Receiving the Gold Medal as an International Faculty member at the 2026 Indian Intraocular Implant & Refractive Surgery Convention (IIRSI) in Chennai, India, was one of the most meaningful honors of my professional career.
The medal was presented during the Opening Ceremony by His Excellency Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, Governor of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, before an audience of distinguished ophthalmologists from around the world. Standing alongside so many respected colleagues during one of the world’s premier meetings devoted to cataract and refractive surgery made the recognition a special honor.
Beyond receiving the Gold Medal, it was a privilege to serve as international faculty throughout the meeting. I had the opportunity to deliver lectures, participate in expert panel discussions, moderate scientific sessions, and exchange ideas with colleagues from around the world. Those conversations—both on and off the podium—are among the most valuable aspects of international meetings and ultimately benefit the patients we all serve.
The visit also included an extraordinary opportunity to observe cutting-edge surgical techniques at Dr. Agarwal’s Eye Hospitals under the direction of Dr. Amar Agarwal and his outstanding colleagues. Watching innovative approaches to complex cataract and anterior segment surgery firsthand, while discussing surgical decision-making with leaders in the field, was an invaluable educational experience that I look forward to bringing back to my own practice and to my teaching.
During the meeting, I presented lectures on:
- Complications of Femtosecond Laser Cataract Surgery
- Pearls for Cataract Surgery After Vitrectomy
- It Did Not Spin and I Did Not Win
The scientific discussions that followed were every bit as rewarding as the presentations themselves. IIRSI has developed a reputation for fostering open, candid conversations about both surgical successes and complications, creating an environment where everyone—from residents to senior surgeons—can continue learning.
One of the highlights of the week was interacting with ophthalmologists representing numerous countries and practice settings. Despite differences in geography and healthcare systems, we share a common mission: protecting sight and improving patients’ lives through innovation, education, and collaboration.
This recognition is especially meaningful as it comes during my 25th year in private practice. Looking back over the past quarter century, I have been fortunate to learn from extraordinary mentors, work alongside exceptional partners and colleagues, teach residents and fellows, and care for thousands of wonderful patients. Any recognition I receive reflects the contributions of countless people who have shaped my career.
I am deeply grateful to the IIRSI leadership and organizing committee for their warm hospitality and for the opportunity to participate in such an outstanding scientific program. My sincere thanks also to the many friends and colleagues from India and around the world whose generosity, friendship, and passion for education made this week unforgettable.
As I return home to South Jersey, I do so inspired by the remarkable spirit of collaboration that defines the global ophthalmology community. The exchange of ideas at meetings like IIRSI reminds us that advances in patient care know no borders, and that our greatest progress comes when we learn from one another.
Thank you, IIRSI, for an extraordinary honor and an unforgettable week in Chennai.
Excellent presentations. Great meeting up.