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In this insightful episode, Dr. Micheletti engages with two renowned ophthalmologists, Dr. Mark Latina and Dr. Gus Gazzard, discussing the evolution and impact of laser technology in the treatment of glaucoma.
Dr. Latina, known for developing Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT), recounts his journey from chemistry to ophthalmology, emphasizing the role of technology and innovation in his career. He shares his experiences with the excimer laser, dynamic laser spectroscopy, and the development of SLT, highlighting the importance of laser technology in treating glaucoma efficiently and safely.
Dr. Gazzard, on the other hand, discusses his medical journey and his involvement in pivotal clinical trials, such as the Light Trial, which demonstrated the effectiveness of SLT as a primary treatment for glaucoma. He elaborates on the long-term benefits of SLT, including its potential to rejuvenate the trabecular meshwork and maintain intraocular pressure more consistently compared to traditional medication.
The conversation also explores the future of glaucoma treatment, touching upon exciting developments like direct SLT, gene therapy, and stem cell research. Dr. Gazzard's interest in the genetics of response to laser treatment and Dr. Latina's perspective on genetic therapies suggest a promising direction for personalized medicine in ophthalmology.
In closing, both guests reflect on the most significant innovations in their careers. Dr. Gazzard highlights the importance of the capsulorhexis technique in cataract surgery, while Dr. Latina reaffirms the impact of SLT.
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In this episode of "The History of Eyecare," Dr. Morgan Micheletti talks with Dr. Uday Devgan, an accomplished ophthalmologist and expert in cataract surgery. Dr. Devgan recounts his journey into medicine, starting with his initial interests and leading to his specialization in cataract and refractive surgery. He discusses the role of mentors in his career and his experiences at the University of Southern California and UCLA.
The conversation then shifts to Dr. Devgan's contributions to ophthalmology education, particularly through his platform, CataractCoach.com. He emphasizes the importance of ongoing learning and sharing knowledge within the medical community. Dr. Devgan also shares experiences from his international work and involvement in early clinical trials, reflecting his patient-centered approach to ophthalmology.
Dr. Devgan offers advice for young surgeons and expresses his enthusiasm for future innovations in the field, especially in the development of accommodating intraocular lenses. His insights provide a comprehensive view of the advancements in eyecare and the potential for future technologies to enhance patient care.
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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In this episode of "The History of Eyecare," Dr. Morgan Micheletti sits down with Mr. Nick Curtis, a well-respected figure in the world of eyecare. The discussion begins with a look into Mr. Curtis's early life, where his passion for sports led to a scholarship at Northwestern and a pivotal career start at IBM. This foundation set the stage for his remarkable journey into the field of eye care.
As the conversation unfolds, Mr. Curtis shares his experiences during his time at American Hospital Supply's V Mueller division, marking his foray into ophthalmology. His significant role at Chiron Vision is a highlight, where he was instrumental in developing new surgical methods and devices. These innovations not only transformed patient care in eye surgery but also marked a significant advancement in the field.
Wrapping up the episode, Mr. Curtis offers his insights on his tenure with LENSAR, emphasizing the evolution of ophthalmic technology and the critical importance of customer-focused strategies. His reflections provide an inspiring look at the relentless pursuit of progress in eye care, offering listeners a unique perspective on the industry's ongoing evolution.
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In this enlightening episode of 'The History of Eyecare,' host Dr. Morgan Micheletti discovers the inspiring journey of Dr. Denise Visco, an esteemed ophthalmologist known for her dedication to cataract surgery and innovation in eye care. Dr. Visco recounts her unique path into the world of ophthalmology, sharing the pivotal moments and decisions that shaped her career. Her passion for eye care shines through as she discusses the early challenges she faced and the exhilarating experience of starting her own practice.
