Joan Whitten Miller, MD
Retina and Vitreous DiseasesComprehensive Ophthalmology
Highlights
Age Groups Seen
- Adults
- Geriatrics
Languages
- English
Gender
FemaleAbout Joan Whitten Miller
Dr. Miller is the former Chair of Harvard Ophthalmology, Chair of Ophthalmology at Mass Eye and Ear and Mass General Hospital, and Ophthalmologist-in-Chief at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
_x000D_Dr. Miller is an internationally recognized expert on retinal disorders, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Over the last two decades, she and her colleagues at Mass Eye and Ear/HMS pioneered the development of photodynamic therapy using verteporfin (Visudyne®), the first approved pharmacological therapy able to reduce and slow vision loss in patients with AMD. The group also identified the key role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in ocular neovascularization, leading to the development of anti-VEGF therapies now administered to millions of children and adults with sight-threatening retinal diseases annually around the world. Dr. Miller’s current studies focus on the genetics of AMD, strategies for early intervention in AMD, neuroprotective therapies for retinal diseases, and MacTel and other maculopathies.
_x000D_Dr. Miller is the first female physician to achieve the rank of Professor of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School and the first woman to chair the Department of Ophthalmology. She is also the first woman appointed as Chair of Ophthalmology at both Mass Eye and Ear and Massachusetts General Hospital. In addition to these roles and responsibilities, she also co-directs Mass Eye and Ear's Ines and Frederick Yeatts Retina Research Laboratory.
_x000D_In recognition for her contributions to the field of ophthalmology, Dr. Miller has received numerous prestigious honors and awards. Among them, she is a member of the National Academy of Medicine and a co-recipient of the 2014 António Champalimaud Vision Award, the highest distinction in ophthalmology and visual science. In 2015, Dr. Miller also became the first woman to receive the Mildred Weisenfeld Award for Excellence in Ophthalmology from the Association for Research In Vision and Ophthalmology; in 2018, she became the first woman awarded the Charles L. Schepens, MD, Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Recently, Dr. Miller was awarded the 2018 Lucien Howe Medal from the American Ophthalmological Society and the 2018 Gertrude D. Pyron Award from the American Society of Retinal Specialists.
_x000D_Clinical Interests
_x000D_Diseases and surgery of the retina and vitreous; age-related macular degeneration; diabetic retinopathy; photodynamic therapy
Locations
- Mass Eye and Ear Retina Service
- 243 Charles Street, Floor 12, Boston, MA 02114
- Get Directions
- phone: 617-573-3288
- fax: 617-573-3698
Expertise
Education
- Fellowship: Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Vitreo-retinal, 1991
- Residency: Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Ophthalmology, 1989
- Internship: Newton-Wellesley Hospital***, Medicine, 1986
- Medical Education: Harvard Medical School, 1985
Board Certifications
- Ophthalmology: American Board of Ophthalmology, 1991
Insurance
- Aetna
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Cigna
- Commonwealth Care Alliance
- Community Health Options
- Coventry
- Fallon Health
- Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
- Mass General Brigham Health Plan
- MassHealth
- Medicaid CT
- Medicaid ME
- Medicaid RI
- Medicare
- Multiplan
- Railroad Medicare
- Senior Whole Health
- TriCare
- Tufts Health Plan
- Tufts Medicare Preferred
- Tufts Public Health Plan
- United Health Care
- Wellpoint
- WellSense
Ratings & Reviews
5 out of 5
57 ratings, 30 reviewsThe Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.
- Reviewed on 3/19/2026
Of course, we couldn't say enough about Dr. Joan Miller. [redacted]
- Reviewed on 2/25/2026
Dr Joan Miller is an asset to MEE. I would follow her anywhere!
- Reviewed on 1/15/2026
Very prepared for my visit and comprehensive.
- Reviewed on 1/14/2026
Dr Miller is not only very knowledgeable but very down to earth and approachable. Glad she accepted me as her patient.
- Reviewed on 12/28/2025
Dr. Miller has answered all my questions. She's very calm, she's very reassuring, and I like her very much, and she always, always takes the time.
- Reviewed on 12/24/2025
Provider was friendly and reassuring, very efficient.
- Reviewed on 12/16/2025
Always thorough
- Reviewed on 12/16/2025
My eye was examined by a technician, a Retina Fellow and by Dr. Miller. I have been a patient of Dr. Miller for 10 years. I'm very fortunate!
- Reviewed on 11/19/2025
Always excellent. Joan Miller is a great doctor.
- Reviewed on 11/19/2025
Dr Joan Miller is amazing [redacted] she was wonderful [redacted]
- Reviewed on 11/19/2025
Thankful for Dr Miller's expertise. [redacted]
- Reviewed on 11/22/2025
Thank you Dr. Joan Miller and everyone else at Mass Eye and Ear for saving my vision! Vision is one of the most important things in my life.
- Reviewed on 11/13/2025
Dr Miller is a precious gem! I look forward to my visit every six months specifically to see her.
- Reviewed on 11/12/2025
Support staff could be more polite.
- Reviewed on 11/7/2025
Dr. Miller is very thorough and professional.
- Reviewed on 10/30/2025
One word says it all: Amazing
- Reviewed on 10/21/2025
Dr Miller and her colleagues reliably provide world class medical care. I applaud them all.
- Reviewed on 10/10/2025
Yes, I was part of a test that Dr. Miller, Dr. Joe Miller has been running for several years. And I was treated with great respect and dignity for the entire time I was there. And I was very pleased to be part of the test. And I highly, I hold Dr. Joe Miller in high regard. for all the work she has done and contributed to Mass. Eye and Ear. Thank you. Bye.
- Reviewed on 10/9/2025
Extremely professional, thoroughly answered my fears and questions
- Reviewed on 10/1/2025
Dr Joan Miller is everything a doctor should be. She's the best!
- Reviewed on 9/28/2025
Dr. Miller is an excellent care provider who genuinely cares for her patients.
- Reviewed on 8/10/2025
Dr. Joan Miller is very knowledgeable, straightforward, with a warm friendly manner. I am grateful to be in her care.
- Reviewed on 7/23/2025
Dr. Miller has provided excellent care for many years. [redacted]
- Reviewed on 7/23/2025
Dr joan miller and dr [redacted] are the BEST!
- Reviewed on 7/16/2025
Dr. Joan Miller is both an incredible, thorough eye doctor while also tending to the emotional aspect of being a patient. I am so thankful for her expertise and drive over 2 hours annually to see her.
- Reviewed on 6/20/2025
I've been a patient of Dr. Miller's for 30 years and have only the utmost respect for her and consider her to be the best professional in her field.
- Reviewed on 6/18/2025
As always, I feel like I receive the best possible treatment from Dr. Miller. Everyone in this office--the doctor herself, her fellows, the receptionist, EVERYONE is professional. I am in a research study and the staff who assist with that are also superb.
- Reviewed on 6/12/2025
Dr. Miller is excellent. Very thorough
- Reviewed on 6/12/2025
Dr Miller and the entire staff operate like a well oiled machine. I feel very fortunate to have them as care providers
- Reviewed on 6/11/2025
Experience was efficient and informative...a pleasure to work with.