher

Dr. & Mrs. Yale Fisher

Ms. Anne Fleisher*

Dugald A. Fletcher

Florescue Family Foundation

Dr. Harry W. & Donna D. Flynn

Dr.* & Mrs. John T. Flynn

Jeanne J. Ford*

Anne Halapin Francis*

Charlotte & Morton Frank*

Mrs. Joan M. Frazier

Ms. Louise Freas*

Dr. Ronald Frenkel/The Meyer & Anna Prentis Family Foundation

Muriel S. Freund

Mr. William Fricks/ Fricks Foundation

Kathy & Fritz Friday

Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Friedland*

Fred & Jane Friedman

Mrs. Elizabeth A. Fuchs

Mr. & Mrs. Irving Fuchs*

Dr. Tadashi & Toshi Fujino

Dr. Dwain G. & Patricia Fuller

Michael S. Fuller & Jerry L. Lewis

Dr. Wayne E. & Helen Fung

Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Gaines

Mr. & Mrs. Muriel Gammage*

In honor of Dr. Donald Gass*

Mr. & Mrs. Martin J. Gelb

Dr. & Mrs. Henry Gelender

Mr. Bertram Milfred Gerson

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas S. Gerspacher

Robert A. Giacin/Community Service Foundation of Broward County

John W. & Virginia W. Gildea

Ms. Grace M. Gilson*

Mr. Mario Gimenez*

Drs. Joel Glaser* & Norman J. Schatz Fund at The Miami Foundation

Mr. & Ms. Alvin Glasgold

GlaxoSmithKline

The Frank L. & Helen Gofrank Foundation

Ms. Marion Golden

Mr. Irving Goldman*

Ms. Helen A. Goldsmith*

Ms. Myriam Goldsmith & Mr. Hector Duer

Mr. & Mrs. Rick Goldsmith

Marilyn Goldstein*

The Gopman Family

Dr. Ken Gordon

Michael S. Gordon

Mr. & Mrs. Morton Goudiss

The Tamra Gould & Howard Amster II Philanthropic Fund

Mary M. Graham

Barbara Greene

Dr. & Mrs. Michael Gressel

Greystone Foundation

Mr. & Mrs. Gary R. Gross

Chateau Ocean, LLC

Susan & Herb Grossman

Cecil Hackett

Ms. Dorothy E. Hadden*

Lauren F. Hager, Esq.

Irma Haigh*

Mr. James M. Haley

George E. Hall

Mr. Malcolm Hall

The Henry E. Haller, Jr. Foundation

Mr. Roy Halman

Mr. & Mrs. Peter Halmos

Mrs. Harriet C. Halpryn

Edgar Hamm Trust

Sol & Minnie Handwerker

Mr. Bahaa R. Hariri

Ms. Paula J. Harris

Dr.* & Mrs. Glen Harrison

Mr. James C. Hartenstein

Fred L. Hartley Family Foundation

Abraham* & Wendy Hases

Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Haymes

Mrs. Roscoe G. Haynie*

Ms. Ghislaine H. Head

Mr. & Mrs. Philip E. Hecht

Mr. David J. Heffernan*

Mr. Allen G. Heintzelman*

Mrs. Lorna S. Heisler

Mr. Ingeborg Helfers*

Mr. Mrs. Jeff Henley/J & J Family Foundation

Ted* & Carole Hepburn

Mrs. Marjorie T. Herdon

Mr. & Mrs. Javier Herran

Lester K. & Mildred Hersch

Mr. Elliot Hershberg

Ms. Mary Louise Hieber*

Mr. & Mrs. Paul Hills

George F. Hilton, M.D.*

Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Hochwald*

Doris & Martin Hoffman Family Foundation, Inc.

Bernice Hokin

Mercedes G. Holey*

Mr. & Mrs. Marvin Hollub

Mr. Don Horwitz

The Hovey Foundation

Ms. Geraldine Howlett*

Mr. & Mrs. Lawrence D. Howell II House of Blues Entertainment, Inc.

