Aliza Epstein, M.D.

Dr. Aliza Epstein is a Board-Certified Ophthalmologist and Oculofacial Plastic Surgeon with experience in cosmetic and functional eyelid and facial surgery as well as lacrimal and orbital disease and management.

Dr. Epstein was born and raised in Plantation, Florida. She majored in Psychology at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. After her undergraduate studies, Dr. Epstein attended the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, where she was inducted into the national medical honor society, Alpha Omega Alpha. Dr. Epstein received the coveted John K. Robinson Grant award during medical school,

which enabled her to publish many peer-reviewed articles and present at various US and International events.

She completed her Internal Medicine Internship at Mt. Sinai St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital in New York City and her ophthalmology residency at the Kresge Eye Institute in Detroit, Michigan, where she was elected as Chief Resident in her final year. Under the mentorship of leaders in the field at TOC Eye and Face in Austin, TX, Dr. Epstein completed a two-year American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) fellowship where she performed thousands of surgeries. During that time, she also completed an American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS) fellowship focusing on facial cosmetic surgery. She has used her additional knowledge and experience to assist thousands of patients in achieving excellent results.

Dr. Aliza Epstein fulfilled her dream to work alongside her father, Dr. Gil Epstein, and brother Dr. Ilan Epstein by joining Fort Lauderdale Eye Institute. Choosing the right surgeon for a delicate procedure is an important decision. Dr. Aliza Epstein will safely deliver the desired results with minimal discomfort. Dr. Epstein is committed to providing quality care and individualized treatment plans for her patients at the Fort Lauderdale Eye Institute.

Undergraduate Education
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL: 2006-2010
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences

Medical Education
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL:  2011-2015
Doctorate of Medicine

Internship
Mt. Sinai St. Luke’s- Roosevelt, New York, NY: 2015-2016
Internal Medicine

Residency
Kresge Eye Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI: 2016-2019
Ophthalmology

Fellowship
TOC Eye and Face, Austin, TX:  2019-2021
Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

LICENSES

  • State of Florida
  • State of Texas

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS

  • American Board of Ophthalmology, 2020
  • American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery, 2021

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

  • American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)
  • American Board of Ophthalmology (ABO)
  • American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
    (ASOPRS)
  • American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS)
  • American Board of Facial Cosmetic Surgery (ABFCS)
  • Women in Ophthalmology
  • American Medical Association
  • Florida Medical Association
  • Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA)

HONORS

  • Northwestern University Dean’s List
  • Alpha Omega Alpha National Medical Honor Society
  • Order of Omega Greek Scholastic and Leadership Honor Society
  • Chief Resident, Kresge Eye Institute

