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Department of Ophthalmology

The Department of Ophthalmology and New England Eye Center makes healthier possible with expert diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases and visual problems. Beyond our clinical care, we’re leading the way to the future of ophthalmic care through training and education programs, eye research and ophthalmic technology development.
Jay Duker, MD, Ophthalmologist-in-Chief, examining a patient's eyes during an appointment at Tufts Medical Center.
Sights set on advanced patient care

Our ophthalmologists are distinguished clinicians, educators and researchers who cover all angles of visual health, from routine care to complex cases. Together, we're building better ophthalmic care for our patients by keeping up with the latest advances in ophthalmology.  

Our department features innovative ophthalmic technology to complement our doctors' expertise, putting us on par with the most advanced eye centers anywhere. Sophisticated testing such as digital angiography, color Doppler imaging and ultrasound biomicroscopy help us make even the most difficult diagnoses. On a larger scale, our laser vision technology's range of therapeutic capabilities is matched by only a few ophthalmic centers worldwide.

Contact info

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Department research

The Department of Ophthalmology has a strong research lineup, encompassing lab-based projects explored in the Vision Research Laboratory, clinical research funded by the National Eye Institute and clinical trials across all subspecialties within our department.

Our brightest minds were among the first to report the use of intravitreal triamcinolone, which is now used widely to treat a number of eye diseases, as well as transpupillary thermal therapy for occult choroidal neovascularization. For the past few decades, we’ve been involved in many other industry- and NIH-sponsored studies of the most exciting recent advances in ocular therapeutics in:  

  • Age-related macular degeneration
  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Retinal vein occlusion
  • Retinopathy of prematurity

Perhaps most notably, since the early 1990s, our department has been at the forefront of ophthalmic imaging research. In collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, we were involved in developing a revolutionary ocular imaging technology and optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Explore our research

Functional Imaging for Ocular Blood Flow with OCTA
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Macular degeneration, Retinal disorders
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Training + education

Students who have their sights set on unmatched training and education in ophthalmology come to our Ophthalmology Residency Program, as well as clinical fellowships in various subspecialties. Our three-year residency program blends clinical training, academic activities and research opportunities for the four residents admitted to the program each year.

Residencies + fellowships
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Our leadership

Our leadership team gives us the guidance and support we need to ensure that the clinical, research and training goals of the department are met.

  • Department Chair, Chair of Ophthalmology at Tufts Medical Center: M Reza Vagefi, MD
  • Vice Chair of Clinical Services: Astrid Werner, MD
  • Vice Chair of Surgical Services: Andre Witkin, MD 
  • Vice Chair of Patient Safety and Quality Improvement: Michelle Liang, MD 
  • Vice Chair, Research and Academic Programs: Pedram Hamrah, MD 
  • Director of Comprehensive Ophthalmology: Kamden Kopani, MD 
  • Director of Cornea Services: Pedram Hamrah, MD 
  • Director of Cornea Services: Michael Raizman, MD 
  • Director of Glaucoma Services (interim): Chandrasek (Dru) Krishnan, MD 
  • Director of Neuro-Ophthalmology: Tom Hedges, MD 
  • Director of Neuro-Ophthalmology: Laurel Vuong, MD 
  • Director of Oculoplastics: Katrinka Heher, MD
  • Director of Ophthalmic Pathology: Nora Laver, MD 
  • Director of Optometry Services: Cynthia d’Auria, OD 
  • Director of Optometry Services: ChiHae Kwan, OD 
  • Director of Pediatric Services: Sylvia Yoo, MD 
  • Director of Retina Services: Andre Witkin, MD 
  • Director of Uveitis: Lana Rifkin, MD 
Patient getting their eye’s examined with a slit lamp during an ophthalmology appointment.
Our locations

From regular office visits to inpatient stays, our specialists across Tufts Medicine offer the best in healthcare, when and where our patients need it.

Jay Duker, MD, Ophthalmologist-in-Chief at Tufts Medical Center, examining a patient's eyes during a clinic appointment.
Our doctors + care team

Our specialists and care team members across Tufts Medicine deliver unmatched healthcare with a personalized touch.

News
Bionic Eye Implant Technology
November 15, 2022
Tufts Medical Center completed the first Bionic Eye Implant in New England. Christine now has some light back in her previously dark life. Learn more.
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