When Nicholas Panzo received the news that he had matched at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, it was a historic moment for Texas A&M University School of Engineering Medicine (EnMed), as he became the first physicianeer to secure a spot at the nation’s top ophthalmology residency program.
Unlike other medical specialties, ophthalmology and urology hold an “early” match, releasing results weeks before the national Match Day ceremony. Instead of opening an envelope surrounded by classmates, Panzo opened an acceptance email at home, on a FaceTime call with his wife, shortly before giving a presentation during a clinical rotation. It was a quiet moment that marked a major milestone in the middle of an otherwisetypical day. “It was honestly surreal. Matching at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute felt like a full circle moment for me,” Panzo said.
Ophthalmology is important to Panzo because he understands that restoring or even preserving a patient’s vision can immediately be life-changing. With a background in engineering, he was always determined to break problems down into components and design practical solutions, a mindset he later brought to medicine as he sought a more direct connection to patient care and outcomes.
“I have always thought it is extremely meaningful to work in a field that directly impacts something so fundamental to a person’s life,” he said. “Restoring or preserving vision is one of the most powerful ways to do that.”
One of Panzo’s most impactful projects focused on improving access to eye care through the development of a portable slit lamp headset. Traditionally, these exams require large, stationary equipment in specialized clinics. His wearable design allows clinicians to perform detailed eye exams wherever the patient is, removing a major barrier to care.
Panzo also applied his work in vision science beyond traditional clinical settings, partnering with the NFL to explore how visual performance affects officiating in fast-paced, high-pressure environments. The project examined how factors such as visual tracking, reaction time and decision-making under motion influence accuracy in game officiating. It highlighted how principles of eye care and vision science can be applied outside of medicine, particularly in environments where split-second visual judgment is critical.
This project has already produced peer-reviewed publications. Panzo and his EnMed classmate, Hamza Memon, developed training materials and assessments to strengthen officials’ understanding of neuro-ophthalmology principles and their application to NFL gameplay. Panzo is incredibly grateful for the opportunities EnMed presented and the amazing people he was able to work with.
“I was fortunate to work with mentors like Drs. Andrew Lee and Hilary Beaver, who not only supported my clinical development but also encouraged innovation and helped guide my path toward ophthalmology. Along the way, my classmate Hamza Memon, who also matched into ophthalmology, was an incredible resource. We collaborated on multiple projects and publications, and his support was a significant part of what allowed me to accomplish so much during my time at EnMed.”
Moving to Miami carries much greater significance for Panzo, since Florida is home. He grew up in Central Florida, completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Miami, where he played hockey and formed relationships that shaped his life, including meeting his wife. South Florida is also home to much of his extended family, including four siblings. Making this move is a return to that familiar support system as he begins residency alongside his wife and newborn daughter.
“Going back to Miami brings together so many parts of my life at once: my undergraduate experience, my family and this new chapter with my wife and daughter. I feel truly grateful and fortunate for this opportunity. It is something I have dreamed about for a long time.”
As he begins residency, Panzo carries forward a mindset focused on solving complex problems and improving patient outcomes. His path reflects the kind of physician EnMed aims to develop: one who not only treats disease but reimagines how care is delivered.