PUBLICATIONS

  1. Nguyen K, Epstein A, Reed D, Hoang L, Somogyi M. Multifocal infantile hemangioma of the eyelid causing amblyopia requiring surgical resection. Baylor
    University Medical Center Proceedings. August 2022.
  2. Reed DS, Epstein A, Blaydon S, Durairaj VD. Isolated globe rupture without concomitant eyelid laceration or orbital trauma following facial dog bite injury in a child. Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep. March 2022.
  3. Hudson FP, Homer N, Epstein A, Mondy K. Acute Chagas Disease Manifesting as Orbital Cellulitis, Texas, USA. Emerg Infect Dis. November 2021.
  4. Rao N, Reed D, Epstein A, Durairaj V. Case Report of Conjunctival Melanoacanthoma. Cornea. November 2021.
  5. Gupta N, Epstein A, Reed D, Homer N, Blaydon S, Alford J, Nakra T. Acute Retrobulbar Hemorrhage After Tooth Extraction: Case Report and Management. Special Care in Dentistry. November 2021.
  6. Reed DS, Kotosky N, Davies BW, Epstein A, Durairaj VD. Rifle Blast Exacerbating Hearing Loss in a Patient Treated with Teprotumumab for Thyroid Eye Disease. Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. October 2021.
  7. Epstein A, Homer N, Reed D, Young R, Durairaj V. Traumatic IntraChoroidal Nail Implantation. Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings. September 2021.
  8. Homer NA, Patel AS, Epstein A, Durairaj V, Nakra T. Autologous Fat Transfer Harvest-site Complications: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Management. Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. April 2021.
  9. Reed D, Kotosky N, Epstein A, Blaydon S, Durairaj V, Somogyi M. Dissemintated Coccidiodomycosis with orbital osteomyelitis and periorbital abscess. Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. March 2021.
  10. Reed D, Epstein A, Crouse E, Somogyi M. Bacillus cereus panophthalmitis with delayed dermis fat graft. Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings. March 2021.
  11. Shah DS, Homer NA, Epstein A, Durairaj VD. Simultaneous presentation or orbital mantle cell lymphoma and endocrine mucin-producing sweat gland carcinoma. Orbit 2021.
  12. Epstein A, Homer N, Watson A, Bratton E, Nakra T, Somogyi M. Female Cosmetic Surgeons: Past and Present Perspectives. American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery 2021;38:129-133.
  13. Homer NA, Epstein A, Somogyi M, Shore JW. Oculoplastic fellow education during the COVID-19 crisis. Orbit 2020;29:1-5.
  14. Holan C, Homer NA, Epstein A, Durairaj VD. Atypical acute presentation of an optic nerve sheath meningioma. Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep 2020;20:1-5.
  15. Homer NA, Epstein A, Durairaj VD, Wang M, Jonna G, Somogyi M. Acute post-partum vision loss due to pilocytic astrocytoma. Am J Ophthalmol Case Rep 2020;20:1-4.
  16. Homer N, Epstein A, Hoesly P. Ecthyma gangrenosum of the eyelid in an immunocompromised patient. Orbit 2020.
  17. Preble J, Epstein A, Tannir J, Tomsak R. Homonymous Horizontal Sectoranopia Caused by an Occipital Lobe Infarct. Neuro-Ophthalmology 2019;44(2):107-107.
  18. Modi YS, Townsend J, Epstein AE, Smiddy WE, Flynn HW Jr. Pneumatic retinopexy for retinal detachment occurring after prior scleral buckle or pars plana vitrectomy. Ophthalmic Surgery Lasers and Imaging Retina. 2014 Sept 1;45(5):409-413.
  19. Epstein AE, Cavuoto KM, Chang TC. Utilizing Optical Coherence Tomography in Diagnosing a Unique Presentation of Chiasmal Hypoplasia-variant of Septo-Optic Dysplasia. Journal of Neuro-Ophthalmology. 2014 Mar;34(1):103-4.
  20. Modi YS, Epstein A, Flynn HW Jr, Shi W, Smiddy WE. Outcomes and Complications of Pneumatic Retinopexy over a 12 year period. Ophthalmic Surgery
    Lasers and Imaging Retina. 2014 Mar 1;45(2):132-7.
  21. Modi YS, Epstein A, Smiddy WE, Murray TG, Feuer W, Flynn HW Jr. Reply. American Journal of Ophthalmology. 2014 Feb; 157(2):501-2.
  22. Tu FF, Epstein AE, Pozolo KE, Sexton DL, Melnyk AI, Hellman KM. A Noninvasive Bladder Sensory Test Supports A Role for Dysmenorrhea Increasing Bladder Noxious Mechanosensitivity. Clinical Journal of Pain. 2013 Oct;29(10):883-90.
  23. Modi YS, Epstein A, Smiddy WE, Murray TG, Feuer W, Flynn HW Jr. Retained Lens Fragments After Cataract Surgery: Outcomes of Same-Day Versus Delayed Vitrectomy. American Journal of Ophthalmology. 2013 Sep;156(3):454-459.
  24. Modi YS, Epstein A, Bhaleeya S, Harbour JW, Albini T. Multimodal imaging of sarcoid choroidal granulomas. Journal of Ophthalmic Inflammation Infection. 2013 Aug 23;3(58):1-4.

Non-Peer Reviewed Publications

  1. Epstein A, Ekhlassi T, Faia L, Black E. Giant Cell Arteritis: A Review. EyeNet. 2018 August.
  2. Epstein AE, Ko AC, Nikpoor NN, Cavuoto KM. Patient with recent hospitalization and decreased vision. Ophthalmology Times. 2014 June.

Book Chapters

  1. Homer N, Epstein A, Kemper C. Cranial Nerve II: Optic Nerve; Anatomy, Evaluation, Pathology, and Surgical Approaches. In: Yi TM. Cranial Nerves: Anatomy, Function, and Clinical Significance. Nova Science Publishers. 2020.
  2. Epstein A, Nakra T, Somogyi M. Lower Eyelid Retraction: Anterior Lamellar Correction Using Skin Grafting. In: Hartstein ME, Holds JB, Burkat CN and Ramesh D. Avoiding and Managing Complications in Cosmetic Oculofacial Surgery. Switzerland: Springer Nature. 2020.

