Bascom Palmer Eye Institute Ranked Nation's No. 1 in Ophthalmology for 24th Time
Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, part of the University of Miami Health System and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, has been ranked America's Best in Ophthalmology for the 24th time, according to U.S. News & World Report's newly released 2025-2026 Best Hospitals rankings.
“It is with great pride that we are recognized as the nation’s leading eye hospital. Since our founding more than six decades ago, we have focused on delivering exceptional vision care for patients,” said Eduardo C. Alfonso, M.D., director and chair of Bascom Palmer. “We are constantly exploring innovative ways to utilize emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and cutting-edge digital equipment, to perform more personalized diagnostic and treatment services. Our ability to deliver personalized precision medicine truly sets us apart and showcases our commitment to excellence.”
The numbers behind the ranking represent more than sustained excellence—they reflect an institution that has continuously reinvented the future of vision care. Nearly 300,000 patients place their trust in Bascom Palmer's 1,200-member team of specialists, researchers, and technicians each year. More than 21,000 sight-saving surgeries are performed annually across five locations spanning South Florida. A sixth is to open in Abu Dhabi later this year.
"Achieving the number one ranking for 24 years is a testament to the excellence in clinical care, research, and medical education at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, said Dipen J. Parekh, M.D., chief executive officer of UHealth. “It is a crown jewel of the University of Miami Health System, and we are proud to have this world-class eye care in South Florida."
Bascom Palmer's leadership stems from its unique integration of cutting-edge research with compassionate patient care. The Institute's more than 30 specialized laboratories, programs, and research centers tackle vision challenges ranging from pediatric conditions to age-related macular degeneration, including the Corneal Innovation Laboratory, the Mark J. Daily Inherited Retinal Diseases Research Center, the Lois Pope Center for Retinal and Macular Degeneration Research, and the Dr. Nasser Ibrahim Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, which has assembled a multidisciplinary team to tackle the formidable task of transplanting a functional human eye. The Institute’s work extends globally through international partnerships, as well as locally through community outreach programs, providing free screenings in underserved areas. Alfonso adds, "Our patient care and vision research teams, as well as our faculty educators, do not just maintain standards; they continuously elevate them, making breakthroughs that benefit patients worldwide.”
This global reputation, coupled with teaching excellence, also draws exceptional young physicians to Bascom Palmer. For the ninth consecutive year, Doximity, a network of more than two million U.S. healthcare professionals, has also ranked Bascom Palmer's residency program #1 nationwide, underscoring the Institute’s commitment to shaping the next generation of ophthalmologists.
The U.S. News ranking is based on a survey of board-certified ophthalmologists nationwide, who identify the nation’s best eye hospitals. It serves as a valuable resource for consumers seeking optimal care in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of challenging medical problems.
The University of Miami Health System's broader excellence was also recognized, with Neurology and Neurosurgery ranking 23rd nationally and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center earning 45th place. "As an academic medical center, we are dedicated to providing the finest in professional care for our community,” said Henri Ford, M.D., M.H.A., dean and chief academic officer of the Miller School. "These rankings from our peers reflect the deep strength of our programs. We look forward to continuing our national leadership in clinical care, basic and translational research, and medical education.”
“Bascom Palmer will never rest on its laurels,” adds Alfonso. “With emerging technologies reshaping medicine and new vision challenges arising globally, the next quarter-century promises to be as transformative as the last. Twenty-four years of #1 rankings isn't just about maintaining excellence—it's about constantly redefining what excellence means."