Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA

The Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary is a specialty hospital dedicated to excellence in the care of disorders that affect the eye, ear, nose, throat, and adjacent regions of the head and neck. Mass. Eye and Ear provides primary care and serves as a referral center for outpatient and inpatient medical and surgical care. In conjunction with Harvard Medical School, Mass. Eye and Ear is committed to the education of future health care professionals, as well as the education of the public concerning the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the diseases in its specialties and concerning the rehabilitation of patients handicapped by these diseases.

The Cornea Service at Mass. Eye and Ear has been at the forefront of many medical and surgical advances in the field. New programs have been developed for patients with severe corneal scarring, including stem cell transplantation, ocular surface reconstruction, lamellar keratoplasty and keratoprosthesis (artificial cornea) surgery. The Cornea Service also acts as a regional resource for the management of difficult and sight-threatening diseases, including corneal ulcers, severe viral disease and dry eye syndrome. Cornea Fellows spend some of their time at the Boston Foundation for Sight, learning about the role of Ocular Surface Restoration in the treatment of complex corneal diseases.

Dr. Deborah S. Jacobs, Medical Director at the Boston Foundation for Sight, has served as member of the Cornea Service Faculty since 2008. She staffs a clinic at MEEI twice monthly in which patients are referred by other MEEI doctors for consideration for prosthetic rehabilitation of the ocular surface ecosystem (PROSE).

Educating the next generation of cornea specialists

Every year, Cornea Fellows from the world-renowned Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary (at Harvard Medical School) come to The Boston Foundation for Sight for a rotation, under the supervision of Deborah S. Jacobs, M.D.  During this time, they learn more about the treatment of complex corneal disease. They learn about all facets of our treatment model, and about our collaborative, patient-centered approach to care. The Fellows also have opportunity to see patients with Dr. Jacobs in her BFS practice, which is devoted to ocular surface disease and complex corneal disease; and they participate in clinical research projects under Dr. Jacobs' supervision, leading to presentation at scientific meetings and publication.

Dr. Jacobs, Medical Director at BFS, has served as member of the Cornea Service Faculty since 2008. She staffs a clinic at MEEI twice monthly in which patients are referred by other MEEI docs for consideration for prosthetic rehabilitation of the ocular surface ecosystem (PROSE).