The institute is based in the Health District of Miami, Florida, and has been ranked consistently as the best eye hospital and vision research center in the nation.

[3] Bascom Palmer Eye Institute was founded seven years later, on January 20, 1962, by Edward W. D. Norton, a neuro-ophthalmologist, retinal specialist, administrator and professor who joined the University of Miami's School of Medicine with aspirations of building a regional ophthalmic center in South Florida.

Carmen A. Puliafito, a vitreoretinal specialist and surgeon, was appointed chairman of the institute and medical director of the Anne Bates Leach Eye Hospital in July 2001, serving until October 2007.

Eduardo C. Alfonso, a cornea and external disease specialist, is Bascom Palmer Eye Institute's present chairman and has served in that capacity since June 2009.

Faculty and staff treat patients with most eye disorders and diseases, including:[20] Retina and Vitreous Diseases and Surgery Glaucoma corneal and external diseases Laser Vision Center treatments Neuro-ophthalmology Ophthalmic oncology Ophthalmic plastic and orbital surgery Pediatric ophthalmology Ophthalmic pathology Uveitis Comprehensive ophthalmology 24-hour emergency in Miami Optical services Contact lens service Low vision rehabilitation In 2020, U.S. News & World Report ranked Bascom Palmer Eye Institute the best ophthalmology hospital and research center in the United States for the 17th consecutive year and 19th year overall since the institute's 1962 founding.