History

Celebrating Six Decades of Vision Leadership

On January 21, 1962, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Department of Ophthalmology, officially opened its doors as the first center in the Southeast United States devoted exclusively to the study and treatment of the eye. From its humble beginning with two faculty members, Bascom Palmer has grown steadily for over six decades, becoming a global leader in vision research, education, and clinical care.

“I am proud of our team’s unwavering dedication to advancing eye health and their passion for innovation in patient care, research, and education,” said Eduardo C. Alfonso, M.D., director and the Kathleen and Stanley J. Glaser Chair in Ophthalmology. “Together, we continue to shape the future of ophthalmology and improve lives around the world.”

Leading the way

Under the leadership of founding director Edward W. D. Norton, M.D., – a superb and compassionate doctor, innovative thinker, and enthusiastic teacher – Bascom Palmer attracted talented clinicians and researchers in the 1960s who soon began making major contributions to virtually every field of ophthalmology.

For instance, Donald Gass, M.D., in 1970 introduced a procedure called fluorescein angiography that would soon become a world standard in the diagnosis and treatment of retinal disorders.

The same year, Robert Machemer, M.D., performed the world’s first pars plana vitrectomy on a Miami patient, using innovative microsurgical tools developed at Bascom Palmer specifically for the procedure. Until then, ophthalmologists had considered the vitreous body forbidden territory because of the risk of causing a retinal detachment. It is now one of the most frequent procedures in ophthalmology.

Through the decades, many more of the Institute’s clinician-researchers have advanced the field of ophthalmology. John T. Flynn, M.D., dedicated his career to finding a cause for retinopathy of prematurity, a blinding condition afflicting premature infants. He discovered the appropriate amount of oxygen in incubators to save the retina and vision of premature infants worldwide.

Paul F. Palmberg, M.D., redefined glaucoma treatment throughout the world by determining the proper target pressure in the eye; and Philip Rosenfeld, M.D., pioneered treatment for the wet form of age-related macular degeneration using a drug originally approved by the FDA for colorectal cancer treatment, forever changing the course of treatment for this blinding disease.

Bascom Palmer’s clinicians have also led the way in developing new surgical procedures and partnered with the Institute’s bioengineering team, under the direction of Jean-Marie Parel, Ph.D., to invent or improve more than 350 ophthalmic instruments.

Bascom Palmer’s far-sighted professionals are now developing advanced digital applications like machine learning and artificial intelligence to improve clinical care, while scientists in Bascom Palmer’s laboratories work on gene therapy, stem cells, and biomechanical devices in leading-edge scientific programs.

Moving into the future

Today, Bascom Palmer’s professionals remain focused on finding new ways to diagnose, treat, and prevent vision diseases and disorders. “Our scientists and clinicians are using large-scale clinical databases, 3D imaging technologies, and sophisticated medical therapies to benefit our patients,” said Dr. Alfonso. “Every day, our researchers collaborate with our colleagues at the Miller School of Medicine, sharing ideas and insights, and launching new laboratory and clinical research initiatives.”

Reflecting on the leadership of Bascom Palmer’s founding director, Dr. Alfonso said, “Our professional team – as well as our alumni around the world – are proud to continue Dr. Norton’s legacy of providing compassionate patient care and investing in world-class scientific discovery and clinical innovation.”

Global Horizons

The Dawn of Bascom Palmer Abu Dhabi (2025 Onward)

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 reflects our Miami excellence: advanced clinics for critical subspecialties; evidence-based medicine tailored to regional needs, such as diabetic retinopathy in diverse populations; and a commitment to delivering a world-class experiential learning program forging partnerships with ESO (Emirates Society of Ophthalmologists) and DoH (Department of Health – Abu Dhabi) empowering the practice of ophthalmology in the region.

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.