Nurhan Torun, MD, named Chief of Ophthalmology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

BOSTON – Nurhan Torun, MD, an accomplished ophthalmologist internationally recognized for her expertise in ocular motility disorders, has been named Chief of Ophthalmology in the Department of Surgery at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC). In addition to her surgical practice, Torun is a leader in ophthalmologic research and education.

“Dr. Torun is an outstanding colleague who has already contributed much to BIDMC and to the field of ophthalmology,” says Elliot Chaikof, MD, PhD, Chair of the Department of Surgery. “In her new position, she will build on a strong foundation, and provide a fresh vision for how the division can continue to evolve and grow.”

Since she first joined the division in 2006 as the Director of the Neuro-opthalmology Clinic at BIDMC, Torun has provided expert care to patients with a wide range of ophthalmological disorders, including unexplained vision loss, undiagnosed neurological conditions, cranial nerve palsies, double vision and a wide variety of other disorders. Her surgical practice includes the treatment of cataracts and various anterior segment laser procedures.

“I have been privileged to be a part of this dynamic institution as a clinician, educator and researcher for more than ten years,” said Torun. “I am honored to now lead our division in my new role, where I will work closely with our talented team as we grow to meet the increasing need for our services while continuing to provide excellent care for our patients.”

Also an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School, Torun commits much of her time to training and mentoring students, resident and fellows. She was honored as the 2015 recipient of the Outstanding Teacher Award from the Harvard Neurology Residents at BIDMC and is also a member of both the BIDMC Academy of Medical Educators and The Academy at Harvard Medical School.

With having published more than 30 peer-reviewed manuscripts, reviews, monographs, and book chapters, Torun is also dedicated to clinical research and scholarship. She is currently conducting research to utilize eye movement as a novel quantitative biomarker to assess, diagnose, and monitor the progression of Huntington’s disease in collaboration with the Movement Disorders Clinic. Previously, she investigated the dynamic contour tonometry as a noninvasive diagnostic tool for giant cell arteritis. She has also served as Associate Editor of Neuro-ophthalmology.

Torun earned her medical degree from and graduated as the Gold Medalist of her class at Hacettepe University School of Medicine in Ankara, Turkey. She completed her residency in ophthalmology, as well as clinical and research fellowships in neuro-ophthalmology, at the University of Toronto, where she served as the Elizabeth Barford Fellow in Neurological Sciences. Torun is board certified in ophthalmology.