n is acknowledged as a Most Trusted Healthcare Professional
for his contributions to the Field of Ophthalmology.
Dr. Singerman earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology
from Case Western Reserve University, and a Medical Degree from Wayne State
University, School of Medicine. He completed a residency in Ophthalmology at
Mount Sinai Hospital of Cleveland and finished a Fellowship in retinal vascular
and macular diseases at Johns Hopkins University, Wilmer Ophthalmologic
Institute under the guidance of Dr. Arnall J. Patz, a renowned pioneer in the
field of retinal diseases who was a leading participant in a randomized
controlled clinical trial. The doctor is a board-certified ophthalmologist.
The doctor opened a private practice after finishing his
fellowship and maintained his commitment to clinical trials. According to Dr.
Singerman, he recognized the need for an organized venue focused on research in
retinal medicine and founded the Macula Society in 1977. The doctor explains
that the Macula Society is an international association of leading
investigators and clinicians in the field of retinal diseases and has been
continuously re-elected as the Society’s Executive Secretary.
Dr. Singerman also founded Retina Associates of Cleveland,
the largest retina group practice in Ohio. He is considered an expert in
retinal vitreous and macular diseases; age-related macular degeneration;
diabetic retinopathy; and retinal vascular occlusive diseases. He has also
served in the following positions as an academic: Clinical Professor of
Ophthalmology, Case Western Reserve University/University Hospitals of
Cleveland, Cleveland, Ohio, July 1991–present; Associate Clinical Professor of
Ophthalmology, July 1984–June 1991; Assistant Clinical Professor of
Ophthalmology, July 1978–June 1984; Senior Clinical Instructor of
Ophthalmology, July 1977–June 1978; Clinical Instructor of Ophthalmology, July
1975–June 1977; Member, Promotions Committee, Department of Ophthalmology,
1994– present; and Voluntary Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer
Eye Institute, Miami, Florida, 2003–present.
As an academic, Dr. Singerman has contributed greatly to the
research field for ophthalmology, including teaching activities at
ophthalmology grand rounds and basic science courses at Case Western Reserve
University Department of Ophthalmology; Varying teaching responsibilities for
ophthalmology residents at local hospitals and with medical students, residents,
retina fellows and others, since 1974; and Teaching of retinal fellows,
visiting attendings, residents, and medical students in elective with Case
Western Reserve University School of Medicine.
The doctor is also the recipient of the First Annual Outstanding Teacher
Award (with associates Drs. Thomas A. Rice and Michael A. Novak), Case Western
Reserve University Hospitals, Ophthalmology Residents Program, 1985; and
outstanding teaching awards at Mt. Sinai Medical Center and St. Luke’s Hospital
ophthalmology residency programs.
Dr. Singerman was president of the Ohio and Cleveland
Ophthalmological Societies & vice-chair of the Council of the American
Academy of Ophthalmology. He is also the recipient of the Macula Society’s
Arnall Patz Medal and J. Donald M. Gass Medal and is the first recipient of the
Lawrence J. Singerman Medal for Outstanding Contributions in Clinical Trials.
He is a Charter Inductee of the Retina Hall of Fame.
Dr. Singerman is a Fellow of the American College of
Surgeons (FACS) and is board-certified in ophthalmology by the American Board
of Ophthalmology (ABO). According to the doctor, the ABO is an independent
non-profit organization responsible for certifying ophthalmologists in the
United States of America. Dr. Singerman’s research interests include medical
therapies, predominantly for wet and dry macular degeneration, diabetic
retinopathy, and retinal vein occlusion. The doctor noted that ophthalmology is
a branch of medicine and surgery which deals with the diagnosis and treatment
of eye disorders. Ophthalmologists are experts in the disease’s functions and
anatomy of the eye. They may provide routine care such as vision testing as
well as prescribe and fit eyeglasses or contact lenses. Ophthalmologists are
also surgeons. They repair traumatic injuries to the eye and perform cataract
glaucoma retinal and corneal surgery.
Dr. Singerman has been a principal investigator in more than
200 multicenter clinical research trials. He has also given more than 600
presentations at national and international courses and symposia on macular and
retinal vascular disease and has authored more than 400 publications. He has
been named to the Best Doctors in America list every year since 1988 and has
been featured annually in Cleveland Magazine as a Top Doctor by Castle Connolly
Ltd. He has received Lifetime Achievement Awards from the American Academy of
Ophthalmology and the Diabetes Partnership of Cleveland.
