Byron L Lam

Byron L. Lam is a Professor of Ophthalmology at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. He is also a member of the Graduate Program for the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology with a secondary appointment in the field. Dr. Lam focuses on neuro-ophthalmology, hereditary retinal disease, and ophthalmic epidemiology through both clinical practice and research.

Dr. Lam's research primarily involves gene therapy and translational clinical trials for conditions like retinitis pigmentosa, achromatopsia, and Stargardt disease. He has also developed innovative tools such as the Visual Light Sensitivity Questionnaire-8 (VLSQ-8) and the Bascom Palmer Light Discomfort Analyzer to quantify ocular light discomfort. His work in ophthalmic epidemiology explores how visual impairment impacts mortality through indirect pathways like activities of daily living.

His recent publications from 2025 highlight advancements in retinal imaging (e.g., widefield OCT), XR (extended reality) applications in ophthalmology, and genetic testing outcomes for inherited retinal diseases. These articles also examine fundus autofluorescence and mitochondrial function in retinal health.

• Senior Achievement Award, American Academy of Ophthalmology
• Holder of the Robert Z. & Nancy J. Greene Chair in Ophthalmology

Dr. Lam is the Medical Director of Clinical Research and Neuro-ophthalmology Service at Bascom Palmer, and Scientific Co-Director of the Adrienne Arsht Hope for Vision Retinal Degeneration Laboratory. He actively teaches residents and fellows, lectures medical students, and serves on PhD dissertation committees.