Dr. Micheletti and Dr. Visco engage in a fascinating conversation about the latest advancements in eye care technology and surgical techniques. Dr. Visco shares her insights into the evolution of procedures like LASIK and SMILE, highlighting the transformative impact these techniques have had on patient care. The discussion illuminates the constant progression of eye care, underscoring the importance of embracing new technologies to enhance patient outcomes.
Concluding the episode, Dr. Visco reflects on the broader implications of these advancements for the field of ophthalmology. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of continuous learning, mentorship, and the drive to push the boundaries of what's possible in eye care. Listeners will leave with a deeper appreciation of the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of ophthalmology, inspired by Dr. Visco's commitment to excellence and innovation in the field.
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In this engaging episode of "The History of Eyecare," host Dr. Morgan Micheletti sits down with the esteemed Dr. James Loden, a trailblazer in cataract, refractive, and anterior segment surgery. They explore Dr. Loden's early inspiration from his father and his path to becoming a leading figure in eye care. The episode highlights Dr. Loden's significant contributions to cataract and LASIK surgery, underscoring his innovative approach.
The discussion then shifts to Dr. Loden's experiences during his medical training and his involvement in developing new surgical techniques. His reflections on the evolution of ophthalmology provide a unique insight into the challenges and advancements within the specialty. Dr. Loden also shares his experiences in teaching and mentoring, emphasizing the importance of education in his career.
Finally, the episode concludes with Dr. Loden sharing his perspectives on the future of eye care. He stresses the importance of patient-focused care, drawing on personal anecdotes and experiences with his mentors. This episode offers a comprehensive look into Dr. Loden's professional journey and his profound impact on ophthalmology.
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In this insightful episode of "The History of Eyecare," host Dr. Morgan Micheletti sits down with Dr. Ted Wojno, an eminent figure in ophthalmology and oculoplastic surgery. Dr. Wojno, renowned for his pioneering work, sheds light on the evolution and impact of Botox in eye care. He navigates through its journey from a substance of intrigue to a mainstay in both therapeutic and cosmetic treatments, elaborating on its transformative role in managing various ocular conditions.
The conversation then pivots to the realm of oculoplastic surgery, where Dr. Wojno's expertise truly shines. He discusses the advancements in surgical techniques and materials, particularly emphasizing the use of porous polyethylene, or Porex, in reconstructive procedures. Dr. Wojno illustrates how this material has revolutionized patient outcomes, offering improved integration with tissue and greater flexibility in surgeries.
Throughout the episode, listeners gain a deeper understanding of these innovative practices that have significantly influenced modern eye care. Dr. Wojno's experiences and insights offer a unique glimpse into the dynamic field of ophthalmology, making this episode a must-listen for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
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In this enriching episode, Dr. Morgan Micheletti delves into the professional journey of Dr. Howard Gimbel, a luminary in the field of ophthalmology. Dr. Gimbel shares his evolutionary path from adopting the continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC) technique, which became a cornerstone for further innovations in cataract surgery. His narrative brings to light the necessity-driven genesis of techniques like optic capture and divide and conquer, each building upon the foundational stability provided by a well-executed CCC. His recount of how posterior haptic tuck and other methods came about, particularly under challenging surgical scenarios, is a testament to his problem-solving ethos. Dr. Gimbel's humility shines through as he attributes his innovative strides to the quest for enhancing surgical outcomes rather than personal acclaim. This conversation not only provides a historical perspective but also underscores the iterative nature of surgical advancements, where each innovation opens the avenue for the next. Through Dr. Gimbel's lens, listeners are offered a rare glimpse into the meld of necessity, contemplation, and innovative action that has shaped modern ophthalmic practice.
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In this episode, Dr. Morgan Micheletti sits down with Dr. Herbert Gould, a figure who has significantly shaped the landscape of ophthalmology. Dr. Gould takes us on a journey through his career, beginning with his early days in medical school and culminating in his groundbreaking work in introducing intraocular lenses and phacoemulsification to the United States. Along the way, he shares fascinating anecdotes from his time serving in the Air Force, where he had the unique opportunity to interact with Wernher von Braun, the aerospace engineer and space architect.
