Robert Abel, MD

Dr. Abel earned his medical degree at Jefferson Medical College in 1969, completed his ophthalmology residency at Mt. Sinai Hospital and was a Cornea Fellow at the University of Florida. He is a former Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at Thomas Jefferson University and is on the staff of the Christiana Care Health System. He founded several eye banks and hold patents on artificial corneas.

Dr. Abel received the American Academy of Ophthalmology Honor Award, where he instructed cornea microsurgery workshops and was on the Committee on International Ophthalmology. He has done active research on corneal transplants, corneal pathology, contact lenses and drugs as they relate to the eye. He has formulated several vitamins and consults for numerous nutrition companies.

Dr. Abel has written extensively in scientific and lay journals and authored five books including The Eye Care Revolution. He has lectured and taught locally and internationally. In his spare time, he practices Tai-Chi, studies alternative medical systems and enjoys his multicultural family.

 

Larry J Alexander, OD, FAAO

Dr. Alexander is a 1971 graduate of Indiana University School of Optometry.  He served in the US Navy then served as a Professor at the University of Alabama Birmingham School of Optometry.  Larry has contributed to a number of chapters in textbooks and has published three editions of Primary Care of the Posterior Segment, as well as contributing to the professional literature. He has also lectured extensively in the area of ocular and systemic disease. He has had a lifelong interest in lifestyle modification to minimize morbidity and mortality. His areas of special interest include dysfunctional tear syndrome, glaucoma and macular degeneration. Dr. Alexander is currently a consultant for Optovue, Inc.

 

Ben Lane, OD, MPH, FAAO

Dr. Lane is the nutritional optometrist-scientist who first reported the significance of  chromium and  folate deficiency as  factors for myopiagenesis, IOP regulation, accommodation; the roles of fish-methylmercury in cataractogenesis; zinc, copper, B6 in AMD; and excessive Vitamin C in fibrillar vitreous floater promotion. Dr. Lane has six degrees including: three from Princeton and Columbia, Human Nutrition and majors in Eye-disease Epidemiology and Nutritional Ophthalmology, and the first graduate degree in Vision Science from SUNY.  He is a Fellow of the American College of Nutrition and is President of the Nutritional Optometry Institute.

Dr. Lane has lectured to 2 World Congresses of Ophthalmologists (Amsterdam and Sydney), the European Congress of Ophthalmology (Istanbul), 5 research conferences in Moscow and Chennai, India, and chaired the Symposium on Metabolic Ophthalmology at the Afro-Asian Congress of Ophthalmology (Guangzhou).  Dr. Lane’s most recent research has identified the problem of excessive denatured protein and vitamin B6 and folic-acid deficiencies as preventing normal remodeling of specific eye tissues affecting the tear film, the pigmentary glaucomas, and exudative macular degeneration.

 

Steven Newman, OD, CNS

Dr. Steven Newman graduated from Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry in 1996 following an externship at the prestigious Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, FL.  After completing a residency in Ocular Disease at Fort Lauderdale Eye Institute, Dr. Newman began practicing Nutritional Optometry in Broward and Miami Dade counties.  Becoming certified as a Nutrition Specialist and as a member of the American College of Nutrition, Dr. Newman has enabled himself  to help his patients lead a healthier lifestyle.  His latest book, Feel More Alive Now is currently available nationwide.  As a national speaker, he educates doctors on the importance of lifestyle choices for themselves and their patients.  Dr. Newman lives in South Florida with his wife and two children. 

 

Susan Summerton, OD, CNS

Dr. Susan Summerton earned her undergraduate degree in 1992 from Florida State University. She graduated from Nova Southeastern University, School of Optometry and completed an externship at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in 1996. She practiced in St. Thomas Virgin Islands and currently Naples, Florida. She has served as a visual advisor for a local children’s museum and is active in her community with children’s vision health. Dr. Summerton is a certified nutrition specialist and a member of the American College of Nutrition. She is enrolled in the ACBN nutrition diplomate program. She has a passion for integrative eye care and educating patients on nutrition and preventative eye care.