If used correctly, sinus rinse systems such as the neti pot are great tools for cleansing the nose. Sinus specialist Dr. Benjamin Bleier walks Focus through the steps for proper usage. Techniques for rinsing the nasal passages and sinuses have been used for thousands of years. They offer a way to get a balanced salt-water… Read More »How to Use a Sinus Rinse Kit the Right Way| FOCUS
In this expert Q&A, a fellowship-trained Mohs and reconstructive surgeon at Mass Eye and Ear answers key questions about what patients can expect after a high-risk skin cancer diagnosis and explains how Mohs surgery is used as a treatment option. Receiving a skin cancer diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but understanding available treatment options is essential… Read More »Understanding Mohs Surgery The post Understanding Mohs Surgery appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Scientists at the Ocular Genomics Institute of Mass Eye and Ear and Harvard Medical School are reporting an exciting discovery about the role of tiny particles called extracellular vesicles (EVs) in inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs)—a leading cause of vision loss. The researchers hope their discovery can enable EVs to serve as biomarkers that enable clinicians… Read More »Studying Tiny Messenger Molecules Released from Eye Cells Could One Day Benefit Care of Patients with Inherited...| FOCUS
Mass Eye and Ear offers a unique service that provides psychotherapy support to patients with vision loss and eye trauma and diseases. The service’s director, Ethan Lester, PhD, a clinical psychologist at Mass General Brigham, explains. At Mass Eye and Ear, we take pride in providing comprehensive and compassionate care to our patients, not only… Read More »Bridging the Gap Between Eye Health and Mental Health The post Bridging the Gap Between Eye Health and Mental Health appeared first...| FOCUS
This blog was originally published in August 2024 and updated on March 27, 2025. Serving the Needs of our Community Developed by Joseph Arboleda, MD, PhD and James Chodosh MD, MPH, and managed by Dr. Arboleda, Ankoor Shah, MD, PhD, and Silas Wang, MD, the Research Scholars program creates opportunities for medical students to build a competitive application for ophthalmology… Read More »Harvard Ophthalmology Research Scholars Program Paves the Way to Success The post Harvard Ophthalm...| FOCUS
Mass Eye and Ear is celebrating its 200th anniversary, and throughout this past year, Focus has featured stories on the hospital’s past, present and future. This month, Focus is spotlighting the rich history of Mass Eye and Ear’s Howe Library, and it’s evolution from a small collection of books in an office cabinet to one… Read More »The Intellectual Hub of the Hospital: Mass Eye and Ear’s Howe Library The post The Intellectual Hub of the Hospital: Mass Eye and Ear’s Howe Librar...| FOCUS
Doctors from Mass Eye and Ear’s Sleep Medicine and Surgery Division offer their advice on how to achieve a New Year’s resolution to improve sleep. Sleep is a critical component of physical and mental well-being, yet it is often overlooked due to life’s busy demands. While any time of year is a good time to… Read More »Experts Offer Top Tips to Improve Your Sleep Health in 2025 The post Experts Offer Top Tips to Improve Your Sleep Health in 2025 appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Mass Eye and Ear optometrist and researcher Lotfi Merabet, OD, PhD, MPH, is studying and raising awareness for cerebral visual impairment (CVI) and is helping lead a national charge to get the condition better recognized and treated. When adults develop vision loss, it’s usually due to issues with the eye, but vision impairment in children… Read More »Shedding light on CVI: The Leading but Often Undiagnosed Cause of Childhood Vision Loss The post Shedding light on CVI: The Leading but O...| FOCUS
Mass Eye and Ear is celebrating its 200th anniversary, and throughout the year, the Focus blog will feature stories on the hospital’s past, present and future. This month, Focus is spotlighting Mass Eye and Ear’s Anesthesiology Department, a dedicated and specialized service that has grown to 35 anesthesiologists on staff. The story of Mass Eye… Read More »Anesthesiology at Mass Eye and Ear’s Evolution From 1824 Through Today The post Anesthesiology at Mass Eye and Ear’s Evolution...| FOCUS
Mass Eye and Ear is celebrating its 200th anniversary, and throughout the year, the Focus blog will feature stories on the hospital’s past, present and future. This month, Focus is spotlighting the history of social work at Mass Eye and Ear, and crucial service that has helped improved the lives of patients, including those with… Read More »Social Work’s Storied History At Mass Eye and Ear The post Social Work’s Storied History At Mass Eye and Ear appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
After a series of life-threatening medical challenges, Mass Eye and Ear patient Mark Schreiber reveals how the expert care he received from Kevin Emerick, MD, not only helped save his life, but also inspired him to give back to others in a meaningful way. Mark Schreiber woke up in a Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH)… Read More »How a Life-Changing Skin Cancer Journey Inspired a New Mission The post How a Life-Changing Skin Cancer Journey Inspired a New Mission appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Mass Eye and Ear researcher Zheng-Yi Chen, DPhil, is studying several approaches to reverse different forms of inherited deafness that he hopes can one day pave the way for treatments for many genetic and non-genetic forms of hearing loss. Since the introduction of the cochlear implant more than 60 years ago, effective therapies for children… Read More »Opening the Gates to Gene Therapy for Treating Deafness The post Opening the Gates to Gene Therapy for Treating Deafness appeared first o...| FOCUS
