VALHALLA, N.Y— New York Medical College and The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary have appointed Paul A. Sidoti , M.D., as chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary (NYEEI), an affiliate of New York Medical College in New York City.

Dr. Sidoti, who is also Professor of Ophthalmology at New York Medical College, had been NYEEI Ophthalmology Residency Program Director for the past seven years, as well as director of the Comprehensive Ophthalmology Service (Outpatient Eye Department) at NYEEI.

Edward C. Halperin , MD, M.A., chancellor for health affairs and chief executive officer at New York Medical College, said, "The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary and the New York Medical College have been partners since 1880. The search for a new chairman of ophthalmology was conducted nationally by a faculty search committee and it is clear that Dr. Sidoti, a renowned glaucoma expert and medical educator, is the right person to move this program forward. "

Dr. Sidoti has received professional recognition with the American Academy of Ophthalmology Achievement Award, Glaucoma Foundation Medical Service Award, and NYEEI Residents' Award for Outstanding Teaching and Dedicated Service. His work has been published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at major medical conferences. He has been a principle investigator in clinical trials involving techniques of glaucoma surgery and imaging studies to advance diagnosis of the disease at ever earlier and more treatable stages.