Germany. Colombia. So distinct, yet our industry always is showing up where it matters — which is everywhere.
That’s a fact, and related to the tie that binds us all — visual freedom.
And somehow that important sense — sight, and clarity thereof — has also taken on metaphorical meaning for me.
As a writer, I’ve always been drawn to metaphors, and so perhaps it’s not unnatural to extend the idea of clear sight into one of clarity of vision, which for me is expressed as unparalleled freedom.
Friend Magda Michna, PhD wrote me recently to express her love for her new funky jacket I made for her, which hangs proudly among other artwork at the STAAR office.
She said: “Proudly displaying my ‘work of art jacket’ in my office.” I replied: “That jacket is a glimpse into radical freedom, through wear. It’s the life I embrace and hope to share a sleeve with wonderful friends like you, so I guess it is the “artist’s vision”.
My trip from Vietnam to Germany to Colombia is the most recent example of radical freedom in motion.
Every inch of the way I was doing what I wanted — meeting friends who happen to be business associates; helping to advance our innovations in conference coverage and market breadth; keeping active for charity and for health; taking in local music; and of course dancing.
At 45 years old, I’m a big but gentle guy. And it’s odd because despite doing my best to be kind and flexible, I’m also uncompromising about the kind of life I want to live. Not because I don’t want to compromise, but because life doesn’t want to compromise for me. Perhaps by exuding such positive energy at all times, I’m a natural magnet for the best experiences with the best people, doing the best for our society. Yes, I believe that. Onward.
READ MORE: 45 Luminaries at an ASCRS and ARVO Extravaganza
1. Dr. Christof Knebel
I’ll never forget Christof’s story of his 100 km run in England with his wife Ute. They told me of this back in Spain, and it was a story of determination that became a subconscious inspiration, lodged forever in the back of my mind. It is therefore wonderful to align with Christof’s charity Hakuna Matata Foundation, supporting it for the DOC Charity Run. Through promotions and attendance, we were able to raise enough money for 20 safe bunk beds for visually impaired children in Kenya, who stay overnight at school. It was a concrete charitable cause in action. We had a goal, we met that goal and now children in Africa are a bit safer because of it. Success at the most wonderful level. Congrats Christof.
2. Team Alcon
My friends Jenny Ober and Tamara Jesacher — who I will call Team Alcon — came out to strongly support the Charity Run, and we were all most grateful.
READ MORE: Explore Alcon’s Latest Surgical Innovations
3. Team OCULUS (David below)
David Peacock also came out to support the run, and here we posed for a funny photo looking exhausted the day after.
Christian, the OCULUS managing director, and I also bumped into each other after our dinner together alongside ARVO. Glad to see him in one piece after his Colorado whitewater rafting trip as well. That’s not always guaranteed! Meanwhile, we were excited to see OCULUS launching their Pentacam Cornea OCT, for high resolution corneal visualization. Details never seen before are now possible. Also, it combines two technologies – gold standard Scheimpflug technology and the world’s first pericentric OCT, for maximum corneal resolution, the company noted.
WATCH NOW:The OCULUS Pentacam® Cornea OCT for Refractive and Cataract Management
4. Team Ophtec (Michael Frevel on the right)
These guys were the real support behind the DOC Charity Run. Also they had some interesting booth talks, including one on the ArtIOL®, an innovative concept in presbyopia correction in refractive lens surgery.
READ MORE: Ophtec’s Artiplus Shows Promising One-Year Clinical Results
5. Ulf of Teleon
Ulf is someone else who I admire for getting back into physical shape. He looked strong when we went kayaking two ASCRS’s ago, but now, he looks lean too. It apparently amounts to more intentional food intake, which admittedly is hard for me. Growing up in Delaware, 7-11 was my go-to for food, and I’ve never quite dropped the taste for junk food. I’ll work on that though, Ulf! Teleon, meanwhile, continues to market ACUNEX, LENTIS and FEMTIS intraocular lenses with flair, among other innovative products.
