XIII. RESEARCH AND TRAINING

Clinical research is designed to improve examination methods for patients and their treatment, in the short term (one to five years).  Basic laboratory research results are expected to benefit patients in the longer run (twenty to fifty years).  Our focus is to develop new concepts in the near future for taking better care of problems such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, macular holes and many other eye conditions.  We also remain enthusiastic supporters of programs of basic eye research, where promising research efforts are underway.

Our commitment to clinical research goes back half a century, when we developed new techniques such as binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy and the scleral buckling operation.  These techniques are now used all over the world.  In order to continue our tradition in today’s world, we have selected the areas of research where we are most likely to contribute to our patients’ health and well-being.  The programs of SRA Foundation in clinical research and postgraduate education are in conjunction with Harvard Medical School, the Schepens Eye Research Institute, and the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary.

Our clinical research fellows are divided in two categories.  Surgical fellows stay for a minimum of two years.  They participate under supervision in the surgical procedures we perform.  Medical fellows also remain with us for a minimum of two years, specializing in medical clinical eye research.  All research fellows participate in publishing scientific papers describing their research findings.  Our clinical investigation continues to produce multiple innovations in the diagnosis and management of eye disease. 

Our fellowship program has graduated over three hundred physicians who are engaged in practice and research in many countries.  Some are in leadership positions and collaborate with us in teaching and consultation activities abroad.  Communications are maintained by regular meetings of the Schepens International Society held at various venues around the globe.