Mr. & Mrs. Stanley S. Hubbard

The Hubbard Foundation

Dr. & Mrs. David M. Hunter*

Sanford & Judith Huston

Francoise Hutchison*

Mrs. Arthur Huttoe

Dr.* William L. & Sue Hutton

Ida Hutzler Charitable Trust

The International Research Foundation for Children’s Eyecare Inc.

Intralase Corporation

Investors Trust Assurance SPC

IOP, Inc.

ISTA Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Mr. & Mrs. Dikran Izmirlian

Mr. & Mrs. Roger Jaar

J.A.B. Ophthalmics

Dr. & Mrs. Scott L. Jaben

Mr. Ralph E. Jackson, Jr.

Lola & Donald* Jacobson

Caryl & Keith Jaffee / Jaffee Family Trust

Mr.* & Mrs. John C. Jansing

Ms. Anna H. Jennings*

Dr. & Mrs. Andrew G. Jessiman

Jewish Community Federation of Cleveland

Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation

Jewish Guild Healthcare

Mr. & Mrs. Charles Johnson

Mr. & Mrs. Douglas L. Johnson

Mr. & Mrs. Tom W. Johnson

Johnsonville Holding, Inc.

Alfred L. Johnston

Mr. & Mrs. Hyman Joseph*

Dr. Eugene E. & Marlene Joyce

Ruth B. Kamaiko*

Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Kamis

Mr. & Mrs. Burton Kahn*

Mr. & Mrs. Morton Kalin

Mr. George A. Karam

Helene C. Karp

Jeanne Kaskey*

Mrs. Margaret A. Kassab*

Mr. & Mrs. William Kassling

Mr. & Mrs. Isaac Kasztl

Ms. Margot Kaufmann*

Mr. & Mrs. Arne Kauppinen*

Ms. Mildred Kaye*

Ms. Shirley H. Keeti*

KeyBank National Association

Karl Kirchgessner Foundation

Mr. & Mrs. Michael Kelley

Mr. Henry A. Keller, Sr.*

Mrs. Elizabeth L. Kelly*

Ms. Helen P. Kelly*

Mr. & Mrs. James Kempe

Mrs. Ardith D. Kenny

Wendel & *Evelyn Kent

George & Joan Kessel

Edward Kesten

Keybank Foundation

Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Kinney

Dr.* & Mrs. Ralph E. Kirsch

Mr. & Mrs. Jay Kislak

Ms. Lynn Kislak

The Kislak Family Foundation, Inc.

Ms. Iris Kite*

Ms. Helene Klein*

Dr. Elliot* & Fruema Klorfein

Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc.

Mr. Henry O. Koehler*

Ms. Fay Koenig*

Ms. Nancy Komorowski

Mr. Robert A. Kotick

The Vision Society

Ms. Meline B. Kovacik

Mrs. Roz Kovens

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Kramer

Mr. Mario Kreutzberger

Dr. & Mrs. Jan W. Kronish

Joseph Kubacka, Jr.

Mr. Ben Kuehne

Lawrence & Marcia Kunken

Jeffrey C. Kusch

Gertrude G. La Londe*

Mr. & Mrs. Gary S. Lachman

Lachman Family Foundation

Ann W. LaFontaine*

Mr. & Mrs. John Lance

Landon Family Foundation

The Kenneth A. Lattman Foundation, Inc.

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Lauer

Mr. A.J.W. Le Bien*

Mrs. Mary J. Leahey*

The Gary & Bernice Lebbin Foundation, Inc.

Mr. Max Lebow*

Mr. Bruce B. Lederman

Patricia Lee

Dr. Richard Lee

Aleathea V. Leonard*

Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Leonard

Ainsworth Leslie

A. & S. Leslie Family Trust

Richard & Kathy Lesser

Mr. William Levenson*

Dr. Bern M. Levine

Ruth Levkoff

Ms. Gerda Levy

Dr. Mary Lou Lewis & Mr. Jack* Lewis

Mrs. Lynn Liddell

Mr. & Mrs. Richard A. Liddy

Lile Family Foundation

Mr. & Mrs. James Lillie

Mr. & Mrs. Peter B. Lilly

Mr. Walter Linde

George L. Lindemann, Jr.

