Nuestra historia

The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at Montefiore Einstein has a distinguished history shaped by visionary leadership, academic scholarship, innovation and groundbreaking contributions to the field of ophthalmology. Montefiore Einstein’s tradition of patient-centered care began in 1884, when a group of New York philanthropists sought to honor Sir Moses Montefiore, one of the most renowned business leaders, activists and philanthropists of his time, on his 100th birthday. The Montefiore Home for Chronic Invalids, established as a charitable hospital for the care of patients with incurable diseases, was founded on a mission of compassion and inclusion, welcoming all in need, including those denied care elsewhere.

Under the inaugural chairmanship of Samuel Gartner, MD, beginning in the late 1930s, the Department of Ophthalmology of the Montefiore Hospital established its reputation for clinical excellence, academic rigor and scientific inquiry. Building upon decades of ophthalmic service and investigation at the institution, Dr. Gartner’s tenure laid the foundation for a program deeply committed to advancing both patient care and research. Albert Einstein College of Medicine opened in 1955 and has since become a leading destination for medical education and research. In 1958, Max Chamlin, MD, established the Department of Ophthalmology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and served as its chair, marking the beginning of the Department’s modern era of academic and clinical leadership.

The Departments of Ophthalmology of both institutions were formally unified in 1969, with Paul Henkind, MD, PhD, appointed as the Frances DeJur Professor and Chairman of Ophthalmology. An internationally recognized authority on retinal vascular disease, Dr. Henkind expanded the Department’s vision through pioneering research, extensive academic contributions to the field and leadership within national and international ophthalmology communities. Under his guidance, the Department’s reputation grew significantly, particularly in the study and management of retinal vascular and degenerative diseases. 

Dr. Henkind’s impact extended far beyond the institution. He was a founding editor of multiple ophthalmic journals, a key figure in the American Academy of Ophthalmology, a member of the original Association for Research in Ophthalmology (now named the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology—ARVO), chaired the Macula Society’s Research Committee and co-founded the Fluorescein Club in New York. His enduring legacy is honored annually through the Paul Henkind Memorial Lecture at the Macula Society, which recognizes exceptional contributions to retina research worldwide, as well as through the Department’s annual Paul Henkind Day, a one-day symposium dedicated to furthering knowledge of current research and clinical advances across common ophthalmic conditions. Although Dr. Henkind passed away in 1986, his family remains deeply involved in philanthropic activities that continue to strengthen and sustain the Department he helped shape.

Building on this legacy, Ronald M. Bürde, MD, served as Chair of Ophthalmology from 1988 to 2000, guiding the Department through a period of significant growth and modernization while advancing the field of neuro-ophthalmology. He was equally committed to resident education, ensuring that trainees gained both the technical expertise of skilled physicians and the humanity essential to compassionate care. Dr. Bürde’s scholarly leadership extended to the national level, serving as editor of the Journal of Neuro-Ophthalmology from 1994 to 2001. In 2001, the establishment of the Branna and Irving Sisenwein Chair in Ophthalmology further strengthened its academic mission and long-term leadership in the field.

Between 2000 and 2007, Harry M. Engel, MD, a noted retinal specialist, educator and Director of Clinical Operations, served as Interim Chair. From 2007 to 2009, Assumpta A. Madu, MD, MBA, a glaucoma specialist, acted as Director of Clinical Operations, further enhancing the Department’s reputation for high-quality patient care and academic collaboration.

Since 2009, Roy S. Chuck, MD, PhD, has served as the Paul Henkind Chair, ushering in a new era defined by scientific innovation, comprehensive patient care and national and global leadership in ophthalmic research and education. Since the late 19th century, Montefiore Einstein has been recognized for its ophthalmic service and research, evolving over time into one of the nation’s premier academic medical centers, dedicated to providing extraordinary care to every person who seeks it. Under Dr. Chuck’s tenure, the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences continues to honor the vision of its past chairs and leaders while advancing the frontiers of discovery, education and clinical excellence in ophthalmology.