Eugene de Juan, Jr.
The Power List 2019 – Surgical Pioneers
Eugene de Juan, Jr.
Jean Kelly Stock Distinguished Professor, Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco, USA.
What was your early inspiration for becoming an ophthalmologist?
My father was an ophthalmologist, and I just fell in love with the beauty and wonder of the eye.
What have been your career highlights?
It was working with the great teachers and colleagues of my life. Big names such as Maumenee, Patz, Goldberg, Michels, Machemer, Hoyt, Schwartz, Ryan, Humayun, Loewenstein, Haller – I could go on and on. Working with so many great fellows and students, in great places, like Wilmer, Duke, and UCSF. Working on important ideas, and making contributions at all levels.
What will be the next big breakthrough in ophthalmology?
Gene therapies and gene editing will change our world, I’m certain. They will cure the big diseases, AMD and the like.
What is the best part of being an ophthalmologist?
Nothing has more impact on our quality of life than sight. It has been the pleasure of my life to try to help patients with all types of ocular diseases. I am humbled that I have the chance to move our field forward.
