Perhaps my favorite question for ophthalmologists is something like, “When did you know ophthalmology was right for you?” And, though there is huge diversity in the field, the answers have generally followed a similar pattern. So many doctors have mentioned a single moment, in which they encountered a single patient who had their life transformed through the medicine and science of ophthalmology. It might be the first time they saw the immediate success of a cataract surgery or the smile on a patient’s face after refractive correction. Every ophthalmologist I’ve met so far has countless stories of patients who were able to keep playing with their grandchildren or enjoy their hobbies – in other words, improved quality of life – all thanks to their eye doctor.
I’ve been thinking about this commonality in the run-up to the Power List. This year, we decided on a big and bold theme: “Ten Years of Excellence and Impact in Ophthalmology.” But measuring and quantifying “impact” represents a serious challenge. Despite the best attempts of the scientific community to assess impact in terms of citation numbers, papers published, or even the profitability of new innovations, it’s clear that there is more to the true scale of ophthalmology’s impact.
After all, how do you objectively measure the impact of giving someone an extra five years of seeing their grandchildren grow up? How do we put a numerical value on the freedom and quality of life that comes from being able to get back behind the wheel?
Well, I truly believe the Power List reflects the excellence and the measurable and immeasurable impact that defines the entire field. But, as ever, we note that no such list can ever be definitive. We can only show an impressive cross section of the many, many people who have shaped the field. Find out who made this year’s list and explore the Power List’s new digital home, here.
The very best of ophthalmology is, in my opinion, found in those stories of one patient or a single transformative moment. So, while celebrating the 100 figures on this year’s list, let’s take a moment to remember that the most comprehensive record of ophthalmology’s impact and excellence is found not in accolades, papers, or successfully commercialized products, but in the transformed lives of patients – each and every one of them.
