Ophthalmic Pathology

Section Head: George J. Harocopos, MD

Ophthalmic pathology is a highly specialized field, with only about 50 eye pathologists nation-wide, and accordingly multiple institutions and private practice physicians utilize our services. Our ophthalmic pathology group provides pathologic interpretation of specimens from all  parts of the eye, including ocular surface tumors; corneas from patients undergoing corneal transplants; and whole eyes with tumors or other blinding eye diseases such as severe trauma, end-stage diabetic disease, and glaucoma. Special analysis is utilized when needed, including immunohistochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, and molecular genetic testing.  Additionally, for vitreous biopsies performed for suspected intraocular lymphoma, our experts in conjunction with the cytopathology group have developed a thorough protocol to maximize diagnostic accuracy, which includes cytology, immunohistochemistry, cytokine testing, molecular genetic testing for gene rearrangement, and flow cytometry.