Bascom Palmer Eye Institute | University of Miami Health System UHEALTH VOLUME XLII ISSUE 1 MARCH 2024
Advancing Vision Research Helping our Children See First-class Education
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. FEATURE Advancing World-Class Research 2 CLINICAL AND RESEARCH EXPERTISE Innovation and Collaboration 6 Your Children’s Eyes 8 Specialty Contact Lenses 12 Serving the Community 14 Corneal Innovation 17 BASCOM PALMER EXCELLENCE Crowning Achievement 20 Welcome New Faculty 22 Awards and Honors 23 Events 29 Philanthropy 30 12
Eduardo C. Alfonso, M.D.
Kathleen and Stanley J. Glaser
Chair in Ophthalmology
Director, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
Marla Bercuson
Editor Executive Director, Business Operations
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
Anne Bates Leach Eye Center
Miami
900 NW 17 Street
Miami, Florida 33136
305-326-6000
Toll free in USA 800-329-7000
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 SW 10 Street
Plantation, Florida 33324 954-465-2700
Coral Gables
The Lennar Foundation Medical Center 5555 Ponce de Leon Boulevard
Coral Gables, Florida 33146 305-689-5555
24-Hour Emergency
305-326-6170
Patient Appointments
In-Office and Virtual Visits
305-243-2020
Toll free in USA 888-845-0002
bascompalmer.org
Images is produced by Bascom Palmer Eye Institute with support from the George C. Brosius Endowment Fund.
Advancing Our Sight-Saving Vision Research
Dear Friends and Colleagues:
From the eyelids and the cornea to the optic nerve and the brain, Bascom Palmer’s talented researchers are leading the way in vision research. Our goal is to continue making ground-breaking scientific discoveries and promising clinical trials that can bring new therapies and treatments to patients in South Florida and around the world.
Today, we have more than 30 research laboratories, programs, and centers tackling some of the most complex vision challenges facing children, adolescents, and adults. One example is our Corneal Innovation Laboratory, led by Dr. Alfonso Sabater, which is highlighted in this issue of Images
Our research program has taken another step forward under the guidance of Felipe A. Medeiros, M.D., Ph.D., one of the world’s leading glaucoma experts, a professor of ophthalmology and vice chair of research. Along with his deep understanding of biostatistics and bioinformatics, he is at the forefront of using advanced clinical and research tools like artificial intelligence and virtual reality applications for patients with glaucoma and other blinding conditions.
We also welcome the return of Victor Perez, M.D., to our Institute as professor and director of our cornea research program. For more than two decades, he has focused on corneal issues, including ocular infections, inflammatory conditions, and corneal transplants.
Along with our research program, we are investing in our clinical care and physical facilities. In the past year, we have modernized parts of our Miami hospital, including newly designed waiting rooms, general eye care clinical services, the William and Norma Horvitz Children’s Center, and the new Mark J. Daily Inherited Retinal Diseases Research Center. We have also added three “sleep rooms” for our residents who have overnight shifts in one of the busiest eye emergency departments in the United States.
Our Institute is also committed to serving South Florida children and families who find it challenging to access vision care. Thanks to support and collaboration from our community partners, our two Vision Vans travel throughout the region, screening children and, if necessary, providing them with two pairs of glasses – one for school and one for home. For example, we recently conducted a sightsaving vision screening for Palm Beach County children through the generosity of Lois Pope. We also offered these children tertiary care when needed, supported by the Bruce and Cynthia Sherman Family Charitable Foundation. Our collaborative programs with the Miami Lighthouse and the Naples Children & Education Foundation also support the care of these children and families.
Along with vision research, clinical care, and community outreach, our Institute’s medical education program continues to set a high standard in ophthalmology training. Next year, we will expand our highly competitive residency program from seven to eight residents each year. We also had a very successful fellowship match, which brings extremely talented residents from around the world to learn at the Institute.
I want to thank our generous philanthropic donors for their ongoing support. Your gifts allow our researchers, clinicians, and educators to continue our Institute’s leadership in every field of ophthalmology.
Sincerely,
Eduardo C. Alfonso, M.D.
Kathleen and Stanley J. Glaser Chair in Ophthalmology Director, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
1 BASCOM PALMER EYE INSTITUTE
Advancing Bascom Palmer’s World-Class Research
Felipe A. Medeiros, M.D., Ph.D., is dedicated to advancing world-class research at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. “We have a wonderful opportunity to make scientific discoveries and bring them to our patients, using innovative approaches that capitalize on Bascom Palmer’s wealth of resources,” said Medeiros, professor of ophthalmology and vice chair of research. He is a renowned glaucoma researcher with extensive experience in clinical trials, artificial intelligence (AI), and development of cutting-edge technologies applied to eye care.
Since joining Bascom Palmer last June, Medeiros has developed a strategic plan for expanding the Institute’s basic, translational, and clinical research in virtually every field of ophthalmology while supporting early-stage development of discoveries that could lead to new therapies and diagnostic technologies.
With more than 30 research centers, programs, and laboratories, Bascom Palmer is already a worldclass research institution. Working closely with colleagues throughout the University of Miami, as well as industry partners, Medeiros wants to strengthen the Institute’s research team in leading-edge fields like data science, genetics, and regenerative medicine.
“Philanthropic support plays a crucial role in advancing high-risk, high-reward research in ophthalmology, particularly in the early stages where federal funding is often unavailable,” Medeiros said. “These innovative projects involve groundbreaking approaches that promise transformative outcomes.” He noted that philanthropic funding bridges a crucial gap, providing the necessary resources to initiate pioneering studies, paving the way for later-stage federal funding and significant advancements in
2 BASCOMPALMER.ORG
Dr. Felipe Medeiros, Vice Chair of Research
“Bascom Palmer’s collaborative environment is designed to foster a convergence of diverse expertise. It will translate cutting-edge research into practical, impactful solutions in eye care leading to better outcomes for patients in South Florida and worldwide.”– Dr. Felipe Medeiros
eye care. “Philanthropic contributions are pivotal endorsements of visionary research, essential for driving medical breakthroughs and enhancing patient outcomes.”
Rich datasets and AI tools
With one of the nation’s largest and most diverse volume of patients, Bascom Palmer has a deep repository of clinical data. To capitalize on that unmatched resource, Medeiros plans to establish a Bascom Palmer Ophthalmic Registry whose de-identified patient data can serve as a resource for many types of vision research.
“While we have an unparalleled amount of data, there are many challenges in creating a registry, including extracting, assembling, and formatting that information in a way that will allow researchers to gain new insights from it,” Medeiros said. “Expanding data resources at our Institute is a crucial step in our goal to develop AI-driven diagnostic tools and treatment protocols to revolutionize patient outcomes in ophthalmology. Furthermore, the diversity of our patient population, including multiple races and ethnicities, gives us an unsurpassed opportunity to understand and address health disparities in vision care that affect our community and the nation.”
The Institute has a wealth of imaging, diagnostic, and treatment data from decades of patient care that can be used to develop deep learning and AI models to accurately predict disease progression, personalize treatment plans, and identify new therapeutic targets. Medeiros said this initiative will harness the power of machine learning algorithms to analyze patterns and correlations within this vast dataset, which traditional research methods might overlook.
Complementing these data-driven approaches is an ambitious plan to create cutting-edge hardware solutions, integrating emerging technologies like virtual reality and mobile computing that will bring innovative solutions to screening and diagnosing eye diseases. “This will further solidify Bascom Palmer’s position at the forefront of technological advancement in eye care.”
To create such an AI and technological innovation initiative, Medeiros envisions a dedicated center including a multidisciplinary team with computer scientists, data scientists, and engineers, all working in synergy to provide comprehensive support to researchers and clinicians pursuing innovative ideas. “This collaborative environment is designed to foster a convergence of diverse expertise. It will facilitate the translation of cutting-edge research into practical, impactful solutions in eye care, leading to better outcomes for patients in South Florida and worldwide.”
Incorporating these tools
Medeiros already uses advanced AI and data science tools in his glaucoma research. For instance, he is at the forefront of identifying new clinical endpoints for patient management and clinical trials. In a recent study published in Ophthalmology, Medeiros and colleagues introduced a new testing protocol that can lead to much earlier identification of patients at risk of losing vision from glaucoma. “We showed that we can detect those patients at risk for fast disease progression much sooner than previously thought. This will enable earlier intervention and prevention of irreversible vision loss,” he said. “The proposed testing protocol will allow us to do clinical trials in a much shorter timeframe than before, potentially leading to much faster evaluation and introduction of new therapies to the market.”
Medeiros was recently ranked among the top three glaucoma experts worldwide by Expertscape, an independent organization that evaluates publications and citations from over 40,000 glaucoma specialists and researchers worldwide. His high-impact research has been cited more than 30,000 times and supported by various prestigious institutions, including the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Medeiros’s contributions extend beyond research and publications. He is a creative thinker and entrepreneur, holding several patents for innovative devices in ophthalmology. He has been instrumental in developing new treatments, including leading clinical trials for the FDA approval of the first sustained-release drug treatment for glaucoma.
3 BASCOM PALMER EYE INSTITUTE
“By fostering a culture that encourages innovative thinking and risk-taking, Bascom Palmer can transform groundbreaking research into practical solutions for eye care. ” – Dr. Felipe Medeiros
Translating research findings
To expedite the transition of scientific discoveries into practical clinical applications, Medeiros strongly emphasizes translational research, particularly in collaboration with the private sector. He recognizes the critical role of technology innovation, including developing new drugs, medical devices, and tools in advancing healthcare. “It is essential to cultivate such partnerships,” Medeiros asserts, highlighting the importance of such relationships in bringing technological advancements to fruition.
Through such partnerships, research institutions and the private sector can collaboratively transform scientific discoveries into innovative, real-world applications, thereby enhancing patient care and advancing the field of medicine. This entrepreneurial spirit in research is pivotal for bridging the gap between laboratory breakthroughs and tangible clinical benefits.
Expanding clinical trial research is a cornerstone of Medeiros’ strategic vision for Bascom Palmer, building on the Institute’s long history of pioneering ophthalmic treatments. “Clinical trials are essential to validate cutting-edge innovations and ensure they are safe and effective for a diverse patient population,” said Medeiros, who will work with Byron Lam, M.D., the Dr. Mark J. Daily Chair in Ophthalmology, and director of clinical research, to expand clinical trials at the
Dr. Abigail Hackam, Director of Laboratory Research
Other key collaborators in the strategic research plan include Vittorio Porciatti, D.Sc., the James L. Knight Professor in Ophthalmology and director of research, and Abigail Hackam, Ph.D., a professor and director of laboratory research.
“Our goal is to amplify our foundational science investigations into the mechanisims of diseases, paving
the way for the discovery of novel therapeutic targets and treatments,” Medeiros said. “We aim to advance research into vision restoration, such as the ambitious whole eye transplant project spearheaded by David T. Tse, M.D., professor and the Dr. Nasser Ibrahim Al-Rashid Chair in Ophthalmology.” Stimulating entrepreneurship and start-up creation is also pivotal for translating cuttingedge research into tangible medical innovations. “By fostering a culture that encourages innovative thinking and risk-taking, Bascom Palmer can transform groundbreaking research into practical solutions for eye care. Essential to this process is the provision of resources such as funding, mentorship, and access to state-of-the-art facilities,” Medeiros said. Moreover, streamlined regulatory support and policies that protect intellectual property rights are vital to creating a conducive environment for these entrepreneurial ventures.
