Victor T. Curtin, MD.
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MIAMI—Professor emeritus of ophthalmology at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Victor T. Curtin, MD, passed away here on March 9 at age 91. Among his accomplishments, Curtin was the first faculty member recruited to Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at the University of Miami school of Medicine where he stayed on its faculty for 57 years. He established the Florida Lions Eye Bank and Ocular Pathology Laboratory at Bascom Palmer in 1962, which to this day, provides corneal tissue for transplantation throughout Central and South Florida.

“From the first moment I met Dr. Curtin in 1979 during my interview for Bascom Palmer’s residency program, he became a role model and mentor,” said Eduardo C. Alfonso, MD, chairman of Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. “Known for his honesty and integrity, Dr. Curtin always led by example. I, and all of my colleagues, will forever be indebted to him not only for the opportunity to train with him, but also for his warmth and good judgment.”

Curtin received his undergraduate degree from Harvard before serving in Japan with the United States Army Medical Corps. After his service, Curtin completed a residency in ophthalmology at Cornell University Medical College in 1958, where he met Edward Norton, MD, and developed an interest in retinal diseases and ophthalmic pathology. Curtin realized that both corneal transplantation and ophthalmic pathology would be important to patient care as well as the education of training ophthalmologists.

As an educator, Curtin was dedicated to teaching the next generation of ophthalmologists. He was director of Bascom Palmer’s residency program from 1959-1996, and was responsible for interviewing 44 students who went on to lead eye institutes and teaching hospitals around the world.

“Dr. Curtin was the consummate teacher, physician and clinician-scientist. He was always at Dr. Norton's side providing sage advice for every important decision, “said John G. Clarkson, MD, executive director of the American Board of Ophthalmology, and former chair of Bascom Palmer. “No one cared more for the Bascom Palmer residents, fellows and staff, nor did more to help all succeed. He will be sorely missed and cannot be replaced.”

Curtin is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary Lou; their four children Paul, Jane, Gail and Joy Curtin. Memorial services will be held June 17, 2016 during Bascom Palmer’s annual Resident’s Days.