MIAMI—For the 23rd time, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, part of the University of Miami Health System and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, has been ranked the nation’s Best in Ophthalmology by U.S. News & World Report in its annual Best Hospitals survey, the Institute announced. This ranking, which serves as a resource for consumers seeking optimal care in the diagnosis, treatment and management of medical problems, is based on a survey of board-certified ophthalmologists nationwide.

Bascom Palmer noted that it has more than 30 research laboratories, programs and centers focused on complex vision challenges facing children, adolescents and adults. Pioneering scientific research and clinical trials are conducted at the Corneal Innovation Laboratory, the Mark J. Daily Inherited Retinal Diseases Research Center, the Lois Pope Center for Retinal and Macular Degeneration Research and the Dr. Nasser Ibrahim Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, the Institute said. Its current research initiative aims to restore vision by transplanting a human eye. In addition to patient care and research, the Institute shared that it remains committed to ophthalmic education and training.

“We are privileged to be acknowledged once again as the nation’s leader in the life-changing and dynamic field of ophthalmology," said Eduardo C. Alfonso, MD, director and chair of Bascom Palmer. "Our daily mission revolves around preserving and enhancing patients’ vision by delivering exceptional clinical care, conducting innovative research, and teaching the next generation of eyecare providers.”

 
“Achieving and then maintaining the No. 1 ranking for 23 years is a testament to the excellence in clinical care and research that exists at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute," added Dipen J. Parekh, MD, chief operating officer of UHealth. "It is a crown jewel of the University of Miami Health System and we’re proud to have this world-class eyecare in South Florida.”

“The physicians, researchers and staff set the bar for the nation when it comes to research and teaching the next generation of ophthalmologists," Henri R. Ford, MD, MHA, dean and chief academic officer of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, noted further. "They are truly poised to advance eyecare in the world.”

Three other University of Miami Health System programs joined Bascom Palmer in being recognized: Neurology and Neurosurgery ranked 25 in the nation; and the Cancer and Geriatrics programs were “high-performing.” The full ranking of hospitals by specialty is available from U.S. News & World Report here.