Mr. Dennis Ling & Mrs. Janice Teal

Lipman Family Farms

Mr. Meyer Lipson*

Mr. Gus Lobenwein*

Mr. & Mrs. Richard Lombart

Barbara Collins Longe

Paul R. Lux*

The Macula Society

Mrs. David Mahoney

Mrs. France Maichin*

The Mailman Foundation

Ms. Jacqueline Malloy

Ms. Ruth Malloy*

Ms. Helena A. Manning*

Mrs. Mary Mikesell Mapp*

Charles B. & Helga Marqusee

Jaime & Magda Marti

Julia & Morris Mash*

Karen B. Mashkin, Ph.D.

Mrs. Carrie Turino Mastronardi*

Mr. William M. Matthews

Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Mayer

Dr. & Mrs. John B. McBeath

The McCashin Family

Robert & Lorraine McCashin

Ms. Patricia A. McConnell

Clare Broeker McCormick*

Robert J. McDonald

Brenda & John McGlade

Mrs. Erin McGould

Mr. James McIntosh

Dr. & Mrs. Paul J. McKenna

Dr. & Mrs. Brian R. McKillop

Ms. Evelyn E. McLaughlin*

Ms. Maureen M. McLaughlin

Amy B. & *William McLean, Jr.

Mr. Michael B. McLearn

Mr. & Mrs. Samuel McLendon*

Mr. & Mrs. Jack W. Meadors, III

Dr. Jerry & Rhona Meislik

MEJOR Fund

Mellon Private Wealth Management

Mr. Eric Mendelson

Mr. & Mrs. Harold Menowitz

The Harold & Sophie Menowitz Foundation

Dr. & Mrs. Mark F. Mergen

Merrill Lynch & Co. Foundation, Inc.

Thomas M.* & Sarah V. Mettler

Deborah Meyer*

Lena Meyers*

The Miami Foundation

Pauline & George Michel, Jr.

Mr. Donald K. Miller

Dr. & Mrs. Edward S. Miller

Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Miller

Gerald M. & Carole A. Miller

Family Foundation

Dr. Gordon R. Miller*

Mr. & Mrs. Jack Miller

Mr. & Mrs. Monroe Milstein

Mitchell Wolfson, Sr. Foundation

Ms. Susanne Mock*

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Mondshine

Antonietta Mongillo

Mr. & Mrs. Dudley L. Moore

Mr. & Mrs. Tom Moran

Mr. Southwood J. Morcott

Mr. Andres Moreno

Mr. & Mrs. Herbert N. Morgan

Joyce Wallace Morgan

Frank N.* & Deborah Morgenstern

Mr. H. B. Morley

Mr. Robert Moser

Ms. Marion F. Mosher*

Ms. Mildred B. Mount*

Florence Green Mufson*

Mrs. Colleen Murphy & Mr. Paul Skapura

Mr. Thomas P. Murphy, Jr.

John P. Murray Jr. Family

Joseph L. Muscarelle Foundation, Inc.

Peter L. Myers

Mr. & Mrs. Anthony J. Myrua

Mr.* & Mrs. Robert Naegele

Mr. & Mrs. Randy Nelson

Robert & Judi Newman Family Foundation

Naples Daily News

Neovista, Inc.

Neurotech USA, Inc.

Erika Ehrlich Newman

Mary & John Nice Nidek, Incorporated

Anne Niedwiecki*

Mr. & Mrs. Robert Nolan

Northern Trust Bank of Florida

Northern Trust, N.A.

Northern Trust Bank West Florida Region

Novartis

Novartis Farmaceutica, S.A. De C.

Novartis Pharma Logistics Inc.

Ms. Sara O’Connell

Mr. & Mrs. Robert M. Oliver III

Drs. Karl R. Olsen & Martha E. Hildebrandt

William & Joyce O’Meara

Ophthotech Corporation

Optical Department of Miami/Angel Perez

Optovue, Inc.

