Retina & Vitreous Care

In addition to caring for the most common types of retinal diseases, our specialists have unparalleled expertise in managing rare inherited retinal conditions, such as retinitis pigmentosa and Stargardt disease (juvenile macular dystrophy). We collaborate closely with our Children's Hospital at Montefiore Einstein’s Pediatric Genetics, one of the nation’s first and best-known programs, which has been leading the way in genetic and genomic disease care for more than fifty years. Our specialists provide genetic counseling, next-generation testing and family support.

For individuals with retinal conditions associated with tumors, our team collaborates closely with our Ocular Oncology Program, which is fully integrated with Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center. Montefiore Einstein is among the elite 1% of National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the U.S. We also provide access to comprehensive vision rehabilitation and collaborate closely with our Burke Rehabilitation Center, ranked among the top 1% of all hospitals in the nation for rehabilitation, according to U.S. News and World Report. These partnerships demonstrate our commitment to comprehensive, multidisciplinary care that addresses not only complex retinal disease but also the systemic and functional needs of each patient.

As part of our commitment to improving outcomes for adults and children with retinal diseases, we have expanded our telemedicine (teleretinal) screening program to accelerate the diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy and retinopathy of prematurity while improving access to care. At the forefront of developing international screening programs for the early detection and management of retinopathy of prematurity, our Program integrates advanced imaging technologies with individualized treatment strategies, leveraging remote screening tools to help preserve vision and quality of life, often long before surgical intervention is needed.

We are leading collaborative research and spearheading numerous studies, 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 affected by, or at-risk for, retinal and vitreous diseases. Core areas of investigation include retinal vascular disease, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, inherited retinal dystrophies, ocular tumors and ocular inflammation. Recent work has evaluated the real-world value of anti-VEGF therapy, advanced the role of teleretinal screening to expand access in underserved populations and examined surgical outcomes in complex retinal detachment. 

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, offering new possibilities for cell-based transplantation to restore vision. Additionally, specialists 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. The Program is also part of the Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network (DRCR Retina Network), leading studies that inform national standards in diabetic eye disease care.

Whether you are newly diagnosed with a retinal condition, experiencing symptoms such as vision loss, flashes, floaters or distortion, managing a long-term systemic disease that affects the retina or seeking a second opinion, our world-renowned team at Montefiore Einstein Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences is here to provide you with exceptional care, support and resources tailored to your individual needs.

Our full-service Center offers comprehensive retina and vitreous care at every stage of life, from screening, prevention and diagnosis through treatment and recovery. We partner with other specialists and support services across Montefiore Einstein to provide social support, genetic counseling, patient education, care navigation, mental health and wellness services, and vision rehabilitation—ensuring coordinated, whole-person care. Our team of compassionate and deeply knowledgeable doctors, nurses, specialists and support staff is dedicated to helping you at every step of your retina and vitreous care journey, with access to the full breadth of resources our health system offers.

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 vitreoretinal 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.

Vitreoretinal conditions are a group of eye disorders that affect the retina (the part of the eye that senses light and sends signals to the brain) and the vitreous (the clear, jelly-like substance that fills the center of the eye). These include common retinal conditions that can lead to vision loss, such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, macular edema and retinal vein occlusion, as well as structural disorders including macular holes, macular puckers, posterior vitreous detachment and complex retinal tears and detachment. Inherited and pediatric conditions, such as retinitis pigmentosa, Stargardt disease (juvenile macular dystrophy) and retinopathy of prematurity, can also lead to vision impairment. Oncology-related disorders, including retinoblastoma and other ocular tumors, affect the retina and require highly specialized, multidisciplinary care.

These conditions can affect vision in different ways. Some cause gradual changes like blurriness, floaters or flashes, while others, like retinal detachment or eye tumors, can lead to sudden, severe vision loss and need urgent care. Because the retina plays a key role in helping us see, damage to it can cause permanent vision loss if not treated quickly. Early detection through comprehensive evaluation and advanced testing, combined with precise diagnosis and timely intervention, is essential to preserving vision, preventing complications and improving long-term outcomes.

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