BIOGRAPHY
A Life Shaped by Science,
Vision, and Leadership
Dr. Carmen A. Puliafito is a physician-scientist, innovator, educator, and academic medical leader whose work has advanced retinal imaging, ophthalmic care, and medical education.
The Making of a Physician-Scientist
Dr. Puliafito’s early career developed at the intersection of ophthalmology, laser medicine, engineering, and optical science. At Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, he held faculty appointments at Harvard Medical School and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and founded the Morse Laser Center.
There, he developed basic science and translational research programs supported by the National Institutes of Health, the Office of Naval Research, and industry. He also established collaborations with MIT and the Wellman Laboratory of Photomedicine at Massachusetts General Hospital.
The OCT Breakthrough
Working with investigators from Harvard Medical School and MIT, Dr. Puliafito co-invented Optical Coherence Tomography, an imaging technology that made it possible to examine the living retina with unprecedented detail.
He subsequently helped guide the transfer of OCT from the research laboratory into industry and clinical medicine. The technology became an essential diagnostic and monitoring tool in ophthalmology and earned recognition including the Rank Prize in Optoelectronics and the Champalimaud Vision Award.
Building Institutions That Endure
As his work expanded from scientific investigation into academic leadership, Dr. Puliafito focused on building organizations that connected patient care, research, and education.
At Tufts, he founded and developed the New England Eye Center into a nationally recognized center for subspecialty ophthalmic care, education, and research. At Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, he led major growth in faculty, research funding, clinical operations, philanthropy, and regional services. Later, as Dean of the Keck School of Medicine of USC, he directed significant expansion across medical education, research, faculty recruitment, clinical enterprise, and philanthropy.
Education, Mentorship, and Ideas
Education has remained central throughout Dr. Puliafito’s career. He has taught physicians and trainees, developed academic and online educational programs, supported scientific investigators, and lectured on retinal disease, medical ethics, and professional responsibility.
His leadership has also emphasized the creation of new degree programs, interdisciplinary research initiatives, and opportunities for students and faculty to participate in emerging areas of medicine and science.
From Academic Medicine to Digital Education
Since 2017, Dr. Puliafito has worked as a consultant, entrepreneur, and educator. His advisory work has included retinal drug therapy, artificial intelligence in ophthalmology, clinical-trial imaging, and medical education.
As co-founder and managing director of Retina Synthesis, he continues to develop online educational programming for ophthalmologists and retina specialists.
