When your vision is at stake, “good enough” simply isn’t enough. If you’ve been referred for a retinal condition, are living with chronic uveitis, or managing a complex inflammatory eye disease, the expertise of your specialist matters. The Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institution (MERSI) in Waltham, MA, has long been a trusted destination for advanced eye care, serving patients across Boston, Newton, Belmont, Watertown, and the broader MetroWest region.
MERSI’s physicians, Stephen D. Anesi and Peter Y. Chang, have earned recognition from respected medical authorities, including Castle Connolly and Boston Magazine. Their decades of advanced training, record of complex surgical outcomes, and a patient-centered approach are evident from the moment you walk through the door.
This overview highlights what sets MERSI apart, introduces the nationally recognized specialists leading the practice, and explains why patients throughout Greater Boston consistently choose this Waltham center for their most specialized eye care needs.
Specialized Eye Care Is Different From a Routine Exam
A standard eye exam checks your prescription and screens for basic conditions. Specialized ophthalmology is a distinct discipline—one focused on diagnosing and treating complex, often sight-threatening conditions that require years of advanced training to manage.
Conditions such as retinal detachment, macular degeneration, uveitis, diabetic retinopathy, and corneal disease often require more than generalist care. These complex eye diseases demand fellowship-trained specialists—physicians who have devoted their careers to mastering both the clinical and surgical aspects of these conditions. Through rigorous post-residency fellowships, ophthalmologists develop deep expertise in subspecialties like retina surgery, ocular immunology, and glaucoma—skills and experience that go far beyond what a general practice can provide.
For patients in the Boston area facing these diagnoses, finding a specialized eye care provider in Boston with this level of training is essential. MERSI was established precisely to meet this need.
Trusted, Recognized Specialists at MERSI
Dr. Peter Y. Chang — Retina & Inflammatory Eye Disease
Dr. Peter Y. Chang serves as Co-President and Partner at MERSI and is widely regarded as one of Massachusetts’ most accomplished ophthalmologists. His expertise covers retinal surgery, uveitis, ocular inflammatory disease, retinal detachment, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease—complex conditions requiring both diagnostic precision and advanced surgical skill.
Dr. Chang has been named a Top Doctor by Castle Connolly and recognized by Boston Magazine as a top ophthalmologist in the region. He was also selected as one of Newsweek’s Best Eye Doctors in America (2023), placing him among just 200 ophthalmologists nationally to receive that recognition out of thousands surveyed by medical peers across the country.
In 2023, Dr. Chang became the first surgeon in Massachusetts to perform the Susvimo surgical implant—a major advancement for treating wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME). MERSI also now offers Valeda Light Therapy for dry AMD, the first and only FDA-authorized treatment of its kind.
Patients seeking the best retina surgeon in Boston, or a Boston Magazine Top Doctor in ophthalmology, will find Dr. Chang’s blend of national accolades and local accessibility unmatched.
Sally, a patient of Dr. Chang’s, shared her experience:
“This past spring, I was unfortunate to have a macular hole in my right eye… I was very lucky to get a referral to see Dr. Chang. He knew what the issue was right away and recommended immediate surgery… Without him, I would be blind by now since I had lost the vision on my left eye to retina detachment many years ago.”
Dr. Stephen D. Anesi — Comprehensive Ophthalmology & Uveitis Care
Dr. Stephen D. Anesi, Co-President and Partner at the Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institution (MERSI), offers advanced fellowship training in ocular immunology and uveitis to a broad spectrum of clinical care, including corneal disease, glaucoma, cataract surgery, and dry eye management. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), reflecting the high surgical standards he maintains across his practice.
Dr. Anesi has been recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor for five consecutive years, a distinction earned through a peer-nomination process and physician-led vetting that identifies the top 7% of doctors nationwide. He is featured in Boston Magazine as a leading ophthalmologist for his expertise in uveitis, cataract surgery, and dry eye syndrome.
Renowned for his patient-centered approach, Dr. Anesi is especially trusted by individuals managing chronic autoimmune and inflammatory eye conditions that require long-term, coordinated care. His combination of cutting-edge expertise and genuine compassion has made him one of the region’s most respected ophthalmology specialists.
Raquel F., one of Dr. Anesi’s patients, described her experience:
“Dr. Anesi is the reason I can see my beautiful daughter every day. I come from a family with a very complicated genetic autoimmune disease, part of which is uveitis. Dr. Anesi not only fully comprehends the disease but also makes me feel at ease knowing I’m in the best of hands… Boston is known for having some of the best medical care in the world. Dr. Anesi is one of the doctors that makes that statement true.”
Together, Drs. Anesi and Chang lead a team that also includes experienced associates. We most recently welcomed Dr. Carl S. Wilkins, who brings a rare combination of expertise in vitreoretinal surgery and ocular immunology.
University-Level Expertise in a Local Setting
MERSI was founded by Dr. C. Stephen Foster with a clear mission: to create a comprehensive, cutting edge facility with an unmatched focus on patient care. That vision has produced something rare, a private practice that delivers the diagnostic depth and subspecialty expertise of a major academic medical center, without the institutional long wait times or impersonal experience.
At MERSI’s Waltham location, patients have access to:
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- A fully equipped diagnostic center with same-day results
- An on-site CLIA-certified immunopathology laboratory
- An advanced infusion suite for therapeutic treatments
- Immediate access to diagnostic testing appointments
- Detailed consultation reports sent promptly to referring physicians
For patients who might otherwise travel to major Boston hospitals for subspecialty care, MERSI offers a compelling alternative: the same caliber of expertise, closer to home, in a practice built around individual patient needs.
