About Us
Over the past 150 years, the Department of Ophthalmology at Columbia University Medical Center has been at the forefront of major advances in vision care, and we are leading the world in medical research. Ranked #5 in NIH funding in the country, our scientists are making discoveries that directly impact patient care. Our approach is highly personalized, and as many of our physicians are involved in research, this enables us to recommend patients for clinical trials and research studies within Columbia as well as nationally and internationally. As an example, our Eye Genetics is a cutting-edge program where we use an inter-disciplinary approach to evaluate ophthalmic disorders of genetic origin.
We also believe that the next generation of leading ophthalmologists should not only be trained to excel in the science of ophthalmology to treat disease but are given the tools to become compassionate and caring physicians.
In 2023, we are building the Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute as a national and international center of excellence for treatment of vision disorders and a place where our residents and fellows will continue their learning process as well as continuing medical education programs for ophthalmologists (both faculty, and community ophthalmologists) to enhance skills and knowledge. For a current snapshot of the Columbia Department of Ophthalmology, please refer to the “Fact Sheet” for 2023/24.
