Ophthalmology

Patient undergoing an eye exam.The Department of Ophthalmology provides comprehensive eye care and complete medical and surgical treatment. The foundation of the department is an experienced, highly motivated staff whose mission has multiple goals:

• To provide outstanding health care
• To conduct clinical research
• To share knowledge through teaching and international outreach

Dr. Edward Connolly, who joined Lahey in 1969, and Dr. Joseph Bowlds, who joined in 1972, founded Ophthalmology Services at the then Lahey Clinic. The department was initially located on Commonwealth Avenue in Boston. Over the next 14 years, optometrists and ophthalmologists were hired.

By 1994, when the department was located in Burlington, it consisted of six full-time ophthalmologists, one part-time ophthalmologist, and five full-time optometrists. Today, the department’s unique multidisciplinary approach to patient care – involving the collaboration of ophthalmology and optometry specialists with different areas of expertise – allows for cross-fertilization of talent, producing the very best in comprehensive patient care.

The Eye Institute, a dynamic eye care center housed within the Department of Ophthalmology, was conceived in the summer of 1994 as part of the re-engineering of the ophthalmology program, led by F. Denton Wertz III, MD, then the chair of the department. After opening at Lahey Medical Center, Peabody the Institute’s comprehensive approach to vision care and medical and surgical diseases of the eyes made it popular with patients. In addition to providing state-of-the-art diagnostic capabilities in all areas of vision care, it is situated adjacent to the operating suite, facilitating the very best in care.

Ophthalmology services are also available through Lahey at its Arlington site, located at the former Symmes Hospital. In addition, a program providing subspecialized ophthalmology care for patients in Bermuda is currently under development.

Members of the Department of Ophthalmology provide care for the full range of vision disorders at Lahey Medical Center, Peabody, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Burlington, and Lahey Arlington.

Staff rotate between the three sites for regular outpatient services, with surgical and other complex procedures performed at the state-of-the-art Eye Institute quarters in Peabody. On-site optical shops in both Burlington and Peabody support the department’s large vision examination and contact lens practice.

Cataracts

• Phacoemulsification surgery
• Limbal relaxing incisions for correction of astigmatism
• Morcher® capsular tension rings
• New intraocular lens technologies
  • Multifocal lenses
  • Blue-blocker lenses

Cornea and Anterior Segment

• Medical and surgical management of corneal disorders
• Sjogren’s syndrome and severe dry eye symptoms
• Ocular implants
• Surgical correction of astigmatism
• Corneal transplants
  • Traditional and sutureless
• Reconstruction of anterior segment
• Repair after eye trauma or complex cataract surgery
• Diagnostic procedures
  • Corneal topography
  • ORB scan
  • Specular microscopy
  • Wavefront analysis

Glaucoma

• Diagnosis and medical management
• Laser treatment
• Surgical treatments
  • Trabeculectomy
  • Tube-shunt procedures
  • Combined cataract and glaucoma procedures

Laser Vision Correction

Ocular Immunology

• Medical and surgical management of ocular inflammation
•  Uveitis
• Retinal vasculitis, choroiditis, pars plantis
• Scleritis and episcleritis
• Herpes Zoster and Herpes Simplex ocular infections
• Keratitis
• Cicatrizing conjunctivitis

Ocular Plastics

• Cosmetic eyelid and eyebrow procedures
• Eyelid reconstruction
• Repair of eyelid malpositioning
• Surgery for tear drainage problems
• Thyroid orbitoplasty (bulging eyes)
• Orbital blow-out fractures
• Orbital tumors

Retina and Vitreous

• Macular degeneration
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Retinal detachment
• Retinal vascular disease
• Macular holes and pucker
• Vitreoretinal surgery

Routine Eye Care

• Routine vision examination
• Pediatric eye screening
• Contact lens service
• Lens fitting
• Bifocal contact lenses
• Soft and RGP lenses
• Optical services
• Low vision rehabilitation

The Eye Institute and Clinical Research Department at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center have formed a collaboration known as the Center for the Advancement of Research in Eyes. Through CARE, clinicians and scientists work together with the goal of improving diagnosis, treatment and prevention of ophthalmic disease. Areas of clinical investigation are constantly evolving, and include an ongoing focus on macular degeneration, diabetic edema, glaucoma, uveitis and intraocular lenses.

Helping You See Better

Our Optical Shop offers a variety of services. Both our Burlington and Peabody locations handle prescription glasses, non-prescription glasses, frames, lenses and sunglasses. In addition to providing quality eyewear, our highly trained, licensed opticians offer outstanding customer service.

We have the latest styles and technology:

• Brand name glasses and sunglasses
• Frames featuring the latest technology, including titanium and stainless steel with spring hinges
• Progressive, high-index, polycarbonate, transition and polarized sun lenses

Why Choose Us

Our Optical Shop is owned and operated by Lahey. Licensed opticians do the fittings and work closely with Lahey's board-certified optometrists and ophthalmologists to give you the best possible care.

We offer competitive pricing on a wide selection of quality eyewear products. You do not need an appointment—all you have to do is bring in your prescription.

We also accept eyeglass prescriptions from optometrists and ophthalmologists outside of Lahey. Call or stop in today to learn more about our services.

Lahey Hospital & Medical Center’s Eye Institute offers services at three locations:

• Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Burlington
• Lahey Medical Center, Peabody
• Beth Israel Lahey Health Primary Care – 37 Broadway

Normal office hours are from 8 am to 5 pm on weekdays. On-call services for emergency treatment are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

To make an appointment, please call the Appointment Office at 781-744-8000.

If you would like more information about Lahey’s Laser Vision Correction services, please call 978-538-4567.

At Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, we want to ensure that you receive the highest quality care possible. If you have any concerns or feedback to share about our optometry or ophthalmology services, please email us.