Vivienne C. Greenstein, PhD, DBO

She received her PhD and MA from Columbia University in experimental psychology, a BA from Hunter College and DBO from Moorfields Eye Hospital (University College, London). She was a member of the faculty at NYU Medical School in the Department of Ophthalmology from 1983–2001 and then moved to CUMC, conducting clinical research studies, teaching, and mentoring medical students, residents and visiting fellows. Her main research interests were to understand the mechanisms involved in diseases affecting the retina and optic nerve and improve methods for detecting retinal and/or optic nerve damage caused by these diseases. In collaboration with other members of the faculty at NYU and CUMC she used innovative psychophysical, electrophysiologic, and structural techniques to study patients with hereditary retinal degenerative diseases and patients with glaucoma. Over the years her work has been supported by NIH/NEI grants and resulted in >150 peer reviewed publications, many national and international presentations, and guest lectures. She continues to be involved in mentoring students, reviewing papers, and writing articles. Other interests include classical music, opera, theatre, and international travel.

Honors, Awards, Professional Memberships

1979–1981 Predoctoral Fellowship NIMH
1981 Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Travel Award
2009 Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, Silver Fellow
1997 Chairperson, Low Vision Committee, The Foundation Fighting Blindness
1998–2000 Clinical Studies Committee, The Foundation Fighting Blindness
Psi Chi National Psychology Honor Society
British Orthoptic Society
American Association of Certified Orthoptists
International Research Group on Colour Vision Deficiencies
2019–2021 Consultant for Foundation Fighting Blindness reading center for RUSH2A
Dissertation committee member for PhD students, 2001–2007
External reviewer for MRC UK Clinical Research Fellowship, 2016, and for Swiss National Science Foundation Application, 2020

Updated September 11, 2024