Phillippe Sourdille says 'Merci' to ASCRS after being recognized as Honoured Guest

Arthur Cummings

Published: Saturday, April 18, 2015

Lauded for pioneering intraocular lens implants in Europe, his outstanding research in preventing PCO and post-surgical inflammation, and pivotal roles founding the ESCRS and the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Phillippe Sourdille MD, Nantes, France, was recognized as an Honoured Guest at the 2015 American Academy of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Symposium.

Addressing the opening session, Dr Sourdille acknowledge the challenge of moving forward with new technology such as femtosecond lasers, and its potential impact on surgical skills and practice. But he warned against going backward, and encouraged ophthalmologists everywhere to work together to further improve eye care and surgery. “We know the answer is international exchange and teamwork.”

On receiving the honour from incoming ASCRS President Robert J Cionn, Dr Sourdille said: “I can summarize my thoughts in one single French word, and this word is ‘Merci.’