Enhancing basic science research
“It is an exciting time for basic science research at Bascom Palmer. The ongoing remodeling of the Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Vision Research Center laboratories has expanded and improved laboratory space and provided a vibrant research environment. The recruitment of physician-scientists Dr. Medeiros, Dr. Victor Perez, and Dr. Anh Pham allow exciting new collaboration opportunities,” said Hackam. Bascom Palmer was recently awarded the renewal of an NIH P30 core grant. Spearheaded by Hackam, this grant promotes innovative vision
4 BASCOMPALMER.ORG
Dr. Byron Lam, Director of Clinical Research
Dr. Vittorio Porciatti, Director of Research
“
It is an exciting time for basic science research at Bascom Palmer. The ongoing remodeling of the Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Vision Research Center laboratories has expanded and improved laboratory space and provided a vibrant research environment. ” – Dr. Abigail Hackam
A great example of this team-based approach is the Institute’s Ophthalmic Biophysics Center (OBC), which was established in 1970 under the guidance of Bascom Palmer founder Edward W.D. Norton, M.D., and Jean-Marie Parel, Ph.D., the Henri and Flore Lesieur Chair in Ophthalmology who directs the center with co-director Fabrice Manns, Ph.D., professor and chair, Department of Biomedical Engineering in the College of Engineering.
research and supports shared resources that accelerate the Institute’s programs.
Basic science research at Bascom Palmer benefits from a robust intellectual environment and excellent resources. Its research labs focus on investigating the pathogenesis of various eye diseases, identifying experimental treatments, and developing new approaches for ocular imaging and drug delivery. Additionally, its basic science research is notable for the many interdisciplinary collaborations, such as among biomedical engineering and molecular genetics labs, that have led to critical discoveries. New initiatives were recently launched at Bascom Palmer that further support the Institute’s mission of enhancing research and education. These include providing seed funding for creative research projects that break ground in imaging technologies and new treatments, and promote collaboration among clinicians and basic scientists. Bascom Palmer also supports a competitive scholarship that funds a full year of research training for medical students interested in a career in ophthalmology.
Team-based research and training
Recognizing the importance of a collaborative approach to vision research, Medeiros plans to enhance multidisciplinary projects and inter-departmental collaborations throughout the University of Miami, including the Miller School of Medicine and the College of Engineering. Along with identifying funding opportunities to support cross-discipline projects, Medeiros plans to expand the Institute’s worldwide network of research partnerships.
The OBC’s research ranges from retina and vitreous to cornea, glaucoma, cataracts, neuroophthalmology, and ocular oncology. It includes the development of more than 350 surgical instruments and clinical devices. “We want to replicate the model of collaboration that has been so successful in the OBC to other research initiatives in the department,” said Medeiros.
A final component of Medeiros’ strategic plan is focused on nurturing the research development of residents, fellows, and young faculty members. The initiative to bolster mentoring programs includes a comprehensive framework of structured mentorship enriched by direct, hands-on research opportunities, collaborative projects, and leadership positions within the Institute.
“Such an environment is designed to empower these young professionals to innovate, publish significant research, and develop into the future leaders in eye care,” Medeiros said. “Our goal is to cultivate a culture of continuous learning, critical thinking, and a passion for advancing research in ophthalmology, ensuring that younger generations carry forward the high standards of patient care and scientific inquiry at Bascom Palmer. We attract the brightest young minds in our profession and want to introduce them to the challenging and rewarding areas of research, provide them with mentors, and enhance our Institute’s commitment to excellence in research.” n
5 BASCOM PALMER EYE INSTITUTE
Victor L. Perez, M.D.
A gifted physician, researcher, and innovator returns to Bascom Palmer.
Renowned ophthalmologist Victor L. Perez, M.D., has returned to Bascom Palmer Eye Institute as professor of ophthalmology and director of the cornea research program. “I am passionate about developing innovative treatments that can benefit our patients,” he said. “I am thrilled to be back at Bascom Palmer, collaborate with their excellent team, and utilize its vast scientific and clinical resources. Perez was a faculty member at Bascom Palmer from 2006 to 2017. For the past six years, he was the Stephen and Frances Foster Distinguished Professor of Ocular Immunology and Inflammation at Duke University. He is an accomplished ophthalmologist who serves as the editor-in-chief of Current Ophthalmology Reports and a member of the editorial board of Eye & Contact Lens. He has received numerous honors and awards for his contributions to the field of ophthalmology, including the 2010 Innovator Award from the South Florida Business Journal, the 2011 Research to Prevent Blindness Physician-Scientist Award, and the 2011 Claude Pepper Memorial Award for Healthcare Service from Florida United HomeCare. Recently, he was inducted into the American Ophthalmology Society, the second-oldest specialty medical society in the United States. Perez’s translational research program in ocular immunology and transplantation has been successfully funded
by the National Institutes of Health/National Eye Institute for 20 consecutive years, and he has made significant contributions to the field. He was the co-chair of the National Eye Institute Board of Scientific Counselors and is presently a member of the National Advisory Eye Council advisory board. In addition, Perez will be the chair of the international TFOS-DEWSIII panel, responsible for the recommendations for diagnosing and treating dry eye disease. He has also been involved in services to the Latin American ophthalmology community by being part of the Pan American Academy of Ophthalmology and president of the PanCornea Society.
Perez obtained his medical degree from the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine and underwent training as an ophthalmology resident and clinical fellow at Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, affiliated with Harvard Medical School. He then worked as a research fellow at the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. He also pursued a postdoctoral research fellowship in immunology at the Brigham & Women’s Department of Pathology and Ocular Immunology, part of the Schepens Eye Research Institute at Harvard Medical School.
A leader in corneal research
For more than two decades, Perez has focused his research on improving care for cornea patients. He has conducted extensive research and published numerous studies on ocular inflammatory-immunological conditions, such as corneal transplants, Stevens-Johnson syndromes, ocular cicatricial pemphigoid, as well as dry eye, meibomian gland dysfunction, and allergic reactions. “Many of these diseases are complex and require multidisciplinary care and Bascom Palmer has expert specialists in all these fields.”
Perez has also been a leader in developing prostheses that aim to restore vision in patients who have lost sight due to disease, scarring, or genetic conditions. In 2009, he successfully helped Sharron “Kay” Thornton regain her sight by performing a complex series of procedures called modified osteoodonto-keratoprosthesis (MOOKP). The process involved implanting Thornton’s canine tooth
6 BASCOMPALMER.ORG
or “eyetooth” into her eye as a foundation for a prosthetic lens, creating a bio-integrated unit that the body accepts.
Thornton underwent surgery, and within a few months, her vision had improved to 20/30 with glasses for distance and 20/25 with glasses for near vision. Perez has been providing follow-up care for her. Unfortunately, her vision deteriorated in recent years. However, she has inspired the cornea research program to develop novel biological keratoprosthesis.
An ambitious agenda
As the director of cornea research, Perez has set an ambitious agenda to advance care for patients with diverse eye conditions. This includes addressing ocular graft versus host disease and some patients’ rejection of corneal transplants. Perez is also researching ocular regeneration using genetic and cellular therapies to restore damaged corneas. This research aims to reverse blindness in such cases.
Improving dry eye therapy is another priority. He plans to utilize patient data and the Institute’s advanced imaging technology to support and contribute to the excellent efforts led by Alfonso L. Sabater, M.D., Ph.D., an associate professor of clinical ophthalmology and director of the corneal innovation laboratory at Bascom Palmer. Together, they aim to build a comprehensive screening, diagnosis, and treatment program, (see related story, page 17). “We hope to develop personalized therapies that specifically target a patient’s dry eye condition in the most effective way possible,” Perez said. “We hope our research will lead to clinical trials of new therapies that can stimulate tear production or protect the eye’s surface.”
Perez will take a collaborative approach to continue expanding the strong program at Bascom Palmer, which has been the leader in diagnosing and treating corneal and ocular infections. “With our excellent clinical faculty and ocular microbiology laboratory, we have a solid foundation for a program of distinction in ocular microbiology, led by Drs. Guillermo Amescua and Darlene Miller,” he said. “Our goal is to understand better the complex interactions between infections and the eye’s inflammatory
“I am passionate about developing innovative treatments that can benefit our patients and am thrilled to be back at Bascom Palmer to collaborate with the Institute’s excellent team and utilize its vast scientific and clinical resources.”
– Dr. Victor Perez
response.” Amescua is a professor of clinical ophthalmology and the medical director of the ocular surface program. Miller is a research professor of ophthalmology and the scientific director of the Institute’s ocular microbiology laboratory.
Very excitingly, as a clinician-scientist in the field of immunology, Perez also intends to facilitate the growth of the ocular oncology program, working closely with the Institute’s ocular oncology specialists, as well as scientists and clinicians at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine’s Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, directed by Steven Nimer, M.D. “The unique volume of patients with ocular surface tumors treated at Bascom Palmer by our outstanding clinical faculty members, including Drs. Zelia Correa, Basil Williams, Maura Di Nicola, Carol Karp, David Tse, and Rong Wen, coupled with the scientific leadership of Dr. Daniel Pelaez, will provide a unique opportunity to develop a personalized characterization of responses to novel treatments, including local immunotherapies and epigenetic regulation forms of treatment,” said Perez. He noted that the eye could serve as a model for advancing other types of cancer therapies, meaning discoveries made at the Institute could benefit Sylvester patients.
As director of the cornea research program, Perez is keen on facilitating the research of younger faculty members. “I am open to the needs of my colleagues, as collaboration is one of the enduring strengths of Bascom Palmer,” he said.
Perez believes his list of research directions is lengthy but essential for advancing vision care. “I look forward to continuing the Institute’s long history of leadership in cornea research.” n
BASCOM PALMER EYE INSTITUTE 7
Pediatric Myopia
Early Identification and Treatment Can Prevent Long-Term Vision Problems
If your child can see nearby objects clearly, but objects in the distance appear blurry, it indicates a common vision disorder called myopia, a medical term for nearsightedness. Your first action might be ordering a pair of prescription eyeglasses and hoping that solves the problem. However, you may not be aware that highly effective treatments for stabilizing or improving pediatric myopia are available at Bascom Palmer, reducing the risk of severe vision problems in your child’s future.
“We have many treatments to slow down the progression of myopia, but we cannot reverse it,” said Susanna Tamkins, O.D., pediatric optometrist and vision research scientist. “The trick is to catch myopia when it is just starting and begin treatment immediately to prevent it from worsening.”
For more than 30 years, Tamkins has been helping families find the best solution for treating their children’s myopia, including special eyedrops and contact lenses. Along with her expertise in treating pediatric myopia, her guidance and support have helped parents from throughout South Florida and worldwide. She says, “I love being a pediatric eye doctor because I can make a difference in a child’s vision that lasts a lifetime.”
Management of Myopia
Myopia clinical services for children of all ages, including infants, are available at Bascom Palmer in Miami and Coral Gables, including eye examinations, cutting-edge care such as axial length tests (measures of eye length), genetic testing, and stateof-the-art vision treatments.
“Parents should not wait until a child can sit up and read the letters on an eye chart,” said Tamkins, the service director. She recommends a pediatric eye exam between the ages of 13 and 18
months, particularly if there is a family history of myopia. “Traditional vision screenings at school or a pediatrician’s office only measure distance vision clarity and can miss early-onset myopia or other vision problems.”
Families benefit from the multidisciplinary team, which includes retinal specialists, geneticists, pediatric ophthalmologists, developmental pediatricians, and a full spectrum of pediatric medical specialists. “A collaborative approach is extremely important when assessing a young child’s vision because myopia may be associated with other vision or developmental issues,” said Tamkins. “That’s one of the reasons so many parents turn to Bascom Palmer for full spectrum coordinated care. We treat the child and the child’s family, not just vision.”
