“Vision is 50% of the brain’s activity. Losing it changes everything—from how we learn, to how we work, to how we connect. At Flaum, we’re not just preserving sight—we’re pushing the limits of what’s possible, restoring vision through innovation, compassion, and science. But we can’t do it alone. The future of sight depends on what we do now.“
—David A. DiLoreto Jr. MD, PhD
Director, Flaum Eye Institute
At the Flaum Eye Institute, vision is more than a sense—it’s our mission. As the region’s leading center for eye care, education, and research, we bring together world-class clinicians, pioneering scientists, and cutting-edge technologies to preserve and restore sight.
We were the first in New York State to implant a bionic eye, enabling a patient with inherited blindness to perceive light and shadow for the first time. From routine exams to the rarest conditions, we care for patients across Upstate New York and beyond—delivering innovation, compassion, and hope.
Join us—for vision, ever better.
Age-related macular degeneration is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss in the United States. Ruchira Singh, PhD, is leading groundbreaking research to uncover the root causes of this condition and to develop more effective treatments.
Help Flaum attract and retain excellent faculty
Surgical training is essential to preparing future ophthalmologists for the demands of the operating room. A fully renovated training lab—with state-of-the-art surgical simulators—will provide residents with hands-on experience is a safe, high-impact learning environment.
Help improve and modernize Flaum training labs
At the Flaum Eye Institute, community outreach is central to advancing equity in eye care. With one in five children failing school vision screenings each year, programs like MobilEyes deliver no-cost exams, glasses, and pop-up clinics to underserved neighborhoods. To date, we’ve screened over 2,300 Rochester City School District children—and we’re committed to doubling that reach in the years ahead.
Help bring high quality vision care to all
A simple beach day for the Smith family took an unexpected turn when parents Sonya and Corey noticed their son seemed bothered by what appeared to be sand in his eye. They never could have imagined the journey that would follow, leading them to the comprehensive care team at the Flaum Eye Institute and Strong Memorial Hospital.
October 1-4, 2026
Join us across all campuses for a spectacular Meliora Weekend packed with unforgettable alumni reunions, inspiring academic lectures, thrilling athletic competitions, world-class entertainment, and family-friendly fun.
