November - 20188In My OpinionTRANSCENDING THE TECHNOLOGICAL BARRIERS OF OPHTHALMOLOGYPeter Gehlbach, Department of Ophthalmology, Director of Echography Center, Johns Hopkins MedicineByThe last two decades have witnessed historic technological innovation in Ophthalmology. No subspecialty area of ophthalmology, (e.g. retina, cornea/cataract, glaucoma, uveitis, oculoplastic, pediatric ophthalmology etc.), has been left behind. In fact, the pace of new technology development and translation may be accelerating in these areas. As a retina specialistatthe Wilmer Institute at Johns Hopkins Medicine, I have the opportunity to participate as a clinician innovator and early adopter of emerging technology that is applicable to diseases of the vitreous and retina.Ophthalmology has not historically been a point of emphasis in most medical school training programs. Therefore, it may be surprisingto not only third parties and patients,but also some doctors, that the field of Ophthalmology is one of the most advanced with regard to technological innovation, notably in the areas of diagnostic imaging and microsurgery. Ophthalmology has also been a leader in the conduct of clinical trials and now serves as a model of evidence-based decision making, in clinical practice. Having "the data" on efficacy and safety continues to provide a position of strength as we enter into the era of value driven healthcare. It also provides a rationaleand support for the introduction and continued use of technology in each phase of its development.In the field of retinal microsurgery, there are macro technological trends that appear to be gaining traction globally. The first of these relates to simply seeing the micron scale surgical target in new and potentially better ways. Twopotentially transformative examples of this Peter Gehlbach
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