Florian Kretz
The Power List 2019 – Champions of Change
Florian Kretz
CEO, Lead Surgeon and Shareholder, Augentagesklinik Rheine, Germany
What’s the best part of being an ophthalmologist?
The best part of being an ophthalmologist is the variety of patients I can treat – from prescribing glasses to performing intravenöse surgery. The smile of each patient after I’ve helped them is an amazing honor.
What has been the pivotal moment of your career?
There have been too many moments to describe, but one was getting a hug off a Cambodian patient after we removed her eye patch. She could see again and gave me the biggest smile.
Who are your ophthalmic heroes?
Ophthalmology is a great field. I learned a lot by my mentor Prof Gerd Auffarth, but also my father, who is a conservative ophthalmologist and gave me my first impressions of a happy patient experience.
Any advice for those following in your footsteps?
My advice: being an ophthalmologist is the best job in the world. Enjoy every moment you have and share it with all the others in your field. International exchange of knowledge is what pushes your limits.