Claes H. Dohlman, MD, PhD, passed away peacefully at the age of 101 on July 14, 2024. This post has been updated from a story from September 2022, when Dr. Dohlman was honored with the 2022 António Champalimaud Vision Award for his exceptional contributions to the field . His impressive body of work took place… Read More »In Memory of Claes H. Dohlman, MD, PhD, 101, a Cornea Research Pioneer and Visionary The post In Memory of Claes H. Dohlman, MD, PhD, 101, a Cornea Research Pioneer and...| FOCUS
Mass Eye and Ear is celebrating its 200th anniversary, and the Focus blog each month will have stories on the hospital’s past, present and future. In May, Focus is spotlighting Mass Eye and Ear’s Nursing Department and its dedicated professionals who pioneered the care of patients needing services in our specialty hospital. In advocating for… Read More »200 Years of Visionary Nursing at Mass Eye and Ear The post 200 Years of Visionary Nursing at Mass Eye and Ear appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Mass Eye and Ear is celebrating its 200th anniversary, and the Focus blog each month will have stories on the hospital’s past, present and future. In April, Focus is spotlighting the rich history of Mass Eye and Ear’s Dietary Department, which continues to be a hub for healthy nourishment and fulfilling interactions for staff, patients… Read More »The Communal Hub of the Hospital: The Mass Eye and Ear Food Services Department The post The Communal Hub of the Hospital: The Mass Eye and...| FOCUS
On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will be seen over North America. Retina specialist Jason Comander, MD, PhD, explains how to best enjoy the unique experience while keeping your eyes safe. When it comes to viewing the upcoming total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, Jason Comander, MD, PhD, director of the Inherited… Read More »Enjoy the Solar Eclipse with These Eye Safety Tips The post Enjoy the Solar Eclipse with These Eye Safety Tips appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Mass Eye and Ear is celebrating its 200th anniversary, and the Focus blog each month will have stories on the hospital’s past, present and future. In March, Focus is spotlighting some of the otolaryngology—head and neck surgery department’s most significant achievements in clinical care, research and education. Over the past 200 years, the Department of… Read More »Mass Eye and Ear Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery: Two Centuries of Innovation The post Mass Eye and Ear Otolaryn...| FOCUS
Mass Eye and Ear is celebrating its 200th anniversary, and the Focus blog each month will have stories on the hospital’s past, present and future. In February, Focus is spotlighting some of the ophthalmology department’s most significant achievements in clinical care, research and education. Learn more in an in-depth Advances in Motion article. More than… Read More »Mass Eye and Ear Ophthalmology: Celebrating 200 Years of Excellence in Patient Care, Research, and Education The post Ma...| FOCUS
Mass Eye and Ear is celebrating its 200th anniversary, and the Focus blog each month will have stories on the hospital’s past, present and future. In this first post, the team at the Howe Library at Mass Eye and Ear details the founding of Mass Eye and Ear and how its mission has carried on… Read More »Mass Eye and Ear Celebrates 200th Anniversary Since its Doors Opened The post Mass Eye and Ear Celebrates 200th Anniversary Since its Doors Opened appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
With 2023 winding down and the new year fast approaching, Focus reached out to Mass Eye and Ear experts to get their predictions on scientific and research advances breakthroughs that might be expected in the coming year. Ophthalmology treatment advances There are many advances to the field of ophthalmology expected in the coming year. Some… Read More »Mass Eye and Ear Experts Predict 2024 Medical Breakthroughs The post Mass Eye and Ear Experts Predict 2024 Medical Breakthroughs appeared ...| FOCUS
Mass Eye and Ear is pushing the bounds of discovery in dystonia research, utilizing artificial intelligence to diagnose and treat patients more accurately and timely. Watch this video from the 2023 Sense-ation! Gala to learn more about this research and hear one patient’s moving story. Imagine slowly losing your most valuable tool for communication, your… Read More »Advancing Dystonia Care Through Artificial Intelligence The post Advancing Dystonia Care Through Artificial Intelligence a...| FOCUS
In a recent article in The Lancet, David S. Friedman, MD, PhD, MPH, director of the Glaucoma Service at Mass Eye and Ear, and colleagues describe the current state of glaucoma care and what advances the future might bring to patients. In this Q+A, he discusses how far treatment has come and what can be… Read More »The Promising Future of Personalized Glaucoma Care The post The Promising Future of Personalized Glaucoma Care appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
After a near-fatal crash unveiled a massive cancer in his throat, Dan Kenney turned to a groundbreaking clinical trial led by Gregory W. Randolph, MD, FACS, FACE, to avoid disaster for a second time. Dan Kenney held on to the steering wheel for dear life. The breaks to his garbage truck had failed midway down… Read More »Escaping Disaster—Twice The post Escaping Disaster—Twice appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Mass Eye and Ear scientist Dong Feng Chen, MD, PhD, uncovered the role of a protein, IGFBPL1, which shows a promising pathway to stall vision loss in glaucoma. How glaucoma causes blindness has long been a mystery and now, a groundbreaking discovery from Mass Eye and Ear scientist Dong Feng Chen, MD, PhD, may shed… Read More »Newfound Inflammation Resolution in the Eye Paves the Road To Treatments to Stop Blindness from Glaucoma The post Newfound Inflammation Resolution in the Eye Paves t...| FOCUS
The effects of blind spots caused by eye disease, injury, or surgery can be difficult to understand and even more difficult to illustrate. New research from Eli Peli, MSc, OD, offers a glimpse of the world as seen by people with blind spots. People frequently develop blind spots, or scotomas, in their vision as a… Read More »Making the Invisible Visible: One Researcher’s Quest to Simulate Visual Blind Spots The post Making the Invisible Visible: One Researcher’s Quest to Simulate Visu...| FOCUS
