Division of Ophthalmology
The Division of Ophthalmology, part of the Department of Surgery, offers extensive medical and surgical treatment options, research programs and education and training opportunities.
Eye Care & Surgery
Also known as Ophthalmology
Specialized vision care to help you see more clearly
Comprehensive Medical and Surgical Treatment of Eye Conditions
Sight is one of our most important senses. Our eyes help us navigate and interpret the world around us. Being able to see clearly helps us interpret and interact with the world around us and keeps us safe from harm. If you are having trouble with your vision, we're here to help.
The Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) Division of Ophthalmology provides comprehensive treatment of eye diseases. An ophthalmologist is a doctor who has advanced medical and surgical training to diagnose and treat eye diseases. We offer subspecialty services in glaucoma care, cataract surgery, corneal and external disease treatment, oculoplastics, ocular oncology, retina and neuro-ophthalmology.
We also provide optometry services. An optometrist is a health care professional who provides vision care, such as vision testing and correcting refractive errors by prescribing eyeglasses.
Conditions We Treat
At BIDMC, you can get comprehensive care for a range of vision conditions, including:
- Cataracts — clouded lenses.
- Diabetic eye disease
- Double vision due to neurological causes
- Glaucoma — damage to your optic nerve, which sends information from your eye to your brain.
- Keratitis — inflamed cornea, your eye’s transparent covering.
- Optic nerve problems
- Ptosis — drooping of the upper eyelid.
Comprehensive Vision Care
We offer a range of solutions for refractive errors such as corrective lenses (prescription glasses).
Eye Exams & Testing Services
The Ophthalmology Division provides comprehensive, ancillary testing, including:
- Fluorescein angiography: An imaging test that uses a special dye and camera to view blood vessels in the retina.
- Fundus photography: Images of the rear of the eye (fundus) using a specialized camera.
- Ophthalmic ultrasound: A non-invasive procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to evaluate the eye.
- Optic nerve imaging tests: To check for various disorders that may affect the optic nerves
- Visual fields: Testing to determine if and where you have blind spots in your vision.
Expert Eye Surgery
If you need surgery to correct your vision, you can benefit from the expertise of our eye surgeons. We offer specialized surgical operating rooms for your comfort during:
- Cataract surgery.
- Corneal disease surgery.
- Corneal transplant.
- Eyelid surgeries
- Glaucoma surgery.
- Retina surgery
More About Eye Care & Surgery
Neuro-Ophthalmology Clinic
The Neuro-Ophthalmology Clinic provides care for patients with difficulties with visual perception and eye movements, due to disorders involving the central and peripheral nervous systems, such as brain tumors, stroke, and illnesses like multiple sclerosis or myasthenia. The clinic uses a range of techniques to evaluate ophthalmologic and neurologic conditions.
Specialty Retina Care
We deliver the highest quality care possible in vitreoretinal diseases and surgery. We use a broad range of laser, injection and surgical techniques to treat vitreoretinal disorders such as::
- Age-related macular degeneration: An eye disease that blurs your central vision. It occurs when a part of the retina, called the macula, is damaged.
- Diabetic retinopathy: A chronic eye condition that causes vision loss and blindness in people with diabetes.
- Epiretinal membranes: A tissue-like scar that forms on top of the retina.
- Macular holes: Small tears in the center of the retina (macula).
- Posterior vitreous detachment: A condition that occurs when the vitreous (a gel-like substance in the eye) separates from the retina.
- Retinal detachment: A condition that occurs when the retina is pulled away from its normal position.
