Joan Whitten Miller, MD
Not currently accepting new patients
4.978182 average rating from 55 patient reviews
Specialties
Affiliation
Mass General Brigham
Provider Locations
- Boston, MA
Dr. Miller is the former Chair of Harvard Ophthalmology, Chair of Ophthalmology at Mass Eye and Ear and Mass General Hospital, and Ophthalmologist-in-Chief at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
Dr. Miller is an internationally recognized expert on retinal disorders, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Over the last two decades, she and her colleagues at Mass Eye and Ear/HMS pioneered the development of photodynamic therapy using verteporfin (Visudyne®), the first approved pharmacological therapy able to reduce and slow vision loss in patients with AMD. The group also identified the key role of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in ocular neovascularization, leading to the development of anti-VEGF therapies now administered to millions of children and adults with sight-threatening retinal diseases annually around the world. Dr. Miller’s current studies focus on the genetics of AMD, strategies for early intervention in AMD, neuroprotective therapies for retinal diseases, and MacTel and other maculopathies.
Dr. Miller is the first female physician to achieve the rank of Professor of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School and the first woman to chair the Department of Ophthalmology. She is also the first woman appointed as Chair of Ophthalmology at both Mass Eye and Ear and Massachusetts General Hospital. In addition to these roles and responsibilities, she also co-directs Mass Eye and Ear's Ines and Frederick Yeatts Retina Research Laboratory.
In recognition for her contributions to the field of ophthalmology, Dr. Miller has received numerous prestigious honors and awards. Among them, she is a member of the National Academy of Medicine and a co-recipient of the 2014 António Champalimaud Vision Award, the highest distinction in ophthalmology and visual science. In 2015, Dr. Miller also became the first woman to receive the Mildred Weisenfeld Award for Excellence in Ophthalmology from the Association for Research In Vision and Ophthalmology; in 2018, she became the first woman awarded the Charles L. Schepens, MD, Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Recently, Dr. Miller was awarded the 2018 Lucien Howe Medal from the American Ophthalmological Society and the 2018 Gertrude D. Pyron Award from the American Society of Retinal Specialists.
Clinical Interests
Diseases and surgery of the retina and vitreous; age-related macular degeneration; diabetic retinopathy; photodynamic therapy
Education & Training
- Fellowship: Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Vitreo-retinal, 1991
- Residency: Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Ophthalmology, 1989
- Internship: Newton-Wellesley Hospital***, Medicine, 1986
- Medical Education: Harvard Medical School, 1985
Board Certifications
- Ophthalmology, American Board of Ophthalmology
Languages Spoken
- English
Age Group Treated
- Adults
Patient Feedback
4.978182 average rating from 55 reviews
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Friendly knowledgeable and explaining my condition very well. A very good listener.
2026-06-26
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Joan Miller is a confident professional and I have been her patient for many years and totally respect her.
2026-06-26
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I was very appreciative that Dr. Miller was able to see me. She was professional, knowledgeable, caring, outstanding, and I could have never asked for any more medical treatment. It was an outstanding visit. Very, very appreciative to see her and her staff. It's wonderful.
2026-06-26
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I feel very fortunate to have the expert care of Joan Miller.
2026-06-11
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Dr. Miller is great!
2026-06-11
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Same old, same old, and still good as new
2026-06-09
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Competent, informative, knowledgeable, respectful
2026-05-20
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Best ever! I'm so glad Dr Miller chose medicine for her career and I'll be sad whenever she decides to retire.
2026-05-13
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I find Dr. Miller's knowledge, professionalism, kindness and sense of humor all to be exceptional. I reliably feel well cared for and am enormously grateful for the care she provides. Additionally, I am always impressed by the Fellows lucky enough to be on her team.
2026-05-13
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Dr. Miller is great. She is an amazing physician and a a very nice, helpful person.
2026-05-09
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Absolutely top notch. The consummate professional
2026-05-06
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The entire operation is highly professional and caring at the same time.
2026-04-29
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Extremely open and knowledgeable
2026-04-29
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My appointment with Dr. Miller on [redacted] was very positive. She is very knowledgeable in her field and took the time to speak with me at length and explain my situation. She is very conscientious and very smart. Her associates are very smart as well. I'm very grateful to have her as one of my physicians.
2026-04-29
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Best in the world
2026-04-29
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Dr Miller is wonderful and we are so lucky to have her as our retina specialist.
2026-04-15
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Fellows could be encouraged to make eye contact when ushering patients into the exam room. And also talking face to face with the patient before turning to the computer. The fellow seemed distracted when our session began. It made me feel less important than whatever the distraction was. This need for better personal connection/empathy seems to be an issue in health care in general.
2026-04-15
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Of course, we couldn't say enough about Dr. Joan Miller. [redacted]
2026-03-19
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Dr Joan Miller is an asset to MEE. I would follow her anywhere!
2026-02-25
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Very prepared for my visit and comprehensive.
2026-01-15
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Dr Miller is not only very knowledgeable but very down to earth and approachable. Glad she accepted me as her patient.
2026-01-14
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Dr. Miller has answered all my questions. She's very calm, she's very reassuring, and I like her very much, and she always, always takes the time.
2025-12-28
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Provider was friendly and reassuring, very efficient.
2025-12-24
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Always thorough
2025-12-16
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My eye was examined by a technician, a Retina Fellow and by Dr. Miller. I have been a patient of Dr. Miller for 10 years. I'm very fortunate!
2025-12-16
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Always excellent. Joan Miller is a great doctor.
2025-11-19
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Dr Joan Miller is amazing [redacted] she was wonderful [redacted]
2025-11-19
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Thankful for Dr Miller's expertise. [redacted]
2025-11-19
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Thank you Dr. Joan Miller and everyone else at Mass Eye and Ear for saving my vision! Vision is one of the most important things in my life.
2025-11-22
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Dr Miller is a precious gem! I look forward to my visit every six months specifically to see her.
2025-11-13
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Support staff could be more polite.
2025-11-12
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Dr. Miller is very thorough and professional.
2025-11-07
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One word says it all: Amazing
2025-10-30
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Dr Miller and her colleagues reliably provide world class medical care. I applaud them all.
2025-10-21
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Yes, I was part of a test that Dr. Miller, Dr. Joe Miller has been running for several years. And I was treated with great respect and dignity for the entire time I was there. And I was very pleased to be part of the test. And I highly, I hold Dr. Joe Miller in high regard. for all the work she has done and contributed to Mass. Eye and Ear. Thank you. Bye.
2025-10-10
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Extremely professional, thoroughly answered my fears and questions
2025-10-09
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Dr Joan Miller is everything a doctor should be. She's the best!
2025-10-01
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Dr. Miller is an excellent care provider who genuinely cares for her patients.
2025-09-28
Accepted Insurance
- Tufts Medicare Preferred
- Wellpoint
- United Health Care
- Medicaid RI
- Medicaid CT
- MassHealth
- Coventry
- Multiplan
- Medicaid ME
- Community Health Options
- Fallon Health
- Tufts Public Health Plan
- Commonwealth Care Alliance
- WellSense
- Harvard Pilgrim Health Care
- TriCare
- Railroad Medicare
- Tufts Health Plan
- Cigna
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Aetna
- Mass General Brigham Health Plan
- Medicare
- Senior Whole Health