Advances in Ophthalmology

Harnessing decades of clinical experience and the latest developments in cutting-edge surgical technology, the Ophthalmology program at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center is advancing the boundaries of innovation in the treatment of complex eye disorders. Over the past several years, a confluence of factors has fueled its rapid growth: its location in America’s most populous city; one of the nation’s largest and most capable hospital systems; and the collegial support and investment by the medical college. This growth includes not only magnificent new clinical facilities and expansion of educational opportunities for physicians-in-training, but also - and most importantly - the recruitment of a highly-talented faculty who have focused on improving ophthalmic clinical care and surgical innovation. The success of their endeavors is particularly notable in the increased volume and sophistication of ophthalmic surgery services at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, where these renowned ophthalmologists perform the most advanced ocular surgeries to restore vision and quality of life to patients from around the world and across the age span.

Led by Donald J. D'Amico, MD, the John Milton McLean Professor and Chairman of Ophthalmology at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, the program offers comprehensive services to prevent, detect, and treat every conceivable disorder of the eye, including cataracts, corneal and external disease, retinal and vitreous disorders, pediatric and neurological ophthalmic conditions and glaucoma. Treatments range from non-invasive modalities to the most sophisticated surgeries including oculoplastic procedures, cataract surgery corneal transplantation utilizing multiple techniques (including DSEK and DMEK), keratoprosthesis (artificial corneal replacement), refractive laser surgery for vision correction, femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery and vitreoretinal surgery.

These highly sophisticated surgeries are offered at the NewYork-Presbyterian David H. Koch Center, a state-of-the-art ambulatory care facility that houses three of the world’s most cutting-edge operating rooms replete with ocular operation technology that enables our surgeons to achieve exceptional precision in vision restoration for the most challenging eye conditions. Since the opening of the Koch Center in 2018, NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Ophthalmology has experienced unprecedented growth in surgical volume due to greatly improved operational efficiencies, exceptionally positive patient satisfaction ratings, and superb visual outcomes.

Achievements At-a Glance:

• Achieving superior cataract surgery visual outcomes, monitored by ongoing analytics of our computerized medical record, that exceed national averages. Our surgeons are able to provide these superior results with the use of femtosecond laser for cataract extraction and two innovative optical systems for measuring the refractive power of the eye during surgery itself.
• Pioneered the use of amniotic membrane therapy for severe ocular surface disease that has transformed care in burn units around the nation, preserving vision for many patients with otherwise hopeless ocular surface scarring.
• Nationally recognized for artificial corneal replacement including permanent keratoprosthesis (K-Pro) to rehabilitate eyes in which a conventional transplant is not possible. This complex procedure requires both an experienced corneal and vitreoretinal surgical team to operate simultaneously.
• One of the most advanced and active centers for all forms of corneal transplantation in the nation.
• Leading center for PROSE lens fitting, a custom-fit device that covers and protects the entire ocular surface and is effectively used to improve both vision and comfort and heal a wide range of corneal conditions.
• Our Vitreoretinal Service was first in the nation to use ultra-widefield retinal imaging to enhance visualization and evaluation of retinal disease with the acquisition of the first Optos camera with angiography capabilities in the USA in 2006. This powerful imaging technology and the protocols developed within the department have become standard around the world. With its other imaging technologies, the department has peerless ability to diagnose, and therefore treat, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and the full range of retinal disorders.
• Pioneered and improved 3D imaging systems for vitreoretinal and other surgeries, allowing increased precision in surgery for macular holes, epiretinal membranes, retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, and other conditions requiring vitreoretinal surgery. A recent innovation to repair failed macular holes using a novel Viscostretch approach has been reported and adopted successfully by other centers.
• Dynamic collaboration between Oculoplastics and Neurosurgery has resulted in the refinement of complex trans-orbital neurosurgical techniques that access the brain and other intracranial structures through the eye socket. This innovative approach provides easier and less disfiguring access to critical brain structures.