A Tribute to Jeffrey S. Heier, MD, FASRS
TRIBUTE GIVING with ASRS - Connecting Alumni. Honoring Mentors. Advancing Retina
Honoring Jeffrey S. Heier, MD, FASRS
Jeffrey S. Heier, MD, FASRS, is a highly respected leader in the field of retina care and research. He currently serves as director of the Retina Service and director of Retina Research at Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston (OCB), one of the largest multi-specialty ophthalmology practices in the United States. Dr. Heier served as co-president and medical director from 2016-2020. He is also the chief scientific officer at Ocular Therapeutix. Dr. Heier played a key role in training the next generation of retina specialists as the former co-director of the Vitreoretinal Fellowship Program at OCB and Tufts Medical School and remains highly involved in training fellows, clinically, surgically, and professionally, on a daily basis.
Dr. Heier earned his medical degree from Boston University, followed by an internship and ophthalmology residency at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center. Between training programs, he served as a physician during the Persian Gulf War in a Combat Support Hospital, where he was honored with the Bronze Star for his service. He later completed advanced fellowship training in vitreoretinal diseases at OCB in partnership with Tufts University School of Medicine.
Dr. Heier is widely recognized as one of the country’s foremost experts in retinal research; he is one of the leading retinal clinical researchers in the country for new treatments in exudative and non-exudative macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, venous occlusive disease, vitreoretinal surgical techniques and instrumentation, and diagnostic imaging of the retina. He is a scientific advisor to many biotechnical or pharmaceutical companies, lectures nationally and internationally, and has authored numerous peer-reviewed works.
Beyond the clinic and research lab, Dr. Heier has held leadership positions in several prestigious professional organizations. These include the American Society of Retina Specialists (Board of Directors), the Retina Society (former President), and the Macula Society. He is a former President of the New England Ophthalmological Society and the Center for Eye Research and Education Foundation in Boston, and he previously served as Secretary for Online Education for the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Dr. Heier, a gifted speaker and educator, frequently shares his insights at conferences around the world and has contributed to more than 100 peer-reviewed publications. He has also served as a reviewer for top medical journals, including the New England Journal of Medicine, The Lancet, and Ophthalmology.
Outside of his professional life, Dr. Heier is a devoted family man who cherishes time with his wife, Polly, of over 30 years and their family including 2 daughters and new grandbaby.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Testimonials
“Dr. Heier embodies the very best of retina: his surgical and clinical skill is unmatched, his passion for advancing the field and teaching others is contagious, and his patients know they are cared for with the same compassion and respect he would give his own family. He is not only an extraordinary physician, but also an extraordinary human being.”
~Priya Sharma Vakharia, MD, FASRS
“Treat each patient like it was your family member sitting in front of you.” That perspective on practicing medicine is what makes Jeff Heier so special. Without wavering from that founding tenant, he is able to masterfully weave in the highest level of medical and surgical skill, unparalleled experience and a desire to push our field forward, and an unwavering level of compassion and empathy. He is truly a special mentor and friend.”
~Michael Cohen, MD
“Every medical trainee meets a physician who leaves a lasting mark on their journey. For me, that physician is Dr. Heier. His compassion toward patients, genuine enthusiasm for teaching, and relentless pursuit of innovation—through research, clinical trials, and surgical excellence—have deeply influenced my growth as a clinician. I feel truly privileged to have trained and worked alongside him during my fellowship, and his example will continue to guide my future practice as a retina specialist.”
~ Jonathan Caranfa MD, PharmD
To contribute in honor of Dr. Heier, click here.