Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center is an internationally recognized leader in innovation, research and clinical excellence that has given rise to breakthroughs in cardiovascular care, neuroscience, oncology, transplantation, and more. Our team’s efforts have led to the creation of many research programs and initiatives to develop advanced treatments found nowhere else in the world.

Our strong alliance with Baylor College of Medicine allows us to bring our patients a powerful network of care unlike any other. Our collaboration is focused on increasing access to care through a growing network of leading specialists and revolutionizing healthcare to save lives and improve the health of the communities we serve. 

Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center is also the first hospital in Texas and the Southwest designated a Magnet® hospital for Nursing Excellence by the American Nurses Credentialing Center, receiving the award six consecutive times.

The Baylor College of Medicine Department of Ophthalmology is at the forefront of innovative eye care and research. 

Baylor College of Medicine is among the leading centers in the nation involved in clinical trials for thyroid eye disease, with four to five active protocols. 

Baylor College of Medicine is one of the leading sites in the nation for a landmark home OCT clinical trial. This groundbreaking trial involves a newly FDA-approved, portable Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) device, introduced in the Spring of 2024, which promises to revolutionize the management of wet age-related macular degeneration and other retinal diseases. 

The device enables patients to regularly monitor their condition at home, allowing researchers to assess the effectiveness of self-monitoring and potential treatment adjustments based on the data collected, often with the goal of reducing the need for frequent office visits to the doctor. 

Baylor College of Medicine’s participation in this trial, which is sponsored by the DRCR Retina Network, National Institutes of Health, and National Eye Institute, underscores BCM’s commitment to advancing ophthalmic care and improving patient outcomes.

The Department of Ophthalmology is also one of only a few centers in the nation that performs corneal neurotization. The surgical procedure treats neurotrophic keratopathy, a condition where corneal nerves are damaged, causing loss of sensation and potential vision loss. The lack of sensation can lead to further problems such as infection, scarring, and even melting of the cornea. The corneal neurotization procedure involves transferring healthy nerves from another part of the body, like the leg, directly into the cornea. By connecting with healthy nerves from the opposite side of the face, this can effectively reinnervate the damaged area and allow for proper eye protection through the blink reflex, tear production, and restoration of sensation. Dr. Michael Yen, head of the Oculoplastics section in the Department of Ophthalmology adds, “Corneal neurotization is the ONLY disease modifying treatment for neurotrophic keratopathy. No other treatment improves the underlying corneal sensation. At Baylor College of Medicine, we are one of only a few major medical centers worldwide providing this treatment. By significantly improving underlying corneal sensation, corneal neurotization achieves outcomes not seen with any other treatment.

For more than 45 years, the Cullen Eye Institute has been a leader in advancements in ophthalmology and the fight against blindness and other eye disorders. 

The Institute was launched in 1971 with a $1 million gift from The Cullen Foundation to enhance research, patient care and medical education at Baylor College of Medicine. Houston oilman Hugh Roy Cullen and his wife Lillie Cranz Cullen had been Baylor’s patrons since 1947, when they committed $800,000 to construct the Roy and Lillie Cullen Building in the new Texas Medical Center. The Cullen family’s philanthropy at the College continues today.

The Institute offers academically rigorous training that prepares residents and fellows to be leaders in their field and has produced numerous nationally and internationally known ophthalmologists.

Ophthalmic advances by the Institute’s researchers, faculty, and graduates include:

• The identification of the location of the genes on the human X chromosome responsible for severe blinding disorders such as X-linked retinitis pigmentosa, choroideremia, and Lowe syndrome.

• The development of new techniques to remove cataracts and restore vision by implantation of a safer and more effective artificial lens.

• The introduction of timolol and dipivefrin, safer and more effective drops to control glaucoma.

• The application of laser technology to halt retinal diseases caused by diabetes, age-related macular disorders, and other conditions.