Elite athletes train for countless scenarios. Cancer isn’t one of them. Jack Quinlivan turned to Mass Eye and Ear to help navigate thyroid cancer shortly after a concussion rocked his professional hockey career. Jack Quinlivan doesn’t like to think about his first concussion. Few professional athletes do. The long, brown scar across his neck, however,… Read More »Checking Disaster off the Ice The post Checking Disaster off the Ice appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Voice is a projection of one’s self-identity. Understanding how it ages can help individuals protect and cope with its changes later in life. A changing voice is a natural sign of growing up. Just ask any parent of a teenager, and they will tell you about the discomfort and confusion felt by their child growing… Read More »How To Confront an Aging Voice The post How To Confront an Aging Voice appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Rebecca Grasso experienced facial paralysis following a complicated procedure for a brain tumor. Today, thanks to a series of nerve transfers at Mass Eye and Ear, her face is close to resembling what it once was. Rebecca Grasso had just woken up from surgery when she first met Nate Jowett, MD, PhD, FRCSC. His introduction… Read More »Transferring a Nerve, Saving a Smile The post Transferring a Nerve, Saving a Smile appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
As people’s eyesight begins to strain, they may turn towards reading glasses or “readers” for help with their vision. Mass Eye and Ear Optometrist Isabel Deakins, OD, breaks down the do’s and don’ts when it comes to choosing the right readers. As people age, it is common to develop presbyopia, the progressive loss of near-focusing… Read More »How to Pick the Perfect Pair of Reading Glasses The post How to Pick the Perfect Pair of Reading Glasses appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Diabetes is a complex condition that can impact different parts of the body, including the eyes. Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of diabetes and is the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults. Focus spoke with Mass Eye and Ear retina specialist Leo Kim, MD, PhD, about diabetic retinopathy and how to prevent it.… Read More »Diabetic Retinopathy: What You Should Know About This Diabetes Complication The post Diabetic Retinopathy: What You Should Know About This Diabet...| FOCUS
Alopecia affects more than just a full head of hair; it can rob a person of their self-esteem and confidence. Linda N. Lee, MD, discusses the complexities of hair loss and available treatments. Hair loss, or alopecia, can take a heavy psychological toll. Many individuals are willing to pay exorbitant amounts of money to keep… Read More »Weighing the tolls and treatments of hair loss The post Weighing the tolls and treatments of hair loss appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
The Mass Eye and Ear Eaton-Peabody Laboratory Associate Professor Zheng-Yi Chen speaks about his efforts to develop gene therapies for hearing loss and his recent success in rescuing hearing loss in aging mice. Throughout his career, Zheng-Yi Chen, DPhil, has been at the forefront of hearing loss research. Since starting his lab at Mass Eye… Read More »Striving to Develop Treatment Options for Genetic Hearing Loss The post Striving to Develop Treatment Options for Genetic Hearing Loss app...| FOCUS
As people age, their hearing gradually fades. Naomi Fireman, AuD, CCC-A, explains how this occurs and how to mitigate its toll. Age-related hearing loss, or presbycusis, is one of the most common conditions adults experience as they age. In fact, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, more than half of… Read More »The Sound We Lose to Time The post The Sound We Lose to Time appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Mass Eye and Ear’s Emergency Department launched a new service where patients can call into a hotline and request a virtual visit with an eye doctor for urgent conditions, which will be triaged by a nurse to make sure true emergencies still get seen in-person. Mass Eye and Ear’s Emergency Department (ED) recently launched a… Read More »Mass Eye and Ear’s Emergency Department Launches 24/7 Virtual Hotline The post Mass Eye and Ear’s Emergency Department Launches 24/7 Virtual Hotlin...| FOCUS
Researcher Shizuo Mukai, MD put his eye for design and resourcefulness towards addressing a major need in eye clinics worldwide. When Mass Eye and Ear ophthalmologist Shizuo Mukai, MD discovered that a patient could not afford an expensive steroid implant, it turned into a creative mission. After doing some research – and digging through the… Read More »From Trash to Treatment: Working Cardboard Centrifuge Developed by Mass Eye and Ear Team The post From Trash to Treatment: Working Card...| FOCUS
Nelson Kiang, PhD, was founding director of the Eaton-Peabody Laboratories at Mass Eye and Ear, the world’s largest hearing loss research center. The Mass Eye and Ear community fondly remembers Nelson Y.S. Kiang, PhD, the Founding Director of the Eaton-Peabody Laboratories (EPL) and Professor Emeritus of Physiology at Harvard Medical School, who passed away March… Read More »Hearing Scientist Luminary Remembered for Remarkable Contributions to Mass Eye and Ear and Beyond The post Hearin...| FOCUS
Mass Eye and Ear doctors recall how the bombing impacted their careers. Aaron Remenschneider, MD, MPH, was the senior resident on-call at the Mass Eye and Ear Emergency Department on April 15, 2013. In this role, the fourth-year otolaryngology—head and neck surgery resident was on point for triaging ear, nose and throat (ENT)-related emergencies at… Read More »Impact of Boston Marathon Bombing Tragedy Inspires Advances at Mass Eye and Ear The post Impact of Boston Marathon Bombing Trage...| FOCUS
