Nino Hirnschall

Hirnschall’s research interests include IOL power calculation, astigmatism, OCT and patient assessment techniques, glaucoma, and he has developed and patented a novel algorithm for intra-operative IOL power calculation, which he describes as his biggest achievement to date. “I always wanted to make patients happy, deal with something beautiful (nothing is more beautiful than the eye) and work precisely with my hands – that’s why ophthalmology is for me,” he says. In the future he hopes to make his IOL power calculation concept ready for daily use; a novel algorithm for toric IOL power calculation (in progress), and to tackle presbyopia.

A nominator said: “At the age of 30, Nino has published as first author on over 10 of his peer-reviewed articles. He is already considered an expert on IOL optics, biometry and IOL calculation. He is also a very active member in the Young Ophthalmologists committee of the ESCRS, and has given a number of lectures and courses. His dedication to the complex field of optics and engineering and the profound knowledge he has acquired at this early stage of his career are outstanding, and I am convinced that he will have a major impact on future developments in this field.”

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