

Dr. Frenkel - Founder and Leading Ophthalmologist at East Florida Eye Institute
Meet Dr. Ronald Frenkel — Medical Retina, Glaucoma & Cataract Specialist
Dr. Frenkel, the founder of East Florida Eye Institute, has been a cornerstone of the Treasure Coast community since 1989, bringing advanced diagnostic technologies and innovative treatment options to patients with a wide range of eye conditions. His expertise includes the management of Cataracts, Diabetic Retinopathy, Macular Degeneration, and Glaucoma, and he remains deeply committed to ensuring that every patient receives the highest level of personalized, compassionate care. Board-certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, Dr. Frenkel has dedicated his career to advancing eye care while serving as a trusted provider to countless patients throughout the region.
Dr. Frenkel served on the Voluntary Faculty as a Professor of Ophthalmology at the world-renowned Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, where he contributed to education, clinical care, and research. Over the course of his distinguished career, he has earned numerous honors, including the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Kresge Eye Institute and the Achievement Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology. His consistent recognition as a Top Doctor by U.S. News & World Report and Castle Connolly reflects both his medical expertise and his reputation for excellence in patient care.
Dr. Frenkel’s educational background is equally impressive. He completed a prestigious Glaucoma Fellowship at Harvard Medical School, followed by a Retina Fellowship at East Florida Eye Institute, a residency at Kresge Eye Institute, and an internship at Harvard Medical School. He is also one of a handful of specialists in the US to become an elected member of the American Society of Retina Specialists and the American Glaucoma Society, and he has contributed significantly to the advancement of ophthalmology through both research and clinical innovation.
In addition to his clinical achievements, Dr. Frenkel is widely regarded as a leader in academic medicine. He has presented at more than 100 national and international medical meetings, sharing his expertise with fellow ophthalmologists and vision scientists. His scholarly work includes over 80 peer-reviewed manuscripts and abstracts, covering a broad range of topics in retinal and glaucoma care. As a Principal Investigator in more than 90 clinical trials, Dr. Frenkel has played a pivotal role in introducing and innovating groundbreaking new treatments that have improved the quality of life for countless patients.
Through his dedication to innovation, education, and compassionate patient care, Dr. Frenkel has established himself as not only a leader in ophthalmology but also a trusted advocate for advancing the future of vision health. His ongoing commitment ensures that patients at East Florida Eye Institute continue to benefit from the very latest advancements in eye care.
Trusted by Patients and Peers Alike
East Florida Eye Institute (EFEI) and Dr. Ronald Frenkel consistently earn outstanding reviews:
· 4.8 Stars – Google Reviews
· 5.0 Stars – Yelp
· 5.0 Stars – US News Health
· 5.0 Stars – Trust Reviews
“Dr. Frenkel is amazing and very attentive. He is very thorough, and his treatment of his patients is exceptional.” — Healthgrades Review
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Ronald Frenkel, MD, FACS, FICS is a nationally recognized medical retina specialist, also fellowship-trained in glaucoma and experienced in advanced cataract surgery. Known as a true "multi-specialist," he brings a unique perspective to managing complex and overlapping eye diseases.
Dr. Frenkel has lectured at top institutions including Harvard Medical School, MIT, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, and leading ophthalmology conferences worldwide. His research and clinical innovations in retina and glaucoma have led to vision-saving breakthroughs and been featured internationally — including the cover of EuroTimes.
He served as Full Professor (Voluntary Faculty) at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, which is ranked as the #1 eye hospital in the U.S.
