(PRESS RELEASE) U.S News & World Report has once again ranked Bascom Palmer Eye Institute of the University of Miami Health System as the nation’s best in ophthalmology. Recognized as a global leader in vision research, medical education and patient care, this year marks the 18th time that Bascom Palmer has received the No. 1 ranking since the publication began surveying U.S. physicians for its annual “Best Hospitals” rankings 30 years ago.
“For more than five decades, we have been making life-changing discoveries in every field of ophthalmology, including innovative treatments for glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, optic nerve diseases, ocular oncology, and surgical procedures like removal of cataracts with intraocular lenses and surgery, correction of vision with Lasik and retinal detachment repair,” said Eduardo C. Alfonso, M.D., director of Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. “Now, our dedicated team of clinicians, scientists and educators are focusing on the future in keeping with our tradition of leadership in vision beyond 2020.”
Bascom Palmer has long been at the forefront of innovation in ophthalmology, advancing vision research in fields like gene therapy, retinal chips, orbital prostheses and stem cell therapy. “Our scientists are expanding knowledge about vision diseases and disorders at a rapid rate,” said Dr. Alfonso, who is chair of the Department of Ophthalmology and Kathleen and Stanley J. Glaser Endowed Professor of Ophthalmology. “Our researchers work closely with our clinicians to translate their findings into leading-edge patient care.”
“Currently, Bascom Palmer’s highly innovative Artificial Intelligence and Computer Augmented Vision Laboratory is developing personalized and customized digital glasses to augment vision of patients who have lost their vision from various conditions including glaucoma, macular and retinal diseases or strokes,” Alfonso added. “We are also developing artificial intelligence algorithms – the first of their kind in the world – to rapidly diagnose and appropriately treat eye diseases.”
“We are proud of their accomplishments, which make it possible for us to provide the nation’s most advanced ophthalmic care to our patients,” said Edward Abraham, M.D., executive vice president for health affairs and CEO of UHealth.
Bascom Palmer is also ranked as the #1 Overall Ophthalmology Program, the Best in Clinical Care, and the Best Ophthalmic Residency Program in the United States by Ophthalmology Times, a national publication focused on cutting-edge advancement in vision care.
“Bascom Palmer’s training programs are creating exceptional physicians who go on to care for patients around the world,” said Henri R. Ford, M.D., MHA, Dean and Chief Academic Officer of the Miller School of Medicine. “Bascom Palmer faculty members also collaborate with their colleagues across the Miller School to bring innovative treatments to our patients.”
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 2019-2020 Best Hospital rankings are accessible at https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/rankings and in the U.S. News “Best Hospitals” 2020 guidebook.