Cagri Besirli

Besirli’s basic research program on neuroprotection, which he directs in tandem with a busy fellowship, has already received several awards and honors. His interests lie in disease and surgery of the retina and vitreous, including diabetic retinopathy, AMD, retinal vascular disease and complex retinal detachment. His current research focus is on molecular mechanisms of photoreceptor cell death and survival during periods of retinal stress.

A nominator said: “Besirli has received nearly every honor a vitreoretinal fellow can achieve, including: Fellowship Awards from the Heed Foundation, Michels Foundation, and the Retina Society. At the Kellogg Eye Center, Besirli won awards for resident teaching and, two times, for resident research. His publication record is outstanding, and he has already served as a reviewer for several journals.”

Part of the Power List 2015

In 2014, we compiled a list of the Top 100 most influential people in ophthalmology – an endeavor that received a significant amount of attention and, it’s fair to say, caused more than a little controversy. For our 2015 Top 40 Under 40 list we’ve taken a different approach, asking: who are the young, up-and-coming individuals set to rise to the top of their field? That’s the question we posed to ourselves – and then to you – ahead of open nominations and a painstaking judging process. Our list this year almost halves the average age of the celebrated individuals, with many of them born in the same year as the iconic Sex Pistols cover – 1977. Though we admit that no list of this type can be definitive, it does clearly show that the future of ophthalmology is very bright indeed. And so, without further ado, we celebrate the movers and shakers aged 40 or under who show what can be achieved with determination, passion and inspiration.

Go to The Power List 2015