Dr. Merbs treats diseases of the tissues surrounding the eyes, including the eyelids and eye socket. This includes diseases such as congenital defects, benign and cancerous growths, tear duct problems and the ocular effects of thyroid disease, as well as traumatic injuries to the eyelids, tear drainage system and bones of the eye socket.

Dr. Merbs also leads an active research program in the field of ocular oncology. She is studying the molecular genetic changes that lead to uveal melanoma, the most common malignant tumor that occurs in the eyes of adults.