Corneal Innovation Laboratory

Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute

Contact Us

Investigator / Contact Person Alfonso L. Sabater, M.D., Ph.D.

Office 305-326-6326

Email asabater@med.miami.edu

The Corneal Innovation Laboratory is at the forefront of groundbreaking research and development in the field of corneal care. Focused on safeguarding and regenerating the delicate cornea, our lab is dedicated to pioneering novel therapies and innovative approaches. By combining the latest advancements in tissue engineering, biomaterials, and regenerative medicine, our interdisciplinary team collaborates on cutting-edge techniques that have the potential to revolutionize corneal protection, regeneration, and vision restoration. Through our tireless efforts, we strive to enhance the quality of life for individuals affected by corneal and ocular surface diseases, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in corneal care.

Alfonso L. Sabater, M.D., Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology
Clinical Profile | Publications
Biography: Dr. Alfonso L. Sabater is a surgeon-scientist and associate professor of clinical ophthalmology at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute - University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Dr. Sabater is the medical director of the Ocular Surface Program and director of the Corneal Innovation Laboratory at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. Research in his laboratory is aimed at...
View Full Profile >

Steve Barbosa

Steve is the senior clinical program coordinator overseeing Dr. Alfonso Sabater’s Corneal Innovation Laboratory and the doctor’s clinical practice at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. With over 10 years of experience in healthcare administration, he’s collaborating in the management of the Ocular Surface Program as well as the creation of the New Dry Eye Clinic at our Miami location with future expansion into Bascom Palmer’s four satellite locations across South Florida.

Angela Gomez Bedoya

Angela is a biologist with over eight years of experience in diverse interdisciplinary roles. She has a strong background in research, laboratory work, and collaborative projects. Her expertise lies in ocular surface research, with a focus on inflammatory ocular surface diseases. She is currently working as a Research Associate II at the Corneal Innovation Laboratory at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. She is also pursuing a master of science degree in clinical and translational investigation at the University of Miami. Angela has also contributed to several peer-reviewed journal articles and poster presentations in her field.

Maria Elena Fernadez de Cossio

Dr. Fernandez de Cossio received her bachelor’s degree and a doctorate in biochemistry at the University of Havana, Cuba. Her expertise is related to the experimentation of immunology, molecular biology, and genomics. She is a research associate of the corneal innovation laboratory at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, focused on the development of in vivo animal models as well as in vitro cell models to understand the inflammatory mechanisms associated with dry eye diseases, specifically the inflammasome activation and biomarker identification.

Robby Mattes

Dr. Mattes is a physician with diverse clinical and research experience. He obtained his medical degree from the University of Buenos Aires School of Medicine. Currently, he works as a research fellow at the Corneal Innovation Laboratory at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. He has completed clinical clerkships in ophthalmology, family medicine, general surgery, and internal medicine at various esteemed hospitals in Argentina, gaining proficiency in various medical procedures.

Valentina Vega

Valentina is an undergraduate student at the University of Miami, majoring in biomedical engineering. As she approaches her final year, she is focused on the pre-med track, driven by her goal to pursue a medical career as she plans on attending medical school. Valentina has embarked on research endeavors, exploring diverse fields and expanding her understanding of medical research.

Jack Cipolla

Jack is a second-year medical student at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (class of 2025). He obtained his bachelor of science degree in biology from the University of California Los Angeles. He currently performs research for the Corneal Innovation Laboratory at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. He is currently completing core clinical rotations and is interested in applying to ophthalmology residency programs following the completion of his medical degree. He has experience in clinical and basic science research involving ophthalmology, neurology, and mass spectrometry.

Kavya Jasti

Kavya is a second-year medical student at the Miller School of Medicine (class of 2025). During her undergraduate studies, Kavya worked in a research laboratory focused on glaucoma. As a medical student, she is expanding on her interest in ophthalmology by working in the Corneal Innovation Laboratory.

Ruiyang Huans

Ruiyang is a medical student at the University of Miller School of Medicine (class of 2026). He received his bachelor’s degree of microbiology and cell sciences at the University of Florida in 2021.

Victor Sabates

Victor is a medical school student at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. He graduated from the University of South Florida with a bachelor's degree in microbiology and a minor in psychology. He is currently working with Dr. Sabater as a research assistant.

Lab Members

Need Immediate Eye Care?

View our clinical trials

View our clinical trials

Corneal Innovation Laboratory