Dr. Gould's multifaceted life extends beyond medicine into the realm of the arts. He talks about his deep-rooted passion for theater, revealing how his artistic pursuits not only enriched his personal life but also had a surprising and beneficial impact on his medical practice. He discusses the challenges he faced in his career, particularly when he was pioneering new surgical techniques. Despite facing skepticism and even professional censure, Dr. Gould remained steadfast in his commitment to advancing the field of ophthalmology.
He reflects on the evolution of the medical community's acceptance of new surgical techniques, acknowledging that change often requires a social digestive process that can be time-consuming. Dr. Gould also speaks to the transformative role of women in ophthalmology, celebrating their increasing contributions and even going so far as to say they are braver than their male counterparts when it comes to innovation in the field.
Dr. Gould's story is not just a tale of medical advancement, but also one of perseverance, interdisciplinary interests, and the courage to challenge the status quo. His experiences serve as a testament to the importance of maintaining a holistic approach to life and career, embracing challenges as opportunities for growth, and being willing to stand alone in the face of criticism to bring about meaningful change.
This episode offers a comprehensive look into the life and contributions of Dr. Herbert Gould, capturing the essence of a man who has not only advanced the field of ophthalmology but has also lived a life rich in experiences and interests outside of medicine. It serves as a valuable historical record, shedding light on the personal and professional elements that have shaped his impactful career.
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In this episode of "The History of Eye Care," host Dr. Morgan Micheletti sits down with Dr. Robert Maloney, a trailblazer in the field of ophthalmology. Dr. Maloney begins by discussing the early career choices that led him to specialize in eye care. He recounts a transformative experience in the Marshall Islands, where he and Dr. Anthony Adams trained a local surgeon, Dr. Philippe Pasteur, in cataract surgery. This training had a profound impact, essentially eradicating cataract blindness in the entire nation within a few years.
Dr. Maloney provides detailed insights into the early days of LASIK surgery, discussing his involvement in the original FDA trials. He describes the intricacies of his first LASIK case, highlighting the challenges and complexities of pioneering a new surgical technique. His work on LASIK safety protocols has been instrumental in its widespread adoption.
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Dr. Maloney's mentorship under Dr. George Waring III. Dr. Waring was not just an academic influence; he instilled in Dr. Maloney a love for research and a commitment to advancing the field of ophthalmology. Dr. Maloney credits Dr. Waring with reigniting his passion for academics, which continued to flourish even after he transitioned out of the university setting.
Dr. Maloney also talks about his international experiences, including a trip to Russia where he met with Dr. Fyodorov, a pioneer in radial keratotomy. His time in Crete was spent collaborating with Dr. Pallikaris, the inventor of LASIK. These international journeys were focused on learning advanced refractive surgeries to bring back and implement in the United States.
Ethical considerations also find a place in the conversation. Dr. Maloney discusses how his ethical compass has been shaped by Charlie Munger of Berkshire Hathaway, emphasizing the importance of doing what's right before considering the financial implications.
Dr. Maloney identifies his most significant contribution to ophthalmology as his extensive research on the safety and complications of laser refractive surgery. His publications have set the standard for safe practices, benefiting both patients and practitioners alike.
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Our guest today is Dr. Dee Stephenson, a luminary in the field of ophthalmology. She has been in private practice since 1989 in Venice, Florida. She specializes in cataract surgery and has been at the forefront of research as the President of the American Board of Eye Surgery and as a past president of ACES (American College of Eye Surgeons). She is a founding member of ASPENS and AECOS. She is a force in the field, advocating for gender equality and serving as a role model for the next generation of ophthalmologists.
