Ivan J. Suñer

Education

1. Antilles High School, 1984 – Ft. Buchanan, PR, Valedictorian
2. Harvard University, 1988 – Bachelor of Arts, Magna cum laude, Cambridge, MA
3. Yale University, 1992 – M.D., New Haven, CT
4. University of South Florida, 2005 – Masters in Business Administration (Health Administration and Finance), Tampa, FL

Professional Training

1. Norwalk Hospital / Yale University School of Medicine – Internship in Internal Medicine, 1992–1993
2. University of Miami–Bascom Palmer Eye Institute – Residency in Ophthalmology, 1993–1996
3. University of Miami–Bascom Palmer Eye Institute – Fellowship in Vitreoretinal Diseases and Surgery, 2000–2002

Employment

1. U.S. Air Force, Scott Air Force Base, IL – Chief of Ophthalmology, 1996–2000
2. Washington University–St. Louis – Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology, 1997–2000
3. University of Miami–Bascom Palmer Eye Institute – Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology, 2000–2005
4. Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center – Staff Ophthalmologist, 2000–2002; Chief of Ophthalmology Section, 2002–2005; Associate Chief of Surgery Service, 2003–2005
5. Duke Eye Center–Duke University Medical Center – Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, 2005–2008
6. Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center – Chief of Ophthalmology Section, 2005–2008; Associate Chief of Surgery Service
7. Retina Associates of Florida, P.A. – Private Practice Limited to Diseases and Surgery of Retina and Macula, 2009–present
8. University of South Florida Department of Ophthalmology – Clinical Associate Professor, 2010–present
9. Memorial Hospital of Tampa – Chief of Surgery, 2013–2014; Associate Chief of Staff, 2015–2016

Medical Licensure

1. National Board of Medical Examiners, 1993
2. Florida License #ME-0064994, issued 7/1993
3. North Carolina License #2005-01163, issued 9/2005
4. Drug Enforcement Agency – BS6686349

Professional Certification

1. Diplomate, National Board of Medical Examiners, 1993
2. Diplomate, American Board of Ophthalmology, 1998 (Recertified to 2018)

Scholarly Societies

1. American Academy of Ophthalmology
2. The Retina Society
3. The Macula Society
4. American Society of Retina Specialists
5. European Vitreoretinal Society
6. American Board of Ophthalmology, Oral Boards Examiner
7. Club Vit
8. Aspen Retinal Detachment Society

Papers and Publications

A) Refereed Journals

Dr. Suñer has authored numerous peer-reviewed papers on retinal and macular diseases, age-related macular degeneration, choroidal neovascularization, and diabetic macular edema, published in leading journals including Ophthalmology, Retina, Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, and JAMA Ophthalmology.

B) Non-Refereed Journals

He has contributed educational and clinical articles to publications such as Review of Ophthalmology, Retina Times, Federal Practitioner, and Retinal Physician.

C) Books / Chapters

1. Measuring Quality of Life for Patients with Age-Related Macular Degeneration – Medicare Coverage Advisory Committee
2. Panretinal Photocoagulation for Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy – in Curbside Consultation in Retina
3. Vitreous Substitutes: Gas, Fluid, Silicone, Perfluorocarbon – in Duane’s Clinical Ophthalmology

D) Thesis Work

1. Studies in the Purification of Juvenile Hormone Esterase – Harvard University, 1988
2. Influences of the Lateral Geniculate Nucleus on Visual Cortex Specification – Yale University, 1992

Professional Awards and Recognitions

1. National Merit Scholar, 1984
2. Presidential Scholar, 1984
3. Harvard College Scholarship, 1985–1988
4. USAF Health Professions Scholarship, 1988–1992
5. Meritorious Service Medal, United States Air Force, 2000
6. Professor of the Year, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, 2000–2001 & 2004–2005
7. Honor Award, American Society of Retina Specialists, 2008
8. Senior Honor Award, American Society of Retina Specialists, 2010

Scientific Presentations

Dr. Suñer has presented extensively at major national and international ophthalmology conferences, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), Retina Society, and Vitreous Society meetings.

Invited Lectures and Courses

He has conducted educational lectures and instructional courses globally, focusing on diabetic macular edema, age-related macular degeneration, widefield angiography, and vitrectomy advancements.

Organizations and Participation

1. American Academy of Ophthalmology – Fellow, 1993–present
2. American Board of Ophthalmology – Oral Board Examiner, 2007–present
3. The Retina Society – Member, 2006–present
4. American Society of Retina Specialists – Member, 2002–present
5. Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology – Member, 2001–present

Editorial Experience

A) Editorial Boards

1. Federal Practitioner – 2004–present
2. Ophthalmology Practice Options – 2006–present

B) Scientific Reviewer

Reviewer for Ophthalmology, Retina, Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science, American Journal of Ophthalmology, British Journal of Ophthalmology, and Diabetes Care.

Teaching Responsibilities

Dr. Suñer has supervised retina fellows, residents, and medical students at Duke Eye Center and Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, providing both clinical and surgical instruction.

Areas of Research Interest

1. Age-related macular degeneration (smoking, hypertension, inflammation)
2. Optical coherence tomography in cataract and retinal disease
3. Ultra-widefield angiography in retinal vascular disease
4. Diabetic retinopathy screening technologies

Funded Clinical Trials and Research

Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator in multiple NIH, VA, and industry-sponsored clinical trials including ANCHOR, MARINA, HARBOR, CATT, YOSEMITE, and ARCHWAY studies, evaluating novel anti-VEGF and gene-based treatments for macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema.