About

Dr. Miriam Habiel is the newest full-time Assistant Professor at the Institute of Ophthalmology and Visual Science at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. She obtained her undergraduate degree from Stony Brook University in 2008 and her Doctor of Medicine from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, in 2012. Dr. Habiel interned at Stony Brook Hospital and served as Chief Resident of her ophthalmology program at New York Medical College before becoming an assistant professor at Rutgers. She specializes in Glaucoma and participates in leading research within the field. Dr. Habiel is certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology as a Glaucoma Specialist and holds medical licensure in New Jersey. She also speaks Arabic.

Research topics

• Political Science
• Medicine
• Computer Science
• Artificial Intelligence
• Optometry
• Medical education
• Family medicine
• Ophthalmology

Selected publications

• Management of Mixed Mechanism Glaucoma Secondary to NewColorIris Implant Using an Ab Externo Xen Gel Stent

  Case Reports in Ophthalmological Medicine · 2026-01-01

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Background and Aims: We present a case of mixed mechanism glaucoma following NewColorIris implant that was successfully treated using an off-label use of Xen Gel Stent. Methods: A retrospective review of the patient's medical records was conducted following the acquisition of informed consent. Results: A 42-year-old female with a history of bilateral cosmetic iris implants presented to the emergency room due to corneal decompensation and a secondary mixed mechanism glaucoma caused by implant iris chafing in her left eye. The patient underwent prosthetic iris implant removal and had persistently elevated intraocular pressures (IOPs) postoperatively. She underwent a subsequent off-label Xen Gel Stent implantation which has successfully controlled her eye pressures without the need for supplementary antiglaucoma medications for 13 months. This off-label use of the Xen Gel Stent helped the patient maintain excellent IOP and satisfied the patient's cosmetic preferences. Conclusion: Xen Gel Stent may be a safe and effective option to treat secondary glaucoma due to cosmetic iris implants.

  PublisherDOI

• Bilateral Anterior Segment Hyphema and Ocular Hypotony Following Treatment with Lutetium (177Lu) Vipivotide Tetraxetan (Pluvicto)

  Ocular Immunology and Inflammation · 2025-05-19

  article

  PURPOSE: We describe a case of severe bilateral anterior segment neovascularization leading to hyphema in a patient treated with Lutetium (177Lu) vipivotide tetraxetan for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). METHODS: Case report with multimodal imaging. RESULTS: A 77-year-old patient was referred for evaluation of a two-day history of blurry vision. At presentation, the exam was significant for bilateral hyphema, elevated intraocular pressure, and significant microcystic edema. Gonioscopy revealed neovascularization of the anterior segment. Multimodal imaging revealed intraretinal hemorrhages without neovascular retinopathy, metastases, or carotid occlusive disease. The patient was treated medically, but developed significant hypotony necessitating postponement of therapy. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates a potential ocular adverse reaction to Lutetium (177Lu) vipivotide tetraxetan therapy.

  PublisherDOI

• Evaluating a virtual reality visual fields analyzer in an urban, underserved glaucoma & glaucoma suspect patient populations to identify disparities

  Graefe s Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology · 2025-07-07 · 1 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  PURPOSE: To evaluate the utility of wearable visual field perimetry in an urban, underserved patient population and identify disparities in its utility as a screening tool. METHODS: 175 eyes from 105 participants (46 non-glaucomatous eyes from 34 participants and 113 glaucomatous eyes from 74 participants; 16 eyes failed inclusion criteria) presenting at University Hospital in Newark, New Jersey for glaucoma evaluation underwent testing by both the Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer™ (HFA) and PalmScan VF2000 G2™. Glaucoma severity was classified as per the Hoddap criteria. Mean deviation (MD), pattern standard deviation (PSD), visual field index (VFI), mean sensitivity (MS), & area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) on analysis adjusted for inter-eye correlation. RESULTS: The VF2000 and HFA significantly differed in VFI as the VF2000 consistently underestimated VFI (p = 0.003) but did not significantly differ in MD (p = 0.664) or PSD (p = 0.584). The VF2000 had significantly fewer false positives (p < 0.001) and fixation losses (p = 0.001) but was a significantly longer exam (p = 0.018). On a multivariate logistic regression model adjusting for both inter-eye correlation and demographic variables, the VF2000 had an AUC of 0.7007, indicating fair agreement when identifying severe glaucoma. Language, age, and sex did not independently impact odds of agreement between the two devices; however, differences based on the interaction of age and language were observed. CONCLUSION: Our analysis of the Humphrey Visual Field against the virtual reality PalmScan VF2000 G2™ in an urban, diverse population found subtle disparities in predictive staging of glaucoma. Future studies may need to account for these disparities by evaluating the combinations of demographic interactions rather than evaluating them as independent, unrelated factors. KEY MESSAGES: What is known Portable perimetry and virtual reality headsets have been used with moderate efficacy in screenings for glaucoma, but gaps exist in the quality of results as compared to the Humphrey Visual Fields Analyzer. What is new The PalmScan VF2000 G2, a portable perimetry headset, may be suitable as a screening device, but it is not advanced enough to differentiate glaucoma stage as effectively as HFA analysis. Disparities along social determinants of health do exist in VF2000 detection of glaucoma, though these manifestations may be subtle and tied to the interaction of many complex factors. Future studies may benefit from examining the interaction between demographic factors as variables predictive of outcome.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• A Case of Congenital Glaucoma in a 5‐Year‐Old Patient With Sturge–Weber Syndrome and Oculodermal Melanocytosis

  Case Reports in Ophthalmological Medicine · 2025-01-01

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Purpose: This study was aimed at presenting a case of Sturge–Weber syndrome and oculodermal melanocytosis in a pediatric patient and offering a viable treatment course to control the glaucoma in both eyes. Observations: A 5‐year‐old female presents with a large port‐wine stain on the left side of her face, retinal pigment changes, and diffuse slate gray pigmentation of the sclera, consistent with Sturge–Weber syndrome and oculodermal melanocytosis. She underwent bilateral trabeculotomy, micropulse cyclophotocoagulation, and staged Ahmed tube insertion for the management of her glaucoma. The pressures have normalized bilaterally after tube insertion, with the last measurement of her eyes under anesthesia revealing intraocular pressures of 25 in the left and 18 in the right. Conclusions: It is possible to achieve intraocular pressure control in a patient with congenital glaucoma associated with Sturge–Weber syndrome and oculodermal melanocytosis using staged Ahmed tube insertion.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Gender Representation Among Ophthalmology Fellowship Directors in 2022

  American Journal of Ophthalmology · 2023 · 5 citations

  Senior authorCorresponding
  • Political Science
  • Medicine
  • Ophthalmology
  PublisherDOI

• Implementation of deep learning artificial intelligence in vision-threatening disease screenings for an underserved community during COVID-19

  Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare · 2023 · 13 citations

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Medicine
  • Artificial Intelligence

  INTRODUCTION: Age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma are vision-threatening diseases that are leading causes of vision loss. Many studies have validated deep learning artificial intelligence for image-based diagnosis of vision-threatening diseases. Our study prospectively investigated deep learning artificial intelligence applications in student-run non-mydriatic screenings for an underserved, primarily Hispanic community during COVID-19. METHODS: Five supervised student-run community screenings were held in West New York, New Jersey. Participants underwent non-mydriatic 45-degree retinal imaging by medical students. Images were uploaded to a cloud-based deep learning artificial intelligence for vision-threatening disease referral. An on-site tele-ophthalmology grader and remote clinical ophthalmologist graded images, with adjudication by a senior ophthalmologist to establish the gold standard diagnosis, which was used to assess the performance of deep learning artificial intelligence. RESULTS: < 0.001). DISCUSSION: Deep learning artificial intelligence can increase the efficiency and accessibility of vision-threatening disease screenings, particularly in underserved communities. Deep learning artificial intelligence should be adaptable to different environments. Consideration should be given to how deep learning artificial intelligence can best be utilized in a real-world application, whether in computer-aided or autonomous diagnosis.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Application of Patient Sentiment Analysis to Evaluate Glaucoma Care

  Ophthalmology Glaucoma · 2023-12-14 · 9 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  PURPOSE: Patients utilize online physician reviews to decide between and rate ophthalmologists. Sentiment analysis allows for better understanding of patient experiences. In this study, Valence Aware Dictionary sEntiment Reasoner (VADER) and word frequency analysis of glaucoma specialist Healthgrades reviews were used to determine factors prioritized by patients. DESIGN: Retrospective cross-sectional analysis. PARTICIPANTS: N/A. METHODS: Written reviews and Star ratings of glaucoma specialists listed under the Physicians Payments Sunshine Acts were obtained, and demographic information was collected. Valence Aware Dictionary sEntiment Reasoner produced Negative, Neutral, Positive, and Compound scores of reviews, and these were stratified by demographic variables. Word frequency review was applied to determine popular words and phrases. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Star ratings, VADER Compound score of written reviews, and highest word frequencies. RESULTS: A total of 203 glaucoma specialists and 3531 written reviews were assessed. Glaucoma specialists had an average of 4.26/5 stars, with a mean of 30 ratings per physician on Healthgrades. Most physicians (86%) had overall Positive written reviews (VADER = 0.74), indicating high patient satisfaction. Specialists who were women or had fewer years of practice had higher Compound and Star scores than their respective male and senior counterparts, with statistical significance observed between junior and senior physician Stars (P < 0.001). Repeated words pertaining to the surgery, staff, wait times, and questions were common overall and among the most positive and most negative reviews. CONCLUSIONS: Glaucoma specialist patients value nonclinical factors, such as appointment setting and nonphysician health-care staff members, in their written reviews. Thus, factors beyond clinical outcomes are influential in the overall patient experience and should be considered to improve health-care delivery. These results can also advise ophthalmologists on factors that patients prioritize when evaluating physicians, which influences the decisions of other patients seeking glaucoma care. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

  PublisherDOI

• Optimization of Glaucoma Management During a Pandemic: Drive-Through IOP Checks

  Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science · 2021-06-21

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Purpose : In this pilot study, we compared the efficacy of drive-through intraocular pressure (IOP) checks in combination with E-health visits to E-health visits alone in the management of glaucoma patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods : We performed a retrospective chart review for visits from April 2020 - November 2020 to compare subjects that received E-health visits (Group 1) versus subjects that received E-health visits with a drive-through IOP check (Group 2). Drive-through visits consisted of temperature screening with a non-contact infrared thermometer, near visual acuity check, and IOP measurements using a Tono-Pen XL Tonometer (Reichert, Depew, NY) followed by a video E-health visit with a glaucoma specialist. Group 1 patients only attended a video visit. We compared the proportion of interventions done at the visit as well as changes in visual acuity (VA) and IOP after the tele-visits between the 2 groups. The 4 types of interventions were: change in drop type, change in drop frequency, change in number of drops, and recommending surgical or laser intervention. Results : 28 subjects were included in our pilot study (mean age 74.9 +/- 3.8 years, 57.1% female). There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between group 1 (n=15) and group 2 (n=13, Table 1). 6.7% of Group 1 patients had an intervention done compared to 38.5% of group 2 patients. Fisher exact probability testing showed a significant increase in the proportion of interventions done in group 2 subjects compared to group 1 subjects (p=.041), with the most common interventions being changing number of drops and drop frequency. There was no significant difference in changes in VA or IOP between the 2 groups (Table 1). Conclusions : Drive-through IOP checks in combination with virtual visits resulted in more interventions than virtual visits alone in the care of glaucoma patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. This novel healthcare modality can address the mismatch between capacity and demand for glaucoma care both during a pandemic and can further expand access to sub-specialized care.

  Publisher

• Vision Threatening Disease Triage Using Tele-Ophthalmology during COVID-19 in the Emergency Department: A Pilot Study

  Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science · 2021-06-21 · 2 citations

  articleOpen access

  Purpose : The Centers for Disease Control reports 28.2% of surveyed US adults had reduced access to medical care (June/August 2020) due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with 8.9% reporting reduced access to vision care. A non-mydriatic digital retinal camera was piloted for deployment to the Emergency Department (ED) to help address this gap in vision care. Referrals for clinical follow-up in vision threatening diseases (VTDs) such as age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy (DR), and glaucoma were assessed with human readers. Artificial Intelligence (AI) deep learning software was evaluated in known DR cases. Methods : 33 patients with known VTDs (48.48% male, avg 59.33 years) and 36 control subjects (41.67% male, avg 31.33 years) were included in tele-ophthalmology screening. A Canon CR-2 Plus AF non-mydriatic retinal camera captured 45-degree angle color and auto-fluorescence images of the eyes. Images (136 eyes) were graded by a certified telemedicine reader on site and an off-site clinical ophthalmologist following International Clinical Diabetic Retinopathy Disease Severity Scale (ICDRSS). Intergrader agreement between readers was evaluated with Cohen's kappa. An automated deep learning screening software optimized for DR (SELENA+, EyRIS Pte Ltd, Singapore) performed independent validation of readable color fundus images (17 eyes). Results : 5.07% of images were deemed unreadable by graders due to poor quality. Intergrader agreement for subject referral was κ = 0.710 (95% CI 0.545-0.875, p<.0005), with the clinical ophthalmologist generating more referrals than the telemedicine reader. Readers had 96.97% sensitivity (95% CI 91.12-1.028) and 72.22% specificity (95% CI 57.59- 86.85) in detecting referable disease. Positive predictive value was 76.19% (CI 63.31%- 89.07%) and negative predictive value was 96.30% (CI 89.17%- 1.034%). Of the 10 false positives, 6 were referred for rule out of glaucoma. Four had early stage cataracts that were deemed nonurgent. SELENA+ referred 100% of the known 9 DR patients. Conclusions : Tele-ophthalmology deployment in the ED helps limit patient and staff exposure to SARS-CoV-2 without sacrificing evaluation for VTDs. Tele-ophthalmology readers err on the side of caution to avoid missing VTD in a given patient. Use of AI can help keep strict adherence to referral guidelines.

  Publisher

• Comparison of Cyclophotocoagulation (CPC) and Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (AGV) for Neovascular Glaucoma (NVG)

  Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science · 2020-06-10

  articleOpen accessSenior author
  Publisher

Frequent coauthors

• Albert S Khouri

  Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

  17 shared

• Alexander B Crane

  Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

  12 shared

• Abanoob Tadrosse

  Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

  8 shared

• Catherine Ye

  Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

  8 shared

• Elliot Crane

  8 shared

• Isis Zhang

  Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

  8 shared

• Ashley Ooms

  Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

  8 shared

• Victoria Vought

  Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

  5 shared