PRESENTATIONS

  1. Epstein A, Reed D, Harper CA, Nakra T, Somogyi M. Choroidal Ischemia after Self-Injection of Hyaluronic Acid Filler into the Temple. Oral Presentation at ASOPRS Fall Scientific Symposium. 2021 November.
  2. Epstein A, Reed D, Durairaj V. Modification of the Single Suture Mueller Muscle Conjunctival Resection with Improved Hemostasis. Video Presentation at ASOPRS Fall Scientific Symposium. 2021 November.
  3. Epstein A, Reed D, Durairaj VD, Somogyi M. First Year ASOPRS Fellows’ Case Volume during COVID-19 Shut Down. Poster Presentation at ASOPRS Fall Scientific Symposium. 2021 November.
  4. Reed D, Rao N, Epstein A, Nakra T, Durairaj VD, Blaydon S, Bratton E, Somogyi M. Upper Blepharoplasty performed in the United States Stratified by Subspecialty. Poster Presentation at ASOPRS Fall Scientific Symposium. 2021 November.
  5. Reed D, Epstein A, Somogyi M, Bratton E, Durairaj VD, Blaydon S, Detmers A, Nakra T. Evaluation of Dermoscopy As a Tool in Oculofacial Plastic Surgery. Poster Presentation at ASOPRS Fall Scientific Symposium. 2021 November.
  6. Reed D, Rao N, Epstein A, Nakra T, Durairaj VD, Blaydon S, Bratton E, Somogyi M. Analysis of Surgeon Gender of Upper Blepharoplasty Performed in the United States. Poster Presentation at ASOPRS Fall Scientific Symposium. 2021 November.
  7. Reed D, Gupta N, Epstein A, Somogyi M, Detmers A, Nakra T. Eyelid Nocardiosis after Lower Blepharoplasty. Video Presentation at ASOPRS Fall Scientific Symposium. 2021 November.
  8. Epstein A, Nguyen K, Reed D, Somogyi M. Multifocal Infantile Hemangioma of the Eyelid Causing Amblyopia. Narrated presentation at ASOPRS Spring Meeting. 2021 June.
  9. Epstein A, Reed D, Nakra T. Nanofat Grafting in Oculofacial Plastic Surgery. Narrated presentation at ASOPRS Spring Meeting. 2021 June.
  10. Homer N, Epstein A, Kemper C, Somogyi M. Plasmacytoma Presenting for Blepharoptosis Repair. Poster presentation at ASOPRS Spring Meeting. 2021 June.
  11. Epstein A, Homer N, Rao N, Vaswani Z, Nakra T, Durairaj V. Analysis of Perioperative Blood Pressure Measurements in Local Anesthesia Oculoplastic Surgery. Poster presentation at ASOPRS Spring Meeting. 2021 June.
  12. Epstein A, Reed D, Nakra T. The Case of the Disappearing Tarsus. Poster presentation at ASOPRS Spring Meeting. 2021 June.
  13. Epstein A, Reed D, Kemper C, Durairaj V. Non-surgical Restoration of Bilateral Orbital Anatomy After Destructive Small Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma. Poster presentation at ASOPRS Spring Meeting. 2021 June.
  14. Reed D, Kostosky N, Davies B, Epstein A, Durairaj V. Noise-Induced Trauma Resulting in Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss While on Teprotumumab for Thyroid Eye Disease. Oral presentation at ASOPRS Spring Meeting. 2021 June.
  15. Homer N, Watson A, Epstein A, Nakra T. Post-operative Endonasal Debridement Improves Outcomes of Endoscopic Dacrocystorhinostomy. Oral presentation at ASOPRS Spring Meeting. 2021 June.
  16. Epstein A, Reed D, Homer N, Somogyi M, Bratton E, Nakra T. Nuances of Lower Lid Blepharoplasty. Oral presentation at the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Annual Scientific Meeting. 2021 February.
  17. Epstein A, Homer N, Banta J, Durairaj V, Nakra T. Inhaled Nitrous Oxide does not alter Perceived Pain and Anxiety in Experiences Injection Patients. Oral
    presentation at the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Annual Scientific Meeting. 2021 February.
  18. Reed D, Epstein A, Somogyi M, Watson A, Nakra T. Transposition and Preservation of Eyelid Fat Pads During Upper Blepharoplasty. Oral presentation at the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Annual Scientific Meeting. 2021 February.
  19. Reed D, Watson A, Somogyi M, Epstein A, Vrcek I, Nakra T. Midface Lift with the Endotine Ribbon. Oral presentation at the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Annual Scientific Meeting. 2021 February.
