Ophthalmology

Our ophthalmology team cares for the full range of vision disorders across our Burlington, Peabody, and Arlington locations. Routine eye exams and optical services are available at all sites, with advanced surgeries performed at our Eye Institute in Peabody.

We diagnose and treat:

Cataracts

• Advanced cataract surgery
• Astigmatism correction
• New intraocular lens options, including multifocal lenses

Cornea & Anterior Segment

• Corneal transplants and reconstructive surgery
• Diagnostic imaging such as corneal topography
• Treatment for corneal disorders and severe dry eye

Glaucoma

• Laser and surgical treatments, including combined cataract procedures
• Medical management and monitoring

Laser Vision Correction

• Advanced laser procedures to reduce dependence on glasses or contacts

Neuro-Ophthalmology

• Evaluation and treatment for vision problems linked to the nervous system

Ocular Immunology

• Treatment for eye inflammation and infections, including uveitis and scleritis

Ocular Plastics

• Cosmetic and reconstructive procedures
• Eyelid, tear duct, and orbital surgery

Retina & Vitreous

• Retinal detachment repair
• Treatment for diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration
• Vitreoretinal surgery

Routine Eye Care

• Comprehensive eye exams
• Contact lens fittings and low vision rehabilitation
• Pediatric vision screening

Find clinic hours, locations, and how to schedule an ophthalmology appointment or get emergency eye care.

Ophthalmology Clinic Hours

• Monday–Friday: 8:00 am–4:30 pm

For Optical Shop hours, see the Optical Shop section below.

Lahey Eye Institute Locations

• Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Burlington
• Lahey Medical Center, Peabody
• BILH Primary Care – 37 Broadway (Arlington)

Appointments

• Call the Appointment Office at 781-744-8000 to schedule a visit.
• For Laser Vision Correction, call 978-538-4567.

Emergency Eye Services

If you have an urgent eye concern, please use the contact information below based on the time of day.

• During business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–4:30 pm): Call 781-744-9530 (Ophthalmology triage line)
• After hours (4:30 pm–8:00 am): Call 781-744-8300 (Page Operator, available 24/7)

Feedback

• To share concerns or feedback about our ophthalmology or optometry services, please email us.

Find hours, services, and what to expect when visiting our Optical Shop locations in Burlington and Peabody.

Optical Shop Hours

• Monday–Thursday: 9:00 am–5:00 pm
• Friday: 9:00 am–4:00 pm

Contact the Optical Shop

Burlington

• Glasses: 781-744-8830
• Contact Lenses: 781-744-8615

Peabody

• Glasses: 978-538-4393
• Contact Lenses: 978-538-4448

Helping You See Better

Our Optical Shop offers prescription and non-prescription glasses, sunglasses, frames, and lenses. Licensed opticians provide fittings and work closely with our eye care specialists to ensure the best results.

What We Offer

• Brand-name glasses and sunglasses
• Frames with advanced technology, including titanium and stainless steel with spring hinges
• A wide range of lenses: progressive, high-index, polycarbonate, transition, and polarized sun lenses

Why Choose Us

• Owned and operated by Lahey
• Licensed opticians collaborate with Lahey's board-certified optometrists and ophthalmologists
• Competitive pricing on a wide selection of eyewear
• No appointment needed — bring your prescription and walk in
• Prescriptions accepted from both Lahey and non-Lahey providers

The Department of Ophthalmology provides comprehensive eye care with both medical and surgical treatment options. Our mission is to:

• Provide outstanding patient care
• Advance clinical research
• Share knowledge through teaching and international outreach

Lahey's Department of Ophthalmology was founded by Dr. Edward Connolly (1969) and Dr. Joseph Bowlds (1972) at the original Lahey Clinic on Commonwealth Avenue in Boston. Over the next 14 years, the department grew steadily as more ophthalmologists and optometrists joined the team.

By 1994, when the department relocated to Burlington, it included six full-time ophthalmologists, one part-time ophthalmologist, and five full-time optometrists. That same year, the Lahey Eye Institute was created at Lahey Medical Center, Peabody. Designed as part of a re-engineering of the program led by Dr. F. Denton Wertz III, then chair of the department, the Eye Institute became a center for comprehensive vision care. Its location next to the operating suite continues to support advanced diagnostic testing and surgical treatment.

Today, the department's multidisciplinary model combines the expertise of ophthalmologists and optometrists across subspecialties, allowing patients to benefit from truly collaborative care. Services are offered in Burlington, Peabody, and Arlington (at the former Symmes Hospital). The department also provides ophthalmology services to patients in Bermuda.

At Lahey, the Eye Institute and Clinical Research Department collaborate through the Center for the Advancement of Research in Eyes (CARE). CARE brings clinicians and scientists together to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of eye diseases.

Current areas of research include:

• Diabetic Eye Disease (including diabetic edema)
• Glaucoma
• Intraocular Lens Technology
• Macular Degeneration
• Uveitis