Ophthalmologists can play a big role in innovation cycle

Ophthalmology has an admirable history of innovation, both from academic medical centers and private practices. Classical examples include the IOL implant, phacoemulsification, laser surgery of the retina, laser surgery for refractive error correction and intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy for retinal disease, to name a few.While many innovations have been incubated in research laboratories, a great many have originated from clinicians in the trenches recognizing an unmet need and searching for a solution. I believe the duty of the practicing ophthalmologist includes helping define the problems and unmet needs for vision preservation, restoration and enhancement. The so-called “innovation cycle” requires the input of the clinician, especially when translating basic science from the bench to the bedside. In addition, only practicing clinicians can effectively teach their colleagues how to apply new innovations in their practices, especially when they are surgical in nature. Innovation is the art of introducing something new. Research is not innovation. Basic research applied to an unmet need is innovation. The distance between the two is the translational gap, and crossing this gap requires the investment of significant human and financial capital.