He has made numerous contributions in imaging (fluorescein and indocyanine-green), in drug development such as the use of anti-prostaglandins for cystoid macular edema, anti-vasogenic drugs for age-related macular degeneration and retinal vascular exudative disorders, and in the introduction of therapeutic modalities such as laser photocoagulation and photosensitization. The description of new diseases and a better understanding of existing entities have lead to recognition and admiration worldwide by the retinal community.
He has written over 400 scientific papers and 13 books.
These achievements have been acknowledged through virtually every prestigious and coveted lectureship and award, including an honorary doctorate degree from the University of Ancona, the distinguished alumnus award from Boston University, the Retinal Research Award from Alcon and The Retina Society, the Gass Medal, the Paul Henkind Award and the Arnall Patz Medal from The Macula Society, the Michelson Award from the International Community, and the Lifetime Achievement Award of the American Academy of Ophthalmology to name a few. He has also been awarded the “Ordine Della Stella Della Solidarietà Italiana” from Il Presidente Della Repubblica for his contributions to Italian-American education.
He is a professor of Clinical Ophthalmology at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University School of Medicine and the Director of the LuEsther T. Mertz Retinal Research Center at Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital.
To his patients, he has been an extraordinary healer and restorer of sight; to his distinguished colleagues and friends, he has been a master of innovative and lasting thinking through original observations and voluminous or encyclopedic publications; and to his family he has been a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
Today, he continues to challenge and inspire residents and fellows through his natural intelligence, unyielding energy, infatiguable dedication, and an unbending sense or morality.