Paul Svitra, MD

Year joined staff: 2024

• Cornell University Medical College – Medical Degree
• New York University, College of Arts & Science -Bachelor of Arts

• Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary Harvard Medical School, Boston – Ophthalmology

• Winthrop University Hospital, Mineola -Internal Medicine

• American Academy of Ophthalmology – Fellow
• Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology
• The Retina Society
• Macula Society
• Massachusetts Eye & Ear Alumni
• Robert Machemer Foundation / Duke Eye Alumni
• Long Island Ophthalmological Society
• Nassau County Medical Society
• New York State Ophthalmology Society

• Winthrop University Hospital Twenty Years of Excellence Award
• Mercy Medical Center Decade of Service Award
• Castle Connelly / Newsday Top Doctors, NY
• National Society of Heed Fellows Award
• NIH – National Eye Institute NRSA Grant
• National Society to Prevent Blindness Grant
• Fight for Sight Fellowship Award
• Dean’s Research Award -. Cornell Medical College
• New York Medical Regents Scholarship

Dr. Paul Svitra is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in retinal diseases. Graduating summa cum laude from NYU, he earned his medical degree from Cornell University Medical College. He then completed his ophthalmology residency at the prestigious Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston. Dr. Svitra’s research focused on advancing retinal care, completing a fellowship in Ophthalmic Pathology, holding faculty positions at both Harvard and MIT. His work in advanced techniques such as laser, ultrasound, and ocular imaging has been supported by the NIH and the National Society to Prevent Blindness. Furthering his clinical training, Dr. Svitra pursued a fellowship in Retina and Vitreous Diseases and Surgery at Duke University Eye Center under Dr. Robert Machemer, a pioneer of modern vitrectomy retinal surgery. Dr Svitra’s research has been widely published in peer-reviewed journals, with contributions to major textbooks and presentations at both national and international conferences. He has also been recognized with the prestigious Heed Foundation Award and a Fight for Sight Research Award. After a distinguished career in both academia and private practice, Dr. Svitra joins SightMD. Previously, he served as full-time faculty and physician in charge of vitreo-retinal diseases and surgery at North Shore Hospital, then affiliated with Cornell Medical College. He extended his expertise to the Long Island community, particularly to underserved areas on the South Shore, providing specialized retinal care to patients with diabetes and other serious eye conditions. His hospital affiliations included North Shore, LIJ, NYU Langone-Winthrop, Mercy, Glen Cove, South Nassau, and Franklin General. Dr. Svitra is a lifetime fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and a member of the New York Ophthalmology Society. He has been listed in publications such as the Castle Connolly Guide, Best Doctors Guide, New York Magazine, and Newsday for his contributions to retinal and vitreous care. Dr. Svitra takes a personalized approach to care, ensuring that each patient fully understands their condition and treatment options. He is dedicated to using cutting-edge technology and combining experience with innovation to provide optimal, equitable care for all his patients.