About AEI
Revolutionizing clinical trials with unparalleled expertise, patient-focused innovation, and a commitment to delivering results that advance medical breakthroughs.
About Us
At Andover Eye Institute, our mission is to lead the future of eye care through innovative clinical trials and groundbreaking research. We are committed to advancing the understanding and treatment of ophthalmic conditions by exploring new frontiers in medical science. Our team of experienced and compassionate professionals works closely with participants and sponsors, ensuring that each clinical trial is conducted with the utmost care, precision, and attention to detail.
With decades of experience and a deep passion for improving patient outcomes, founder Dr. Mark Abelson and our dedicated team are constantly exploring new avenues of research. Our work focuses on key areas such as dry eye disease, allergic eye conditions, retinal disease, and other critical eye health issues. We take pride in staying at the cutting edge of ophthalmic research, driving discoveries that have the potential to transform how these conditions are treated.
Located in Andover, MA, we are not only committed to advancing science but also to making a real difference in the lives of patients. By participating in our clinical trials, patients contribute to the future of ophthalmology, helping us deliver innovations that can benefit millions worldwide.
Leadership
Dr. Mark Abelson
Founder of AEI
Dr. Mark Abelson earned his MD, CM from McGill University and completed a fellowship at Schepens Eye Research Institute and Mass Eye and Ear. In 1978, he founded Andover Eye Associates. He is a part-time professor at Harvard Medical School and an Emeritus Surgeon at Mass Eye and Ear. Dr. Abelson has received numerous honors, including the ARVO Silver Fellow. With over 600 publications, he has contributed to the approval of 30+ ophthalmic drugs and is the Chairman and Founder of Ora Clinical, a leading global ophthalmic Contract Research Organization.
Donna Welch
President of AEI
Donna holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Fitchburg State College and has over 35 years of extensive experience in ophthalmology clinical research. She has held key leadership positions, including Chief Operating Officer at Ora Clinical and Head of Operational Risk Management. Donna’s deep expertise in clinical research has been instrumental in the approval of numerous ophthalmic products on the market today, where she provided critical oversight of both regulatory processes and the execution of clinical trials.
Our Team
Dr. Jack Greiner
AEI Practice & Clinic
Study Director
Dr. Greiner is a physician-scientist, surgeon, optometrist, and ophthalmologist with a diverse clinical and research background. He holds three doctoral degrees and has completed multiple fellowships in ophthalmology. As an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School, he specializes in corneal and external eye diseases. He has authored over 200 publications and has served as principal or co-investigator on more than 200 FDA clinical trials. Dr. Greiner has discovered three new ophthalmic diseases and has received numerous prestigious awards, including the Achievement Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Dr. Terry Chin
AEI Practice & Clinic
Study Director
Dr. Terry L.N. Chin, a board-certified optometrist, brings over 40 years of expertise to Andover Eye, specializing in ocular disease management and contact lenses. A Boston University graduate, Dr. Chin completed his optometric training at the New England College of Optometry, where he taught for over 20 years. He has also held clinical faculty roles at the New England Eye Institute and worked as a clinical research investigator for Ophthalmic Research Associates. Dr. Chin has published numerous articles in optometric journals. Raised in Boston's Chinatown, he was the first optometrist at South Cove Community Health Center.
Dr. Jason Chin
AEI Practice & Clinic
Study Director
Dr. Chin graduated with clinical honors from the New England College of Optometry and completed his cornea and contact lens residency. He has over 25 years of clinical research experience and is involved in international clinical trials, specializing in contact lenses, dry eyes, and allergies. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometry and practices at AEI.
Kelly Theberge
AEI Clinic
Manager of Site Operations
Kelly holds a bachelor’s in Nursing from the University of Massachusetts Lowell and worked as a Registered Nurse in Rehabilitation and Medical/Surgical Nursing for six years. She earned a master’s in Clinical Research from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Kelly spent 7.5 years at Ora as a Clinical Research Coordinator, Study Coordinator, and Site Operations Lead. She now manages the Andover Eye Institute site.
Feni Patel
AEI Clinic
Study Coordinator, RN, MSCR
Feni Patel earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2020 and served as an RN during the COVID-19 pandemic at Lawrence General and Boston Children’s, caring for both adult and pediatric patients. She transitioned to clinical research as a CRC and recently completed her Master’s in Clinical Research. Feni now works as a Research Coordinator at AEI.
Ivana Capellan
AEI Clinic
Study Coordinator II
Ivana has enjoyed working in ophthalmology for the past 7 years and has been involved in research for nearly two years. Holding a bachelor's degree in Public Health and a recently earned master’s in Healthcare Administration, Ivana brings a strong background in healthcare management and research to her work in the field of ophthalmology.
Emma Turcotte
AEI Raynham Site
Study Coordinator
Emma has a bachelor's degree in Physiology and Neurobiology and is currently pursuing a master's in Clinical Research Management with a focus on Regulatory Science. With over two years of experience in ophthalmic research, she is committed to improving clinical practices while ensuring patient care remains a top priority.
Our mission
Our mission is to advance your health by conducting high-quality clinical trials, ensuring patient safety, and contributing to medical innovation in Essex County, MA.