Effective treatments
As a child grows, the globe of the eye also grows, elongating and changing the way light focuses on the retina. Normal growth results in normal vision, but distant objects appear blurry when the eye becomes too long, creating myopia. A popular saying among pediatric eye doctors is, “every diopter counts.”
This means that for every step higher your child’s eyeglass prescription grows, there is increased vision blur and an increased risk of severe vision problems as an adult, including cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachments, and macular degeneration. “This is the most important reason to seek treatment as soon as possible.”
“Traditional eyeglasses and contact lenses resolve your child’s vision blur. However, they are not enough. They do not stop the elongation of the eyeball and
8 BASCOMPALMER.ORG
Dr. Susanna Tamkins
thus do not stop the increase of myopia,” said Tamkins. Any child prescribed traditional eyeglasses for myopia is also eligible for treatments to slow the progression of myopia and prevent thicker eyeglasses. “Our clinic offers critical treatments that successfully slow or halt the growth of the eye, preventing myopia from getting worse.”
For many years, Tamkins has been treating pediatric myopia patients with eye drops containing low doses of atropine, an ophthalmic medicine used to expand the pupil for retinal exams and treat amblyopia (lazy eye.) Very low dose atropine is proven to be effective in slowing the progression of myopia, as evidenced in hundreds of research investigations as well as in clinical practice. Typically, these eye drops are administered each night before the child goes to bed and can be tapered off or discontinued as the child reaches physical maturity. Regular eye exams are needed throughout the treatment period.
Another treatment for pediatric myopia involves special contact lenses that selectively defocus peripheral retinal areas. Tamkins says soft MiSight® lenses –approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2020 – have stopped the progression of myopia for most patients who qualify for this treatment. “In my opinion, any child wearing traditional contact lenses should be changed to a contact lens that manages myopia,” she says. “Peer-reviewed data also supports myopia management with Essilor Stellest and Hoya MiyoSmart eyeglass lens designs, which are approved in other countries and are currently awaiting FDA approval in the United States,” she said. “There is a myopia treatment that fits the needs of every child and family. Being able to offer individualized treatments for each child is one of the big advantages of our myopia service.”
Reducing future risks
Treating myopia early can help lower the possibility of more severe vision problems later in life. “Myopia is a well-established risk factor for several types of glaucoma, including primary open angle glaucoma and pigmentary glaucoma,” said Ta Chen “Peter” Chang, M.D., a professor of clinical ophthalmology and specialist in glaucoma and pediatric glaucoma. “While most risk factors for glaucoma, such as family history and age, are not modifiable, myopia prevention strategies – if acted upon early – can effectively decrease one’s glaucoma risk decades later.”
Myopia can also increase the chances of retinal problems, according to Audina “Nina” Berrocal, M.D., professor of clinical ophthalmology, retinal disease and pediatric retina specialist, and holder of the Johnstone Horvitz Chair in Ophthalmolgy. “We have young patients with myopia who come in with an obvious retinal detachment in one eye,” she said. “However, there might also be a low-lying detachment in the other eye that should also be treated.”
A Growing Worldwide Problem
Pediatric myopia is a growing global problem, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), which estimates that 50 percent of the world’s population will be myopic by 2050.
Young children with early onset vision impairment, including uncorrected high myopia, will experience delayed development in language, emotions, and cognitive function, resulting in lifelong consequences, said a WHO report. School-age children with uncorrected high myopia may also struggle with educational achievement.
“Both genetic and environmental factors can contribute to myopia,” according to Dr. Susanna Tamkins. “If one parent has myopia, there is a 25 percent chance that a child will develop myopia, and if both parents are myopic, the chance rises to 50 percent.”
Other factors driving the increase in pediatric myopia include greater time spent indoors and staring at a smartphone, tablet or laptop screen. Research has shown that when school-aged children spent seven or more hours a week using computers or playing smartphone video games, their risk for myopia tripled.
9 BASCOM PALMER EYE INSTITUTE
Advice for Parents
Parents should schedule a vision examination with a pediatric eye specialist when their child is between 13 and 18 months and follow up with annual vision screenings.
For school-age children, signs of pediatric myopia may include sitting near and directly in front of the TV, holding a book close to the face, or having difficulty seeing words on a classroom blackboard or whiteboard. Other symptoms include eyestrain, headaches, and squinting. Unfortunately, a child has already developed myopia when these symptoms are observed.
• Spend at least two hours a day outside, as sunlight exposure lowers the risk of nearsightedness, and your child will focus on distant objects such as a basketball hoop, a thrown ball, or friends playing.
• Spend less time on screens. If your child is on a screen, have them observe the 20-20-20 rule: Take a 20-second break to view something 20 feet away every 20 minutes.
More screen tips:
• Use larger screens whenever possible.
• Mirror a smartphone to a television screen.
• Use a large-screen desktop computer instead of a tablet for school work.
• Play video games on a TV instead of a phone or tablet.
Berrocal advises parents to take proactive steps to protect the vision of a child with high myopia. “Be conscious about the sports you allow them to play, and avoid contact sports that result in facial injuries. That’s another reason for diagnosing myopia as early as possible.” Genetic testing can help parents assess the risk of inheriting myopia or another vision problem. A pediatric eye specialist can also detect conditions that might not appear on a traditional vision screening, added Berrocal. For instance, the two eyes might have significantly different levels of myopia or astigmatism. “It’s best to test by age two,” she said. “Once they are in their teens, you can not improve their vision.”
A family’s journey
Treating their sons’ pediatric myopia has been a family priority for Midhat and Grethchen Abdulreda. Both Alli, age 14, and Sammy, age 12, have benefited from the state-of-the-art treatments offered by Bascom Palmer’s management of myopia clinical services.
“Dr. Tamkins has used different strategies with our two boys,” said Midhat Abdulreda, M.S, Ph.D., associate professor at the Miller School’s Diabetes Research Institute. “Alli now wears special MiSight contact lenses, which have stabilized his vision,” he said. “For Sammy, she advised the atropine drops, which have actually improved his vision. Our hope is to prevent further progression in both cases.”
Abdulreda said Alli was diagnosed with myopia in fourth grade. “We noticed he was misspelling vocabulary words copied off the blackboard,” he said. “He was sitting toward the back, and when his teacher moved him to the front of the room, the mistakes diminished. That’s when we realized he had vision issues.”
10 BASCOMPALMER.ORG
After Alli as examined at Bascom Palmer and picked up his glasses from the optical store, he was immediately able to see things in the distance. “It was a great moment as we were driving home, when he told me, ‘Dad, I can see the highway now,’” Abdulreda said.
When Sammy began making spelling mistakes in school and getting headaches after playing baseball, the Abdulredas brought him in for vision testing. “He had been focusing so much on the ball, that he was getting bad headaches after the games,” Abdulreda said. “After using the atropine drops, Sammy’s headaches went away because he was seeing things better.”
Researching new treatments
Throughout her life, Tamkins has been interested in treatments for nearsightedness. “I have five sisters, all with varying amounts of myopia that progressed from early childhood into adulthood,” she said. “When we were children, we were prescribed eyeglasses or contacts with stronger prescriptions that grew as we grew. Now that we are adults, I see their struggles with vision caused by this previously thought benign problem.”
Tamkins has seen a pattern of progressive eye problems in her young patients as they mature. “Many adult patients with high myopic prescriptions have difficulties with reading and night driving. Some have been forced to change careers because myopia caused retinal thinning, and they could no longer see well enough to perform their job,” she said.
“We strive to be on the frontline of clinical care, while building our myopia research program.We plan to investigate the roles of genetics, the natural history of myopia, and innovative combination treatments.
– Dr. Susanna Tamkins
Drawing on those personal and professional experiences, Tamkins is dedicated to finding leading-edge treatments to save her patients’ vision. As director of Bascom Palmer’s pediatric vision research program for more than 20 years, she focuses on research projects that are safe and have the potential to enhance existing treatments.
“We strive to be on the frontline of clinical care while building our myopia research program,” she said. “We plan to investigate the roles of genetics, the natural history of myopia, and innovative combination treatments. In the meantime, we will continue to offer state-ofthe-art personalized care to children and families throughout South Florida and beyond.” n
Tips for Kids
Wear sports goggles for baseball, softball, soccer, basketball, or racquet sports.
Turn on the lights when it gets dark –especially if you are reading.
Tell your teacher if you can’t see the black or whiteboard or the writing looks blurry.
Play outside whenever you can, but never look directly at the sun.
Give your eyes a break when watching TV or playing games on your phone or computer. Every 20 minutes do some fun eye exercises: blink ten times, roll your eyeballs in circles, look to the right and left, and then at something far away.
11 BASCOM PALMER EYE INSTITUTE
Expanding the Contact Lens Service
Many individuals can use regular contact lenses for vision correction, but some cannot due to certain eye conditions. Bascom Palmer Eye Institute has been offering specialty contact lens services for over 50 years to patients with difficult-to-fit eyes, corneal abrasions, dry eye syndrome, infections, or other types of vision problems.
These specialized lenses are hard, soft, or scleral, and require personal fitting, especially for individuals with cone-shaped or bulging corneas, which is a condition called keratoconus.
“Our Institute has a rich legacy of providing exceptional contact lens services,” said William W. Culbertson, M.D., a professor of ophthalmology, director of the cornea service and Laser Vision Center, and the Lou Higgins Chair in Ophthalmology. “We are excited about broadening our services and incorporating the latest technology to carry forward this tradition.”
The expanded contact lens service, now led by director Stephanie Frankel, O.D., works closely with the Institute’s ophthalmologists and optometrists to find the best solution for patients who have corneal issues and cannot wear conventional contact lenses.
According to Culbertson, “Not everyone can use regular contacts due to their corneal surface. If
the cornea is distorted or has scars from a previous surgery, custom-fitted lenses will be required. Our team can create a model of the cornea and sclera’s curvature and design a personalized lens shape. We can then evaluate how it fits and adjust as required. This process combines the science of ophthalmology with the art of personalized fitting.”
A service with deep roots
Bascom Palmer patients have been able to access convenient contact lens services since the 1960s, thanks to Murray Miller, O.D., and Ben Jacobstein, two enterprising community vision specialists. After serving in World War II and being a POW in Germany, Miller graduated from The Southern College of Optometry in Memphis and opened an optometry practice in downtown Miami in the 1950s. His daughter, Alison Miller, now an attorney in Miami, said “Starting at age 8, I went to work with my Dad in his office every Saturday. I
12 BASCOMPALMER.ORG
William “Bill” Winegar and Dr. Stephanie Frankel
learned from him the importance of patience and empathy. His patients ranged from very wealthy to very poor and all were treated with respect. He cut the glasses for the frames in the back room. For the record, no one had softer hands than my Dad.”
Jacobstein was an entrepreneur who co-founded the Florida Juice Co. in 1948, marketing its fresh juice with the Orange Blossom. After selling the company, Jacobstein and Miller founded the Paris Optical Company, which initially imported eyeglass frames. They changed the name to Paris Contact Lens Laboratory when they began manufacturing hard contact lenses on lathes built by Jacobstein and his brother-in-law. Jacobstein subsequently became a corneal lens technician. They began manufacturing soft contact lenses under the Softsite Contact Lens trademark and in the early 80s developed a bifocal soft lens that could be adjusted by its wearer through the blink of an eye. After years of work, the lens received FDA approval and the technology was sold to Bausch and Lomb.
There is no question that their knowledge and access to lenses for difficult cases in the early days of the development of contact lenses improved the outcomes for the Bascom Palmer patients under their care.
Under the guidance of Edward W.D. Norton, M.D., Bascom Palmer’s founding chair, Miller and Jacobstein began training the Institute’s residents on properly fitting contact lenses. They also handled referrals for difficult corneal vision cases.
In 1983, Jacobstein met William “Bill” Winegar at a contact lens conference in California and Winegar agreed to join Miller and Jacobstein in Miami. Winegar became director of the contact lens service three years later when Miller and Jacobstein retired. During his 40-year career at the Institute, Winegar provided expert contact lens services, seeing more than 32,000 patients before retiring in December 2023.
“It’s been a pleasure to work with top-notch ophthalmologists and optometrists through the years,” Winegar said. “Bascom Palmer handles the most complicated types of cases, and every day we have an
Murray Miller, O.D., and Ben Jacobstein
opportunity to learn something new.” Winegar has experience fitting hard contacts on patients of all ages. For example, he fitted a 3-month-old with hard contacts after Eduardo C. Alfonso, M.D., Bascom Palmer’s director, removed congenital cataracts from the infant. Winegar has also provided specialty lenses to many patients in their 90s, which has helped to preserve their quality of life. He served as the lead investigator for a Cooper Vision study on Avaira Vitality disposable contact lenses that are now used globally and was privileged to deliver two keynote addresses: the Theodore E. Obrig Lecture on keratoconus management for the Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists and the Kevin Tuohy Lecture for the Contact Lens Society of America.
“Bill Winegar has always stayed ahead of the field regarding evolving contact lens technology. He has helped patients with hard contacts, gaspermeable contacts, and combination hard-soft lenses; and worked with large scleral lenses used for dry eye syndrome and medication delivery,” Culbertson said. “His experience, expertise, and convenience have been invaluable to patients locally, nationally, and internationally over the years.”
A new chapter
Four years ago, Frankel joined Bascom Palmer as an optometrist. She is highly trained in fitting scleral lenses, treating dry eye, and managing ocular surface diseases. The contact lens space at Bascom Palmer Miami is planned for renovation, and four examination rooms will be added, where specialists will conduct comprehensive ocular surface examinations and prescribe specialty contact lenses for visual rehabilitation and treatment of eye diseases. “As the service grows, we plan to expand to each of Bascom Palmer’s satellite locations. We will also include research studies and launch a contact lens residency service to train new specialists. We are committed to providing concierge-type services to our patients,” said Frankel. n
“Our Institute has a rich legacy of providing exceptional contact lens services. We are excited about broadening our services and incorporating the latest technology to carry forward this tradition.”
– Dr. William Culbertson
13 BASCOM PALMER EYE INSTITUTE
In-office and virtual visits available. Appointments 305-243-2020 Toll free in USA 800-329-7000
REACHING OUT to the South
Bringing State-of-the-Art Vision Screenings to South Florida
A child who cannot see a classroom presentation is unlikely to excel in school, regardless of innate ability. An adult with undiagnosed high intraocular pressure may be losing vision due to glaucoma. Fortunately, Bascom Palmer’s community engagement team brings high-quality vision screening and care to underserved South Florida neighborhoods.
“We have a long history of community service,” said Eduardo C. Alfonso, M.D., director of Bascom Palmer and the Kathleen and Stanley J. Glaser Chair in Ophthalmology. “A vital part of our mission is bringing better vision care to children and adults in partnership with South Florida school districts, community organizations, philanthropic donors, and our colleagues at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.”
“Along with vision screenings to identify preventable causes of blindness, Bascom Palmer’s volunteer teams talk with participants about other issues and strive to build trust with healthcare providers,” added Basil K. Williams, Jr., M.D., associate professor of clinical ophthalmology and vice chair for diversity, equity, and inclusion. “We have a very humanitarian approach for vision care,” he said. “That’s one of the reasons so many medical students, residents, and fellows volunteer to participate in our health fairs.”
Building on that tradition of service, Bascom Palmer’s team is adding a vital research component to its outreach program.
“We want to go beyond screening to identify issues associated with follow-up care,” said Zubair Ansari, M.D., assistant professor of clinical ophthalmology and
14 BASCOMPALMER.ORG
South Florida Community
director of the Institute’s global ophthalmology program. “We plan to use surveys and patient data to see how our vision care improves lives and identify the limiting factors that keep others from accessing care. The results of our research could help improve care not just here in Miami but throughout the U.S. and the world.”
Providing vision screenings
A centerpiece of the Institute’s outreach program is the Bascom Palmer Vision Van – a 40-foot, customdesigned mobile eye clinic for screening and clinical care. Supported by the Josephine S. Leiser Foundation, Genentech, and other donors, the Vision Van has traveled throughout South Florida and halfway around the world to help people needing eye care. After Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast in September 2005, Bascom Palmer’s doctors and staff members traveled with the Vision Van on a three-week relief mission, treating first responders and hurricane victims in New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Five years later, a Bascom Palmer response team was mobilized to provide medical aid and eye surgery following a devasting earthquake in Haiti. The following year, the Vision Van traveled to the Sendai region of Japan, where Bascom Palmer joined forces with doctors and staff from Japanese universities and the Japanese Ophthalmological Society in a unique eye rescue mission to treat eye emergencies resulting from the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. Closer to home, the Vision Van team supported responders and other patients with eye emergencies in Key West after the destruction caused by Hurricane Irma in 2017.
“This new van gives us the added flexibility to bring ophthalmic instruments and volunteers to neighborhoods needing eye screening or care,” said Ansari.
Each year, dozens of Bascom Palmer residents, fellows, and faculty members participate in volunteer health fairs organized by the Miller School’s Department of Community Service (DOCS).
“Our faculty and residents recruit medical students for vision screening,” said Richard K. Lee, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of ophthalmology and the Walter G. Ross Chair in Ophthalmology, who leads the Institute’s community ophthalmology program with Raquel Goldhardt, M.D., professor of ophthalmology. “It gives University of Miami medical school students in the ophthalmology interest group an opportunity to gain firsthand experience conducting eye examinations while learning from their mentors at Bascom Palmer.”
In 2021, Bruce and Cynthia Sherman joined Bascom Palmer to establish “The Bruce and Cynthia Sherman Palm Beach Vision Health Initiative,” which helps provide vision screenings and exams, eyeglasses, and clinical care for underserved children in Palm Beach County. This initiative has underwritten additional surgical care for children whose vision would have been compromised without necessary intervention.
In 2020, with funding from The Salah Foundation and Canon U.S.A., Bascom Palmer obtained a second and smaller Vision Van to go to schools, churches, and other regional locations.
In the past 12 months, more than 400 people have been screened at Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach County health fairs. For instance, Michelle Falcone, M.D., assistant professor of clinical ophthalmology and clinical director of pediatric eye care community outreach at Bascom Palmer, helped organize “Vision for Kids,” a Palm Beach County event that attracted 180 children from low-income families. Each child received a
15 BASCOM PALMER EYE INSTITUTE
comprehensive eye exam, and more than one-half needed refractive lenses or other specialty eye care.
Most recently, philanthropist Lois Pope, in partnership with Bascom Palmer, launched the Lois’ Vision4Kids program to provide children with free eye screenings and prescription glasses. Pope was inspired to fund the program after learning that more than 25% of children ages 2 to 17 need corrective eyewear. Bascom Palmer’s ophthalmologists, optometrists, and other vision professionals provide eye screenings, and each child who qualifies for prescription glasses will receive two free pairs, and every child who completes a vision screening will get a free pair of sports goggles or sunglasses. “Lois Pope makes an enormous difference for children and families living in underserved communities in our region. Providing eye care to these children is a remarkable and meaningful contribution to their lives,” said Alfonso.
It is a similar story in Collier County, where volunteer teams have screened about 15,000 kindergarten through 12th-grade students annually in Title 1 schools since 2020 in underserved neighborhoods, thanks to philanthropic support from the Naples Children and Education Foundation. Bailey Peterson, O.D., an optometrist at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at Naples, said about 25 percent of the students fail the screening annually and are given a complete vision examination and two free pairs of glasses – one for school and one for home. “We are also educating teachers and parents about the importance of glasses and overall eye care,” added Peterson. “Learning is challenging if a child cannot see the teacher or the classwork.” Children
needing specialized tertiary care see Bascom Palmer specialists at the Institute’s Miami, Naples, or Palm Beach Gardens centers. More than 1,000 children have been referred to Bascom Palmer specialists since the program’s inception.
A multidimensional approach
One of Bascom Palmer’s most significant outreach programs is the “33136 Initiative,” designed to improve the health and well-being of residents in the low- and moderate-income neighborhoods living in zip code 33136, the area surrounding Bascom Palmer in Miami.
“We want to keep our community as healthy as possible,” said Ansari. “This multidimensional project includes vision screening, education, preventive care, and clinical services, as well as opportunities to participate in research studies. We hope this model can translate for chronic health conditions like heart disease or diabetes.”
Williams said the Institute’s clinicians and researchers will collaborate with the Miller School’s “street medicine” team to reach the community’s unhoused population and medically underserved neighborhoods. “If we see an individual with glaucoma, for instance, we can make it very easy to access referral services,” he said. “We can also draw on our screening to identify areas with the greatest need for vision care and potentially other health services.” Bascom Palmer has had a strong partnership with the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired for more than 60 years, beginning when Dr. Bascom H. Palmer was an active volunteer and helped create community outreach programs. This collaboration continues today with patients needing vision care from Bascom Palmer or seeking low-vision support from the Miami Lighthouse. Under a newly-forged agreement, Bascom Palmer provides clinical and surgical care for students who have been screened through the Florida Heiken Children’s Vision Program, a division of the Lighthouse, and referred to Bascom Palmer for ophthalmic care.
Looking ahead, Ansari plans to add new technologies, such as artificial intelligence applications, into the Institute’s South Florida screening and research programs. “We are committed to enhancing our outreach services to improve care for patients of all ages,” he said. “We also welcome opportunities to build more partnerships with philanthropists and community organizations in the future.” n
16 BASCOMPALMER.ORG
Corneal Innovation Laboratory Advancing Powerful New Therapies
In September 2022, Gretchen Rodriguez woke up with the first symptoms of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), a rare, life-threatening disorder that left her with blisters on her chest, face, and throat. “More than 55 percent of her body was affected, and she spent 45 days in the hospital before she coming home,” said her husband Salvador. “Since then, she has slowly regained her health.”
This inflammatory disease also blinded Rodriguez, due to severe swelling in her eyelids, a fusing of her tear ducts, and corneal abrasions that kept her from opening her eyes. “I thought I would never be able to see again,” Rodriguez said. “If I tried to get a glimpse of life, the pain was almost unbearable.”
Now Rodriguez can see again, thanks to a remarkable team effort led by Alfonso L. Sabater, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of clinical ophthalmology; medical director of the ocular surface program; and director of the Corneal Innovation Laboratory at Bascom Palmer. “We were able to help her recover from the ravages of SJS and regain near 20-20 vision in both eyes,” Sabater said.
Beginning in April 2023, the Institute’s team began taking steps to restore Rodriguez’s vision, using medications, special contact lenses, surgeries, and the implantation of mucus membranes to support corneal healing. “From the very beginning, Dr. Sabater was very clear about what would be happening at each appointment,” she said. “He had so much knowledge about SJS and that made me feel very hopeful.”
Six months later, Rodriguez was finally able to open her eyes and see Sabater’s face. “After only hearing his voice for so long, it was an amazing moment,” she said. “Now, I can watch TV without my eyes hurting and I’ve picked up crocheting, which lets my eyes focus on the yarn. I’ve been riding a roller-coaster, but now I’m definitely on the upswing.”
