About Joseph Rizzo, MD
Dr. Joseph Rizzo sees complex neuro-ophthalmic disorders by referral within New England and worldwide. His clinical expertise informs his research, and he devotes a major portion of his professional focus to developing new therapeutic options for patients with vision disorders.
After obtaining his MD from Louisiana State University, Dr. Rizzo completed his neurology residency at Tufts University/New England Medical Center and an ophthalmology residency at Boston University. Subsequently, he joined the HMS Department of Ophthalmology as a Clinical Fellow in Neuro-Ophthalmology and has served as a full-time faculty member since 1986.
Each year, Dr. Rizzo supervises and teaches three clinical fellows and eight residents in the basic evaluation and management of neuro-ophthalmic disorders. As Director of the Neuro-Ophthalmology Service, he also designs and provides oversight for the fellowship program in Neuro-Ophthalmology. For more than 25 years, he directed the Neuro-Ophthalmology section of the Lancaster Course in Ophthalmology, which is the oldest and largest educational course that is designed for residents-in-training. He also serves as Director of Harvard Ophthalmology Alumni.
Clinical Interests:
- Neuro-ophthalmology
Treats:
- Adult
Locations
Mass Eye and Ear
243 Charles St.
Boston, MA 02114
Phone: 617-523-7900
Medical Education
- MD, Louisiana State University School of Medicine
- Residency, Boston Medical Center
- Residency, Tufts Medical Center
- Fellowship, Massachusetts Eye and Ear
American Board Certifications
- Neurology, American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology
- Ophthalmology, American Board of Ophthalmology
Research
Dr. Rizzo dedicates his research to studying the mechanisms of vision loss, improving diagnostic methods, and developing new treatments for blinding diseases. In the late 1980s, he founded the Boston Retinal Implant Project to develop a retinal prosthesis and offer a new therapeutic option for patients who have acquired blindness. His clinical research focuses primarily on the study of optic neuritis/multiple sclerosis, ischemic optic neuropathy, pseudotumor cerebri, and giant cell arteritis.
Publications
-
1. Rizzo JF. Unraveling the Enigma of Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy. J Neuroophthalmol. 2019 Dec; 39(4):529-544.
2. Yoon MK, Rizzo JF. Giant Cell Arteritis in Black Patients: Do We Know How Rare It Is? JAMA Ophthalmol. 2019 Aug 08.
3. Douglas VP, Douglas KAA, Rizzo JF, Chwalisz BK. Case report: Orbital myositis triggering oxygen-responsive cluster headache. Cephalalgia. 2019 07 25; 333102419865974.
4. Gaier ED, Wang M, Gilbert AL, Rizzo JF, Cestari DM, Miller JB. Quantitative analysis of optical coherence tomographic angiography (OCT-A) in patients with non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) corresponds to visual function. PLoS One. 2018; 13(6):e0199793.
5. Mansouri B, Roznik M, Rizzo JF, Prasad S. Rehabilitation of Visual Loss: Where We Are and Where We Need to Be. J Neuroophthalmol. 2018 Jun; 38(2):223-229.
Dr. Rizzo was very personable, he was informative, worked well with his team members, who I assume were in some sort of program still learning. He was explaining things not only to me but to his team as well. He made conversation with me and made me feel more comfortable being there without any other support. He was happy to review my case and ... Read More
dr. Rizzo saw me earlier than my scheduled appointment and spent a lot of time assessing my issue. I appreciate his knowledge, expertise and kindness.
Dr. Rizzo is very personable and extremely knowledgeable. He did a very thorough examination. After he finished, I felt assured he will do all he can to figure out what is going on with my eyes and balance.
I have been seen in the Neuro ophthalmology department for the past 45 years. I have been seeing Dr. Joseph Rizzo for approximately 40 of those years. He is an ultimate professional for clinically and personally I am very pleased and satisfied with the care I receive from him and his staff.
Dr Rizzo spent a lot of time with me and communicated very well what he was thinking and what he dermined. He was very easy to talk to.
The provider was very conscientious listened to me and spoke clearly explaining things.I highly recommend
I felt that I was visiting a first class, excellent facility. I came for a second opinion and believe that I received the best that Eye and Ear could do for me.
Dr Rizzo is an outstanding doctor in a true professional.
I'm in a research study and had to have about 3 different tests/visits on the same day. It took a very long time between them. Glad I had my iphone!
Dr Rizzo was personable, attentive, and professional. He spent considerable time patiently listening to my concerns and finally came to many conclusions after an hour with many questions and tests that satisfied my worries and my condition. He setup an appointment for a head and an eye MRI scan. He communicates easily and allows one to have trust ... Read More