Mass Eye and Ear patient, Eavan O’Neill, shares her journey with Stargardt disease and why she is thrilled to run in the 127th Boston Marathon to fundraise for a cure. Eavan O’Neill first noticed an issue with her vision in the eighth grade. While playing sports, like lacrosse and soccer, the ball looked blurry… Read More »26.2 Miles Closer to a Cure The post 26.2 Miles Closer to a Cure appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Leslie Pascual-Esposito decided to run the Boston Marathon for Team Eye and Ear as a celebration of her health and 40th birthday, nearly one year after she underwent surgery to remove a thyroid growth. By any measure, running the Boston Marathon is a feat of athleticism and endurance that is nothing short of impressive. For… Read More »“Running Towards Home” In Her First Marathon The post “Running Towards Home” In Her First Marathon appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Katie Hafner, host of the Lost Women of Science Shorts podcast, visited the archives of Mass Eye and Ear to learn more about the vital work of scientist Leona Zacharias, PhD, an ophthalmology researcher who Hafner only knew as her grandmother. For March’s Women’s History Month, listen to the podcast and learn more about Dr.… Read More »Uncovering the Work of a Pediatric Eye Disease Pioneer The post Uncovering the Work of a Pediatric Eye Disease Pioneer appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Mass Eye and Ear’s Child Life Department plays an imperative role in providing comfort and support to children and their families who come to the hospital for surgical treatments. Seeing your child in the hospital about to undergo surgery can be stressful and emotionally exhausting, even for more minor procedures. Children can also be scared… Read More »Child Life Specialists: Pediatric Surgery’s Superheroes The post Child Life Specialists: Pediatric Surgery’s Superheroes appeared f...| FOCUS
March 3rd is World Hearing Day, an international observance dedicated to raising awareness of ear and hearing care established by the World Health Organization. This year’s theme, “Ear and hearing care for all!” emphasizes the importance of hearing health education and access to care for the millions of people with hearing loss worldwide. To commemorate… Read More »What To Know Before Buying Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids The post <strong>What To Know Before Buying Over-the-Counter H...| FOCUS
Program offers parents virtual training and resources to tackle problems that might arise at home following discharge, such as with their child’s feeding tubes. Bringing home a newborn can be a challenging time for any family. For parents whose babies had to spend months in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) following birth and were… Read More »Transition-to-Home Program for NICU Babies Launched at Brigham and Women’s Hospital with Help from Mass Eye and Ear The post Transition-t...| FOCUS
A former head and neck cancer patient at Mass Eye and Ear wanted to help fellow patients take back priceless moments lost to their disease. Donating tickets to see the New England Patriots, he thought, was the least he could do. Joe Aliberti loves the New England Patriots. For two decades, his favorite team has… Read More »Paying Forward an Unforgettable Sunday Afternoon The post Paying Forward an Unforgettable Sunday Afternoon appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Ear, nose and throat surgeon Alex Grilli, MD, may be the first surgeon to perform and undergo a surgery at Mass Eye and Ear in the same day. His case also posed a unique challenge that would require two eye surgeons: Treating a torn retina in a patient with glaucoma. Alex Grilli, MD, had just… Read More »The Day an ENT Needed Emergency Eye Surgery The post The Day an ENT Needed Emergency Eye Surgery appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Following the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, Widerson Mompremier began a treatment journey for a rare eye cancer that brought him to Boston as a toddler, and forged a lasting connection with Mass Eye and Ear. A child from Haiti who received treatment from Mass Eye and Ear as a toddler returned to the hospital more… Read More »Journey from Haiti to Mass Eye and Ear and Back for Rare Eye Cancer The post <strong>Journey from Haiti to Mass Eye and Ear and Back for Rare Eye Cancer</strong> appeared...| FOCUS
Rather than waiting several years for a surgery to correct a child’s abnormally shaped ear, families can have their newborn’s ears repaired with a customized, painless treatment at Mass Eye and Ear. Welcoming home a healthy newborn is a joyous occasion for any family. Yet, amid all the excitement and celebration, it can be easy… Read More »Ear Molding: Sculpted Benefits That Can Last a Lifetime The post Ear Molding: Sculpted Benefits That Can Last a Lifetime appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Floaters are incredibly common, but in some cases might represent a serious concern that needs immediate medical attention. Frances Wu MD, a member of the Retina Service at Mass Eye and Ear, explains. The appearance of eye floaters out of the blue can understandably cause concern. These small dark spots or squiggly lines that “float”… Read More »Eye Floaters Explained The post Eye Floaters Explained appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
In September 2022, Claes H. Dohlman, MD, PhD, who has forever changed the way conditions of the cornea are understood and treated, was honored with the 2022 António Champalimaud Vision Award for his exceptional contributions to the field. To celebrate Dr. Dohlman’s award and his recent 100th birthday, Focus is looking back at his monumental… Read More »Claes H. Dohlman, MD, PhD: Cornea Research Pioneer and Visionary The post Claes H. Dohlman, MD, PhD: Cornea Research Pioneer and Vision...| FOCUS
At the 2022 Sense-ation! Gala, macular degeneration researchers in Mass Eye and Ear’s Ophthalmology Department along with patient Laura Brennan brought awareness to a disease that claims people’s vision: AMD. Watch this video to learn more about this research and how it has impacted patients like Laura, and what work remains to better treat this… Read More »Progress Continues on Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treatments The post Progress Continues on Age-Related Macular Degeneration...| FOCUS
