I have always known that being a physician was a wonderful way to contribute both to the lives of others and to my own life. To be allowed into other people’s issues and have the opportunity to develop some ability to relieve suffering and to empower individuals has indeed been a privilege.

Interests: I have enjoyed practicing what I preach by staying in good shape and maintaining my own health. I do tai chi every morning, exercise regularly, and enjoy participating in most all sports, with the exception of golf and skydiving. I have had many interesting travels through scuba diving and missionary medicine. Being around water, music, and friends delights me.

Other activities: Planning an occasional fishing adventure and reading voraciously. Preparing for “Stressmas,” a boisterous post-Christmas celebration consisting of roasting the entire family (want to come?). I also find that Internet conversations through my web site, eyeadvisory.com, have been taking up more time.

Activities: Lectures for a wide variety of groups from Lions Clubs to international meetings, primarily on the subject of eye health.

Favorite books: The Psychology of Tao, E=MC2, Einstein, and Henning Mankell murder mysteries, as well as numerous papers and periodicals (eg, The Economist).

Favorite movies: Thrillers and comedies from the Great Escape to Love Actually, which we watch as a family event every winter holiday season.

Favorite TV shows: The Sopranos, John Adams, and In Treatment. Fan of the Philadelphia Flyers.

Favorite quote: "Transcend the mundane and remember that love is the fullest expression of humanity" -- Abel’s fables

professional background

Robert Abel, M.D., is a board certified ophthalmologist and on the Christiana Care Health System staff. He earned his medical degree at Jefferson Medical College in 1969, completed his ophthalmology residency at Mt. Sinai Hospital, and was a Cornea Fellow at the University of Florida. Dr. Abel is a former Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at Thomas Jefferson University. He founded and has been Medical Director of the Medical Eye Bank of Delaware. He teaches locally and internationally on numerous subjects, including cornea, cataract and nutrition. In addition, he instructs the Cornea Microsurgery Workshops at the Academy of Ophthalmology meetings annually and has been on the Academy's Committee of International Ophthalmology. Dr. Abel has done active research on corneal transplants, corneal pathology, contact lenses and drugs as they relate to the eye. He holds two patents on artificial corneas and has received the AAO Honor Award and the Senior Honor Award.

Dr. Abel is the author of the popular new book, The Eye Care Revolution, which teaches patients how to treat and reverse common vision problems. He was voted "TOP DOC" by Delaware Today magazine

Dr Abel is the foremost Ophthalmologist in complementary medicine and has been sought after as a national and international speaker. He has worked in Mexico, India, and the Middle East helping to sponsor eye banks. He was a founding member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology Committee of International Ophthalmology. In his spare time he practices Tai-Chi, studies alternative medicine systems, and practices the healthy living he preaches.

Degrees:
M.D., Jefferson Medical College
Fellow, University of Florida

Associations:
Board Certified Staff Ophthalmologist, Christiana Care Health System
Former Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology, Thomas Jefferson University
Founder and Medical Director, Medical Eye Bank of Delaware
Advisory boards of many nutritional organizations and consultant to Vitamin companies

Awards:
Practice Prize in Medicine, Jefferson Medical College
AAO Honor Award
Senior Honor Award
Top Doc, Delaware Today magazine
Patents on Artificial Corneas
Chapel of the Four Chaplins

Appearances
Featured on The Discovery Channel and PBS

Publications:
Author, The Eye Care Revolution, The DHA Story
Co-author, The Best Supplements for your Health and One Earth Herbal Sourcebook
Featured in Biography and other magazines