Mark G. Speaker, MD, PhD
Dr. Speaker is widely recognized as one of the leading laser and corneal surgeons in the country and is well known by Ophthalmologists worldwide for his pioneering research and surgical innovations. As one of the first surgeons to become involved with laser vision correction, he participated as an investigator in the initial clinical trials for several excimer laser systems. He also participated in the initial development work that led to the current femtosecond lasers used in LASIK and SMILE procedures, as well as in current laser cataract surgery. Dr. Speaker also performed the first SMILE procedure in Rome, Italy in 1993.
He participated as an investigator in an early clinical trials of collagen crosslinking for keratoconus, and has performed over 4500 CXL procedures. He has performed over 70,000 LASIK and PRK procedures as well as numerous other refractive surgeries, including ICLs, anterior segment reconstruction, and corneal transplants. He is recognized worldwide for development of the povidone iodine prep for intraocular surgery which has saved countless thousands of eyes from blindness caused by postoperative infection.
Dr. Speaker’s expertise is frequently sought by patients in demanding professions, including pilots, athletes, doctors as well as military and law enforcement officers because of his experience and longstanding commitment to excellence and superior results. Dr. Speaker and Dr. Abramson have always been dedicated to their patients and their needs, giving them direct access for questions and concerns both before and after their procedures. In this era of corporate medicine, they have evolved their practice into a concierge-style practice, where they deliver a highly personalized experience.
Because of his extensive experience with LASIK, Dr. Speaker believes in the procedure and had it done on himself many years ago, and has performed the procedure on many family members including his wife, brother, mother-in-law, and others. His wife, Dr. Jodi Abramson, who is the surgeon leading our Westchester practice, was the one who performed his LASIK procedure on him. Uniquely, they are the only couple they know of who have done each other’s LASIK procedures.
EDUCATION | TRAINING
Dr. Speaker graduated from Brown University and received his MD and PhD degrees from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, where he graduated from the National Institute of Health Medical Scientist Training Program and was elected to Alpha Omega Alpha, the national medical honor society. After an internship in surgery at Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, Dr. Speaker completed his ophthalmology residency at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, where he was appointed Chief Resident. Dr. Speaker then received fellowship training at the Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia in Corneal and Refractive Surgery, and went on to found the Corneal Fellowship program at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, where he has trained over 25 Corneal and Refractive Surgery Fellows.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS | HONORS
Dr. Speaker served as Director of the Residency training program, Chief of the Cornea Service at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, and Chairman of the Infection Control Committee.
He also holds an appointment as an Associate Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the Mt Sinai School of Medicine. Dr. Speaker was awarded the VISX Star which is presented to top excimer laser surgeons in the United States. He has served on the Program Committee of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, received an Honor Award from the Academy, and served as Program Chair for the International Society of Refractive Surgeons. Dr. Speaker has been featured in major publications such as New York Magazine, SELF Magazine, Crain’s and Cosmopolitan Magazine.
ln addition to being recognized as one of the leading corneal and laser vision correction surgeons in the country by the New York Times, Dr. Speaker has consistently been included in the New York Magazine and Castle and Connolly Best Doctors listings. He is a board-certified Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology. He is the author of over 60 published research studies and book chapters.
Academic and Professional Experience and Affiliations
Program Chairperson,
International Society of Refractive Surgery 2001 Clinical Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, New York Medical CollegeNew York Regional Medical Director,
TLC, The Laser Center: www.tlcvision.comMember, Board of Directors,
Castroviejo Corneal SocietyMember, Program Committee,
American Academy of OphthalmologyDirector, Corneal Service,
Department of Ophthalmology, The New York Eye & Ear Infirmary – 1992-98Director of Resident Training,
Department of Ophthalmology. The New York Eye & Ear Infirmary – 1987-92
Education/Training
Corneal and Refractive Surgery Fellowship,
Wills Eye HospitalChief Resident, Resident in Ophthalmology,
The New York Eye & Ear InfirmaryInternship in General Surgery,
Columbia Presbyterian Medical CenterM.D. and Ph.D.,
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Honors, Awards & Certifications
Elected by his peers for inclusion in Best Doctors in America® from 1994 to 2016.
National Institutes of Health Medical Scientist Training Program
Alpha Omega Alpha National Honors Society
Founder, International Cornea Study Group
VISX Star Surgeon awarded to the top Excimer Laser surgeons in the United States
Wilfred Fry Lecturer, Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia
Senior Honor Award, American Academy of Ophthalmology