A personalized approach
For corneal patients of all ages, Sabater takes a carefully planned, personalized approach that includes leading-edge therapies, surgical interventions, and transplantation methodologies. “Our Corneal Innovation Laboratory is at the forefront of pioneering scientific research and clinical trials,” he said. “Our multidisciplinary team of scientists, clinicians, and engineers collaborates to address the pressing challenges in corneal health.”
With a primary focus on corneal protection, regeneration, and vision restoration, the laboratory’s research team is exploring a wide range of potential therapies, including tissue engineering, biomaterials, gene therapies, stem cell-based interventions, and regenerative medicine strategies to advance corneal care.
“To help our patients, we are involved at all stages of research, from the initial discovery through the clinical trial stages of new therapies. That’s important to the biomedical industry, because we know all the details about a potential therapy, and Bascom Palmer serves a diverse patient population that is ideal for clinical trials,” he said.
Sabater has written frequently about these topics in leading journals and holds multiple patents. He is a director of the Pan-American Cornea Society, and the co-founder of three University of Miami spin-off companies focused on developing therapies and devices for patients with corneal and ocular surface diseases.
Advancing dry eye care
One of Sabater’s research themes is advancing care for patients with dry eye conditions. “Bascom
17 BASCOM PALMER EYE INSTITUTE
Dr. Alfonso Sabater
“Dr. Sabater has been there through everything. He’s not only a good doctor but such a good human being. He provided us with hope. He never gave up.”
– Yuni Carvajal
Palmer’s dry eye clinical services are directly connected to our research program,” he said. “When patients are seen, we ask for tear samples, so we can analyze the components and look for biomarkers. We also encourage our patients to participate in clinical studies, as we build our research database.”
Sabater and his team are leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) tools to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of patients with dry eye disease. Drawing on the Institute’s database, the AI system learns to recognize patterns and correlations, helping clinicians make accurate predictions and classifications related to dry eye disease. This improved diagnostic accuracy leads to more targeted treatment approaches and better management of the disease, Sabater said.
“By integrating patient data, machine learning algorithms, and real-time feedback, we aim to create a dynamic and intelligent system that continually learns, adapts, and improves the personalized care we provide to our patients,” Sabater said.
“Our Corneal Innovation Laboratory is at the forefront of pioneering scientific research and clinical trials. Our multidisciplinary team of scientists, clinicians, and engineers collaborates to address the pressing challenges in corneal health. To help our patients, we are involved at all stages of research, from the initial discovery, through the clinical trial stages of new therapies.”
– Dr. Alfonso Sabater
Innovative therapies
Another aspect of Sabater’s research involves the role of innate immunity in ocular surface diseases, as well as regulating the system’s inflammatory response, which can lead to corneal damage.
“By comprehensively studying the underlying mechanisms and pathways involved in the immune response, we aim to identify key targets for alleviating the symptoms of dry eye disease,” he said. “Understanding the molecular pathways and signaling cascades helps us to identify new therapeutic approaches to dampen symptoms like dryness, redness, and discomfort, enhancing the quality of life for our patients.”
Restoring a Boy’s Sight Through Innovative Gene Therapy
Antonio Vento Carvajal was born with dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, a rare genetic condition that causes blisters all over his body and in his eyes. With cloudy scars covering both eyeballs, he was legally blind for most of the 14 years of his life – until Alfonso L. Sabater, M.D., used innovative gene therapy to restore his sight.
“Dr. Sabater has been there through everything,” said Antonio’s mom, Yunielkys “Yuni” Carvajal, during a visit to Bascom Palmer. “He’s not only a good doctor but such a good human being. He provided us with hope. He never gave up.”
The family came to the U.S. from Cuba in 2012 on a special visa that allowed Antonio to get treatment for his condition, which affects around 3,000 people worldwide. He had surgeries to remove scar tissue from his eyes, but it grew back. Antonio’s vision kept getting
worse, eventually deteriorating so much that he didn’t feel safe walking around.
When Carvajal told Sabater about an experimental gene therapy gel from Krystal Biotech used on Antonio’s skin lesions, Sabater contacted the drugmaker to see if the gel could be reformulated for the boy’s eyes. Suma Krishnan, co-founder and president of research and development for the Pittsburgh-based company, said the idea made sense and “it didn’t hurt to try it.”
Antonio’s condition is caused by mutations in a gene that helps produce a protein called collagen 7, which holds together both skin and corneas. The treatment, called Vyjuvek, uses an inactivated herpes simplex virus to deliver working copies of that gene. The eye drops use the same liquid as the skin version, just without the added gel.
18 BASCOMPALMER.ORG
Sabater is also collaborating with biomedical companies to develop advanced biological therapies, including blood-derived serum and plasma eye drops. The goal is to harness the healing and regenerative properties of blood components, including growth factors and cytokines, to provide targeted relief and promote the restoration of the ocular surface.
Sabater and his team are at the forefront of using gene therapies for managing these conditions. This is a promising approach for correcting underlying genetic defects, modulating inflammatory responses, and promoting tissue regeneration on a molecular level. By developing personalized gene therapy treatments, we aim to provide effective and long-lasting solutions for patients with complex ocular surface diseases,” he said.
New tools for corneal transplantation
Working closely with Beauty of Sight, formerly the Florida Lions Eye Bank, Sabater has developed an
innovative injector and transportation kit for corneal transplantation. “It’s a revolutionary approach for preserving donor corneas,” he said. “By delivering nutrients and maintaining normal eye pressure, the kit keeps the corneal tissue alive, allowing for longer storage periods, and improving surgical outcomes.”
The new injector system – now in the manufacturing phase – will provide controlled and precise delivery of the endothelial graft into the eye, ensuring accurate placement and minimizing the risk of damage, said Sabater.
The Corneal Innovation Laboratory is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge and clinical practice to improve corneal health and transform patient outcomes. “By pioneering novel therapies and innovative interventions, we strive to protect, regenerate, and restore the cornea,” said Sabater. “Our goal is to improve outcomes and enhance the quality of life for individuals affected by corneal diseases and injuries.”
After two years, which included testing the drug in experimental models, Sabater received “compassionate use” approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as well as permission from university and hospital review boards. In August 2022, Antonio had surgery on his right eye, after which Sabater started to treat him with the eye drops.
“Antonio’s eye recovered from the surgery, the scarring did not return, and there was significant improvement each month,” Sabater said. The doctor is currently treating Antonio’s left eye, which is also steadily improving.
With his vision restored, Antonio now enjoys playing video games with his friends, and he finally feels safe walking around. Sabater said the two-year journey seeking government and hospital approvals “was worth it. Just for Antonio, it was worth it ... but now it opens the space to treat other patients in the future.” n
BASCOM PALMER EYE INSTITUTE 19
Excellence, Distinction, and Vision Crowning Achievement for 10 Bascom Palmer Doctors
Chrisfouad R. Alabiad, M.D., a professor of clinical ophthalmology and oculoplastic surgery specialist was awarded the Brand Butcher Youngdahl Chair in Ophthalmology
Thomas A. Albini, M.D., a professor of clinical ophthalmology and retina and vitreous diseases specialist was awarded the Robert Z. & Nancy J. Greene Chair in Ophthalmology
Audina M. Berrocal, M.D., a professor of clinical ophthalmology and retina and vitreous diseases specialist was awarded the Johnstone Horvitz Chair in Ophthalmology
Kendall E. Donaldson, M.D., M.S., a professor of clinical ophthalmology and cornea and external diseases specialist was awarded Kolokotrones Chair in Ophthalmology
Jorge A. Fortun, M.D., an associate professor of clinical ophthalmology and retina and vitreous diseases specialist, was awarded the Gordon R. Miller, M.D. Chair in Ophthalmology
On February 14, 2024, ten distinguished physicians were awarded an endowed chair at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. These physicians are an indication of the unparalleled level of talent that can be found throughout Bascom Palmer.
Ninel Z. Gregori, M.D., a professor of clinical ophthalmology and retina and vitreous diseases specialist was awarded the Lois Pope Endowed Chair for Age-Related Macular Degeneration Research
Thomas E. Johnson, M.D., a professor of clinical ophthalmology and oculoplastic surgery specialist was awarded the Breyer Rodgers Chair in Ophthalmology
Felipe A. Medeiros, M.D., Ph.D., a professor of ophthalmology, glaucoma specialist and vice chair of research was awarded the Rodgers Research Chair in Ophthalmology
Victor L. Perez, M.D., a professor of ophthalmology and cornea and external disease specialist was awarded the Higgins Clark Chair in Ophthalmology
Stephen G. Schwartz, M.D., M.B.A., a professor of clinical ophthalmology and retina and vitreous diseases specialist was awarded the Robert Z. & Nancy J. Greene Chair in Ophthalmology
20 BASCOMPALMER.ORG
“Bascom Palmer is honored to have 29 professors holding chairs or endowed professorships. The generosity of the donors who made these chairs possible is the foundation of Bascom Palmer’s commitment to global leadership in eye care, vision research, and ophthalmology education.” – Dr. Eduardo Alfonso
Chairs and Professorships awarded before February 2024
Eduardo C. Alfonso, M.D.
Kathleen and Stanley J. Glaser Chair in Ophthalmology
Hilda Capó, M.D.
John T. Flynn Chair in Ophthalmology
William W. Culbertson, M.D.
Lou Higgins Chair in Ophthalmology
Janet L. Davis, M.D., M.A.
Leach Chair in Ophthalmology
Sander R. Dubovy, M.D.
Victor T. Curtin Chair in Ophthalmology
Harry W. Flynn Jr., M.D.
J. Donald M. Gass Chair in Ophthalmology
Steven J. Gedde, M.D.
John G. Clarkson Chair in Ophthalmology
David S. Greenfield, M.D.
Douglas R. Anderson Chair in Ophthalmology
Carol L. Karp, M.D.
Richard K. Forster Chair in Ophthalmology
Byron L. Lam, M.D.
Dr. Mark J. Daily Chair in Ophthalmology
Richard K. Lee, M.D.
Walter G. Ross Chair in Ophthalmology
Terrence P. O’Brien, M.D.
Charlotte Breyer Rodgers Chair in Ophthalmology
John Marie Parel, Ing. ETS-G, Ph.D.
Henri and Flore Lesieur Chair in Ophthalmology
Richard K. Parrish II, M.D.
Edward W.D. Norton Chair in Ophthalmology
Vittorio Porciatti, D.S.
James L. Knight Professorship in Ophthalmology
William E. Smiddy, M.D.
M. Brenn Green Chair in Ophthalmology
Swarup Swaminathan, M.D.
Mary L. & Richard E. Bastin Chair in Ophthalmology
David T. Tse, M.D.
Dr. Nasser Ibrahim Al-Rashid Chair in Ophthalmology
Sonia H. Yoo, M.D.
Greentree Pruett Hickman Chair in Ophthalmology
Bascom Palmer Ranked No.1 in Ophthalmology Again!
For the 19th consecutive year, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute is ranked the nation’s Best in Ophthalmology by U.S. News & World Report. It is the 22nd time that the Institute has received the No. 1 ranking since the publication began surveying U.S. physicians for its annual rankings 34 years ago.
“We continue to build on our long tradition of leadership in clinical care, scientific discovery, medical education, and community service,” said Eduardo C. Alfonso, M.D., director of Bascom Palmer. “Our physicians and scientists are tackling some of the most difficult challenges in ophthalmology while bringing better vision care to patients throughout South Florida and the world.”
