Dr. Dean Cestari is a clinician scientist who provides medical treatment for neuro-ophthalmic disorders, strabismus ("crossed" eyes), and diplopia (double vision). He is Co-Director of the Center for Thyroid Eye Disease and Orbital Surgery at Mass. Eye and Ear. In addition to his clinical practice and research program, Dr. Cestari also supervises and mentors medical students, residents, and fellows.

Dr. Cestari earned his medical degree from Sackler School of Medicine in Tel Aviv, Israel. After a one-year fellowship in neuro-ophthalmology at Mass. Eye and Ear, he returned to Weill Cornell Medical College's New York Presbyterian Hospital, where he completed a residency in ophthalmology and served as Chief Resident in his final year. Dr. Cestari is one of the few ophthalmologists worldwide who is board-certified in both neurology and ophthalmology.

Dr. Cestari is actively involved in cutting-edge research that aims to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of optic nerve disease. In particular, he received a Harvard Medical School Catalyst Grant to study the cause of ischemic optic neuropathy, a condition that leads to decreased blood flow to the optic nerve. He also is evaluating the safety and efficacy of various novel neuro-protective agents that aim to preserve and restore vision affected by vascular occlusion.

Since 2007, he has served on the Digital Media Committee of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and on the Curriculum Development Committee of the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society. At Mass. Eye and Ear, he chairs the Clinical Fellowships Committee and directs the Neuro-ophthalmology Fellowship Program. 

In 2012, Dr. Cestari received a 2012 Achievement Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to ophthalmology, the Academy, and its scientific education programs.

Clinical Interests

Diseases of the optic nerve, pseudotumor cerebri, adult strabismus