Geographic Advantages: Boston & Waltham Access
MERSI’s location at 1440 Main Street, Suite 201, Waltham, MA puts it within easy reach of patients throughout the Greater Boston area. Residents of Newton, Belmont, Watertown, Brookline, and MetroWest communities can access top-tier specialized eye care without navigating downtown Boston traffic or dealing with the parking challenges that come with it.
For patients in Waltham itself, the convenience is obvious.However, even for those traveling from further cities, MERSI’s proximity to major routes makes it a practical destination for ongoing specialist care. When you’re managing a chronic condition that requires regular monitoring, that kind of accessibility matters.
What Patients Say
Much of MERSI’s reputation stems from the positive outcomes and experiences of its patients. In addition to the testimonials already shared, the practice consistently earns high praise for the thoroughness of its physicians, the excellence of its support staff, and the welcoming atmosphere patients encounter.
Diana G. wrote of Dr. Lou:
“Dr. Lou is outstanding and thorough in every way—from the time he spends with you, his caring and compassionate manner and especially his expertise. Can’t imagine finding a better ophthalmologist anywhere.”
Chris J., a long-term uveitis patient, reflected:
“Dr. Foster first treated me for uveitis over 30 years ago. He has pulled me from the brink of not being able to see so many times I can’t count them… He has given me an amazing gift—my sight—and I will be forever grateful.”
Conditions MERSI Treats
MERSI offers comprehensive care for a full range of complex eye conditions, including:
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- Retina and Vitreoretinal Surgery — macular holes, retinal detachment, vitreoretinal disorders
- Uveitis and Ocular Inflammatory Disease — including autoimmune and systemic eye conditions
- Macular Degeneration — including dry AMD (Valeda) and wet AMD (Susvimo)
- Diabetic Eye Disease — diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema
- Dry Eye and Corneal Disease — from severe dry eye to advanced corneal procedures
- Glaucoma Management — laser procedures, MIGS, drug-eluting implants
- Cataract Surgery — including femtosecond laser technology and presbyopia-correcting lenses
- Scleritis — expert management of this serious inflammatory condition
Emergency consultations are always welcome, and same-day diagnostic testing appointments are available for urgent cases.
How to Schedule an Appointment
Scheduling with MERSI is straightforward. Whether you’ve received a referral from another physician or are seeking a second opinion, the practice accommodates both routine appointments and urgent consultations.
Call MERSI directly at 781-891-6377 or visit us online to request an appointment. Urgent referrals and emergency consultations are always welcome with same-day access to diagnostic testing available for time-sensitive cases.
Top Boston Retina & Uveitis Specialists | MERSI Waltham
For patients in Boston, Waltham, and surrounding communities who need more than a routine eye exam, MERSI delivers exceptional value. Nationally recognized specialists, state-of-the-art diagnostics, and a patient-focused approach are all available under one roof—conveniently located in MetroWest.
Recognition from Castle Connolly, Boston Magazine, and Newsweek—alongside Dr. Chang and Dr. Anesi’s expertise in ocular immunology and uveitis—positions MERSI among Massachusetts’ most credentialed ophthalmology practices. Coupled with a comprehensive suite of diagnostics, a legacy of clinical innovation, and a team of fellowship-trained specialists, the reasons to choose MERSI are compelling.
Your vision deserves specialized care. Contact MERSI today to schedule a consultation and connect with one of Greater Boston’s most trusted ophthalmology teams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the top retina specialists in Boston, MA?
Patients searching for top retina specialists in Boston often look for physicians recognized for clinical excellence and national distinction. At MERSI, both Dr. Stephen D. Anesi and Dr. Peter Y. Chang provides advanced care for complex retinal and inflammatory eye diseases. Dr. Chang has been recognized by Castle Connolly and featured by Boston Magazine as a Top Doctor, and was also named one of Newsweek’s Best Eye Doctors in America (2023). MERSI serves patients throughout Boston, Waltham, and surrounding MetroWest communities.
What is specialized eye care, and when do I need it?
Specialized eye care goes beyond routine vision exams and focuses on diagnosing and treating complex conditions including retina disease, uveitis, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and corneal disorders. If you’ve been referred for retinal detachment, macular degeneration, ocular inflammation, or unexplained vision loss, a fellowship-trained ophthalmologist at MERSI in Waltham, MA can provide advanced diagnostic testing and treatment.
Why choose MERSI for uveitis or inflammatory eye disease treatment near Boston?
Uveitis and ocular inflammatory diseases require highly specialized training in ocular immunology. MERSI’s physicians have advanced fellowship training in these complex conditions and provide university-level expertise in a private practice setting. Patients in Boston and Waltham choose MERSI for comprehensive evaluation, personalized treatment plans, and coordinated long-term care for chronic inflammatory eye conditions.
Is there a Castle Connolly “Best Doctor” ophthalmologist near Waltham, MA?
Yes. Physicians at MERSI have been recognized by Castle Connolly for excellence in ophthalmology. This recognition is peer-nominated and reflects clinical expertise, leadership, and patient outcomes. Patients seeking trusted, award-recognized eye specialists near Boston can access this level of care conveniently in Waltham.
What eye conditions does MERSI treat in the Boston area?
MERSI treats a full spectrum of complex eye conditions. These include retina disorders (macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment), uveitis, ocular inflammatory disease, glaucoma, corneal disease, dry eye, scleritis, and cataracts. Patients from Boston, Waltham, Newton, Belmont, and surrounding communities rely on MERSI for advanced diagnostics, medical management, and surgical care.