“Receiving the No. 1 ranking once again is a great testament to the tradition of excellence that drives every aspect of Bascom Palmer’s operation.”
– Dr. Eduardo C. Alfonso
21 BASCOM PALMER EYE INSTITUTE
Welcome New Faculty
We welcome three new physicians to the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. The Institute 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.
MAJA KOSTIC, M.D., MMS., PH.D., a specialist in neuroophthalmology and pediatric ophthalmology, joins the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute faculty on April 1, 2024, as an assistant professor of clinical ophthalmology.
Kostic received her medical degree and completed a residency in ophthalmology from the University of Novi Sad, Serbia, where she also received a master’s degree and a doctorate in medical science. While at the University, she received multiple firstplace awards for her scientific and clinical research.
She then completed additional clinical and research training at the Institute for Neonatology in Belgrade, Serbia. Also, in Serbia, she served as an assistant for a Ministry of Health initiative focused on preventing blindness in the country, incorporating the screening of babies born with retinopathy of prematurity. She was a leader in the development of the first workshop on ROP for ophthalmologists and neonatologists from Serbia, Montenegro, and Macedonia.
In 2017, she came to Bascom Palmer to further her training in the Institute’s research laboratories, first as a volunteer studying quantitative ophthalmic imaging and then as an associate studying electrophysiology. She then completed two clinical fellowships at Bascom Palmer: pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus, and neuro-ophthalmology. Kostic then joined the faculty of the University of North Carolina, where she has been an assistant professor for three years. She has written three book chapters, directed or codirected numerous ophthalmic courses, and delivered over 100 presentations. She is vice president of the Pan-American Inherited Retinal Disease group and a reviewer for Scientific Report, Nature, BMC Ophthalmology, and the American Journal of Ophthalmology. Kostic is available for in-person consultation or virtual visits for neuro-ophthalmology-related conditions.
CLAUDIA ARROYAVE, M.D.
A practicing ophthalmologist for the past 30 years, Bascom Palmer welcomes Claudia Arroyave Obrien, M.D., as a staff physician.
A board-certified ophthalmologist, Arroyave received her medical degree from the Escuela de Medicina Juan N. Corpas Bogota, Colombia, followed by a residency in ophthalmology at the Hospital Oftalmologico de Ntra. Sra. De La Luz, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico where she graduated magna cum laude and was awarded the Best Resident Paper from the Mexican Society of Ophthalmology. She then joined Bascom Palmer as an ophthalmic technician while conducting glaucoma research and pursuing her U.S. medical license. This was followed by a fellowship in comprehensive ophthalmology at Bascom Palmer before joining the faculty.
Arroyave later entered private practice in Cutler Bay, Florida, where she served her community for more than two decades. She now rejoins the Institute as a comprehensive ophthalmologist with research interests in glaucoma and ocular surface diseases and infections. She is available for consultation either in person or through virtual visits.
HONG-UYEN HUA, M.D., an assistant professor of ophthalmology, joins the faculty as a specialist in retina and vitreous diseases for adults and children. Hua received a bachelor of science degree in biochemistry with minors in chemistry and classics from the University of Miami. A magna cum laude graduate, she was invited to become a member of Phi Beta Kappa National Academic Honor Society and was tapped into the Iron Arrow Honor Society, the highest honor attained at the University of Miami. She then received a medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, where she served as the student government executive president and was selected as a member of the Gold Humanism Honor Society.
She pursued a residency in ophthalmology at the University of Southern California Roski Eye Institute of the University of Southern California, where she was chief resident. After residency, she completed a fellowship in vitreoretinal surgery at the Cleveland Clinic Cole Eye Institute.
Her research interests include retina imaging, retinopathy of prematurity, medical education, artificial intelligence, and disparities in medicine. Hua is focused on caring for patients of all ages, including babies and children with retinopathy of prematurity, inherited retinal diseases, or retinal detachments, and adults with macular holes, epiretinal membranes, retinal detachments, age-related macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy. She is available for in-person appointments for our youngest patients and in-person or virtual visits for adults.
To schedule a virtual or in-person appointment with a Bascom Palmer specialist, please call 1-888-845-0002 or visit bascompalmer.org.
22 BASCOMPALMER.ORG
NEW FACULTY
AWARDS AND HONORS
Professor of Ophthalmology PHILIP J. ROSENFELD, M.D., PH.D., recently received the Future Vision Foundation Laureate Award. Rosenfeld is a worldrenowned expert on age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and optical coherence tomography. He revolutionized the treatment of AMD by pioneering intravitreal Avastin (bevacizumab) therapy, which has prevented blindness worldwide while saving billions of dollars in healthcare expenses.
RAHUL TONK, M.D.,
has been named an Ophthalmologist Power List Rising Star. One of only ten ophthalmologists and scientists selected at early stages in their careers, Rising Stars are recognized as “already making waves despite their relative youth.” Tonk, an assistant professor of clinical ophthalmology, is a cornea, cataract, and refractive surgeon and medical director of Bascom Palmer at the Lennar Foundation Medical Center in Coral Gables. In highlighting the next generation of experts and leaders in the magazine, the magazine will continuously follow its Rising Stars “as their careers continue to soar!”
Three physicians from Bascom Palmer have been elected officers of The Florida Society of Ophthalmology, a nonprofit medical society representing more than 500 physician members in the state. Congratulations to President-elect RAQUEL GOLDHARDT, M.D., FACS; Vice President of Advocacy, ZELIA M. CORREA, M.D., PH.D.; and Secretary/Treasurer LANA SRUR, M.D.
M. ROY WILSON, M.D., M.S.
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute is honored to welcome M. ROY WILSON, M.D., M.S. as a professor of ophthalmology (voluntary). An ophthalmologist, glaucoma researcher, academician, and data scientist, he will spend a one-year sabbatical at Bascom Palmer, focusing on advances in glaucoma and epidemiology research.
“Roy Wilson has a long and distinguished career in academic leadership, and we are honored he has chosen Bascom Palmer as his academic home during his sabbatical year,” said Eduardo C. Alfonso, M.D., the Kathleen and Stanley J. Glaser Chair in Ophthalmology, and director of Bascom Palmer. “His expertise and research concentration will enrich Bascom Palmer’s exceptional scientific research portfolio.” A member of the University of Miami Health System’s Board of Directors, Wilson recently stepped down as president of Wayne State University, a position he held for ten years.
Forty Bascom
Palmer physicians have been recognized as 2024 Top Doctors by Castle Connolly
The doctors on this list are selected by their peers, and only the top 7% of the nation’s physicians are awarded this honor.
2024 Top Doctors
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.
Ninel Z. Gregori, 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
William W. Culbertson, M.D.
Kendall E. Donaldson, M.D., M.S.
Allister G. Gibbons, M.D.
Carol L. Karp, M.D.
Ellen Koo, 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.
Krisha S. Kishor, M.D.
Alison J. Lauter, M.D.
Richard K. Parrish II, M.D.
Sarah R. Wellik, M.D.
Neuro-Ophthalmology
Hong Jiang, M.D.
Byron L. Lam, M.D.
Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Chrisfouad R. Alabiad, M.D.
Thomas E. Johnson, M.D.
Wendy Lee, M.D.
Andrew J. Rong, 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.
23 BASCOM PALMER EYE INSTITUTE
Bascom Palmer Shines at AAO
Bascom Palmer regards ophthalmic education as one of its highest priorities. This year, 64 of Bascom Palmer’s doctors presented more than 180 named lectures, instructional sessions, scientific posters, and papers during the 2023 American Academy of Ophthalmology’s (AAO) annual meeting. Recognized at the meeting for their contributions to the educational and
CURSO Interamericano 2023. Number 45.
Dear Images Editor,
This year, the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute demonstrated why it is ranked No. 1 in the USA and probably worldwide. The efforts of a magnificent faculty led by its chairman, Dr. Eduardo Alfonso, and by the carefully selected team of veterans organizing the event with Drs. Carol Karp, Guillermo Amescua, and Paul Palmberg at the helm, Curso brought together 622 ophthalmologists from Latin America.
Curso was divided into subspecialty sessions that were translated simultaneously by experienced professionals. The leading topics were cataracts, cornea, glaucoma, and retinavitreous surgery, with outstanding sessions of oculoplastics, pediatric ophthalmology, and neuro-ophthalmology. The speakers were comprehensive, and the details of the latest trials in ophthalmology, videos of the most modern operations, and panel discussions among the speakers raised the level of the course to unimaginable heights. The course was held at the Doubletree Hilton Hotel and Convention
Center . The exhibits, the conversations in aisles and hallways, the social re-encounters, meetings with the faculty, and discussions and case presentations were all a part of this unforgettable event.
Parallel events and elective courses were held on the convention center’s second floor. The options included telemedicine in ophthalmology, a handson skills-transfer lab on lamellar corneal surgery, a review of surgical videos, and pearls on office and practice management. Dr. Van Lansingh led a team of Help Me See trainers in using a virtual simulator to teach the technique of MSICS to young ophthalmologists. Every morning of the four-day event, video symposiums were offered on cataracts, glaucoma, and oculoplastic surgery. . The invited speakers from other institutions added tremendous energy to the specialty sessions. Dr. Joaquin Fernandez from Spain presented data on multifocal IOLs, optical principles explaining dysphotopsias, photic phenomenon, eye dominance, and the differences between EDOF and multifocal technology were
24 BASCOMPALMER.ORG
EDUCATION
scientific programs were Carol L. Karp, M.D., who received a Life Achievement Honor Award; Craig A. McKeown, M.D., who received a Senior Achievement Award; Raquel Goldhardt, M.D. and Basil K. Williams, Jr., M.D., who both received Achievement Awards and Ta Chen Peter Chang, M.D., accepted a Secretariat Award.
Bascom Palmer also had a significant presence at AAO with its 600-square-foot exhibit space, featuring “Meet the Experts,” with physicians
What a Course!
discussed. The head of ophthalmic pathology from Wills Eye Hospital, Dr. Ralph Eagle, Jr., presented the most outstanding collection of pathologies and diseases illustrated with unsurpassable photography. The talks on ocular surface diseases and immunology by Dr. Asen Akpek were masterful.
The meeting celebrated on its third day with the traditional “Fiesta,” where the hierarchy of 090participants was heralded with the traditional music of each country. This year, the highest attendance was from Peru, followed by Colombia and Mexico. Dr. Paul Palmberg received a standing ovation from the participants and their spouses during the party. It was a welldeserved recognition for someone who trained 300 glaucoma specialists throughout Latin America during his 45 years as a professor of ophthalmology at Bascom Palmer, with many of his students staying at his house during their sojourn through Miami. Dr. Palmberg exemplifies the best of mentorship in academic medicine, and he and his students have changed the lives
presenting various ophthalmic topics, and the “Beauty of Sight” instructional wet labs. Shortly after the AAO meeting in San Francisco, more than 620 ophthalmologists traveled to Miami to attend Bascom
Palmer’s Inter-American Course in Clinical Ophthalmology (CURSO), the largest meeting in the United States held for Spanish-speaking ophthalmologists.
of thousands of patients rescued from blindness thanks to these principles and teachings. Special recognition must be given to the staff of organizers of this meeting led by Maria Serrano Brosco. Their attention to detail, such as t-shirts with Curso logos, surgical caps, and memorabilia, added “spirit de corps” to the event. At the end of each day, the raffle was always exceptionally attended, and the winners recited heartfelt ovations and cheering. It was only four days, but the content and breadth of knowledge communicated at the Curso is everlasting. My most sincere gratitude and appreciation to all involved in making this course a success. I look forward to Curso 2024.
Yours,
Juan F. Batlle Pichardo, M.D. (resident, fellow, chief resident 1984)
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Voluntary Faculty Member
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
25 BASCOM PALMER EYE INSTITUTE
AWARDS AND HONORS
The success of the vision research program at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute has been made possible by the generous and sustained support of the Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB) through unrestricted and individual grants. The Institute is pleased to announce that the RPB has recently presented the Medical Student Eye Research Fellowship Award to Jason A. Greenfield and Osmel P. Alvarez. These fellowships allow them to take a year off from the Miller School of Medicine to devote time to pursue a research project at Bascom Palmer. Under the mentorship of Carol L. Karp, M.D., Greenfield’s project focuses on creating a diagnostic algorithm using artificial intelligence to identify ocular surface tumors using anterior segment optical coherence tomography imaging. Experts in the field will test this algorithm to enhance ophthalmologists’ capability of detecting ocular surface cancers. He will work with Felipe A. Medeiros, M.D., Ph.D., and Anat Galor, M.D., MSPH. Greenfield was also honored to be selected as an inaugural recipient of the Dr. Larry J. Singerman and Dr. Stephen G. Schwartz Research Scholarship to support his research. Also, under Karp’s mentorship, Alvarez’s project will evaluate the safety and efficacy of the nonavelent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to treat ocular surface squamous tumors such as conjunctival papilloma and ocular surface squamous neoplasia.
The RPB’s Stein Innovation Award was awarded to Carlos T. Moraes, Ph.D., a professor at the Miller School’s Department of Neurology, nominated by his colleagues at Bascom Palmer for their collaborative work. Additionally, Eduardo C. Alfonso, M.D., director of Bascom Palmer, received an unrestricted grant for vision research. We are also pleased to announce that with the support of an unrestricted grant from the RPB, two awardees will receive funding for pilot projects in 2024: Anh H. Pham, M.D., Ph.D., and Valery Shestopolav, Ph.D. In collaboration with Richard K. Lee, M.D., Ph.D., and Hong Yu, Ph.D., Pham’s research involves a fluorescent report monitoring mitochondrial quality control in glaucoma. Shestopalov’s project examines neuroprotective strategies to prevent retinal damage by spiking interocular press injuries. “We gratefully acknowledge the RPB’s support in our prolific scholarly production and value the relationship between RPB and Bascom Palmer as a long-term, mutual collaboration with the shared goals of enhancing the quality of life by improving sight, preventing blindness, advancing ophthalmic knowledge, and innovative vision research,” said Alfonso.
Kudos to DARLENE MILLER, D.H.SC., M.P.H., for being named one of Legacy magazine’s Top Black Healthcare Professionals of 2023. Miller, a research professor of ophthalmology, is the scientific director of Bascom Palmer’s microbiology laboratory.
Congratulations to MARTINE
J. JAGER, M.D., PH.D. (fellow 1993), for receiving the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology’s Weisenfeld Award. Jager is an ophthalmologist/immunologist from The Netherlands, known for international collaboration, the hallmark of her contributions. Her work focuses on the immune system’s role in corneal transplantation and ocular oncology.
Charles III, King of the United Kingdom, has appointed ELLEN KOO, M.D., to the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem. Koo, an associate professor of clinical ophthalmology, was recognized for her faith, service to humanity, and excellent medical care to the community. A corneal specialist with a research and clinical focus on endothelial dysfunction, keratoplasty, cataract, and complex anterior segment surgeries, Koo is committed to improving the fields of corneal transplantation and eye banking and is regarded as a key opinion leader in these areas.
26 BASCOMPALMER.ORG
Residents and Fellows Shine
Bascom Palmer’s national recognition of its residency program as the best in the country is a tribute to the Institute’s entire team. The program’s tradition of excellence results from a concerted effort of exceptional clinicians and scientists committed to teaching the next generation of ophthalmologists.
Congratulations to medical retina fellow CAROLINA MERCADO, M.D., who has been selected as the 2024 Gillingham Pan-American Fellow of the Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology (PAAO) and the Pan-American Ophthalmological Foundation (PAOF). The PAAO and PAOF partner with the Retina Research Foundation, which supports this fellowship program. Mercado will work with JACLYN
L. KOVACH, M.D., FASRS, a professor of clinical ophthalmology, in the subspecialty area of medical retina.
NAOMI E. GUTKIND, M.D., a thirdyear resident, received an Outstanding Resident of the Year award from the Women in Academic Medicine group at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Established in 2008 through the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement, this group focuses on career advancement for female physicians, researchers, and scientists.
Congratulations to chief resident JESSE D. SENGILLO, M.D., for being awarded the 2024 Ronald G. Michels Fellowship Foundation Award. This award is granted annually to outstanding second-year vitreoretinal fellows in training. The Foundation was established to honor Michels (fellow 1973) for his exceptional surgical skills and accomplishments in the field.
Heed Fellows
One of the most prestigious honors for post-graduate studies in ophthalmology, the Heed Fellowship is granted to outstanding residents who demonstrate promise in pursuing an academic medical career in patient care, education, and research. Heed Fellowships for 2023-2024 have been awarded to Bascom Palmer’s retina fellows, BENJAMIN LIN, M.D., and JASON C. FAN, M.D., and MARISSA K. SHOJI, M.D. Following her residency at Bascom Palmer, Shoji is completing an oculofacial plastic and orbital surgery fellowship at the Shiley Eye Institute. Kudos to third-year resident LANDON J. ROHOWETZ, M.D., M.A., for being selected to attend the annual Heed Ophthalmic Foundation Residents Retreat, whose purpose is to promote careers in academic ophthalmology.
Medical School for Kids
BRANDON PHAM, M.D., a second-year resident at Bascom Palmer, and his wife BETTY NGUYEN, M.D., a dermatologist at UHealth - the University of Miami Health System, are inspiring the next generation of doctors with their creative and fun books designed to teach children about various medical fields. With titles ranging from “Hooray, I See the Doctor Today” and “Nurses for Kids” to Cardiology, Neurology, or Orthopedic Surgery for Kids, the Medical School for KidsTM series is an engaging way to introduce little ones to the wonders of medicine.
27 BASCOM PALMER EYE INSTITUTE
Drs. Benjamin Lin, Marissa K. Shoji, and Jason C. Fan
Choose the Best Appointment for Your Eye Care Needs
Bascom Palmer is committed to providing eye care in a safe and convenient environment. Now, you can choose between in-person or virtual visits.
Virtual Visits
Many services you normally receive during an inperson visit can now be done with a virtual visit through a video chat or telephone call. A virtual visit with your eye doctor can determine if your condition can be treated safely at home or if you need an in-person visit at one of our locations. A virtual visit is a scheduled appointment with an eye doctor using your telephone or computer from the convenience and comfort of your home.
Almost all of our providers offer virtual visit appointments. If you are a new patient and have not seen a Bascom Palmer doctor, our appointment office will make your appointment with a doctor who specializes in your eye condition.
For a virtual visit by telephone, you will need your phone. For a virtual visit by video, you will need a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer with a camera, microphone, and internet capability.
You should have a MyUHealthChart account for virtual visits to access your medical records electronically. Before your virtual visit occurs, we will ensure you have everything you need for an easy, convenient experience. We will walk you through every step of the process.
How do I schedule a virtual visit?
For more information or to make an appointment, visit Bascompalmer.org/virtual visits, call 305-243-2020, or Toll Free 888-845-0002. Our appointment office is open Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EDT.
Do you have a common eye concern?
If so, a Rapid Virtual Eye Care Visit can be scheduled the same or next business day for common eye disorders such as:
• Styes
• Eyelid swelling or tenderness
• Tearing or watery eyes
• Red or pink eyes
• Dry eyes
• Itchy eyes
• Eye pain or discomfort
• Discharge from eyes
• Flashes or floaters
• Change in vision
If you have any of these eye concerns, our doctors can diagnose, recommend treatment, and prescribe medications when indicated as soon as the same or the next business day. Most insurances cover this service; please refer to your insurance policy for coverage details. Service is limited to persons located in the state of Florida. Glasses and contact lens prescriptions are not provided through this service.
How do I schedule a Rapid Virtual Appointment?
Go to rapideyecare.com or call: 1-800-329-7000, option 2, then 1.
Eye Emergencies
If you are experiencing an eye emergency, Bascom Palmer’s Emergency Department is open in Miami 24/7, 365 days a year. For all medical emergencies, call 911 immediately.
28 BASCOMPALMER.ORG
Honored Guests
Bascom Palmer recently welcomed Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniela Levine Cava and Mary Mayhew, the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration secretary, to the Institute. During each of their visits, these honored guests were given a tour of the hospital and met with faculty and staff members to learn about
Naples Welcome Back to Season
Miami Vision Luncheon
On the back cover
Congratulations to glaucoma specialist and assistant professor of clinical ophthalmology ANH H. PHAM, M.D., PH.D., for receiving a Pediatric Ophthalmology Career Starter Grant from the Knights Templar Eye Foundation. The Knights Templar is committed to supporting research that can help launch the careers of clinical and basic researchers focused on preventing and curing potentially blinding diseases in infants and children. Bascom Palmer and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine are
grateful for the generous grants they have received from the Knights Templar from 1998-2023.
Matt Dates, Carlos Canino, Jennifer Stearns Buttrick, Jan Dillow, and Dr. Eduardo Alfonso
Drs. Basil Williams, Sonia Yoo, Steven Gedde, and Felipe Medeiros
Dr. Eduardo Alfonso, Mayor Daniela Levine Cava, and Dr. Basil Williams
Drs. Basil Williams and Eduardo Alfonso with Mary Mayhew, Joanne Martin, and Michael Gittelman
Dr. Felipe Medeiros, Ron and Tricia Glah,
Dr. Eduardo Alfonso Hanna and Andy Cummins, with Robert Stucker and Robert Rice with Tricia and Bill Kassling
Bascom Palmer’s storied history, ongoing research, commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in ophthalmology, and the Institute’s current outreach programs to ensure vision care and eye screening are available for all members of our community.
BASCOM PALMER EYE INSTITUTE 29
Pictured left to right: Front row: Dr. Vittorio Porciatti, Dr. Daniel Pelaez, Paul W. Friend, Dr. Abigail Hackam, Rusty Ludlam, Dr. Anh Pham, Robert W. Waldron, Sr., Dr. Eduardo Alfonso, Sheldon Arpad, Dr. Felipe Medeiros. Back row: Ronald Naumowicz, Belinda Quinta, Michael Gittelman, Charles Yaros, Adam Bryan, Diana Arpad.
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
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*
Richard G. West*
Annabelle P. Whistler*
Wildflower Foundation
Morty & Gloria Wolosoff Foundation, Inc.*
Shlomo & Amy Yeminy*
Miles Zisson*
*In loving memory
Donations listed as of May 31, 2023
Dr. Bascom Headon Palmer
30 BASCOMPALMER.ORG
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.
Dr. Edward W.D. Norton
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
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*
Mr. Patrick P. Lee
The Josephine S. Leiser Foundation, Inc.
Mr. Jaime Lerner
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
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*
Mr. & Mrs. T. Jack White*
Angela W. Whitman
Dr. & Mrs. Frank M. Williams
Cecilia Youngdahl*
Carl Zeiss Meditec, Inc.
