For Immediate Release

7/16/2009

Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Ranked Nation’s # 1 in Ophthalmology, Again U.S. News Media Group Releases 2009 Best Hospitals Ranking

Miami, FL, July 16, 2009 - For the sixth consecutive year, the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine’s Bascom Palmer Eye Institute has been ranked the nation’s best in ophthalmology in U.S. News’ annual Best Hospitals survey.  Bascom Palmer has received this top ranking eight times and has always been in the top 2 since the rankings began 20 years ago.

The 2009 edition America’s Best Hospitals guide, dated July 21 and accessible today online at www.usnews.com/besthospitals and at newsstands, July 21, ranks the top hospitals in 16 medical specialties.

“Being selected as #1 in ophthalmology for six consecutive years is a testament to the skill and dedication of our physicians and scientists, the compassion and talents of our staff and their combined determination to restore, preserve and protect the vision of every patient that walks into our patient centers every day,” said Eduardo C. Alfonso, M.D., Professor and Chairman of Bascom Palmer Eye Institute.

Since 1962, Bascom Palmer has been at the forefront of innovation in ophthalmology.   Bascom Palmer’s physicians and scientists are recognized international leaders in their fields of expertise in every subspecialty in ophthalmology; these include macular, retinal and optic nerve diseases, cataracts, eye infections, eye cancers and eye diseases in children.

Two other University of Miami Miller School of Medicine programs joined Bascom Palmer in this year’s America’s Best Hospitals guide.  UM’s Ear, Nose & Throat program ranked 20th and Geriatric Care came in at position #35.

Bascom Palmer Eye Institute has earned an international reputation as one of the premier providers of eye care in the world and is the largest ophthalmic care, research and educational facility in the southeastern United States. More than 250,000 patients are treated each year with nearly every ophthalmic condition and more than 18,000 surgeries are performed annually. With patient care facilities in Miami, Palm Beach Gardens, Naples and Plantation, the institute serves as the Department of Ophthalmology for the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.