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Advanced Eye Care for Complex Conditions
At Massachusetts Eye Research & Surgery Institution (MERSI), patient-centered care is our foundation. Since our founding by Dr. C. Stephen Foster, we have combined cutting-edge technology with compassionate service to address both common and complex eye conditions. Our team of fellowship-trained physicians specializes in treating uveitis, retinal disorders, glaucoma, and corneal diseases, utilizing advanced diagnostics and surgical techniques. We maintain a state-of-the-art facility featuring an on-site pathology lab, infusion suite, and premium cataract services.

With decades of collective experience, our doctors have performed thousands of procedures, including innovative treatments like Valeda Light Therapy for dry AMD. We prioritize rapid access to care, offering same-day diagnostic testing and emergency consultations. Our commitment extends beyond clinical excellence to education, training hundreds of ophthalmologists globally. As a leader in clinical trials, we advance ophthalmic innovation while maintaining rigorous standards for safety, ethics, and patient communication.
Services
Uveitis Treatment Cataract Surgery Retina Surgery Glaucoma Management Corneal Transplant Infusion Therapy Pathology Lab Services Premium IOLs Diagnostic Testing Clinical Trials
Highlights and features
  • Over 50 years of expertise in ophthalmology and ocular immunology
  • State-of-the-art facility with on-site pathology and infusion services
  • Specialized in treating rare and complex eye diseases like uveitis
  • Fellowship-trained surgeons with thousands of successful procedures
  • Active participation in clinical trials advancing eye care innovation
Associations and certifications
  • CLIA certified
What people say
Life-changing expertise Compassionate and thorough Vision restored Trusted specialists Cutting-edge treatments
Services
Uveitis Treatment
Our specialists manage uveitis and ocular inflammatory diseases using advanced immunosuppressive therapies and personalized treatment plans. We address acute and chronic cases with a focus on preventing vision loss through comprehensive diagnostics and tailored interventions. Patients benefit from our expertise in autoimmune-related eye conditions and access to clinical trials exploring new therapeutic approaches.
Cataract Surgery
We offer minimally invasive cataract surgery with premium intraocular lens implants and Femtosecond laser technology. Our surgeons specialize in complex cases, including patients with uveitis or glaucoma, ensuring optimal visual outcomes. The procedure restores clarity through small-incision, sutureless techniques with rapid recovery times and personalized postoperative care.
Retina Surgery
Our fellowship-trained retina specialists perform diagnostic and therapeutic vitrectomies for conditions like diabetic retinopathy and macular holes. We utilize endolaser and epiretinal membrane peeling techniques in outpatient settings, with hospital admission reserved for complex cases. The service emphasizes precision in managing retinal detachments and degenerative diseases.
Infusion Therapy
The on-site infusion suite administers biologic therapies for autoimmune eye diseases, including medications like Humira and Rituxan. Our nursing team navigates insurance authorizations while providing a comfortable environment for patients receiving long-term infusion treatments to manage chronic inflammatory conditions.
Diagnostic Testing
We provide same-day access to advanced diagnostics including OCT imaging, fluorescein angiography, and electrophysiological testing. These tools enable precise evaluation of retinal function and structural abnormalities, supporting accurate diagnoses for glaucoma, macular degeneration, and corneal disorders through non-invasive, high-resolution technologies.
People
Stephen D. Anesi
Partner & Co-President
Dr. Anesi specializes in vitreoretinal surgery and ocular immunology with expertise in treating complex uveitis cases. He combines innovative treatments with compassionate care, focusing on autoimmune-related eye diseases and surgical interventions for retinal disorders.
Peter Y. Chang
Partner & Co-President
Dr. Chang focuses on corneal transplantation and anterior segment reconstruction. His practice emphasizes precision in managing ocular surface diseases and performing advanced cataract surgeries with premium lens implants for optimal visual outcomes.
Peter L. Lou
Associate
Dr. Lou specializes in glaucoma management and minimally invasive surgical techniques. He provides comprehensive care for patients requiring trabeculectomies, valve implants, and laser treatments to control intraocular pressure and preserve vision.
Carl S. Wilkins
Associate
Dr. Wilkins brings expertise in vitreoretinal surgery and ocular immunology to address complex retinal diseases. His approach integrates medical and surgical treatments for conditions like diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
Questions
What makes MERSI unique for eye care?
MERSI combines fellowship-trained specialists, advanced diagnostics, and personalized treatment for complex conditions like uveitis and AMD, with a focus on research and education.
Do you offer emergency eye consultations?
Yes, we provide emergency consultations for urgent eye conditions with on-call physicians available after hours.
What insurance plans do you accept?
We work with most major insurance providers and assist international patients with coordination of care and documentation.
Are clinical trials available?
Yes, we conduct early- and late-phase clinical trials for innovative eye treatments, offering access to experimental therapies.
Reviews (5)
Dariana Batista
Dec 04, 2021 Report
I have been a patient of MERSI for 10+ years. I have seen all of the doctors but Dr. Anesi is my favorite. He is always courteous and patient with me. The wait times can get a little hectic sometimes. There are two waiting rooms and often times there is a long wait in both. But I know from personal experience, that they handle emergencies swiftly so sometimes that means that follow-up appointment patients have to wait. I went from having to be seen once every 6 weeks (sometimes sooner) to once a year! They have done a tremendous job in caring for my eyes. Thank you!
Jimmy Walonoski
Jul 19, 2021 Report
The Doctors here are some of the best out there. However, the wait time is something out of a horror movie. Been here since 9:30 am and it's 1:12 pm. Not even close to a reasonable waiting time. Why even give someone an appointment time?!?!
Josh Schneider
May 14, 2021 Report
For anyone complaining about the wait time, or concerned about the 1 star reviews. I still have my vision because of Dr. Foster. I fly from NJ every 3 months because the 9% of voidoj I have left in my one eye is because of Dr. Foster. This is a teaching practice, where you will be seen by fellows to side in their education before you see the doctor. You also will have any and every test and blood draw done while you're there. This is the reaosn for the long wait time and long appointment time. If you value your time over your eyesight, then maybe this isn't the place for you.
John Hikel
Mar 10, 2021 Report
I have been under the care of Dr. Stephen Foster for 25 years or so since he was in Boston ME&E. He saved my eyesight twice and I wouldn't go to any other eye doctor, period. Waiting time never was even an issue when my eyesight is on the line. Highest praise for Dr Foster and all the staff there. Hope to never see you again but if I need anything eye related, I'm only calling MERSI. I can never thank you enough.
Ryan Shevlin
Dec 02, 2020 Report
Do not come to this office if you value your time. If you schedule an appointment with Dr. Anesi, you won't see him for at least an hour after your appointment time. It seems the staff to patient ratio is far too low here as the line for the front desk often goes out the door. It should also be noted that I had to deal with a disgruntled screaming and cursing patient in one of the waiting rooms during my second visit because the staff couldn't be inconvenienced to handle the situation.