A low-risk cataract surgery unexpectedly left Texas resident Michelle Randolph, a professional photographer, with blurred vision in her left eye. After years of struggling to find answers, Michelle began to give up, until a close friend suggested she travel across the country to Mass Eye and Ear. After moving to southern Texas in 2013, Michelle… Read More »Worth the Flight: Traveling from Texas to Boston for Sight Saving Care The post Worth the Flight: Traveling from Texas to Boston for S...| FOCUS
Researchers Zheng-Yi Chen, DPhil, and Qin Liu, MD, PhD, are combining forces to combat a rare disease that leads to blindness and deafness. Watch this video of Drs. Chen and Liu describing their research at the 2022 Sense-ation! Gala, and hear from patient Hannah Corderman on how an Usher syndrome diagnosis has impacted her life. Usher syndrome… Read More »Racing the Clock and Raising Hope for Usher Syndrome Patients The post Racing the Clock and Raising Hope for Usher Syndrome Patients...| FOCUS
Mass Eye and Ear otolaryngologists Christopher Hartnick, MD, and Phillip Huyett, MD, are pushing the envelope in sleep apnea treatment using hypoglossal nerve stimulation. Watch this video of Drs. Hartnick and Huyett describing their work at the 2022 Sense-ation! Gala, and hear one family’s story. Updated March 21, 2023: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration… Read More »Sleep Apnea Device a Game-changer for Children with Down Syndrome and Adults Who Fail CPAP The post Sleep Apnea Device...| FOCUS
Halloween can be one of the most fun days of the year. What’s not to love between the costumes, candy and parties? A trip to the emergency department, however, can put a damper on the celebration. Some of the things that make Halloween so enjoyable unfortunately pose unique risks to the eyes, face, ears, nose… Read More »Tips to Avoid the Emergency Room this Halloween for an Eye or ENT Problem The post Tips to Avoid the Emergency Room this Halloween for an Eye or ENT Problem appeared fi...| FOCUS
Adjusting to unexpected vision loss can be immensely difficult. At Mass Eye and Ear, patients and families are offered short-term psychotherapy to receive guidance and learn coping skills while adapting to a new reality. It’s critical to recognize the significant effects that vision loss, whether from a traumatic eye injury or a progressive or sudden… Read More »Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Vision Patients The post Addressing the Mental Health Needs of Vision Patients appeared ...| FOCUS
The number 2020 holds special significance for eye care providers and vision scientists—it’s a reminder that in an ideal world, everyone everywhere would have 20/20 vision. As part of Harvard Ophthalmology’s 2020 Vision—A World Without Blindness initiative, Focus is highlighting some of the Department of Ophthalmology at Mass Eye and Ear’s biggest clinical achievements and… Read More »2020 Vision: Premier Patient Care and Clinical Innovation The post 2020 Vision: Premier Patient...| FOCUS
Donald Masciadrelli was cleaning his yard when a tree branch ruptured the globe of his eye. After multiple surgeries and ongoing care from the Mass Eye and Ear Emergency Department, he will regain his vision. Donald Masciadrelli had taken the morning off from work to clear his property. He and his wife were building a… Read More »Open Globe Injury: The Road to Recovery The post Open Globe Injury: The Road to Recovery appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Anesthesiologist Frankie Powell, MD, recently participated in a trip to provide training to anesthesia providers in Somaliland. By nature, those in the medical field are passionate and dedicated to providing exceptional care to as many patients as they possibly can. Anesthesiologist Frankie Powell, MD not only exemplifies this notion for his patients at Mass Eye… Read More »Get to Know Anesthesiologist and Global Anesthesia Advocate Frankie Powell, MD The post Get to Know Anesthesiologist...| FOCUS
When a bump on the eyelid is cancerous, a patient usually requires surgery to have it removed, which leaves behind a hole. Oculoplastic surgeons like Natalie Wolkow, MD, PhD, rely on specialized surgical techniques to reconstruct the eyelid to ensure the health of the eye and to leave it looking as cosmetically normal as possible. … Read More »Explaining Eyelid Reconstruction Following Skin Cancer Removal The post Explaining Eyelid Reconstruction Following Skin Cancer Removal appeared ...| FOCUS
Casey Finigan decided to turn to advocacy and raising funds for research after learning her father Willie was diagnosed with head and neck cancer. Since The Willie Fund launched last year, it has raised over $70,000 for head and neck cancer research. Finding out your loved one has cancer is an unsettling feeling. It’s not… Read More »Creating The Willie Fund to Honor Her Father’s Legacy The post Creating The Willie Fund to Honor Her Father’s Legacy appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
The decision to undergo laser vision correction is not an easy one. Once a patient does decide to pursue this course, there are several options he or she might be presented with during a consultation. Focus asked one patient to share his story, why he ultimately made the choice to undergo the procedure, and how… Read More »Choosing LASIK to See Clearly Outside the Camera Lens The post Choosing LASIK to See Clearly Outside the Camera Lens appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
For years, insurance providers have hesitated to consider voice and speech modification a medical necessity for transgender individuals. Through its Transgender Voice and Speech Modification Program, physicians at Mass Eye and Ear have begun blazing a trail to change that narrative. For members of the transgender community, there has never been a more dangerous time… Read More »Gender-Affirming Care Finds Its Voice The post Gender-Affirming Care Finds Its Voice appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
In the 1990s, Gail Rogers had her life derailed by oral cancer. A complex tongue reconstruction she underwent at Mass Eye and Ear not only put her life back on track but allowed her to live out some of her most precious memories. In more than 30 years of practicing medicine, Mark A. Varvares, MD,… Read More »A New Tongue Built for a Life Well-lived The post A New Tongue Built for a Life Well-lived appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
People considering laser vision correction have several options to choose from: PRK, LASIK and SMILE. How can you decide what’s best for you? Specialist Nandini Venkateswaran, MD, weighs in. When people want better vision without having to rely on glasses or contact lenses, they might seek out laser vision correction surgery, also known as corneal… Read More »Choosing the Best Laser Vision Correction for You The post Choosing the Best Laser Vision Correction for You appeared first on FO...| FOCUS
In the face of physical illness, it’s crucial to also recognize mental health needs of patients. Mass Eye and Ear’s Social Work Department is committed to helping patients get through challenging times while connecting them with the resources needed to help them reacclimate to daily life. Mass Eye and Ear’s Social Work Department is dedicated to providing… Read More »Spotlighting Mass Eye and Ear’s Social Work Department The post Spotlighting Mass Eye and Ear’s Social Work D...| FOCUS
A bump on the eyelid that pops out of nowhere can be concerning. Sometimes these growths, which might be a stye or a chalazion, can go away on their own, but other times they require medical attention. Focus spoke with Prashant Yadav, MD, director of the Chalazion Clinic at Mass Eye and Ear, to learn… Read More »What is a Chalazion, and When To Seek Medical Attention The post What is a Chalazion, and When To Seek Medical Attention appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Mass Eye and Ear researchers have found that sleep disorders like sleep apnea can significantly impact the wages and overall health care costs of individuals and society at large. Sleep disorders take a toll on one’s overall health and wellbeing. The disorders raise risk for a whole host of medical issues that can impact a… Read More »The Economic Toll of Sleep Disorders The post The Economic Toll of Sleep Disorders appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Bedside manner can make or break care. Just ask, Felicity Janczewski, of Worcester, Mass. Her experience seeing Gregory W. Randolph, MD, FACS, FACE, at Mass Eye and Ear for two suspicious lumps on her neck gave her the confidence to undergo surgery. Felicity Janczewski had been afraid of surgery her whole life. An alum of… Read More »Surgical Care That Begins At the Bedside The post Surgical Care That Begins At the Bedside appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
When patients struggle with obstructive sleep apnea and conventional treatments aren’t helping, a diagnostic procedure called a drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) can help identify what’s blocking the airway. After seeing Phillip A Huyett, MD, for the procedure, Billy Toto has been on a treatment course towards better sleep. Billy Toto left no stone unturned when… Read More »Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy Enables Close Look at Obstructive Sleep Apnea’s Cause The post Drug-Induced S...| FOCUS
The sun spares nobody. Just ask Bill Kieffer, who has lived with an aggressive form of skin cancer for what has felt like an eternity. Thankfully, Jessica Fewkes, MD, director of Mohs and Cutaneous Surgery at Mass Eye and Ear, has helped manage Bill’s cancer using Mohs surgery. Bill Kieffer thought he was invincible. Everyone… Read More »Correcting Decades of Sun Damage With Mohs Surgery The post Correcting Decades of Sun Damage With Mohs Surgery appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
The arrival of spring brings warmer weather and longer days. But the change in season also brings tree, grass and ragweed pollen—widespread allergens that can cause itchy, watery eyes. Focus spoke with Austin Meeker, MD, a cornea specialist and comprehensive ophthalmologist about allergic conjunctivitis—the most common eye allergy issue—and how to treat it at home.… Read More »Eye Care and Seasonal Allergies The post Eye Care and Seasonal Allergies appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Congestion, sneezing and a runny nose can be signs of allergies or illness. With allergy season here, Focus spoke with ear, nose and throat expert Stacey T. Gray, MD, to learn how to determine the difference between viral infections and allergies—and how best to treat symptoms. As seasons begin to change and spring is upon… Read More »Is it Allergies or a Sinus Infection? The post Is it Allergies or a Sinus Infection? appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Neuroscientist Daniel Polley, PhD, offers a unique perspective on ways scientists could approach therapies for untreatable sensory disorders like tinnitus or hyperacusis. Neuroscience research is in a golden age, with scientists making never-before seen discoveries in animal studies and basic science. Advances in gene therapy and transcranial stimulation have captured headlines touting the next best… Read More »Rethinking the Therapeutic Approach for Disorders Like Tinnitus The post Rethi...| FOCUS
Growing evidence is supporting the belief that “hidden hearing loss”, a type of inner ear nerve damage, may contribute to tinnitus, a potentially debilitating hearing condition. The discovery of hidden hearing loss, a type of cochlear nerve degeneration, at Mass Eye and Ear forever changed the way medical professionals think about the inner workings of… Read More »Uncovering What’s Behind Tinnitus The post Uncovering What’s Behind Tinnitus appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Twenty-four-year-old Liza Welch shares her experience with Mass Eye and Ear, and what’s inspired her to run the 126th Boston Marathon. In elementary school, Liza Welch knew her eyesight was worse than the other kids’ in her class. When she had eye tests done, though, it was in a controlled environment, without glare or poor… Read More »Eyes on the Finish Line The post Eyes on the Finish Line appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Mass Eye and Ear oculoplastic surgeon Michael K. Yoon, MD, was part of a team of doctors within the Mass General Brigham system who helped provide top medical care to an 11-year-old girl from Bangladesh with a rare form of eye cancer. Arpita Rani needed help. When the then 10-year-old from Bangladesh was diagnosed with… Read More »Saving Arpita’s Eye The post Saving Arpita’s Eye appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Former New England Patriots running back Brandon Bolden was treated at Mass Eye and Ear in 2018 for mucoepidermoid carcinoma. He kept his battle private until last year. Today, he shares his story to raise awareness about head and neck cancer and to urge others to live their lives to the fullest. Brandon Bolden is… Read More »Cancer Couldn’t Tackle Brandon Bolden The post Cancer Couldn’t Tackle Brandon Bolden appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
In celebration of Women’s History Month, Focus is recognizing the women of Mass Eye and Ear—both past and present. These amazing women have discovered life-changing cures, provided world-class patient care and pioneered a brighter future for ophthalmology and otolaryngology–head and neck surgery. This blog was updated on March 4, 2025. Breaking Down Barriers in Ophthalmology… Read More »Women Ophthalmologists at Mass Eye and Ear: Celebrating Our History and Future The post Women O...| FOCUS
In celebration of Women’s History Month, Focus is recognizing the women of Mass Eye and Ear—both past and present. At Mass Eye and Ear, women have been vital to the discovery of life-changing cures, providing world-class patient care and pioneering a brighter future for otolaryngology–head and neck surgery (OHNS) and ophthalmology. Decades ago, few women… Read More »Women of Otolaryngology: Celebrating the History and Future of Women at Mass Eye and Ear The post Women of Otolaryngol...| FOCUS
Kerri Pietragallo was driven to run the 126th Boston Marathon by her personal experience of being a patient of Mass Eye and Ear. Kerri Pietragallo, a longtime patient of Mass Eye and Ear, is making her marathon debut this spring as a member of Team Eye and Ear. Directly impacted by the top-notch research and… Read More »Inspired to Run by a Lifetime of Care The post Inspired to Run by a Lifetime of Care appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Did you know Mass Eye and Ear has an emergency department available 24/7 for any eye, ear, nose and throat (ENT) emergencies? Focus spoke with three members of the emergency department, Elise Lippmann, MD, Grayson Armstrong, MD, MPH and Margot Weinert, MD to decipher when to utilize this unique resource. Mass Eye and Ear provides… Read More »When to Visit the Mass Eye and Ear Emergency Department The post When to Visit the Mass Eye and Ear Emergency Department appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Mass Eye and Ear glaucoma specialist Nazlee Zebardast, MD, MSc is harnessing the power of big data and artificial intelligence (AI) in an effort to provide more individualized glaucoma screening and treatment for patients. Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss, yet some people are able to live for years without their vision… Read More »Using Artificial Intelligence to Personalize Glaucoma Care The post Using Artificial Intelligence to Personalize Glaucoma Care appeared f...| FOCUS
The Tinnitus Management Program at Mass Eye and Ear aims to help people live with the debilitating effects of tinnitus. Tinnitus is one of the most common hearing-related conditions in the United States affecting upwards of 50 million Americans. A unique new program developed at Mass Eye and Ear is aimed at helping those whose… Read More »New Mass Eye and Ear Program Offers Tinnitus Management Skills The post New Mass Eye and Ear Program Offers Tinnitus Management Skills appeared first on...| FOCUS
People commonly make mistakes with contact lens hygiene. Amy Watts, OD, weighed in on the best practices and safety tips for contact lens wearers. Are you practicing proper contact lens hygiene? An estimated 45 million people in the United States wear contact lenses to improve their vision, but some may not be using best practices… Read More »Keeping Contact Lenses Clean Can Prevent Serious Eye Infections The post Keeping Contact Lenses Clean Can Prevent Serious Eye Infections appeared fi...| FOCUS
If you’ve ever wished your eyelashes were longer, fuller or darker, you’re not alone. Eyelash enhancements continue to grow in popularity—particularly in the last couple of years when the need for face masks has put an increased focus on the eyes. Focus spoke with Nandini Venkateswaran, MD, a cornea specialist, to learn about the safety… Read More »Are Eyelash Extensions and Serums Safe for Your Eyes? The post Are Eyelash Extensions and Serums Safe for Your Eyes? appeared first on F...| FOCUS
Cosmetic eyelid surgery, or blepharoplasty, is the second-most common cosmetic surgery procedure in the United States. In 2020, more than 325,000 patients underwent the surgery, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Michael K. Yoon, MD, a member of the Mass Eye and Ear Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery Service, explained cosmetic eyelid surgery, and who… Read More »Everything You Need to Know About Cosmetic Eyelid Surgery The post Everything You Need to Know About Cosmetic Eyeli...| FOCUS
Patients are buzzing about a new eye drop, Vuity, that aims to help people who have trouble seeing close-up objects clearly. Focus spoke with vision expert Kathryn Hatch, MD, to weigh in on the new medication, who might benefit most, and whether users can throw away their reading glasses for good. A recently approved medication… Read More »Reading Glasses in a Bottle? The post Reading Glasses in a Bottle? appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Karen Lee, MD, a member of the Sleep Medicine and Surgery Division at Mass Eye and Ear, Longwood, explains the science behind unwanted sleep behaviors. Sleepwalking and sleep talking are often regarded as punch lines pulled straight from a sitcom. A person caught stumbling around their kitchen or talking in their sleep might wake up… Read More »Sleepwalking? Sleep Talking? It’s No Laughing Matter The post Sleepwalking? Sleep Talking? It’s No Laughing Matter appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Comprehensive ophthalmologist Laurel Tainsh, MD, and glaucoma specialist Michael Lin, MD, help clear up the confusion around this common yet poorly understood diagnosis. You’re at your routine eye exam. After getting a standard workup, including vision and eye pressure checks, the ophthalmologist says: “you’re a glaucoma suspect.” You might not know what that means, but… Read More »What It Means to Be a “Glaucoma Suspect” The post What It Means to Be a “Glaucoma Suspect” a...| FOCUS
Sleep seven to nine hours a night and still wake up exhausted? If so, there may be something that’s disrupting your sleep. Mass Eye and Ear sleep specialist, Noah Siegel, MD, offers guidance on how to avoid a poor night’s rest. Sleep is crucial to help our bodies recover. While sleeping, we restore multiple parts… Read More »Which Factors Are Disrupting Our Sleep? The post Which Factors Are Disrupting Our Sleep? appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Retinal detachments and tears can lead to the loss of sight and should be treated as emergencies. Focus spoke with retina surgeon Mohammad Dahrouj, MD, PhD, about the causes of retinal detachments and why it’s important to immediately seek medical attention if certain symptoms arise. What is a retinal detachment and how does it occur?… Read More »Knowing the Warning Signs of a Retinal Detachment Could Save Your Vision The post Knowing the Warning Signs of a Retinal Detachment Could Save...| FOCUS
Matthew Crowson, MD, a member of the Vestibular Division at Mass Eye and Ear, explained how too much alcohol can lead to an acute case of vertigo. Drinking too much alcohol too quickly is a serious public health issue in the United States. Often referred to as “binge drinking,” this behavior has been labeled the… Read More »Why Do We “Spin” After a Few Too Many Drinks? The post Why Do We “Spin” After a Few Too Many Drinks? appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
At six months old, Luna James Pray was the youngest child to undergo bilateral cochlear implants at Mass Eye and Ear after being born with profound deafness. Watch the video below or click here to watch Luna’s story. Two days after their healthy baby girl Luna James was born last March, Emily and Brian Pray… Read More »Baby Luna’s First Sounds The post Baby Luna’s First Sounds appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
All Aboard, an app developed by Gang Luo, PhD and his team, uses artificial intelligence to help people who are blind access public transportation. Think of the last time you used a mobile map app to find bus stop during your travel. Once you arrived at the destination, you could see the sign to pinpoint… Read More »Next Stop on the App Store: Artificial Intelligence Mobile App Helps People With Low Vision Find Bus Stops The post Next Stop on the App Store: Artificial Intelligence Mobile ...| FOCUS
Don’t ruin your holiday season with an eye injury. Mass Eye and Ear trauma expert Margot Weinert, MD, offers advice on ways to stay safe. The holidays are always a time filled with good cheer, visiting family and friends, and sharing gifts with loved ones. While most holiday decorations and toys are safe, the Emergency… Read More »Keeping Your Family Safe from Eye Injuries this Holiday Season The post Keeping Your Family Safe from Eye Injuries this Holiday Season appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Casey Finigan decided to turn to advocacy and raising funds for research after learning her father Willie was diagnosed with head and neck cancer. Finding out your loved one has cancer is an unsettling feeling. It’s not uncommon to hear stories about people losing their parents to this awful disease, but it’s hard to imagine… Read More »Creating The Willie Fund to Honor Her Father’s Legacy The post Creating The Willie Fund to Honor Her Father’s Legacy appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Jennifer Setlur, MD, a pediatric ENT specialist at Mass Eye and Ear, Concord, explains what to do when a mysterious lump appears out of the blue. Picture this: It’s a Monday morning and you’re helping your young child get dressed. Just as you pull their shirt up over their head, your hand catches an odd… Read More »I Found a Lump On My Child’s Neck. Now What? The post I Found a Lump On My Child’s Neck. Now What? appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
In May, patient Michael Kalberer wrote about why he joined a revolutionary clinical trial where he was only the second person in the world to receive CRISPR gene editing inside the body. Michael recently provided an update on how he’s been doing since, and in what ways his vision has changed. In September 2020, Michael… Read More »CRISPR Gene Therapy Update: Seeing a Sunset The post CRISPR Gene Therapy Update: Seeing a Sunset appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Pause and think next time you reach for an expensive cream to get rid of dark under-eye circles. Facial plastic surgeon Caroline Banks, MD, explained why some marketed treatments are only temporary, and why surgery is sometimes the only way to fix the issue. “You look tired.” Anyone with persistent dark circles, or bags, under… Read More »Getting Rid of Dark Circles Under the Eyes The post Getting Rid of Dark Circles Under the Eyes appeared first on FOCUS.| FOCUS
Thanks to the rise of TikTok, a social media app, there has also been a rise in risky medical advice from internet “doctors.” The latest trend of sticking garlic cloves up your nose in order to cure sinus issues might be one remedy to stay away from. Comprehensive ENT Neil Bhattacharyya, MD, weighed in on… Read More »Garlic Up the Nose Won’t Help Your Decongestion. Here’s What Will| FOCUS
