February 2026 Volume 51
Recognition
Congratulations to the physicians in the Departments of Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery recognized as 2026 Castle Connolly Top Doctors! This peer-nominated honor highlights their clinical excellence, expertise, and commitment to compassionate, patientcentered care.
2026 University of Pittsburgh Ophthalmology GASTLE GONNOLLYTOPUOCTORS
New Approach to Bilateral Microtia Reconstruction
A nine-year-old boy born without external ears or ear canals now has two functional ears, thanks to Noel Jabbour, MD, MS, FACS, Director of the Congenital Ear Center at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
New Prototype Eye Imaging System
At the end of 2025, the Department purchased a new prototype human eye imaging system from Ocutek Corporation called the MONA IV, a type of adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope (AOSLO).
To Dr. Jabbour’s knowledge, this may be the first bilateral microtia reconstruction of this type performed in the United States, with prior cases reported in England and China.
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This adaptive optics technology provides high resolution imaging in a user-friendly format. It will be maintained by the Rossi lab, but it is available for others in the Department to use after they receive the proper training.
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Congratulations to Larry Benowitz, PhD, Professor of Ophthalmology, on being the #1 Highly Ranked Scholar in Optic Nerve and #10 in Regeneration (biology) based on publications over the prior five years analyzed by ScholarGPS! He is #20 in Regeneration (biology) over his lifetime and placed in the top 0.05% of all scholars worldwide.
Pediatric Vocal Cord Dysfunction Clinic
Do you have difficulty breathing in your throat during times of intense physical activity? Does it resolve soon after with rest?
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