The Cullen Eye Institute at Baylor St. Luke’s established the first ocular surface center in the southwestern United States. Under the directorship of the renowned ocular surface disease and cornea specialist, Dr. Stephen Pflugfelder, the Dry Eye Center of Excellence is a leader in diagnostic and therapeutic technology.

The use of therapeutic scleral contact lenses in the treatment of ocular surface disease was pioneered here. In fact, BCM served as the first satellite for the PROSE (Prosthetic Replacement of the Ocular Surface Ecosystem) lens in the US. Our expert optometry team is well trained in fitting even the most complex eyes and can utilize custom molded technology, such as the EyePrintPro.

The Dry Eye Center also boasts the capability to prepare autologous platelet rich plasma. This is different than the more commonly prescribed autologous serum eye drops, as platelet rich plasma contains up to 4x as many growth and platelet factors as serum. This can make it especially effective in severe disease. BCM is also a leader in corneal stem cell transplantation, providing the latest in surgical techniques. There is a monthly multi-specialty Sjogren syndrome clinic which allows us to work in a multidisciplinary fashion with our oral medicine and rheumatology colleagues to provide patients with one institution to meet all of their needs.

Dr. Pflugfelder also leads an integrated NIH-funded basic science research unit studying dry eye disease and developing new therapies. Our ophthalmology department is leading the way in providing relief to dry eye patients worldwide. Dr. Alejandro Arboleda is the newest addition to the Ocular Surface Center team with expertise in microbial keratitis. Dr. Arboleda was part of the groundbreaking team to use photodynamic therapy for the treatment of corneal ulcers and brings that background to the Cullen Eye Institute. Additionally, the Cullen Eye Institute was where acanthamoeba, a parasitic infection that can result in corneal ulcers, was discovered.

Dr. Christina Weng of Baylor College of Medicine just completed her term as president of the Women in Ophthalmology Society. Dr. Weng, a professor of ophthalmology and the director of the vitreoretinal diseases and surgery fellowship at BCM, was the head of leadership for this organization for the 2024-20 year. Dr. Weng graduated cum laude from Northwestern University and then attended the University of Michigan medical school. She earned an MBA while here as well. She completed her ophthalmology residency at Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University followed by a surgical retina fellowship at the prestigious Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at the University of Miami. She is currently involved in multiple clinical trials and is the co-editor of the book, “Women in Ophthalmology: A comprehensive guide for Career and life.”

The Women in Ophthalmology Society is helping shape the next generation of leaders and mentors in the ophthalmology field. Dr. Weng and other female faculty at BCM are a driving force in inspiring women in the field of ophthalmology.

Dr. Richard Allen is the president-elect of the International Joint Commision on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology. This integral body is charged with promoting global eye health and preventing blindness through training program accreditation, education and certification of allied ophthalmic personnel.

Baylor College of Medicine is one of the top ophthalmology residency programs in the country, recruiting and producing the brightest minds in the field. BCM has been ranked in the top 11 nationally in peer recognition for the past 4 years.  BCM continues to be at the forefront of ophthalmic education, with world class training facilities and educators who go beyond in their effort to teach. The residency program is honored to open the Milton and Laurie Boniuk Surgical Education Center in the coming months. This state of the art surgical education center will be the one of the finest in the country and give our residents access to advanced training. This is courtesy of a donation from Dr. Milton Boniuk and his wife Laurie Boniuk. Dr. Boniuk spent decades training residents and fellows in the department and is one of the most well known ophthalmologists of our time. 

The Cullen Eye Institute at BSLMC is ushering in a new era of refractive cataract surgery with a new intraocular lens implant that allows customization and adjustment of a patient’s vision post-surgery. BSLMC was the first academic center in the country to offer this new technology. 

Called the RxSight Light Adjustable Lens, the implant allows the patient and surgeon to work together to fine-tune the patient’s vision post-surgery to achieve maximum results.