  20. Homer N, Epstein A, Somogyi M, Shore J. ASOPRS Fellow Education during the COVID-19 Crisis. Poster presentation at the ASOPRS Fall Scientific Symposium. 2020 November.
  21. Epstein A, Homer N, Alford J, Nakra T. Acute Retrobulbar Hemorrhage after Tooth Extraction. Poster presentation at the ASOPRS Fall Scientific Symposium. 2020 November.
  22. Homer N, Epstein A, Banta J, Durairaj V, Nakra T. Inhaled Nitrous Oxide does not alter Perceived Pain and Anxiety in Experiences Injection Patients. Poster presentation at the ASOPRS Fall Scientific Symposium. 2020 November.
  23. Epstein A, Homer N, Nakra T. Posterior Approach Upper Eyelid Weight Implantation for Paralytic Lagophthalmos. Video presentation at the ASOPRS Fall
    Scientific Symposium. 2020 November.
  24. Homer N, Epstein A, Hoesly P. Eyelid ecthyma gangrenosum in an immunocompromised patient. Oral presentation at the ASOPRS Spring Meeting. 2020
    June.
  25. Homer N, Patel A, Epstein A, Durairaj VD, Nakra T. Autologous Fat Transfer Harvest Site Complications: Incidence, Risk Factors and Management. Oral
    presentation at the ASOPRS Spring Meeting. 2020 June.
  26. Homer N, Epstein A, Jonna G, Durairaj VD, Somogyi M. Acute Post-Partum Vision Loss due to Pilocytic Astrocystoma. Oral presentation at the ASOPRS Spring Meeting. 2020 June.
  27. Epstein A, Mondy K, Hudson F, Homer N. Romaña Sign: An Uncommon Cause of Periorbital Erythema. Oral presentation at the ASOPRS Spring Meeting. 2020 June.
  28. Epstein A, Homer N, Tenzel P, Suresh H, Vrcek I, Mancini R, Nakra T, Somogyi M. Pediatric Conjunctiva-Sparing Posterior Ptosis Surgery. Oral presentation at the ASOPRS Spring Meeting. 2020 June.
  29. Homer N, Epstein A, Somogyi M. Complete Necrosis of a Dermis Fat Graft in an Anophthalmic Socket. Poster presentation at the ASOPRS Spring Meeting. 2020 June.
  30. Homer N, Campagna G, Artymowicz A, Epstein A, Durairaj VD, Nakra T. Safety of Laser Skin Resurfacing in Immunocompromised and Diabetic Patients.
    Poster presentation at the ASOPRS Spring Meeting. 2020 June.
  31. Epstein A, Homer N, Zhou S, Watson A, Nakra, T. Optimizing Cosmetic Outcomes in the Direct Supraciliary Brow Lift. Oral Presentation at the American
    Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Annual Scientific Meeting. 2020 February.
  32. Epstein A, Nakra T. Pearls in Aesthetic Forehead Lifting. Oral Presentation at the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Annual Scientific Meeting. 2020 February.
  33. Epstein A, Homer N, Elwood K, Watson A, Somogyi M, Nakra T, Blaydon S. Consideration of Nasal Contour in Endoscopic Forehead Rejuvenation. Poster
    Presentation at the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Annual Scientific Meeting. 2020 February.
  34. Epstein A, Watson A, Somogyi M, Homer N, Nakra T. Incisionless Upper Blepharoplasty: Anterior Lamella Shortening following Upper Eyelid Fractionated CO2 Laser Resurfacing. Poster Presentation at the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Annual Scientific Meeting. 2020 February.
  35. Epstein A, Watson A, Somogyi M, Homer N, Nakra T. Staged Wing-Tip Flap During Rhytidectomy. Poster Presentation at the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Annual Scientific Meeting. 2020 February.
  36. Epstein A, Homer N, Zhou S, Watson A, Durairaj V, Nakra T. Wound Dehiscence Following Upper Blepharoplasty: A Review of 2376 Cases. Poster Presentation at the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Annual Scientific Meeting. 2020 February.
  37. Epstein A, Cheyer C. IgG4-Positive Sclerosing Orbital Inflammation: An Emerging Diagnosis. Poster presented at the Women in Ophthalmology Summer Symposium. 2018 August.
  38. Epstein A, Winkler K, Azar M, Schlachter D. Vitamin D Deficiency in Thyroid Eye Disease. Poster presented at the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Fall Symposium. 2017 Nov.
