Subscribe to Newsletter
Subspecialties Cataract

Sometimes, Simple Is Best

At the turn of a decade, it’s natural to wonder what progress will be made in science and medicine over the next 10 years – especially in a field like ophthalmology. Consider the countless strides made forward over the last few years alone – from the first FDA-approved autonomous AI device (IDx- DR) to the first US regulatory approval of a gene therapy to treat a retinal disease (Luxturna). Where will we be in 2030?

At The Ophthalmologist, we pride ourselves on exploring the likely impact of cutting-edge technologies; in this issue alone, we cover the use of an organ-to-cloud platform for glaucoma management and provide an update on the RPE patch for macular degeneration. But, as Keith Martin remarked in our February issue, “In a world where cataract still remains the leading cause of blindness, it is worth remembering that it is not what we can do – it is what we actually do that matters“ (1).

Tech-driven advances will always (and often deservedly) get a fair share of the limelight, but we must also celebrate the simpler, perhaps less glamorous solutions that save sight in patient populations across the globe – for they are no less impressive.

Having recently read Lucy Mathen’s book “Outgrowing the Big,” I found myself once again marveling at the striking simplicity of the Arclight. Designed with the desperate needs of developing countries in mind, the result is something so uncomplicated – and cheap – that it’s hard to comprehend the full scale of its impact. And yet, armed with the Arclight and other essential technologies, Mathen and her team at SecondSight are able to work towards their goal of eradicating blindness in Bihar, India – one of the most poverty-stricken areas of the world. Here, simple (and cheap) works best.

But this focus on simplicity is also vital for new technologies. As the author of our cover feature, Ariel Cao, told us: “Simplicity is what makes our system beautiful – and, hopefully, what will also make it transformational.”

As organizations like the IAPB continue to work towards slashing preventable blindness worldwide, we must acknowledge that investing sufficient time, effort and resources into proper implementation of these simple solutions is crucial to progress in ophthalmology.

Receive content, products, events as well as relevant industry updates from The Ophthalmologist and its sponsors.

When you click “Subscribe” we will email you a link, which you must click to verify the email address above and activate your subscription. If you do not receive this email, please contact us at [email protected].
If you wish to unsubscribe, you can update your preferences at any point.

  1. “A Pressing Matter”, The Ophthalmologist (2020). Available at: bit.ly/2UFNxW7
About the Author
Lauren Robertson

Deputy Editor at The Ophthalmologist.

Related Case Study
Uncovering Ocular Comorbidity

| Contributed by Quidel

Related Product Profiles
Sulcus-based enhancement of visual quality

| Contributed by Medicontur Medical Engineering Ltd

Less Steps, More Vision

| Contributed by Medicontur Medical Engineering Ltd

Product Profiles

Access our product directory to see the latest products and services from our industry partners

Here
Most Popular
Register to The Ophthalmologist

Register to access our FREE online portfolio, request the magazine in print and manage your preferences.

You will benefit from:
  • Unlimited access to ALL articles
  • News, interviews & opinions from leading industry experts
  • Receive print (and PDF) copies of The Ophthalmologist magazine

Register

Disclaimer

The Ophthalmologist website is intended solely for the eyes of healthcare professionals. Please confirm below: