(PRESS RELEASE) Bascom Palmer Eye Institute of the University of Miami Health System has been ranked again as the nation’s best in ophthalmology by U.S News & World Report. This year marks the 20th time, and the 18th consecutive year, that Bascom Palmer has received the No. 1 ranking since the publication began surveying U.S. physicians for its annual “Best Hospitals” rankings 32 years ago.
“Our goal is to deliver the best possible vision care to patients throughout our diverse South Florida community and around the world,” said Eduardo C. Alfonso, M.D., director of Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. “We are committed to equity in healthcare, and our team is reaching out to marginalized neighborhoods to provide screening and access to appropriate vision care.”
Bascom Palmer is also a leader in deploying telehealth services and hybrid visits that allow patients to receive vision evaluations, consultations and follow-up care in the comfort and convenience of their homes, said Dr. Alfonso.
“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Institute — as part of the Miller School of Medicine and UHealth, the University of Miami Health System — has been able to deliver specialized vision care to infected and non-infected patients,” added Dr. Alfonso. “In fact, clinical protocols developed at our academic medical center showed above-average outcomes for UHealth patients.”
Meanwhile, Bascom Palmer continues to advance education, research and clinical care in collaboration with other vision professionals and industry partners throughout the world. For instance, the Institute’s Global Center for Ophthalmic Education offers video and in-person programs attracting a worldwide audience.
Bascom Palmer is also actively involved in national initiatives to promote diversity equity and inclusion in ophthalmology training. In addition, Bascom Palmer’s ophthalmology residency program was again ranked the best in the United States by Doximity, an online professional network for U.S. physicians. “This honor is a testament to the quality of our educational program, and the outstanding care that our alumni provide in their communities,” said Dr. Alfonso.
The U.S News & World Report rankings are based on data from nearly 5,000 medical centers and survey responses from more than 30,000 physicians. The 2021-2022 Best Hospital rankings are accessible at health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/rankings and in the U.S. News “Best Hospitals” 2021 guidebook.