Dr. Aquavella was the first fellowship trained corneal surgeon in the U.S.when he established practice in Rochester in the mid-1960s. Today, as a specialist in cornea and external diseases, he continues to be a leader in the area of cornea and anterior segment conditions of the eye.
As past president of the Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmology, he is well known for his work in the development of the therapeutic contact lens and the collagen shield.
Dr. Aquavella founded the Cornea Research Laboratory and was its director for almost 20 years. He initiated Rochester’s corneal fellowship program and has trained over 40 clinical corneal specialists and a similar number of research fellows.
Continually striving to provide the best possible eyecare, Dr. Aquavella is an internationally recognized lecturer, textbook author and researcher. His current work is bringing his expertise into areas such as corneal morphology and wound healing, ocular surface modulators, and keratoprostesis.
Dr. Aquavella received his AB degree from Johns Hopkins University and his medical degree from the University of Naples. He has provided eye care as a member of the health team at Kings County Medical Center, the Brooklyn Eye and Ear Hospital, the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard University, and the Institute for Medical and Biological Sciences in Boston.
A recipient of both the American Academy of Ophthalmology Honor and Senior Honor Awards, Dr. Aquavella has been included in Best Physicians in America and Best Physicians in the Northeast.
Dr. Aquavella sees patients at our Strong Memorial Hospital offices.