Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, part of University of Miami Health System, is ranked the nation's "Best in Ophthalmology"​ by U.S. News & World Report, an honor it has received for the 19th time, and by Ophthalmology Times. In addition to its international reputation as one of the premier providers of eye care in the world, Bascom Palmer is the largest ophthalmic care, research and educational facility in the southeastern United States. Each year, more than 300,000 patients with nearly every ophthalmic condition are treated, and more than 16,500 surgeries are performed. With five patient care facilities in Florida (Miami, Palm Beach Gardens, Naples, Plantation, and Coral Gables), the Institute serves as the Department of Ophthalmology for the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and is directed by Eduardo C. Alfonso, M.D.