To begin, Dr. Stephenson shares how she began her career in ophthalmology. During medical school, she assisted the chairman of the ophthalmology department at USF in his research on glaucoma and cataracts. Dr. Stephenson attended medical school at USF and ophthalmology school at USC in Columbia, South Carolina. She shares the valuable lesson her second mentor taught her about being a kind human being and doctor. Now, she has instilled the habit of calling each and every patient the night before and the day of their cataract surgery to soothe their nerves and worries.
During the beginning stages of her practice back in Florida, Dr. Stephenson did many penetrative corneal transplants. She shares what outpatient surgery was most commonly like during that time. In 2007, Dr. Stephenson became the first person to purchase ORA commercially. The technology was a total game-changer for her practice because it took a reading of the eye, magnetized the astigmatism, calculated implants, and signaled where incisions needed to be made. This made Dr. Stephenson realize that 80% of her patients have astigmatism. While she has been introduced to other technologies since then, she still uses ORA in her practice today. She believes that the most exciting thing about ophthalmology is that it is an industry that is always changing.
Dr. Stephenson shares that she has been a member of ACES since she was just 25 years old. Since its beginning, ACES has been an organization of people who want to think outside the box and prove the importance of innovation to the field. Here, original ideas and conversations were encouraged. The ABES Certification is still a functioning board Dr. Stephenson still serves as the functioning president. These organizations were composed of people willing to advance the industry and explore new ideas. Before wrapping up, Dr. Stephenson touches on her work advocating for women in the field of ophthalmology.
Key Topics:
1:28 - Introducing today’s guest, Dr. Dee Stephenson.
2:15 - How Dr. Stephenson became interested in ophthalmology.
11:30 - What outpatient surgery was like during the beginning of Dr. Stephenson’s practice.
14:12 - What is ORA and why was it such a game changing technology?
31:45 - The importance of cataract surgery for the aging population.
33:45 - What are ACES and ABES?
40:57 - Advocating for women in ophthalmology.
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In the sixth episode of The History of Eyecare, your host, J. Morgan Micheletti, MD, FACS, welcomes Thomas Oetting, MD. Dr. Oetting serves as Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology, Associate Residency Director, and Deputy Director of the VA at the University of Iowa.
Dr. Oetting begins by discussing his transition from a career in the Air Force to medicine. His graduate research on neural networks at Duke University ignited his interest in ophthalmology. He found the medical field uniquely challenging in terms of its often-ambiguous initial objectives, a contrast to his previous experiences in engineering and the military.
With over three decades of medical experience, Dr. Oetting discusses the transformative role of higher bandwidth internet in medical education. This has not only facilitated easier access to multimedia content but also empowered individuals to customize educational materials. He particularly notes his involvement with EyeRounds.org, a collaborative venture with the University of Iowa that serves as a comprehensive educational resource.
Dr. Oetting highlights the advantages of emerging artificial intelligence technologies, specifically the development of specialized simulations like simulated eyes. These technological advancements offer cost-effective and space-efficient alternatives to conventional methods and promise further innovations.
When discussing surgical procedures, Dr. Oetting stresses the importance of informing patients about the involvement of residents. A set of stringent safety protocols is in place, including a rule prohibiting the simultaneous use of both hands during operations, thereby ensuring patient safety.
In conclusion, Dr. Oetting shares his proudest contributions to the field, notably his role in advancing structured training protocols. He then identifies significant innovations of his career and expresses optimism for the future of ophthalmology.
Key Topics:
0:13: Introduction of today's guest, Thomas Oetting, MD.
1:20: Dr. Oetting's transition into medicine.
10:00: The role of higher bandwidth internet in transforming medical education.
16:20: The genesis and impact of EyeRounds.org.
22:28: Additional factors contributing to Dr. Oetting's career.
27:20: Innovations in artificial intelligence within ophthalmology.
34:40: Ensuring patient safety during surgeries.
38:12: Dr. Oetting's career highlights.
44:52: Future prospects in ophthalmology.