The doctor has held many positions during his tenure as an
ophthalmologist, including Medical Director, The Retinal Vascular Foundation,
1981; Consulting Director, Retinal Diseases Image Analysis Reading Center
(REDIARC); Case Western Reserve University Department of Ophthalmology,
2015–present; Vice Chair for Clinical Activities; Dean’s Committee of Case
Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 2014–present; Director, Retinal Institute,
Mt. Sinai Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, 1990–1997; Director, Retinal and
Laser Surgery, Mt. Sinai Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, 1985–1999; Director,
Retinal Fellowship Program, Mt. Sinai Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio,
1985–1995; Vice-Chairman of the Council, American Academy of Ophthalmology,
1994–1996; Chairman, Haas Fund Committee (for research) Mt. Sinai Medical
Center, Cleveland, Ohio, 1992–1999; Case Western Reserve University, Continuing
Medical Education Activity Director for Cleveland Ophthalmological Society
meetings, 1987–1996; Case Western Reserve University, Continuing Medical
Education Activity Director for The Macula Society annual meetings, 1978–1996;
Director, Regional Eye Trauma Center (Northeastern Ohio) of the National Eye
Trauma System and the National Eye Trauma Registry Chairman, Great Lakes
Region; American Academy of Ophthalmology Education Trust Fund, 1992–1997;
State Coordinator of the American Academy of Ophthalmology Diabetes 2000
Program for Ohio, 1991–2001; Chairman, Strategic Planning Committee, 1989–1994;
First Honorary Board Member for Life; and Diabetes Association of Greater
Cleveland.
Dr. Singerman is also Past-President, Diabetes Association
of Greater Cleveland (1987–1989); Past-President, Cleveland Ophthalmological
Society; Past-President, Ohio Ophthalmological Society Chairman, Committee for
the Arnall Patz Chair in Ophthalmology of the Wilmer Institute of Johns Hopkins
University School of Medicine; Jury Member, Pisart Vision Award (Lighthouse
International’s award for noteworthy contributions to the prevention, cure, or
amelioration of severe vision impairment or blindness, 2005; Scientific
Advisory Council, The Macula Foundation, Inc., New York, New York; Advisory
Board, American Society of Contemporary Ophthalmology Medical; Advisory Board,
Macular Degeneration Partnership Medical; Advisory Board, National Association
for the Visually Handicapped Scientific; Advisory Board, ArcticDx Scientific;
Advisory Board, Ohr Pharmaceuticals Scientific; Advisory Board, Ophthotech
Pharmaceuticals Scientific; Advisory Board, Digisight Ophthalmology; Advisory
Board, Eli Lilly and Company, 2003–2004; Scientific Advisory Board, EyeTech
Pharmaceuticals, 2001–2004; Scientific Advisory Board, Acuity Pharmaceuticals,
2007–2011 Medical Advisor; Journal of Ophthalmic Photography, 2015–present;
Editorial Board, Annals of Ophthalmology; Editorial Board, Journal of Diabetes
and Its Complications; Editorial Board, Ophthalmic Surgery and Lasers;
Editorial Board, Ophthalmology Times; Editorial Board, Retina, The Journal of
Retinal and Vitreous Diseases; Editorial Board, Retina Cases and Brief Reports;
Editorial Advisory and Review Board, Retinal Physician; Editorial Board, Retina
Vitreus (Turkish); Scientific Referee, American Journal of Ophthalmology
Scientific Referee; Archives of Ophthalmology Scientific Referee, British
Journal of Ophthalmology; Scientific Referee, New England Journal of Medicine;
and Scientific Referee, Ophthalmology.
The doctor is also the recipient of numerous awards and
recognitions, including Dowling Society Inductee, Association for Research in
Vision and Ophthalmology recognition for significant support for eye and vision
research, 2018; The Retina Society’s J. Donald M. Gass Award, at the 50th
annual meeting, 2017; Charter Member, Retina Hall of Fame, 2017; Best Doctors
in America, 1992–present; American Society of Retina Specialists Senior Honor
Award, 2016; Maimonides Award, Israel Bonds’ highest honor for medical
professionals, in appreciation of outstanding leadership and devoted
participation in medical service and support for the development of Israel’s
economy, July 2012; The Arnall Patz Medal for Outstanding Contributions in the
Study of Retinal Vascular Diseases, September 2009; Diabetes Research Lifetime
Achievement Award, Dietrich Diabetes Research Institute of the Diabetes
Association of Greater Cleveland, October 2007; Life Achievement Honor Award,
American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2006; Shaker Heights Alumni Association Hall
of Fame Inductee, October 2003; National Registry’s Who’s Who in Executives and
Professionals, 2002; The J. Donald M. Gass Medal for Outstanding Contributions
in the Study of Macular Diseases, 1999; Named 1 of the 111 best
ophthalmologists and 1 of the 10 best medical retinal specialists in America by
Ophthalmology Times, October 1996; Senior Honor Award, American Academy of
Ophthalmology, 1994; U.S. Registry’s Who’s Who Among Outstanding Americans,
1994–95; Honored Member, Who’s Who Among American Executives, 1994–95; Albrecht
von Graefe Award for distinguished contributions in Ophthalmology, presented by
the American Society of Contemporary Ophthalmology, June 28, 1993; Honor Award,
American Academy of Ophthalmology, 1984; and Research Fellowship Award,
sponsored by the Retinal Vascular Service of the Wilmer Ophthalmological
Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, July 1973–July 1974.