Oraya Therapeutics, Inc.

Dr. Robert & Barbara Osher

Ms. Elizabeth Padron

Mr. Jose O. Padron

Padron Family Foundation, Inc.

Palm Healthcare Foundation

Mrs. Helen E. Palmer*

Ms. Phyllis Palmer Dirkes

PanOptica, Inc.

Ms. Joan Goldstein Parker

The Payne Fund

Bernard S.* & Marjorie D. Peck

Mrs. Ursula Peckerman

Mr. & Mrs. Phillip Pedone

Norma K. Perdue*

Dr. David Perlberg*

Helen Perlberg*

Mary Jane Perlberg*

Mr. Stanley Perlmeter*

Mrs. Joseph Pesenti

Mr. & Mrs. Paul A. Pettenaro

Ms. Margaret C. Peyton

Ms. Sybil A. Pickett*

Mr. Julius Edward Pierce*

Mr.* & Mrs. Richard C. Pietrafesa

Mr. & Mrs. Frank T. Pilotte

Leonard Pinchuk, Ph.D.

Ms. Gertrude Piotrkiewicz*

Mr. Frank H. Poe*

Mrs. Beatrice Polevoy

Mr. Sheldon S. Polish

Ms. Zwia Pollen*

Mr. & Mrs. J. Pollio Jr.

Pollio Family Foundation, Inc.

Mr. & Mrs. Harvey L. Poppel

Sir Edward & *Lady

Anna Lee Porter

Mr. Alan H. & Dr. Brigitt

Rok Potamkin

Dr. & Mrs. Irwin Potash

Potentia Pharmaceuticals

Dr. James O. Powell

Mrs. Dorothy Preefer*

Prevent Blindness Florida

Mr. & Mrs. Lance R. Primis

Mr. & Mrs. John Pulling

Mr. Patrick Putzi

Mr. & Mrs. Leroy B. Raffel

Ms. Jean B. Rand*

Ms. Berthola Rasmussen*

Mrs. Ruth T. Rauch

Ms. Adele G. Reed*

Ms. Mary C. Reilly*

Ms. Emily Reily*

Fred A. Reisman

Eli Reiss & Sally T. Reiss

Intervivos Trust

Mr. B. Coleman Renick, Jr.

Mrs. Stella A. Renshaw*

Retina Research Foundation

Ms. Janice Revitz

J. Walter* & Phyllis H. Rex

Oliver A. Reynolds*

Guy B. Rhoton

Mrs. Marion Rice*

Louis Richards

Mr. & Mrs. Craig Rickert

Eric Ridder, Jr.

Helen Rider*

Rifkin Family Foundation

Leandro Rizzuto Foundation

Gussie Robbins

Mr. & Mrs. Nicholas Robinson

Gilbert J. Rose, M.D.

Ms. Leslie Rose*

Jerry Rosenbaum, M.D.

Kenneth Rosenberg Foundation

Bernis & *Richard Rosenbloom

Dr. Steven I. & Lisa Rosenfeld

In honor of Philip J. Rosenfeld from a grateful patient

Mr. & Mrs. Barry P. Rosenthal

The Rosenstiel Foundation

Ms. Nancy Ross

Matthew Roth

Mr. & Mrs. Michael J. Roth

Ronnie Roth

Mr. & Mrs. Seymour Roth

Justin Rothberg/Eyes Ahead

Mr. & Mrs. Bryan Rothfuss*

Bill Rowley/Healthnetwork Foundation

Mr. & Mrs. Walter H. Rubin

Walter* & Lucille Rubin Foundation

Mr. & Mrs. Bernard Rudnick*

Mr. & Mrs. Stanley M. Rumbough, Jr.

Ms. Lela S. Rumill*

Louise Runnells

Mr. & Mrs. Alvin Rush

Rush Family Charitable Trust

Kathryn J. Rybovich

Mr. Jacob & Shari Safra

Albert* & Carolyn Sakolsky

Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Saltzman

Mr.* & Mrs. Don Salyer

Mr. & Mrs. Philip Samet

Mr. Robert Samia

Sanbio, Inc.

