Ophthalmic Pathology

The Opthalmic Pathology service at the Tufts Medical Center provides the finest ocular pathology consultative services. All types of ocular pathology specimens are processed, including whole globes, orbital exenteration specimens, eyelid biopsies, conjunctival biopsies, corneal penetrating keratoplasties, phacoemulsifications, and vitrectomy specimens.

Standard histology and the latest diagnostic studies with state-of-the-art instrumentation guide the care of patients at our laboratory. Some of the methods include immunofluorescence studies, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, flow cytometry, and electron microscopy studies.

Specimen fixation, handling
and transport requirement

Routine specimens, formalin fixation
Most specimens should be placed in 10% formalin before being sent to the laboratory. Enucleation or exenteration specimens should be fixed with abundant amounts of fixative (10 % formalin, 5 times the volume of the specimen).

Immunofluorescence
Skin or conjunctival biopsies for immunofluorescence studies: should be put in Michel’s fixative (available in our laboratory, please request if needed) and sent to our laboratory as soon as possible.

Vitrectomy specimes for lymphoma evaluation
Vitrectomy specimens for lymphoma evaluation should be sent fresh in saline immediately. Alternatively, air-dried and alcohol fixed smears and tissue for cellblock preparation fixed in formation could be sent.

Please contact our Customer Service Center for assistance at 617-636-7988.

Specimens also may be sent directly to our laboratory:
  Ophthalmology Pathology Laboratory
  Tufts Medical Center
  800 Washington Street #802
  Boston, MA 02111

Ophthalmic Pathology Physicians

Other Specialties