History
Welcome to the storied legacy of Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, where a bold vision for revolutionary eye care has transformed lives for over six decades. From our humble beginnings in Miami to our groundbreaking expansion into the heart of the Middle East, our journey is one of unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and compassion.
As the Department of Ophthalmology for the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, we have set global benchmarks in patient care, research, and education—earning the title of America’s #1 eye hospital from U.S. News & World Report for more than 24 consecutive years. Today, as we celebrate our new chapter in Abu Dhabi, we invite you to explore the milestones that have shaped us into a beacon of ophthalmic hope.
The Visionary Beginnings
In the vibrant post-World War II era, the dream of a world-class eye institute took root in South Florida, driven by passionate collaboration among vision pioneers and community leaders. At the forefront was Bascom Headen Palmer, Jr., MD (1889–1954), a pioneering ophthalmologist whose decades-long partnership with the Miami Lighthouse for the Blind laid the groundwork for integrated eye care, research, and rehabilitation. Palmer’s tireless advocacy for the visually impaired highlighted the urgent need for advanced training and treatment facilities in the region, inspiring a movement that would culminate in the institute’s founding.
By the late 1950s, Edward W.D. Norton, MD—a brilliant retina specialist and future “Chief”—championed this cause at the University of Miami. Norton’s vision aligned with the university’s mission to address rising rates of eye disease in a rapidly growing population. With support from philanthropists and county leaders, land was secured at 1638 NW 10th Avenue in Miami, setting the stage for a facility that would blend clinical excellence with cutting-edge science. This era wasn’t just about building walls; it was about constructing a future where no one would suffer in darkness.
Pioneering Excellence
On January 21, 1962, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute officially opened its doors as the University of Miami’s Department of Ophthalmology, under Dr Norton’s visionary leadership. From day one, it was a hub of innovation: the first U.S. eye institute to integrate full-time faculty with subspecialty clinics, and to pioneer treatments for retinal diseases and glaucoma that saved countless eyesight.
By the 1970s, our teams were performing groundbreaking vitreous surgeries and laser therapies, training the next generation of ophthalmologists who would scatter excellence worldwide. This period solidified our reputation as a trailblazer.
We expanded facilities to handle surging patient volumes—over 100,000 visits annually by the 1980s—and launched the nation’s first comprehensive low-vision rehabilitation program. Dr Norton’s emphasis on “bench-to-bedside” research translated lab discoveries into real-world cures, earning us early accolades and fostering a culture of multidisciplinary collaboration that remains our hallmark today.
A Legacy of Innovation and Recognition
The 1990s ushered in an era of explosive growth and acclaim. Under successive leaders such as Dr J. Lawton Smith and Dr Sonia Yoo, we embraced molecular diagnostics, gene therapy trials, and advanced imaging—pioneering the first FDA-approved retinal implant studies and stem cell therapies for corneal regeneration.
Our research output soared, with faculty publishing thousands of papers and securing millions in NIH funding, while clinical volumes hit 300,000 patients and 21,000 surgeries per year across Florida.
Recognition poured in: U.S. News & World Report crowned us #1 in ophthalmology starting in 2004, a streak unbroken through 2025. We trained over 1,000 fellows globally, exported expertise via telemedicine, and weathered hurricanes with unyielding resilience—always prioritizing patient stories over headlines. Milestones like the 2010 Anne Bates Leach Eye Hospital expansion symbolized our evolution from a single building to a comprehensive ecosystem of care.
Global Horizons
In a visionary leap forward, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Abu Dhabi opened its doors in November 2025 as our first international location—the culmination of strategic partnerships with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi and August Medical. Spanning 70,000 square feet of state-of-the-art space, this facility mirrors our Miami excellence: advanced clinics for every subspecialty, evidence-based medicine tailored to regional needs, such as diabetic retinopathy in diverse populations, and a world-class training program to empower Middle Eastern ophthalmologists.
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Abu Dhabi, the first international location of the prestigious Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, brings America’s premier eye care to the UAE. Building on the legacy of treating over 300,000 patients and performing more than 21,000 surgeries annually across Florida, Bascom Palmer Abu Dhabi is poised to elevate eye health in the Middle East.