Dr. & Mrs. Joel Sandberg

Mrs. Irene Sands*

Mrs. Nelson P. Sanford*

Santen Incorporated

Santen Holdings

Ms. Sharon M. Saraniti

Mr. & Mrs. Ben Sarnoff*

Mr.* & Mrs. Thomas A. Saunders III

Ms. Madelyn Savarick

John & Heloine Savoir

Andree & Ed Scanlon

Ms. Helen L. Schacht

Max & Evelyn Schacknow Foundation, Inc.

Mrs. Rosalind Schaffer*

Schepens International Society

Mark P. Schnapp

Mr. Alan Neil Schneider*

Barbara Schoenfeld

Dr. & Mrs. Arthur L. Schwartz

Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Schwartz

Dr. Berthold E. Schwarz*

Mr. Donald B. Scott, Sr.

Ralph & Liesel Scott

Dr. Ronald L. Seeley

Senville Foundation

Sequenom Center for Molecular Medicine

Dr. Raymond Sever

Mrs. Edythe Shamroth

The Peter Jay Sharp Foundation

Jay B. Shapiro, Esq.

Mr. Abraham Shaulson/ Botanical Trust

Linda & Mike Shepherd

Lawrence C. Sherman*

Morris Shiveck & Lois Russell

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph M. Shore

Dr. & Mrs. Harry Shpiner*

Richard G. Shugarman, M.D.*

Mrs. Adele Siegel

Philip T. Siegel, DDS

Dr. David W. Sime

Mr. William Simon

Dr. & Mrs. Joseph A. Singer

Sirion Therapeutics, Inc.

Ms. Emma R. Siskind*

Ms. Theresa M. Slater*

Eunice Sloan

Joan Kennedy Slocum

The Honorable* & Mrs. David S. Smith

Ms. Jacqueline A. Smith

Mrs. Bertha P. Smolian*

Ms. Madeline Solberg*

Morris Sosnow*

Malcom W. & Lorrain Sommerville-Hall

Elmor* & Anna Spector

Leslie W. Spero

Mr. & Mrs. Peter Spillis

Dr. Thomas J. Stafford

J. Harold Stanley, M.D.

Starlight Children’s Foundation

Mrs. Corinne H. Starlight*

Mr. & Mrs. Roger A. Starner

Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin M. Statler

Mr. & Mrs. Albert Staton

Mr. & Mrs. William Stavropoulos

Laura Stayer

Bernard Sternlight*

Madeliene B. Sternlight*

Mr.* & Mrs. Charles T. Stewart

Fredric & Catherine Stinson

Claire J. Stocking

Mr. & Mrs. Richard L. Stone

Ronald G. Stone

Frank Strick Foundation, Inc.

Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Stucker

Mr.* & Mrs. Harry Sugarman

Dr. & Mrs. Gary L. Sullivan

Suram Trading Corporation

Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Takach

Ms. Sophia Talazko

Drs. Myron & Monica Tanenbaum

Mr. & Mrs. H. Mark Tanner

Theodore & Alice Tarone

Mr. & Mrs. Orlando Teruzzi*

Stanley & Joni Tate

Mrs. Carolyn C. Taub

Mr. Ralph Tawil

Thomsen Foundation Inc.

Thrombogenics, Inc.

Tokyo Optical Co., Ltd.

Niki & Tom Thompson

Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Tomsich

Rick, Margarita & Steven Tonkinson

Mr.* & Mrs. Harold Toppel

The Trotta Family

Drs. David & Jean Tse

Dr. David N. & Lynda Tucker

Mrs. Helen Uchitel*

United Jewish Community of Broward County

Univision-Media Vista Group

Dr. RakshaUrs

Mrs. Harry Uttal*

Mr. & Mrs. Bharat Vakil

Valeant Pharmaceuticals

International, Inc.

