Newly released documents from the Department of Justice reveal that convicted sex offender and financier Jeffrey Epstein invited Mark Blumenkranz, chair of Stanford’s ophthalmology department, to his private island in February 2013. The invitation was linked to medical consultations Blumenkranz had with Boris Nikolić, a Croatian physician and biotech venture capitalist, who sought treatment for his eye problems.
The correspondence between Epstein and Blumenkranz, which appears not to have resulted in an actual visit, occurred five years after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting underage sex. The documents highlight the connections between Stanford, Silicon Valley, and Epstein, which are currently under scrutiny by reporters at the Stanford Daily.
Details of the Invitation
The invitation was conveyed through an email from Nikolić on February 13, 2013. In the message, he introduced the two men, writing, “Mark meet Jeffrey, Jeffrey meet Mark!” Nikolić had previously discussed his struggles with mood issues related to his eye condition with Epstein. Epstein responded, suggesting that Nikolić needed to “rest and recharge.”
At the time, Blumenkranz was on St. John, close to Epstein’s notorious island, Little Saint James. Nikolić informed Epstein that Blumenkranz had “very slow internet and a small screen” and inquired whether the professor could visit Epstein’s island to review some eye images. Nikolić expressed surprise at Blumenkranz’s proximity to the island, noting that he had planned to meet him at Stanford the following week. “Life is so strange!” he remarked.
In his message to Epstein, Nikolić described the island as “spectacular” and indicated that while reviewing the eye images was “not urgent yet,” he recommended that Blumenkranz visit the island. This invitation was extended by Epstein, who wrote, “Mark, you are a very welcome guest to the island.” He also offered to provide a computer for Blumenkranz’s use during his stay.
Logistical Challenges Prevent Visit
Despite the invitation, it appears that Blumenkranz never visited the island. He managed to obtain high-speed internet access on St. John and reviewed the eye images with a colleague, Michael Trese. Blumenkranz cited “logistical challenges” that made a visit to Epstein’s island infeasible.
In a separate series of emails from 2018, Nikolić again connected Blumenkranz with Epstein. This time, Epstein sought ophthalmology expertise for a person named Michael L. Link, who was described as the “son of a friend”. Link was affiliated with Southern Methodist University, further illustrating the intertwining relationships Epstein maintained with various influential figures.
Following Epstein’s death, Nikolić was named as the “successor executor” in a will he drafted just two days prior, valued at approximately $600 million. Nikolić has also served as a science and technology advisor to Bill Gates, another high-profile figure associated with Epstein.
Blumenkranz’s correspondence with Epstein in 2013 included a note praising Nikolić for his loyalty, stating, “Boris is lucky to have such a loyal and caring friend. It makes life much easier when confronted with the inevitable challenges we all face from time to time.”
The investigation into the connections between Stanford, Silicon Valley, and Jeffrey Epstein continues, with the Stanford Daily encouraging individuals to share confidential tips regarding the matter.