Dr. Singerman is professionally associated with the
following: American Academy of Ophthalmology – Board of Councilors Vice Chair,
Council, 1994–1996, Councilor, 1990–1994, Alternate Councilor, 1987–1990,
Councilor, 1981 (Founding of Board of Councilors)–1987, American Academy of
Ophthalmology – Board of Directors Member, Executive Committee, 1995–1996,
American Association for Ophthalmic Standardized Echography American Board of
Ophthalmology – Diplomate American College of Surgeons – Fellow Ohio Committee
on Applicants District #1, 1998–2008; Committee on Medical Motion Pictures, the
Board of Regents, 1994–97; American Diabetes Association; American Medical
Association; American Society of Contemporary Ophthalmology – Advisory Board;
American Society of Retinal Specialists (formerly the Vitreous Society) –
Charter Member; American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery – Fellow
Anterior Segment Laser Society; Association for Research in Vision and
Ophthalmology Cleveland Academy of Medicine; Cleveland Medical Library
Association – Life Member; Cleveland Ophthalmological Society – Past-President;
Cleveland Surgical Society Club Jules Gonin Diabetes Partnership of Cleveland /
Diabetes Association of Greater Cleveland (closed 2017) Past President; member
of Executive Committee for 10 years; member of Board of Trustees for 15 years.
During his presidency, Dr. Singerman notes that he established a formal strategic
plan. He also chaired the Strategic Plan Committee and continues to chair
Strategic Planning Committee Review; Presided over move to new location; First
Honorary Board Member for Life; European Society of Retina Specialists;
International Association of Ocular Surgeons; International College of Surgeons
– Fellow; International Diabetes Federation; International Society of
Ophthalmic Ultrasound; Johns Hopkins Medical and Surgical Association; Juvenile
Diabetes Foundation – Medical Advisory Board; Juvenile Diabetes Foundation
International – Medical Advisory Board, July 1996–July 1998; The Macula Society
– Founder, 1977; continuously re-elected to 5-year terms as Executive Secretary
since 1978; Michaelson Club – Council Member New York Academy of Sciences; Ohio
Ophthalmological Society President, 1989–1991; President-Elect, 1987–1989;
Secretary/Treasurer, 1986; Program Committee Chairman, 1986–1989, 1992–1993;
Ohio State Medical Association; Ophthalmic Council of Higher Learning;
Ophthalmic Photographers Society; Pan American Ophthalmology Association; Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology and
Otolaryngology; Pennsylvania Diabetes Academy, Member, Scientific Advisory
Board; Research to Prevent Blindness – Ophthalmology Associate; Retinitis
Pigmentosa Foundation – Medical Director, Cleveland; Life Member Retina
Society; Royal Society of Medicine Schepens International Society; Society for
Clinical Trials; Society for Geriatric Ophthalmology Wilmer Residents
Association, Johns Hopkins Hospital Uveitis; Society of America – Charter
Member; Member, EarthMed.com; Health Advisory Board, 1999. Member,
International Nominating Committee; 5th Michaelson Medal and Award, 1996;
Member, Scientific Committee, International Symposium on Fluorescein
Angiography, University of St. Gall, St. Gall, Switzerland. September 8–12,
1996; Member, Scientific Committee, Second International Symposium on Retinal
Pigment Epithelium. Genoa, Italy. May 29–30, 1996; Member, Organizing
Committee, First Jerusalem International Congress on Retinal and Vitreous
Diseases. Jerusalem, Israel, 1996; Member, International Committee, Fourth
International Symposium on Ocular Circulation and Neovascularization. Budapest,
Hungary May 22–27, 1995; and Member, Scientific Committee, Third International Symposium
on Ocular Circulation and Neovascularization, Paris, France, May 21–24, 1992.
Dr. Singerman has also been awarded 37 NIH-funded Grants for
his research and was primary investigator or co-investigator in more than 125
clinical trials. He has written four books; published 33 book chapters, 347
journal articles, two online publications, two electronic publications; 36
select abstracts, and three book reviews; has presented lectures, papers, and
posters at 42 annual meetings; published numerous materials in the Association
for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology; and has served with and published
numerous other publications with different committees.
Dr. Singerman is happily married to his wife, Margaret, and
they have two grown children and three grandchildren.
