50 years of ophthalmology: What changed the game (Part 1)

As Ophthalmology Times celebrates its 50th anniversary, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) 2025 annual meeting in Los Angeles, California, provided the perfect backdrop to reflect on the transformational innovations that have shaped ophthalmology over the last half-century. Ophthalmologists shared their insights on the profession’s evolution, celebrating technological advances and paradigm shifts that continue to define modern eye care.

“Fifty years is a long time!” exclaimed Cynthia Matossian, MD. “A lot has changed in ophthalmology in 5 decades.” One of the most profound changes she noted is the increased representation of women in the field. “There were very, very few women, let alone women in leadership positions…. Now, fortunately, that landscape has changed.”

Technology emerged as a central theme. Matossian highlighted advances in diagnostics and treatment, from imaging tools to therapeutics for dry eye and retinal disease. “Dry eye wasn’t a thing back then,” she recalled, “and now it’s a whole new category in and of itself.”

Phacoemulsification stood out as a cornerstone of surgical innovation. “Phacoemulsification by far completely changed how we treat patients with cataract surgery,” said Mark Lobanoff, MD. “In my era,” he added, “femtosecond [laser]–assisted cataract surgery…[is] the future.”

Monique Barbour, MD, MHA, cited 4 major innovations: modern cataract surgery, LASIK, anti-VEGF therapies for retinal diseases, and advanced diagnostics such as OCT [optical coherence tomography] and OCTA [optical coherence tomography angiography]. “Foldable IOLs…are revolutionary,” she said, reflecting on her transition from sutures and manual expression to phaco techniques.

The excimer laser was hailed by Parag Majmudar, MD, as a game changer in refractive surgery. “It’s an amazing, fascinating story of how innovation, persistence, and technology…created an environment where we can shape people’s vision.”

Neda Shamie, MD, summed up the sentiment well: “Each year, I have access to better and better technology, thanks to that rapid evolution of innovations.” These reflections celebrate not only how far ophthalmology has come but also the boundless potential that lies ahead.