Mr. & Mrs. Jorge C. Valls

Mr. & Mrs. William L. Van Alen

Kent-Lucas Foundation

Mr. Henry Van Milligan*

Dr. & Mrs. Mylan Van Newkirk

Mr. & Mrs. Leo Vecellio

Vista Building Maintenance Service, Inc.

Harry Webster Walker*

Gary R. Wallace

Dr. Wilson K. & Karen Wallace

Mr. & Mrs. John R. Walter

Irving Waltman, Esq.

Dr. John D. & Mrs. Josephine Wang

Ms. Xiaojin Wang

Mr. & Mrs. George E. Wardeberg

Ms. Nancy Palmer Wardropper

Mr. & Mrs. Edward G. Watkins

The Weiler FoundationBartlett Burnap

Mr. & Mrs. Steve Weiner

Mr. Jaime D. Weisinger

Ms. Marian Weisman*

K.B.* & Edna Weissman

Mr. & Mrs. Jack F. Welch

John F. Welch Jr., Foundation

Arthur & Gullan Wellman/ Medical Research Trust

Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC

Mr. & Mrs. Randall Whitman

Ms. Julia Wiest*

Wikstrom Foundation

Stella & Hack Wilson

Family Foundation

Nina J. Williams, Esq.*

Mr. & Mrs. Eugene B. Willner

Wilmington Trust

Mr. & Mrs. Don Winer

Jack & Maxine Wishart Charitable

D. Trust -Lisa W. Chaffin & Family-

Mr. & Mrs. Marshall Wishnack

Mr. Dean & Jane B. Woodman

Erving & Joyce Wolf Foundation

Anne Wolfers Revocable Trust

Zelma S. & Henry E. Wolff*

Ms. Jeri L. Wolfson/ The Wolfson Foundation

Amy Wollowick

Norman Woodlief, M.D.

Mrs. Sara Hopkins Woodruff*

WPBT2

Mr. & Mrs. Allen Wyett

Jerome A. Yavitz Charitable Foundation, Inc.

Stephen H. Cypen, President

Dr. Lawrence A. Yannuzzi/ Macula Foundation

Harriet & Donald Young

The Harry & Rose S. Zaifert Foundation

Dr. Harvey Zalaznick

Carl Zeiss Surgical, Inc.

*In loving memory

Donations listed as of May 31, 2022

The Society for Encouraging Endowment

This society recognizes those individuals who ensure Bascom Palmer Eye Institute’s legacy by making the Institute a beneficiary of their estate or financial plans. Please let us know if you have included Bascom Palmer in your estate plans so we may recognize your investment in our future.

Ms. Laura Arbree

Anonymous

Mr.* & Mrs. Carl Bernard Apfel

Capt. Eugene K.* & Muriel M. Auerbach

Mr. & Mrs. Sam Bamieh

Dr.* & Mrs. William J. Barrison, Jr.

Lillian C. Batchelor*

Lang Baumgarten

Alfreda Blagaich-Smith

John E. Blair*

Helen P. Blauvelt*

Mrs. Michele R. Bowman

Mr.*& Mrs. William M. Boyer

Charles W. Brand*

Marty B. Bruder

In loving memory of Mom Lillian M. Bruder

Robert Buck*

Mildred G. Burrows*

Willard C. Butcher*

M. Louise Cason, MD

Dorothy Cason Family Trust

Mrs. Phyllis W. Celestino*

Mr.* & Mrs. William H. Cochrane

Samuel I. Cohen*

Ms. Linda Diane Cosner

Cecile L. & Norman E. Demers*

Mrs. Otto E. Dreikorn

Mr.* Eric Feiler

Mr.* & Mrs. David Fenton

Mary Lynn Davis*

The Fewell Family

Neil* & Celia Finn

Mr. & Mrs. Leo Fleur

Adelaide Gambrill Bowen*

Mr. Steve N. Gavalas

Glenn H. Friedt, Jr.

