GME - Brooklyn Queens Ophthalmology

Message from the Chairman

The Caritas’ ophthalmology training program is a continuation of the Catholic Medical Centers of Brooklyn and Queens’ residency that began after the closing of the Brooklyn Eye and Ear in the late 1960’s. Initially residents rotated in hospitals in Brooklyn and Queens however in our present state our residents rotate for the most part through the Eye Care Center in Flushing and the Mary Immaculate Hospital in Jamaica. These two Queens facilities are relatively close to each other and allow the residents to readily rotate between the two locations. The diverse population of Queens provides our residents with a varied presentation of clinical disorders. When one factors into this our strong surgical experience as well as generous lecture schedule the result is a superbly trained ophthalmologist.

Like most things in life, the most consistent thing is change….and the ophthalmology program is no exception to that rule. While the “core” faculty has remained the same for years we constantly are adding new members to our teaching staff to keep our Department on the “cutting edge” of innovation. Our latest addition of a pediatric ophthalmology clinic at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center is leading the way for an increased resident presence at our new merger partner’s location. Their busy clinics promise to provide our residents with additional clinical exposure and new opportunities to improve their developing skills.

The Caritas ophthalmology training program, as far as I’m concerned, is the quintessential “small” training program located in the greatest city in the world. To date, our graduating residents go on to have productive and fruitful careers…and I expect only bigger and better things in the future.

Cono M. Grasso, M.D.
Chairman,
Department of Ophthalmology
Caritas Health Care