About Bita Esmaeli, MD

Dr Bita Esmaeli is a Professor and Fellowship Program Director for Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery in the Department of Plastic Surgery at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, where she has had an orbital oncology and oncologic ophthalmic plastic surgery practice since 1998. Dr Esmaeli’s practice focus is surgical treatment of orbital tumors, lacrimal gland carcinomas, eyelid cancers, melanoma of eyelid and conjunctiva, and reconstructive surgery in the periocular region including lacrimal surgery. Her research interests include early detection of metastasis, multi-disciplinary eye sparing approaches, and molecular targets for treatment for ocular and orbital cancers. Dr Esmaeli has authored over 250 peer-reviewed manuscripts, over 60 invited articles and book chapters, and has spearheaded numerous clinical trials and research protocols at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. She teaches widely throughout the world and is a frequent guest speaker at international meetings. She has received many prestigious awards and honors including the Merrill Reeh Pathology Award and the Research Award from the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the American Academy of Ophthalmology Senior Achievement Award, Best Doctors in America, and Top Doctors Award. Dr Esmaeli is a member of the American Ophthalmologic Society. Dr Esmaeli started the Ophthalmology Section at MD Anderson Cancer Center in 1998 and served as Chief of Section from 1998 to 2004. She is currently an ASOPRS fellowship Program Director for Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery and Orbital Oncology Programs at MD Anderson Cancer Center.