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Welcome to The History of Eyecare, a podcast series that is dedicated to exploring the past so that we can better shape the future. In today’s episode, host Dr. Morgan Micheletti interviews guest Dr. Frank Bowden III, an ophthalmologist and founder of Bowden Eye and Associates. He served in the Navy for 12 years and was recognized with two medals for his service. He was the ophthalmologist for the NFL Jacksonville Jaguars for 23 years.
To begin, Dr. Bowden III grew up in Knoxville, TN and his parents were the first in his family to go to college. He participated in a regional science fair where he made a paper mâché of a human eye. He went to the University of Tennessee and was accepted into medical school after 3 years. He received a military scholarship through the navy and attended Meharry Medical College in Nashville. He finished medical school, got accepted into the ophthalmology program, and was the first African American to complete the training at the time. He was stationed in Jacksonville, FL as the staff ophthalmologist for the hospital and after 3 years, he went to Philadelphia for a year-long cornea fellowship. He went back to Jacksonville for private practice and became the second cornea specialist in the city. He helped form Baptist Eye Institute and was asked to be the ophthalmologist for the Jacksonville Jaguars. The craziest thing he saw was when the defensive tackle had an eye injury from a bar fight. He had a laceration on his cornea and did the repair and a cataract removal a week later. He had to deal with this player’s agent and the local press, but he was rehabilitated to play the next season even with stitches in his cornea. He ended up with 20/25 vision and saved his career.
As an African American surgeon, he recalls facing hesitancy and challenges as part of his training. One of the surgeons in his residency program had reservations against him being there, but, at the end of his residency and with all of his accolades, this surgeon came up to Dr. Bowden and said that even though he complained about him, he now fully supported him. He had multiple challenges but also many wonderful experiences and says if you're prepared and conduct yourself professionally, people will want to help you get to where you want to be. He says you have to challenge yourself and continually learn and adapt.
Key Topics:
0:42 - Introducing today’s guest, Dr. Frank Bowden III.
1:34 - Dr. Frank Bowden III’s medical journey.
13:58 - Dr. Bowden III shares what it was like being the ophthalmologist for the NFL Jacksonville Jaguars.
18:37 - His journey as an African American surgeon.
24:25 - What did you feel was the most important innovation in your career?
36:03 - His advice for anyone who feels like they’re not supported.
40:14 - Did you feel the bar was higher for you?
42:16 - His mentors’ impact on his career.
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In the latest episode of The History of Eyecare podcast, host Dr. Morgan Micheletti features Dr. Arthur Cummings, a renowned Dublin-based eye surgeon with a significant impact on refractive surgery.
Beginning with his humble origins in South Africa, Dr. Cummings narrates how an unexpected day in an eye clinic shifted his career path from urology to ophthalmology. This marked the onset of his persistent drive for innovation in cataract and refractive surgery, leading to the development of advanced methodologies and instruments shaping the field today.
Dr. Cummings provides an engaging recount of his early career, from performing Radial Keratotomy (RK) procedures to transitioning to LASIK in the mid-90s. He vividly describes how his unconventional approach to LASIK, performing surgery on both eyes simultaneously, instigated robust debate among international peers. This period taught him the vital importance of thorough patient communication during complex procedures like LASIK.
Sharing experiences from his tenure with the Refractive Surgery Alliance, Dr. Cummings underscores the organization's role in promoting global collaboration and knowledge sharing among surgeons to improve refractive surgery outcomes. He highlights alarming global vision impairment statistics and advocates fervently for the life-enhancing potential of refractive surgery beyond mere vision correction.
Discussing his vision for The World College of Refractive Surgery, Dr. Cummings outlines his ambitious plan to set global standards and enhance patient care. This initiative involves raising capital to extend quality eye care services to underprivileged communities, creating a more sustainable future by reducing dependence on contacts and glasses.
