David B. Granet
The Power List 2019 – Champions of Change
David B. Granet
Anne F. Ratner Professor of Ophthalmology and Pediatrics. | Director of the Ratner Children's Eye Center at the Shiley Eye Institute. | Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology, University of California San Diego. | Host of Emmy award-winning show, "Health Matters". | Executive Co-Director of the World Society of Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus.
What is the best part of being an ophthalmologist?
To me, the best part of being an ophthalmologist is the unique ability to routinely positively impact my patients’ lives. Whether it’s giving vision to a child or returning visual function or alignment to an adult, we get an unequalled moment knowing the gifts we have been given are used well. I admit a hug from a happy child or parent still makes my day!
What has been the pivotal moment of your career?
It is impossible to pick one. Perhaps meeting Larry Yannuzzi and then Joy Hirsch – the combination of which moved me to become an ophthalmologist in the first place. Certainly meeting Ken Nischal and blending our disparate creative energies to coalesce our ideas into what became the World Society of Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus was pivotal as well.
Who are your ophthalmic heroes?
In addition to the names above, Rich Hertle who ignited my career; Stuart Brown, who saw something in a young doctor and gave me the support to dream; Bob Weinreb who still shows me you can be a clinician and researcher of enormous stature and not lose your heart; and Shira Robbins, who with her quiet excellence reminds me what dignity and teamwork mean.
Any advice for those following in your footsteps?
This question makes me smile. No one succeeds alone, so without an incredible family home base, the kind my wife Lisa has made with our sons, and the support of friends in the field, like my colleague Don Kikkawa, it would be lonely and almost sad journey. To follow in my footsteps would be a mistake though! Make sure your base is solid, find great mentors and amazing friends while you hone your instincts and keep perspective about the goal of all we do: helping others. Then truly find YOUR joy, follow YOUR dreams, use YOUR gifts, keep learning, stay humble and leave this world a better place than when you found it.
