After receiving a graduate degree at Cornell University in 1965, Edwin Eames began fieldwork in India, studying rural-urban migration. This experience, combined with a position at Temple University in Philadelphia, developed his interest in urban anthropology. During his 30-plus years in academia, Edwin produced five books, including one of the earliest texts on urban anthropology. Edwin continued his fieldwork on East Asians, studying the ongoing conflict between the British and Punjabi immigrants in Wolverhampton, England, 1969-1970. In 1980-1981, he returned to India to study the collective memories of retired Indian civil service personnel. He received a Fulbright and a grant from the Ford Foundation to finance his initial fieldwork in India. His subsequent research on East Asians was supported by grants from NIMH and Temple University.

Edwin went blind in his 50's, which had a major impact on his career as an academic anthropologist. The focus of his research interests changed to the general question of the disabled in American society, as well as assistance dog training (Edwin acquired a guide dog, himself). He and his wife became strong advocates for the disabled and published extensively on their plight. Together they were successful in battling for the elimination of a four-hour restriction for assistance dogs to fly to the UK.