SOURDILLE HONOURED

In 1974, Philippe Sourdille MD, Nantes, France, organised the first symposium on phacoemulsification cataract surgery in France, with phaco inventor Charles D Kelman MD demonstrating the technique. He later introduced in-the-bag intraocular lens (IOL) placement in Europe with the Nantes technique.

For his tireless efforts promoting intraocular implant surgery in Europe and advancing IOL design, Prof Sourdille was recognised with the Honoured Guest Award at the 2015 American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Symposium in San Diego, US.

Addressing the opening session, Prof Sourdille acknowledged the challenges of new technology such as femtosecond lasers, and the impact on surgical skills, but warned against going backwards. “We know the answer is international exchange and teamwork,” he said.

On receiving the ASCRS honour, Dr Sourdille said: “I can summarise my thoughts in one single French word, and this word is 'Merci'.” 

Also honoured was Marcelo Ventura MD, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Dr Ventura is co-founder and CEO of the Altino Ventura Foundation, a non-profit organisation that has performed more than 220,000 eye surgeries, provided care for over seven million patients,and trained more than 229 residents,128 Brazilian fellows and 28 international fellows.

Successful year

Outgoing President Richard A Lewis MD, Sacramento, California, US, reviewed several ASCRS successes. These include removal of a punitive Medicare payment cap that threatened a 21 per cent pay cut this year. ASCRS also bolstered overseas missions as well as domestic efforts to provide cataract surgery for uninsured US residents, and free LASIK for injured military veterans.

Dr Lewis also emphasised outreach to young ophthalmologists, many of whom forego private practice in favour of large groups affiliated with managed care organisations (MCOs).

Incoming ASCRS President Robert J Cionni MD, Salt Lake City, US, emphasised international collaboration. “With current US government barriers, new technologies are frequently seen first in other countries, thus our involvement with similar societies across the globe is imperative,” he said.