Mrs. Bernard D. Glaser

Mr. & Mrs. Jack Glass*

Marilyn Goldstein*

Mr. & Mrs. Samuel Gordon

Barbara U. Greene

Myron & Gladys Greentree*

Mr. & Mrs. Jack Grossett*

Jane & Gene Guttman*

Harold & Josephine Hadley

Herman Haimovici, M.D.*

Sue H. Halpern

Doris Hart

Mr.* & Mrs. Abraham Hases

Mr. & Mrs. C. Earl Haymond

Mickey Hayes*

Elizabeth T. Heim & Margaret

L. Rigby Memorial Fund*

Mr. & Mrs. John Henry

Dianne E. Hickey/In memory of MaryJean Lowry Markey

Audrey M. Hickman*

Mr. & Mrs. Maxwell

H. Honsinger

Mr. & Mrs. William Humcke

Mr.* & Mrs. David Jacobson

Bill E. Johnson*

Christine Johnson

In honor of Dr. Benjamin

Jeanne Kaskey*

M. Kaufman

Ms. Laurel Kaufman

Thomas N.* & Patricia R. Kearns

Sean & Sharon Kenny

Mr. & Mrs. Henry Kessler

Ruth & Arthur Kleindienst

Lynne Kosnitzky

Mr. & *Mrs. Marvin Krantz

Joseph Kubacka Sr.*

Mr.* & Mrs. Richard L. Larimore

Aurell Leaf

Aleathea V. Leonard*

Ronald* & Alicia Lepke

Henri & Flore Lesieur Foundation

Bern M. Levine, D.V.M.

Mrs. William Levine

Herman & Millicent Levinson*

Dr.* & Mrs. Warren Lindau

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Lipps

Bessie Jackson Lunn*

Mr. & Mrs. William Maurer*

Ramonia Mayhall*

Joseph Thomas Wilson

McCaughey*

Mr. & Mrs. Jack W. Meadors

Gordon R. Miller, M.D.*

H. Jack & Evelyn B. Miller

Carleton* & Ruth H. Mitchell

David & Mary Moliver

Mr.* & Mrs. Delos G. Morton

Mrs. Mildred B. Mount

Linton F. Murdock

Erika Ehrlich Newman*

Ms. Catherine Newton

Anne Niedwiecki*

Frederic S. & Christine

B. Nusbaum

Annette Paris*

Ways To Give

Theodore & Genevieve Pelikan

Mrs. Joseph A. Pesenti

Patricia H. & Leo H. Phillips, Jr.

Mrs. Geraldine E. Phipps

Mr. Romeo Pompilio

Lillian Redlich*

Fred A. Reisman

Eli Reiss & Sally T. Reiss

Intervivos Trust

Judy W. Renick* /Renick Trust

Adolph & Ella Rosenthal*

Rhoda Rubin

Eliza Phillips Ruden*

Dr.* & Mrs. Irving Rutkin

Beatrice & William Sahm*

Barbara & Herbert E. Saks

Helen Scrimgeour*

Samuel Seitlin*

Lawrence C. Sherman*

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph M. Shore

Mr. Barton Sklansky

Eunice Sloan

Ambassador* & Mrs. David S. Smith

Drs. David* & Maureen Smith

George B. Smith*

Mrs. Jean G. Smith

Vondora Marie Stickler

Mr.* & Mrs. Harry Sugarman

William J. Thode III*

John R.* & Anita Timmel

Heather E. Traendly*

Kenneth Trumbull

Lorraine Trumbull Meyer*

Vickie Dodds & Bud Urban

Elsie & Tolly Vinik*

Dr. Wilson K. Wallace

Charles H. & Elsie C. Warwick, III*

Caroline Weiss

Lena Wershaw*

Richard G. West

Mr. & Mrs. T. Jack White*

Mr. Edward Wilcox

Ms. Patricia Wilkinson*

Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Winter

Jack & Maxine Wishart

Charitable D. Trust

-Lisa W. Chaffin & Family

Ms. Nadine Zarcone

Mr. & Mrs. Fred Zorovich

*In loving memory

As of May 31, 2022

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