It is with great sadness that Texas Retina announces the passing of one of its three founders, Albert Vaiser MD, on Saturday, February 1, 2025, after a brief illness. Dr. Vaiser had celebrated his 90th birthday last summer.

A Pioneer with a Passion for Saving Sight
In 1966, Dr. Vaiser began a private practice as the first ophthalmologist in Dallas specializing in diseases and surgery of the retina and vitreous. Soon after, he met William B. Snyder, MD, and then William Hutton, MD – two retina specialists who shared his passion for saving sight and advancing care in the emerging field of retina. The three became fast friends and lifelong partners, establishing Texas Retina Associates in 1975.

Promoting Innovative Research to Prevent Vision Loss
To better understand the root causes and progression of retinal diseases and to help identify potential new treatments, Dr. Vaiser, Dr. Snyder and Dr. Hutton also helped co-found the Retina Foundation in 1975. Over the years, the Retina Foundation has made many ground-breaking discoveries for the way the world understands, prevents and treats vision loss caused by pediatric eye conditions, inherited retinal diseases and age-related macular degeneration. Dr. Vaiser remained an active volunteer leader in the Retina Foundation throughout his career.

A Revered Physician, Colleague and Friend
For more than four decades, Dr. Vaiser, Dr. Snyder and Dr. Hutton carefully grew Texas Retina to better serve communities throughout North Texas. Today, the practice encompasses 15 offices with 16 retina-fellowship-trained physicians.

Several current Texas Retina physicians have shared their respect and admiration for Dr. Vaiser and the impact he made:

  • “Dr. Vaiser was indeed legendary as a surgeon, physician and human being. He really had a way of knowing and caring about people. I am forever grateful to be part of this awesome community he created.” 
  • “Every one of Albert’s former patients still adores him. What a compliment.”
  • “Albert was an amazing physician and one-of-a-kind personality. I was able to work with him in Dallas. He always made me laugh, and I so appreciated all his advice over the years. He was an icon in the retina world and a dear friend to so many.”
  • “I inherited many of his patients when I started. Nearly every one of them asks about him and sings his praises when they follow up. It is truly astonishing.” 
  • “I am very grateful to Dr. Vaiser and those who created such an amazing practice of which now I am very privileged to be a part. On Friday I saw one of his longtime patients. Every year when he comes for his follow up, he inquires about and asks me to say hello to Dr. Vaiser, who repaired his retinal detachment in the very first years of Texas Retina. The patient is always effusive in his praise. Decades later, he remains appreciative.”
  • “Albert had a personality that was ‘bigger than life.’ As a founder of the practice, he set the tone for what Texas Retina has become…I have always thought I was especially fortunate to be allowed to join such a prestigious practice, and I know Albert would be proud of the quality of doctors Texas Retina continues to attract.”  

Texas Retina CEO Jeff Brockette echoes these sentiments and pledges that Dr. Vaiser’s legacy will live on in the commitment and work of today’s Texas Retina team, “Dr. Vaiser created this amazing organization and was truly one of the world’s first and finest retina specialists. He had such an impact on not only the lives of our patients but also the physicians who follow in his footsteps and the many staff who have called Texas Retina their work family. We will continue to carry on his legacy in how we serve each and every one of our patients.”