James V. Aquavella, MD

Dr. James V. Aquavella is the Catherine E. Aquavella Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Rochester Flaum Eye Institute (FEI). He has been affiliated with the University of Rochester for over 60 years and was the first fellowship trained cornea surgeon when he was recruited.

Aquavella received his bachelor of arts from Johns Hopkins University and his medical degree from the University of Naples in Italy. He completed an internship in internal medicine at Kings County Hospital Center, residency in ophthalmology at Brooklyn Hospital Center, and a fellowship at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary at Harvard Medical School.

At FEI, Aquavella has organized a group of basic scientists to evaluate human tear film dynamics and its relationship to clinical dry eye syndrome. Utilizing three new technologies developed at FEI, including wave front analysis, optical coherence tomography, and ellipsometry, the team is measuring variations in tear film thickness and composition related to the normal blink reflex during altered environmental conditions. This multidisciplinary approach, which may lead to a better diagnosis and treatment of clinical dry eye, is a collaborative effort between FEI and the departments of immunology, oral biology, optics, and dermatology.

Instrumental in developing excimer laser therapy for myopia and cornea disease, Aquavella introduced the bandage contact lens and helped to develop extended wear contact lenses for myopia. Additionally, he developed the collagen shield to treat cornea disease. Aquavella is known worldwide for his work to provide vision for infants born blind with opaque corneas. He founded and became the first president of the Cornea Society and has served many organizations in numerous roles including president of the Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmology; director of the Eye Bank Association of America; consultant to the Food and Drug Administration; and director of Tissue Banks International.

Aquavella has conducted seminal research; taught and mentored countless medical students, residents, fellows, and cornea surgeons; lectured throughout the world; authored textbooks and published over 350 peer-reviewed papers while performing thousands of corneal transplants benefiting his patients.