  39. Winkler K, Epstein A, Azar M, Rontal M, Schlachter D. Endoscopic assisted versus orbitotomy orbital decompression in thyroid eye disease. Video presentation at the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Fall Symposium. 2017 Nov.
  40. Epstein A. A Case of Horizontal Homonymous Sectoranopia. Oral presentation at The Dong H. Shin Lectureship in Glaucoma and Ophthalmology Research at the Kresge Eye Institute. 2017 Sept.
  41. Epstein A, Winkler K, Schlachter D. Unilateral Painful Proptosis and Ptosis Associated with Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis: A Case Series. Poster presented at the Women in Ophthalmology Summer Symposium. 2017 Aug.
  42. Padidam S, Epstein A, Lin X. A Case of Varicella Zoster Virus Causing Bilateral Posterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy and Progressive Outer Retinal Necrosis in an Immunocompromised Patient. Poster presented at the Women in Ophthalmology Summer Symposium. 2017 Aug.
  43. Epstein A. The Great Masquerader: A Case series of Orbital Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis. Oral presentation at the Inaugural Dr. Frank Nesi and Dr. Evan Black Oculoplastics Lectureship. 2017 May.
  44. Epstein A. Don’t Be Stumped: A Case of BDUMP. Oral presentation at the Robert and Gerry Ligon Research Center of Vision Lectureship at the Kresge Eye Institute. 2017 May.
  45. Ko AC, Epstein AE, Aziz HA, Amescua G, Lee WW. Corneal Crosslinking in the Treatment of Corneal Melt Secondary to Pseudomonas Ulcer. Oral presentation at the Women in Ophthalmology Summer Symposium. 2014 Aug.
  46. Galeb S, Epstein AE, Ko AC, Berrocal AM, Cavuoto KM. Intracranial Hemorrhage, Retinal Hemorrhage, and Encephalopathy Secondary to von Willebrand Disease as a Masquerader of Abusive Head Trauma. Oral presentation at the Women in Ophthalmology Summer Symposium. 2014 Aug.
  47. Epstein AE, Ko AC, Cavuoto KM. Hydroxychloroquine Retinal Toxicity in a Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patient: An Updated Review of Screening Guidelines and Evaluation Techniques. Poster presented at the Women in Ophthalmology Summer Symposium. 2014 Aug.
  48. Epstein AE, Modi YS, Flynn HW Jr, Shi W, Smiddy WE. Outcomes and Complications of Pneumatic Retinopexy over a 12 year period. Poster presented at the Eastern Atlantic Student Research Forum at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. 2014 Feb.
  49. Modi YS, Epstein AE, Flynn HW Jr, Shi W, Smiddy WE. Outcomes and Complications of Pneumatic Retinopexy over a 12 year period. Poster presented at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology Conference, 2014 May.
  50. Epstein AE, Cavuoto KM, Chang TC. Utilizing Optical Coherence Tomography in Diagnosing a Unique Presentation of Chiasmal Hypoplasia-variant of Septo-Optic Dysplasia. Poster presented at the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society conference. 2014 March.
  51. Modi YS, Epstein A, Smiddy WE, Murray TG, Feuer W, Flynn HW Jr. Retained Lens Fragments After Cataract Surgery: Outcomes of Same-Day Versus Delayed Vitrectomy. Poster presented at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology conference. 2013 May.
  52. Epstein A, Modi YS, Smiddy WE, Murray TG, Feuer W, Flynn HW Jr. Retained Lens Fragments After Cataract Surgery: Outcomes of Same-Day Versus Delayed Vitrectomy. Poster presented at the Eastern Atlantic Student Research Forum at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. 2013 Feb.
  53. Flynn HW Jr., Modi YS, Epstein A, Smiddy WE, Murray TG, Feuer W. Retained Lens Fragments After Cataract Surgery: Outcomes of Same-Day Versus Delayed Vitrectomy. Paper presented at the American Academy of Ophthalmology Annual Meeting. 2013 Nov.

AFFILIATIONS

  • Baptist Eye Surgery Center, Sunrise, FL
  • Baptist Health, Plantation, FL
  • Surgery Center of Weston, Weston, FL
  • Outpatient Surgical Services, Plantation, FL
  • Westside Regional Hospital, Plantation, FL