Dr. Guillermo Amescua Named Inaugural Holder of the Dr. John A. Strobis Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology
A gift inspired by extraordinary patient care establishes a lasting legacy at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, naming Guillermo Amescua, M.D., as the inaugural holder of the Dr. John A. Strobis Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology.
Justin Strobis knows firsthand the life-changing impact of extraordinary eye care. More than 20 years ago, he arrived at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute with blurred vision and severe pain caused by a rare, progressive condition called iridocorneal endothelial syndrome. Emergency surgery relieved the dangerous pressure in his eye, preserving his optic nerve and saving his remaining vision.
“I am deeply grateful for the exceptional care I received during one of the scariest times of my life,” Strobis said. “From the moment I arrived at Bascom Palmer, I was surrounded by a team whose expertise, compassion and dedication gave me confidence and hope. My family and I will always remember the support we received during that difficult time.”
That experience also left a lasting impression on his father, the late John A. Strobis, M.D., who believed those fortunate enough to receive something extraordinary have a responsibility to give back. That conviction inspired his lifelong support of Bascom Palmer’s mission to provide transformative patient care and exceptional ophthalmic education.
After his passing, his family honored that belief by establishing the Dr. John A. Strobis Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology to accelerate research, education and innovative treatments for patients with vision-threatening diseases.
During a June 22 celebration, Guillermo Amescua, M.D., became the inaugural holder of the endowed chair. The appointment recognizes Dr. Amescua’s distinguished leadership in ophthalmology and his commitment to patient care, discovery and education, while also honoring Dr. Strobis’ enduring legacy.
“An endowed chair is one of the most prestigious honors that we can bestow upon a faculty member, marking their dedication to the advancement of novel ideas and the pursuit of excellence in research,” said Henri R. Ford, M.D., M.H.A., dean and chief academic officer of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. “We are grateful to the Strobis family for their generosity, support and commitment to Bascom Palmer.”
A Legacy of Compassion and Service
Dr. John Strobis practiced internal medicine in South Florida for nearly 40 years, earning the trust and admiration of generations of patients.
“He believed every patient should be treated the way you would want your own family to be treated, and he lived that belief every day,” said Kara Strobis Donvito, Dr. Strobis’ daughter. “He personally called patients, comforted worried families and rounded at the hospital seven days a week. If someone needed him, he found a way to be there.”
Donvito said her father would have been deeply honored that his legacy will help shape the future of ophthalmology.
“Dr. Amescua’s dedication to his patients, excellence as a physician, leadership and humility reflect the very qualities our father admired most,” said Donvito.
She added that it is more than a tribute to his legacy. It is an investment in the future.
“This chair will support exceptional physicians and researchers, accelerate discovery, improve patient care and help preserve and restore vision for generations to come,” said Donvito. “We could not be more honored that Dr. Amescua has been selected as the inaugural chair holder.”
Eduardo C. Alfonso, M.D., professor of ophthalmology at Bascom Palmer, agreed that Dr. Amescua represents the ideal choice for the honor.
“Dr. Amescua is an outstanding surgeon, physician and scientist,” said Dr. Alfonso, the former director of Bascom Palmer. “Over the past 16 years, he has trained countless residents and fellows who have gone on to become leaders in corneal disease and ocular surface medicine around the world.”
Advancing the Future of Vision Care
An internationally recognized expert in ocular microbiology, high-risk corneal transplantation and severe ocular burns, Dr. Amescua is pioneering new approaches to diagnosing and treating complex eye diseases. His work includes developing rapid diagnostic strategies, leading multicenter clinical trials evaluating therapies for fungal and acanthamoeba keratitis and expanding physician education throughout Latin America.
Accepting the honor, Dr. Amescua reflected on the values that defined Dr. Strobis’ life, recalling tributes written by his patients, colleagues and friends.
“His patients admired him not only as a physician but also as a human being,” said Dr. Amescua, medical director of the Ocular Surface Program at Bascom Palmer and professor of clinical ophthalmology at the Miller School of Medicine. “They spoke of his extraordinary kindness, compassion, humility, unwavering dedication and reassuring presence. Above all, they remembered that he was always available when they needed him.”
He added that accepting the chair in Dr. Strobis’ name was not only an honor, but also a responsibility.
“It is a responsibility to pursue excellence, to listen carefully, to remain compassionate and to be present when it matters most,” said Dr. Amescua. “It is also important to remember that behind every chart, every diagnosis and every procedure, there is a person, a family and a story.”
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Tags: Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, Dr. Eduardo Alfonso, Dr. Guillermo Amescua, endowed chair, eye diseases, glaucoma, ophthalmology, philanthropy