eye examination equipment

Eye Care for All Ages

Lahey Hospital & Medical Center's Department of Ophthalmology provides comprehensive eye care for patients of all ages. Our team includes more than 70 medical professionals, with nearly 20 specialists in ophthalmology and optometry.

We offer routine eye exams and advanced treatments for a wide range of conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, corneal disease, retinal disorders, trauma, and low vision. Our exam rooms are located next to our operating suite to support coordinated care.

In This Section

Learn More About Ophthalmology

Find information about our eye care services, appointment scheduling, and Optical Shop. You can also explore our approach to care, department history, and ongoing research.

Conditions & Treatments

Our ophthalmology team cares for the full range of vision disorders across our Burlington, Peabody, and Arlington locations. Routine eye exams and optical services are available at all sites, with advanced surgeries performed at our Eye Institute in Peabody.

We diagnose and treat:

Cataracts

  • Advanced cataract surgery
  • Astigmatism correction
  • New intraocular lens options, including multifocal lenses

Cornea & Anterior Segment

  • Corneal transplants and reconstructive surgery
  • Diagnostic imaging such as corneal topography
  • Treatment for corneal disorders and severe dry eye

Glaucoma

  • Laser and surgical treatments, including combined cataract procedures
  • Medical management and monitoring

Laser Vision Correction

  • Advanced laser procedures to reduce dependence on glasses or contacts

Neuro-Ophthalmology

  • Evaluation and treatment for vision problems linked to the nervous system

Ocular Immunology

  • Treatment for eye inflammation and infections, including uveitis and scleritis

Ocular Plastics

  • Cosmetic and reconstructive procedures
  • Eyelid, tear duct, and orbital surgery

Retina & Vitreous

  • Retinal detachment repair
  • Treatment for diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration
  • Vitreoretinal surgery

Routine Eye Care

  • Comprehensive eye exams
  • Contact lens fittings and low vision rehabilitation
  • Pediatric vision screening
Appointments & Hours

Find clinic hours, locations, and how to schedule an appointment or get emergency eye care.

Clinic Hours

  • Monday–Friday: 8:00 am–4:30 pm

For Optical Shop hours, see the Optical Shop section below.

Lahey Eye Institute Locations

Appointments

Emergency Eye Services

  • For urgent eye concerns, call the Page Operator at 781-744-8300 (available 24/7).

Feedback

  • To share concerns or feedback about our ophthalmology or optometry services, please email us.

     

Optical Shop
Helping You See Better

Our Optical Shop offers a variety of services. Both our Burlington and Peabody locations handle prescription glasses, non-prescription glasses, frames, lenses and sunglasses. In addition to providing quality eyewear, our highly trained, licensed opticians offer outstanding customer service.

We have the latest styles and technology:

  • Brand name glasses and sunglasses
  • Frames featuring the latest technology, including titanium and stainless steel with spring hinges
  • Progressive, high-index, polycarbonate, transition and polarized sun lenses
Why Choose Us

Our Optical Shop is owned and operated by Lahey. Licensed opticians do the fittings and work closely with Lahey's board-certified optometrists and ophthalmologists to give you the best possible care.

We offer competitive pricing on a wide selection of quality eyewear products. You do not need an appointment—all you have to do is bring in your prescription.

We also accept eyeglass prescriptions from optometrists and ophthalmologists outside of Lahey. Call or stop in today to learn more about our services.

Dynamic Eye Care

Patient undergoing an eye exam.The Department of Ophthalmology provides comprehensive eye care and complete medical and surgical treatment. The foundation of the department is an experienced, highly motivated staff whose mission has multiple goals:

  • To provide outstanding health care
  • To conduct clinical research
  • To share knowledge through teaching and international outreach
A Brief History of the Ophthalmology Department

Dr. Edward Connolly, who joined Lahey in 1969, and Dr. Joseph Bowlds, who joined in 1972, founded Ophthalmology Services at the then Lahey Clinic. The department was initially located on Commonwealth Avenue in Boston. Over the next 14 years, optometrists and ophthalmologists were hired.

By 1994, when the department was located in Burlington, it consisted of six full-time ophthalmologists, one part-time ophthalmologist, and five full-time optometrists. Today, the department’s unique multidisciplinary approach to patient care – involving the collaboration of ophthalmology and optometry specialists with different areas of expertise – allows for cross-fertilization of talent, producing the very best in comprehensive patient care.

The Eye Institute, a dynamic eye care center housed within the Department of Ophthalmology, was conceived in the summer of 1994 as part of the re-engineering of the ophthalmology program, led by F. Denton Wertz III, MD, then the chair of the department. After opening at Lahey Medical Center, Peabody the Institute’s comprehensive approach to vision care and medical and surgical diseases of the eyes made it popular with patients. In addition to providing state-of-the-art diagnostic capabilities in all areas of vision care, it is situated adjacent to the operating suite, facilitating the very best in care.

Ophthalmology services are also available through Lahey at its Arlington site, located at the former Symmes Hospital. In addition, a program providing subspecialized ophthalmology care for patients in Bermuda is currently under development.

Clinical Research: CARE

The Eye Institute and Clinical Research Department at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center have formed a collaboration known as the Center for the Advancement of Research in Eyes. Through CARE, clinicians and scientists work together with the goal of improving diagnosis, treatment and prevention of ophthalmic disease. Areas of clinical investigation are constantly evolving, and include an ongoing focus on macular degeneration, diabetic edema, glaucoma, uveitis and intraocular lenses.

Featured Locations

Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Burlington Address Icon 31 Mall Road
Burlington, MA 01805
Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Peabody Address Icon 1 Essex Center Drive
Peabody, MA 01960

Research & Medical Education

For information on the Vitreoretinal Surgery Fellowship at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, or clinical trials, please refer to links below.