We are one of only 13 centers worldwide designated as a Cochrane Eyes and Vision (CEV) Center for Evidence-Based Vision Care, a National Eye Institute/National Institutes of Health (NEI/NIH)-funded distinction recognizing our commitment to advancing evidence-based medicine and eye care. Our contributions to research and determining the most effective treatments in patient care serve as a model for clinical sites around the world.

We offer access to the latest diagnostics and the most advanced medical and surgical treatments for the prevention, early detection and management of the full spectrum of macular degeneration conditions.

We use state-of-the-art, high-resolution imaging technologies, including optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT angiography (OCTA), fundus autofluorescence (FAF), fluorescein angiography (FA) and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA), to detect even the earliest retinal changes with exceptional precision. These advanced diagnostic tools enable us to assess subtle structural and microvascular abnormalities, individualize treatment strategies and monitor disease progression over time.

Our treatment approach is tailored to each individual, combining the latest medical therapies with advanced surgical options when needed. We offer a full range of intravitreal anti-VEGF injections, including aflibercept, ranibizumab, bevacizumab and faricimab. For select cases of macular degeneration, targeted laser treatments may be considered as an adjunctive treatment as well.

We offer a comprehensive suite of advanced diagnostics and treatments for macular degeneration, including:

We are leading collaborative research and spearheading numerous studies and clinical trials, including several funded by the National Eye Institute/National Institutes of Health (NEI/NIH), translating novel scientific discoveries into new diagnostics and treatments to help improve clinical outcomes for individuals with or at risk for macular degeneration. Through our clinical trials, our patients can access emerging technologies and innovative treatments that may otherwise be unavailable to the general public.

Our research spans basic, translational and clinical science, with a focus on advancing the understanding and management of glaucoma. Core areas of investigation include imaging biomarkers for early detection and disease progression, novel therapeutic strategies to improve visual outcomes and innovative surgical techniques for complex macular conditions. Recent studies have explored the importance of maintaining consistent treatment schedules for patients with neovascular AMD. Ongoing work is also evaluating near-infrared reflectance imaging for quantifying atrophy associated with AMD. Our researchers are also pioneering new techniques for the repair of macular holes, aiming to improve closure rates and optimize visual recovery for patients with complex presentations.

Our researchers are exploring the potential of using retinal organoids, laboratory-grown tissue resembling the retina, to generate cells for transplantation in the treatment of retinal diseases. Additionally, they are developing novel drug compounds that selectively activate chaperone-mediated autophagy and have demonstrated their efficacy in ameliorating retinal degeneration and disease progression in a preclinical model of retinitis pigmentosa. These advances may pave the way for new therapeutic strategies to help individuals with other retinal degenerative disorders such as AMD and diabetic retinopathy.

In addition to pioneering laboratory and clinical research, our experts are members of the Preferred Practice Patterns Committee (PPPC), contributing to the development of the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s Comprehensive Adult Medical Eye Evaluation Preferred Practice Pattern® (PPP) guidelines, which help to identify and define characteristics and components of quality eye care and establish the standard of care for conditions such as AMD.

Our world-renowned team at Montefiore Einstein Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences is dedicated to providing exceptional care, support and resources tailored to your individual needs. Whether you are newly diagnosed with macular degeneration, undergoing routine monitoring for early retinal changes, managing neovascular or advanced stages of disease, exploring options for treatment-resistant cases or seeking a second opinion. Our span of resources enables us to deliver highly specialized care that addresses each individual’s medical needs to preserve, restore and enhance vision, prevent vision loss and improve outcomes and quality of life.

Our Program is recognized for its collaborative approach and comprehensive clinical care—extending beyond the walls of Montefiore Einstein into the community through targeted outreach initiatives designed to preserve vision, slow disease progression, prevent both vision loss and blindness and enhance quality of life—particularly among vulnerable populations. Key efforts include community education, telemedicine-based strategies for the early detection and management of macular degeneration and other ophthalmic conditions and our partnership with Lighthouse Guild International’s Technology Peers for Accessible Living (Tech Pals) Program, which bridges generations through personalized technology mentorship for individuals with vision loss. This unique initiative pairs blind or visually impaired young adults with older adults to foster digital literacy and independence. Through these and other initiatives, we continue to expand access to care, preserve continuity and reduce disparities—advancing eye health across the communities we serve.

Macular degeneration is a progressive eye condition that primarily affects the macula, the light-sensitive central region of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision needed for activities such as reading, driving and recognizing faces. The most common form is age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which typically occurs in individuals over the age of 50 years and is a leading cause of vision loss and legal blindness in older adults. AMD is broadly categorized into two types: dry (nonexudative) and wet (neovascular). Dry AMD involves gradual thinning of the macular tissues with age and can progress to geographic atrophy, the advanced stage of dry AMD, while wet AMD is characterized by the growth of abnormal blood vessels under the retina, leading to fluid leakage, macular damage and rapid vision loss. In addition to AMD, inherited macular dystrophies, such as Stargardt disease and Best disease, can affect younger individuals and lead to central vision impairment. Although macular degeneration does not typically cause complete blindness, it can significantly impact central vision and quality of life. Early detection through regular comprehensive eye exams is essential, as timely intervention can help slow disease progression and preserve remaining vision.

With locations in New York City and Westchester County, we serve all your macular degeneration care needs close to home and work.