Measurements and the operation are done similarly to traditional lenses. But unlike traditional lenses, which, once implanted, can only be fine-tuned with glasses, contacts, or further surgery (adding further expense and risks for the patient), the Light Adjustable Lens is made from a newer silicone material that allows its refractive properties to be changed AFTER the lens implant is placed. In essence, the patient can “try out” changes in his or her vision after the cataract has been removed to achieve complete satisfaction.

How it works:

After surgery, the patient will wear special UV-blocking glasses for about three weeks to get used to the lens. The patient then returns to the clinic, and a refraction is done. If the patient is happy with their vision, their refractive power can be “locked in” with a UV light delivery system. If the patient needs to adjust their vision, the UV light system can be used to adjust the lens up to three times to achieve the desired target. This level of customization allows extremely precise results.

The RxSight Light Adjustable Lens works best for patients who are post-LASIK, post-PRK, and post-radial keratotomy. The new technology is also an excellent tool in achieving precise monovision results in patients who want spectacle independence but are not candidates for multifocal lenses or want to avoid potential complications from a procedure. The Cullen Eye Institute is heavily involved in research with this lens that will help shape outcomes for all recipients. 

“This technology has really allowed us to customize a patient’s vision to a level of precision that is unmatched. As this technology grows, BCM is excited to be at the forefront of its use.” Masih Ahmed, MD.

A 31-year-old female was referred to Baylor St. Luke’s Medical Center to be fitted with a Prosthetic Replacement of the Ocular Surface Ecosystem (PROSE) device on the left eye for a non-healing corneal epithelial defect secondary to neurotrophic keratopathy from a trigeminal schwannoma. She had undergone surgery which resulted in loss of corneal sensation and healing as well as loss of facial sensation on her left side. Due to the improper nerve functioning of cranial nerves five and six, she developed a corneal epithelial defect that was recalcitrant on maximum therapy for almost four months. She had tried numerous treatments including oxervate, autologous serum tears, Regener-Eyes, amniotic membranes, bandage contact lenses, punctal plugs, eyelid taping, topical antibiotics, and Avastin injections. At the initial exam, her visual acuity was 20/200 with a large central epithelial defect and reduced corneal sensitivity.

She was treated at our PROSE clinic every day for a total of 10 days, and she had achieved complete corneal healing by the third day. The PROSE was properly fitted and placed on her left eye with preservative free saline and one drop of BAK-preservative free topical antibiotic inside the bowl of the lens. She was advised to wear the lens continuously for 12 hours and to remove, clean, and replenish the lens and wear another 12 hours. We repeated 12/12 wear for three days and by the third day of continuous PROSE wear, her cornea was healed. By the end of her treatment, her vision improved to 20/25 and she remained stable at her 1-month, 3-month, 6-month and 1 year follow up appointments. Her vision improved to 20/20 at her 6 month follow up and she continues to do well wearing her PROSE device for a total of 16 hours a day without any problems or recurrences.

The PROSE device is a medical treatment that uses an FDA-approved device for complex ocular surface diseases. It is a rigid gas permeable plastic dome that is uniquely fitted for each individual eye. It is filled with preservative-free saline and applied with an applicator device to the eye. It rests on the sclera and vaults over the cornea as the saline is in direct contact with the cornea. It offers an optimal environment for corneal reepithelization by providing an oxygen rich chamber as well as constant lubrication to the cornea. This device has been indicated for numerous conditions and can restore visual function and improve the quality of life in our patients. Baylor Medicine was one of the first satellite PROSE sites other than the main headquarters in Needham, Massachusetts. There are now 18 sites across the US in addition to a clinic located in Canada and another in India. PROSE provides a one of a kind treatment option for patients who may not have any other option for treatment.

In addition, Baylor is proud to be a location offering the EyePrintPro contact lens fitting. This is a custom molded contact lens that can be used to fit difficult anatomical eyes which may have had previous surgeries which make them poor candidates for traditional scleral contact lenses. Having the ability to offer all types of lenses is instrumental in meeting the individual needs of the patient.