Specialties Age-Related Macular Degeneration Cataract Surgery Cornea and External Disease Dry Eye Glaucoma Laser Vision Correction Low Vision Rehabilitation Neuro-Ophthalmology Ocular and Orbital Oncology Oculofacial Plastic Surgery Ophthalmic Pathology Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Retina / Vitreous Severe Ocular Surface Disease Program Uveitis Ophthalmic Pathology The ophthalmic pathology service at the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute is a sub-division of general pathology focusing attention to diseases of the globe, orbit, and conjunctival membranes. Home Patient Care Specialties Ophthalmic Pathology Ophthalmic Pathology Just like general pathologists, ocular pathologists examine and diagnose tissue diseases involving both surgical (biopsy) and removed eye specimens, including autopsy eyes of interest for clinical or research purposes. Eye pathology interacts continually with general or sub-specialty pathologists as many maladies do not confine themselves to one body area. The eye or surrounding tissues, for example, may be the first site involved in numerous primary or metastatic cancers or other systemic diseases such as bacterial or viral infections, hyperthyroidism, and trauma. Importance of Ocular Pathologists Ophthalmology Board Certification and more recently Maintenance of Certification have always emphasized the importance of ocular pathology. Besides diagnostic services for the community’s ophthalmologists, providing eye pathology training for residents in ophthalmology is among the main tasks of eye pathologists across the country. It is essential for ophthalmologists to acquire a good basic understanding of ocular pathology in order to best understand findings during their examinations. An accurate clinical diagnosis or at least a comprehensive differential diagnosis, always based on knowledge of tissue pathology, is the priority goal of the clinical ophthalmologist assessing a patient complaint. The primary tool of the ocular pathologist is the light microscope, now hugely aided by digital imaging and digital photography for teaching purposes. Molecular pathology techniques such as immunoperoxidase staining are now also commonly applied to tissue diagnosis in ocular pathology. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and newer research tools such as the femtosecond laser may also be applied to special problems. The advantage that trouble training for eye pathologists (ophthalmology and pathology) conveys is that they can more accurately communicate with clinicians submitting specimens and ophthalmology residents than a non-ophthalmologist pathologist. UCI Medical Center’s Gavin Herbert Eye Institute is the only institution in Orange County with a dedicated ophthalmic pathologist. Although Dr. Minckler has retired from direct patient care, he is extremely involved in all eye pathology cases and is an invaluable member of the teaching faculty at the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute. Find a Provider Whether you need a routine eye exam or care for complex vision problems, the internationally respected ophthalmologists at the UCI Gavin Herbert Eye Institute will provide you with the highest quality of care to treat your vision problems. Find a Provider Find a Location The UCI Gavin Herbert Eye Institute has locations in Orange at the UCI Medical Center, and also in Irvine on the UCI Campus. Find a Location