Dr. Deborah A. Downes

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Get to know Ophthalmologist Dr. Deborah A. Downes, who serves patients in Manchester, Connecticut.

Dr. Downes is a board-certified ophthalmologist with 25 years of experience in all aspects of general ophthalmology. She performs complete eye examinations for adults and children, as well as in-office minor eye and eyelid surgery. She also specializes in small incision, no-needle, no-stitch cataract surgery. 

Dr. Downes is the Founder, Medical Director, and Chief Surgeon of Surgical & Medical Ophthalmology, LLC in Manchester, Connecticut. Surgical & Medical Ophthalmology, LLC offers an array of services in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. The skilled doctors and friendly staff provide the highest quality care using the most sophisticated technology available and are dedicated to helping every patient enjoy the best possible vision. The mission of Dr. Downes’s practice embraces her purpose: to preserve and protect vision.

A native of Hartford, Dr. Downes is on staff at ECHN, Manchester Memorial Hospital, Rockville General Hospital, and Laser and Vision Surgery Center in Manchester. Dr. Downes is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry. 

Dr. Downes is board-certified in ophthalmology by the American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO). The ABO is an independent, nonprofit organization responsible for certifying ophthalmologists in the United States. Founded in 1916, the ABO was the first American Board established to certify medical specialists and is one of 24 specialty Boards recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties and the American Medical Association.

Dr. Downes earned her medical degree from Weill Cornell Medical College, where she was designated as the Marie and John Zimmermann Scholar. She then went on to complete her residency in ophthalmology at St. Luke’s – Roosevelt Hospital Center in New York City. 

Ophthalmology is a branch of medicine and surgery, which deals with the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders. Ophthalmologists are experts in the diseases, functions, and anatomy of the eye. They may provide routine care such as vision testing, as well as prescribe and fit eyeglasses or contact lenses. However, ophthalmologists are also surgeons. They repair traumatic injuries to the eye and perform cataract, glaucoma, and corneal surgery. 

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