Lastly, Dr. Cummings shares his unique experience serving on the board of directors of Alcon as the only ophthalmologist board member. This opportunity arose through an interesting process initiated on LinkedIn, revealing the importance of professional networking platforms in career development. As part of the board, he emphasizes the necessity of sustainable and implementable ideas to address unmet needs, ensuring the continued success and profitability of innovations.
This conversation provides a captivating glimpse into Dr. Cummings' life and work, reflecting his unwavering dedication to advancing eye care, championing innovation, and promoting the transformative potential of refractive surgery.
Key Topics:
1:32 - Introducing today’s guest, Dr. Arthur Cummings.
2:45 - Dr. Arthur Cummings medical journey.
7:19 - The shift from lasik to PRK.
9:34 - The change in flap creations.
12:57 - The role of the Refractive Surgery Alliance.
26:39 - Bridging the gap with the RSA.
29:18 - The World College of Refractive Surgery
38:11 - How refractive surgery could help eliminate waste.
39:05 - The AECOS organization and their role.
42:54 - His role on the Board of Directors for Alcon.
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In the episode of The History of Eyecare, host Dr. J. Morgan Micheletti engages in a captivating discussion with world renowned ophthalmologist, Dr. Cathleen McCabe. Tracing an extraordinary arc from an undergraduate degree in Marine Biology studying sea turtle physiology, Dr. McCabe shares her decision to pivot towards eyecare.
Dr. McCabe recounts her time in medical school and her residency at the prestigious Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. While her initial focus leaned towards the retina, her true passion emerged in the form of cataract and refractive surgery, where she found joy in offering immediate and dramatic improvements in vision to her patients.
A key highlight of the discussion is Dr. McCabe's innovative "belt loop" technique. Inspired by the Yamane technique and devised in a hands-on lab setting, this revolutionary procedure allows for the repositioning and stable fixation of dislocated intraocular lenses. Dr. McCabe considers this accomplishment one of the most satisfying of her career, given its widespread utility for eye surgeons across the globe.
Throughout the episode, Dr. McCabe's commitment to her profession, her dedication to continual learning, and her knack for inventive problem-solving are clear. This episode paints a vibrant portrait of a true pioneer in the field of ophthalmology.
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In today’s episode, host Dr. Morgan Micheletti interviews guest Dr. Cynthia Matossian, a phenomenal surgeon who has raised awareness on the ocular surface and tear film prior to surgery. Dr. Matossian has won numerous awards, serves on boards of directors, is a chief medical officer and advisor, and has helped co-found a nonprofit organization called, “The American College of Eye Technicians.” She is also a recent president for the American College of Eye Surgeons, and she founded her very successful practice in 1987.
To begin, Dr. Matossian shares how she already knew she wanted to be an ophthalmologist. She wanted to go into a field that had a combination of surgery and clinical in-office patient care, along with treating both men and women, young and old. Early cataract surgery started with intra-cap but soon transitioned to extra-caps. The incisions were very large, and she learned how to suture for her attendings. There was no laser back then and she had to take patients back to the OR to open the capsule. She shares how they only performed cataract surgeries for advanced cases and the mentality back then was to renew the disease part of the eye and replace it. Improving astigmatism did not happen at all and people were used to refractive errors after cataract surgery. They used biometry and learned how to read the lenses and signs which did not have great readings, but it was the best tool they had. She remembers her first multi focal lens before the toric ones. It did not cost more for the patient and the array lens was a zonal lens. Intermediate wasn't a big focus because computers and cell phones weren’t a big part of our lives.
Next, she shares when the ocular surface became more important. For her, it was pretty early on. The topographers looked at the myers and the tear film, and that is when she realized something was up. She had meetings with her patients and had pre-surgical testing where she told patients to use artificial tears before biometry, and the Myers results were better. At the time, ophthalmologists were just using artificial tears to optimize the surface because that’s all they had. Through her patients' journeys, Dr. Matossian realized that they suffered from chronic pain due to dryness. Her patients went from doctor to doctor hoping that someone would listen to them and give them relief. She became a very good listener and asked better questions because some patients didn't realize some experiences they had were related to dry eye. She had to customize their treatment and they all came back so grateful.
Mentorship has become more prominent recently, but Dr. Matossian says looked up to Dr. Marguerite McDonald. Her proudest moment in her career was when she became American College of Eye Surgeons (ACES) certified. In addition, Dr. Matossian created a nonprofit recruitment program where she is working to train ophthalmic technicians.
Shifting gears, they discuss the history of eye technicians. When Dr. Matossian started, it was a different era because they did not have many pieces of equipment needed for technicians. Her greatest contribution to the eye care world is the focus on tear film pre-surgery because she says if the data collected pre surgery is not reliable, then there will be a refractive mess. The relationship between optometrists and ophthalmologists has evolved tremendously. Before wrapping things up, her best piece of advice is to be kind and considerate to everyone because the field is small, and your paths will cross again. She also shares that both the industry and ophthalmologists need to work together to create excellent products that will help the patients. Finally, she says the biggest pivotal moment in eye care was small incision surgery because that was a very big step forward with implants that were foldable.
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A new podcast series that explores the history of eyecare from the viewpoints of the individuals, organizations, and companies that lead us to where we are today in the field of eyecare.
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Welcome to The History of Eyecare, a podcast series that is dedicated to exploring the past so that we can better shape the future. Our first guest is Dr. Vance Thompson, an esteemed figure in the field of eye care. He is a global pioneer in laser vision correction and advanced cataract surgery. As a renowned specialist in refractive surgery, cataract surgery and laser vision correction, and the founder of Vance Thompson Vision, he has dedicated his career to excellence in both eye care and the patient experience. He is also well known for his teaching and leadership, having trained numerous other physicians and surgeons from all over the world. His insights, experiences and personal journey will offer listeners a unique perspective on the modern history of eyecare.
To begin, Dr. Thompson introduces himself and shares his upbringing in South Dakota. His father was a small-town family physician, and his mother was a homemaker and dancer. Dr. Thompson initially thought he followed in his father’s career footsteps, until an eye care fellowship in Kansas City shifted his trajectory and set the tone for a research heavy career. He began his own practice in his home state in 1991. The field of ophthalmology, specifically with delicate surgeries like cataract surgery, offered the same patient relationships which Dr. Thompson had observed in his father’s practice. To this day, patient education is still a great source of joy for Dr. Thompson. Highlighting the fascinating evolution of implants and cataract surgery over the course of his career, he explains that corneal adjustments have been the biggest gamechanger.
Next, Dr. Thompson shares about his path to refractive surgery and how his research journey ultimately began. He found himself involved in the first LASIK surgeries in the U.S. and was invited to conduct further research. Today, Dr. Thompson has been heavily involved in refractive surgery and device trials and now has partners who do it alongside him. When Dr. Thompson finished his fellowship in 1991, RK was the most common form of refractive surgery. When he began his first practice, he offered patients the choice between RK and PRK in clinical trials. When the LASIK trials were started in 1994, they thought it would be just for high corrections. Just so listeners can get a better sense of the evolution of refractive surgery, Dr. Thompson offers an insightful timeline from his own perspective.
Shifting gears, Dr. Thompson shares the story of his winery business and the unexpected overlap between the wine business and his ophthalmology practice. He never set out to own a wine business, but when a friend expressed the need for help to maintain his own business, an amazing journey began. The biggest key to the business’ growth mirrors the key for success in ophthalmology: it takes a great team to create a great experience. When a team feels loved and cared for, they are much more able to make the patients feel loved and cared for, too. Before wrapping up, Dr. Thompson shares about the opportunity he gives his employees to help brighten patients’ or staff member’s day without any special permission. In closing, Dr. Thompson touches on his most important mentors over his career journey, the career accomplishments he is most proud of and the foundational role of research in his career. Finally, hear what he is most excited about for the future of the industry.