*In loving memory
Donations listed as of May 31, 2023
31 BASCOM PALMER EYE INSTITUTE
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
Marcelo & Betty Alvarez
Amarone Charitable Trust
Anthony Abraham*
Anthony Abraham Family Foundation
Charlotte D. Ahrens*
Usha & Monte Ahuja
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*
Gerson & Barbara Bakar
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph R. Bagby
Ms. Allen Arthur Barco*
Pondray R.M. Baldwin*
Laurence E. Barreca*
Florence & Harry Hood Bassett
The Bassett Foundation
Mr. Brian C. Bastin
Bausch & Lomb, Vision Care
James* & Laurie Bay
Dr. Joseph & Jean Beauchamp
The Beeck Family Foundation
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*
Howard E. Cox
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
The Fewell Family
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. & 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*
Van & Jane Myers*
32 BASCOMPALMER.ORG
Welcome to our New Society Members
Bascom Palmer Society
Mr. & Mrs. Theo Kolokotrones
Robert R. & Joyce L. Rice
Wildflower Foundation
Annabelle P. Whistler*
Norton Society
Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. Eaton
Mr. Patrick P. Lee
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
Don* & Connie 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.
The Elizabeth and Mitchell Taylor/ Jack Taylor Family Foundation
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*
Josephine & Sean Tynes
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
Mr.* & Mrs. Ross Whistler
Ms. Patricia Wilkinson*
Dr. & Mrs. Frank Williams
Mr. and Mrs. G. Ed Williamson, II
Mr. Benjamin Winter
Josephine A. Wolf*
Stephen & Delores Wolf
Mitchell Wolfson, Sr. Foundation
Rubin & Gladys Wollowick
Family Foundation
*In loving memory
Donations listed as of May 31, 2023
David Minkin Foundation
Angela W. Whitman
Luminary Society
His Highness Sheikh Khalifa
bin Zayed Al-Nahyan
Louis & Mary August*
Gerson & Barbara Bakar
Mr. Brian C. Bastin
The Beeck Family Foundation
Mr. Nick A. Caporella
William H. Cochrane*
Mr. Howard E. Cox
Mr. Mark Feldberg & Emily Page
The Fewell Family
Mr. & Mrs. Alfredo D. Gutierrez
Katrina & Rick Kash
Michele & Howard Kessler
Ms. Sharon Kranys
Ms. Susan A. Litowitz*
Mr. & Mrs. David McCrea
McCrea Foundation, Inc.
Frank J. Morgan Family Fund
Mr. & Mrs. W. Stephen Murray
Albert H. Nahmad
Albert H. & Jane D. Nahmad Foundation, Inc.
Mr. James Randall
Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Rajendra Singh
Raj & Neera Singh Charitiable Foundation, Inc.
Robert M. Sinskey Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas W. Smith
Thomas W. Smith Foundation, Inc.
The Elizabeth & Mitchell Taylor
Jack Taylor Family Foundation
Josephine & Sean Tynes
Mr. Benjamin Winter
Founder Society
Mr. & Mrs. William Avery
Mr. & Mrs. Marcio C. Cabrera
Mr. Alex G. Campbell
Ms. Dana L. Clay
Corporate Management Advisors, Inc.
Mr. & Mrs. Steven G. Curtis
Ms. Jenny Cyker
Dr. & Mrs. Marc L. Fishman
Mr. Charles M. Foster
Kenneth A. Horowitz Family Foundation
Jelco Overseas Limited
Mr. Michael Kaufman
Keybank Foundation
Ms. Tova Leidesdorf
Mr. & Mrs. Edward J. Leik
Mr. Donald K. Miller
William Rosenberg Family Foundation, Inc.
Mrs. Candace Ruskin
Mr. Robert Samia
Mrs. Elfriede Schafler
Ms. Marsha Seidman
Mrs. Janet L. Smith
Ms. Lesly S. Smith/Fortin
Foundation of Florida
Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Stayer
J. Kenneth & Sandra Tate
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Toussie
Ware Bluegrass Foundation
Westminster Barrington Foundation
Harriet & Donald Young
Vision Society
Mr. & Mrs. William Abney
Mr. & Mrs. Roy P. Ans
Mr. & Mrs. Harold N. Asiel
Barbara & Gerson Bakar Foundation
Mr. Luis Bared
Dr. & Mrs. Leonard Berg
Marie Bloom & *Theodore A.
Deckert
Mr. & Mrs. Arthur Brisker
Mr. & Mrs. William Broeder
Mr. & Mrs. James J. Bruder
Mr. & Mrs. Terrence W. Cavanaugh
Coastal Construction Service Group
Ms. Mazie Cox
William E. Cross Foundation, Inc.
Mrs. Sara Crown Star
Mr. & Mrs. Enrique Cusco
Mr. & Mrs. Mel Dick
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph V. Farago
Mrs. Joan M. Frazier
Mr. William Fricks
Fricks Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Thomas S. Gerspacher
Mr. & Ms. Alvin Glasgold
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Glah
The Frank L. & Helen Gofrank Foundation
Ms. Myriam Goldsmith
Maximo Handel*
Mr. James C. Hartenstein
Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Henley
J & J Family Foundation
Mr. & Mrs. Roger Jaar
Mr. Ralph E. Jackson, Jr.
Caryl & Keith Jaffee
Jaffee Family Trust
Mr. & Mrs. Douglas L. Johnson
Mr. & Mrs. Isaac Kasztl
Keybank Foundation
Ms. Lynn Kislak
Ms. Meline B. Kovacik
Mrs. Lynn Liddell
Mr. & Mrs. James Lillie
Lipman Family Farms
Karen B. Mashkin, Ph.D.
Mr. & Mrs. Jack W. Meadors, III
Mr. Robert Moser
Mr. Thomas P. Murphy, Jr.
Mary & John Nice
Mr. & Mrs. Robert M. Oliver III
Mr. & Mrs. Paul A. Pettenaro
Leonard Pinchuk, Ph.D.
Mr. Alan H. & Dr. Brigitt Rok
Potamkin
Linda & Mike Shepherd
Sarah Soter
Mr. & Mrs. Benjamin M. Statler
Mr. Ken Truitt / Lubris Biopharma
Ms. Janet Vasey
Mr. & Mrs. John R. Walter
Mr. & Mrs. Randall Whitman
Dr. Lawrence A. Yannuzzi/Macula Foundation
Society for Encouraging Endowment
Dr. Joyce K.S. Babiak
Mr. Steven N. Gavalas- In honor of
Dr. Harry W. Flynn
Sean & Sharon Kenny
Gary S. Lachman, Esq.
Bern M. Levine, D.V.M.
33 BASCOM PALMER EYE INSTITUTE
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.
Carlos A. Batlle
Dr. & Mrs. Ivan R. Batlle
Theodore Baumritter*
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
Ms. Sara Broad
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. & Mrs. Marcio C. Cabrera
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. Michael Kaufman
Mr.* & Mrs. W. George Kennedy
Ms. Ardith D. Kenny
George & Joan Kessel
Keybank Foundation
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*
Mr. Donald K. Miller
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.
Mr. Robert Samia
34 BASCOMPALMER.ORG
Advancing the Dream of Dr. Bascom Palmer
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, 2023
Bascom Headon Palmer, M.D., opened one of Miami’s first ophthalmology practices a century ago. He became the first surgeon in Florida to perform corneal transplants and was an active volunteer with Lighthouse for the Blind.
In 1943, Palmer began promoting the idea of an eye clinic dedicated to saving sight and preventing blindness and later urged the University of Miami to create the Division of Ophthalmology in the Department of Surgery in its new School of Medicine. Before he died in 1954, Palmer outlined his hope that Miami would eventually be home to “an ophthalmology institute in a medical center second to none in the nation.”
Randall Whitman, a great-nephew of Bascom Palmer, recalls growing up in Miami Shores in the early 1950s before air-conditioning made indoor living more comfortable. “Dr. Palmer had a beautiful old wooden house on Brickell Avenue on Biscayne Bay,” he recalled. “It had a large pool fed by an artesian well, so the water was always cold. It was quite a treat when our family would drive down U.S. 1 and swim there. He and my dad, Stanley Whitman, were both mango lovers and would make homemade mango ice cream together.”
Several years ago, Whitman came to the eye institute that bears Bascom Palmer’s name and was treated by William E. Smiddy, M.D., professor of ophthalmology and the M. Brenn Green Chair in Ophthalmology. Since then, he has proudly supported the Institute’s leading-edge research, clinical, education, and community outreach programs. “It’s exciting to see research initiatives like the whole eye transplant project take shape,” he said. “Bascom Palmer Eye Institute is a wonderful facility; its professionals do amazing work.”
Little Library – Big Impact
Through the generosity of our youngest supporters, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute has its very own lending library. The Jayden and Shane Farbman Lending Library allows our youngest patients to read and explore excellent books while visiting Bascom Palmer. Because each child can take a book home to continue their love for reading, each story has a happy ending.
Randall Whitman
35 BASCOM PALMER EYE INSTITUTE
Jayden and Shane Farbman
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. Willam 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 B. 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*
Mr. & Mrs. Enrique Cusco
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
36 BASCOMPALMER.ORG
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
Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Glah
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
Susen & 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
Maximo Handel*
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
Dr. Norman & Ann Jaffe*
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
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*
37 BASCOM PALMER EYE INSTITUTE
The Vision Society
Ms. Fay Koenig*
Ms. Nancy Komorowski
Mr. Robert A. Kotick
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.
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
38 BASCOMPALMER.ORG
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
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
Sarah Soter
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
Mr. Ken Truitt / Lubris BioPharma
Drs. David & Jean Tse
Dr. David N. & Lynda Tucker
Mrs. Helen Uchitel*
United Jewish Community of Broward County Univision-Media Vista Group
Dr. Raksha Urs
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
Janet & Dennis Vasey
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
The Harry & Rose S. Zaifert Foundation
Dr. Harvey Zalaznick
Carl Zeiss Surgical, Inc.
*In loving memory
Donations listed as of May 31, 2023
39 BASCOM PALMER EYE INSTITUTE
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
Dr. Joyce K.S. Babiak
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
Mary Lynn Davis*
Cecile L. & Norman E. Demers*
Mrs. Otto E. Dreikorn
Mr.* Eric Feiler
Mr.* & Mrs. David Fenton
Pamela Ferguson
The Fewell Family
Neil* & Celia Finn
Mr. & Mrs. Leo Fleur
Adelaide Gambrill Bowen*
Mr. Steve N. Gavalas in honor of Dr. Harry W. Flynn
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
Maximo Handel*
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.*
Gary S. Lachman, Esq.
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*
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*
Annabelle P. Whistler*
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, 2023
Ways To Give There are many ways you can further Bascom Palmer’s sight-saving research with a charitable donation. Visit www.BascomPalmer.org/giving to learn more. Donate Online Donor-Advised Funds Tribute/Memorial Program Corporate/Corporate Matching Gifts Estate and Planned Giving, Securities, Bequests Endowed Funds Naming Gift Opportunities 40 BASCOMPALMER.ORG
41 BASCOM PALMER EYE INSTITUTE
Palmer Ranked #1 in the U.S. for the 22nd Time.
has once again been ranked the nation’s best in ophthalmology by board-certified ophthalmologists in the U.S. News & World Report annual survey. It’s more
honor, it’s a
to our superb physicians and extraordinary team who work
to always
our patients first. While we are honored to be #1, it’s our patients who really come out on top. Miami • Palm Beach Gardens • Naples • Plantation • Coral Gables In-office and virtual visits available • 800-329-7000 • Bascom Palmer.org
eyes are on Bascom Palmer.
Bascom
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute
than an
tribute
endlessly
put
All
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
Knights Templar Eye Foundation presents Dr. Anh Pham with a pediatric ophthalmology career starter grant. See page 29
42 BASCOMPALMER.ORG Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Miami, Florida Permit No.438