Norman Saffra, M.D.
- Clinical Professor, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences
Phone
Location
- Maimonides Medical Center 902 49th Street Brooklyn, NY 11219
Professional Interests
Norman Saffra, MD, FACS, is a nationally recognized ophthalmic laser and microsurgeon specializing in rare and blinding eye diseases. A Life Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, he maintains active memberships in the Retina Society, the American Society of Retina Specialists, and the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society.
Dr. Saffra has dedicated much of his career to advancing medical education and surgical training. As the Chairman of Ophthalmology at Episcopal Health, he has overseen the department’s clinical operations and directed its ophthalmology residency program for many years. His leadership in graduate medical education ensures that the next generation of surgeons meets the highest standards of clinical excellence. This role follows a distinguished three-decade tenure at Maimonides Medical Center, where he was equally instrumental in undergraduate and graduate medical training.
An accomplished innovator, Dr. Saffra holds two patents and has co-designed surgical instruments with leading manufacturers. He continues to serve as a consultant for the FDA’s Ophthalmic Medical Devices panel and advises both established and startup companies in the medical device and pharmaceutical sectors.
His academic contributions include a textbook and over 55 peer-reviewed papers in leading scientific journals. Throughout his career, Dr. Saffra has also demonstrated a deep commitment to global health; he previously served as a Team Leader for Orbis International missions, providing clinical training and sight-saving care in underserved regions. For 28 consecutive years, he has been honored in the Castle Connolly Guide and New York Magazine’s “Best Doctors” issue.