Rising Star: Eric Rosenberg

Having published over 25 journal and article publications, five book chapters, and a textbook used by countless residents and fellows around the world, it is hard to imagine that Eric Rosenberg – who received his fellowship degree from Weill-Cornell Medicine in 2020 – is in the early stages of his career.

After completing his residency and fellowship, Rosenberg’s main priority revolved around providing high quality patient care. As his career evolved, these priorities expanded to attending meetings and developing new techniques and procedures. More recently, Rosenberg helped establish the Digital Ophthalmic Society (DOS) – the home for digital technologies that are beginning to evolve in ophthalmology and medicine. DOS, which comprises some of the legends of the field, is concerned with the breadth of digital technology and how to best implement it. “I felt that we needed a common voice and platform to be able to discuss ideas and developments,” Rosenberg says. As it advances further, DOS is going to be known as the “Digital Committee at ASCRS,” marking a strong synergy with the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. “[ASCRS has] always been very progressive within the field of ophthalmology – we couldn't have found a better home as we go down this path,” adds Rosenberg.

Although there are many figures Rosenberg admires in the world of ophthalmology, he says Eric Donnenfeld has been with him “every step of the way,” serving as a “constant inspiration.” Early on in Rosenberg’s training, Donnenfield told him, “You can make your practice what you want it to be.” This sentiment has stuck with him, finding its way into his ever-changing practice and evolving skill set. For Rosenberg, residency and fellowship did not mark the end of his educational journey; rather, he continues to learn every day. “It feels like I am still in school.”

Among many career highlights, a few stand out for Rosenberg; namely, winning the complex case challenge symposium at ASCRS, becoming involved in the Digital Ophthalmic Society, and developing Metamed Media’s Metaverse Platform – technology that is being used to “blow past geopolitical barriers and create a home that anybody can go to anywhere they are in the world.” Although it is not going to replace in-person meetings, the new platform allows for interaction from all around the world, regardless of busy schedules and time constraints, making it a particularly exciting venture, Rosenberg explains.

Rather than being fixed on an ultimate goal, Rosenberg is happy to see what direction his career will take. He says, “I want to be like my mentors. I want to help people to advance the field and shape it into what they see best fit.” He also remains passionate about keeping the doctor-patient relationship intact. The future of ophthalmology is “a step backwards to these in person interactions, rather than forwards,” he says. Although technological advancements are crucial for the field, it is important that clinicians use this technology correctly to free themselves from repetitive tasks. He adds, “I think it's only through technology that we will be able to disassemble some of those roadblocks that exist.”

Eric Rosenberg is a cornea, cataract, and complex anterior segment surgeon, SightMD Clinical Assistant Professor at New York Medical College and Northwell, co-founder of the Digital Ophthalmic Society, and co-founder of MetaMed Media.