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Doctors

J. Arch McNamara, M.D., FACS (1955-2010)

  • Fellowship Wills Eye Hospital
  • Residency University of Ottawa
  • Medical School Memorial University of Newfoundland
  • Undergraduate Memorial University of Newfoundland
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Dr. McNamara, originally from Newfoundland, Canada, received both his undergraduate degree and Medical Doctor degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. He completed an internship at the Ottawa Civic Hospital, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada and a residency in ophthalmology at the University of Ottawa Hospitals. He then completed a fellowship in Vitreoretinal Diseases at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia. He joined the medical staff of Mid Atlantic Retina, formerly Retinovitreous Associates, in 1985.

Dr. McNamara was certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, a Fellow in the American College of Surgeons, and a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. He was an active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), the American Society of Retina Specialists, the Retina Society, the Canadian Ophthalmological Society, the Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology, the New Jersey Academy of Ophthalmology, and the Greater Philadelphia Ophthalmologic Society (serving as President from 1996 to 1997). Dr. McNamara received the Achievement Award of the American Academy of Ophthalmology in 1993 and the Senior Achievement Award of the AAO in 2006. He was a board examiner for the American Board of Ophthalmology. He served as a member of the editorial board for the Journal of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus and was a scientific reviewer for various ophthalmologic publications. He conducted clinical investigations and contributed to numerous publications on vitreoretinal diseases. He was involved in collaborative clinical trials on diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and retinopathy of prematurity. Dr. McNamara was a visiting professor and lecturer for several universities in the United States, Canada and abroad, as well as a guest speaker for the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Wills Eye Hospital. Dr. McNamara was a past chairman of the Ethics Committee, Wills Eye Hospital and also served on Wills Eye Hospital Credentials Committee.

Dr. McNamara was chosen by his peers as one of the “Best Doctors in America” and was recognized as one of “America’s Top Ophthalmologists” by the Consumers’ Research Council of America. His clinical interests in vitreoretinal diseases and surgery included retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, macular hole, macular pucker, retinal vascular disease, ocular trauma, and complications of cataract surgery.

Dr. McNamara’s untimely passing in 2010 brought great sadness to all of his colleagues, patients, and friends at Wills Eye Hospital and beyond. Bringing a deep commitment to his patients, he demonstrated on a daily basis the character traits of a great physician, which included his kindness, compassion, infectious laughter, and love of life.

A memorial fund was created in his honor at Wills Eye Hospital, to continue his legacy of resident and fellow education and research. Contributions to the Fund, used solely for the advancement and support of resident and fellow education and research, may be sent to:

Contributions to the Fund may be made by check or on-line credit card payment. Please make checks are payable to:

J. Arch McNamara Memorial Fund / Wills Eye Foundation
Wills Eye Foundation
840 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19107
 
 
Please contact January Higgins with any inquires at:
267-433-1106 / jhiggins@midatlanticretina.seobranddev.net
 

To make a gift by credit card or for more information, please click here.