WATCH NOW: LENTIS® Comfort EDoF IOLs: Performance Breakdown at ESCRS 2024
6. Christian of UFSK
It was wonderful to be invited to Regensberg, to get to know this quaint town, prior to DOC. Christian was a fantastic host, and I can see what a treasure the Scheribble family is. To collaborate with a group like this is just therefore on another level. I don’t personally use UFSK equipment. But I can say without a doubt the character of the family is of the highest order, and that says something about doing business with them.
7. Gerd Auffarth
It was lovely to see Gerd and his wife here. You know, Gerd runs the other charity run in Germany at the DOG, and it has had massive success. I’ve enjoyed seeing Gerd’s embrace of athleticism in later years. Some of us, myself included, rediscover this after many years, and find it to be just wonderful. I remember living in Singapore in my early 30s and pulling my neck constantly because I was so stressed and out of shape. Not only do I not pull my neck anymore, I use it to lift my face off of river rockbeds sometimes when inverted in a kayak. Life is sweet again.
8. Team Rayner
You’ll notice the professional picture here, as this was the first Rayner party I missed in a long time. I came down with a minor cold and was dragging, but the usual suspects — Anne N. Nestor and Tim Brown — also missed it, so I don’t feel too bad. Well yes I do. It was a Rayner party, fun as always I’m sure! Iain Reid (left above) and Hendrik Rönsch were kind enough to invite me to a company dinner, which I also couldn’t make for the same reason, but I appreciated the invitation. And, the spiral RayOne Galaxy IOL continues to make its way across the planet.
READ NOW: Rayner’s Spiral Full-Range-Of-Vision RayOne Galaxy IOL Debuts in India
9. Team Ciliatech
Ciliatech had its coming out party at the DOC. It was the first time the company seriously exhibited, and they were looking fly. Ciliatech markets the Intercil Uveal Spacer. This cilioscleral inter-positioning device (CID) works “with the natural physiology of the eye without needing to enter the anterior chamber,” according to the company. Congrats team, especially to Sahil Syed and Stephanie C. Jones (at right).
10. Andrew Geddes
Andrew is the one guy I know I would always have a good drink with, but we only just manage to see each other for a few minutes each show. Recently we had a good chat in India at APAO-AIOC 2025, as well as here at DOC. And of course my colleagues saw him alongside 100% Optical/Ophthalmology in the UK, where we were filming a documentary involving Glaukos. Anyway, Andrew is a delight and it’s great to see him advancing the cause of interventional glaucoma at so many worldwide spots.
11. David Geuder
Instrumentation is getting bigger and more important at Geuder AG nowadays. For example, the megaTRON S4HPS is a hybrid microsurgical system, supporting both anterior and posterior chamber applications. This is a departure from a company who has done a great job providing small surgical instrumentation, now to larger categories. David Geuder here is helping to lead the charge.
12. Robert Wenk
The Bausch + Lomb booth got the best design of the show, in my mind. So when I was sitting down with Robert Wenk, I asked him, who provided the design inspiration for all this? Ahem, well, that was Robert indeed. You can tell by his personality why this is the case. Open, smart, kind, Robert seems like the ultimate collaborator. And you need good team collaboration dynamics to execute designs like that, regardless of the vision. So, well done Robert.
READ MORE: Bausch + Lomb Makes Waves with Major Announcements in Eye Care
13. Christian Eggert
I had never heard of ABF before, but it turns out this company is grossing 9 figures! Of course, friend Christian aligned with such a powerhouse. Christian, actually, introduced me to the DOC several years ago. It is because of him I attended, and am grateful for the introduction as it is indeed a critical show cog in our industry.
14. Kathrin of Norlase
Kathrin continues to dress to impress… no one. What I mean is that when you dress amazingly like Kathrin, you first and foremost do it for yourself — to enjoy your own wear. I speak from experience here. The manner of dress elevates how one interacts vis-a-vis associates. But it is not strictly to impress. It is the interaction of you and I that makes dressing up special. And so it’s a kind of special interpersonal exchange. It’s part enjoyment, part expression, part gift. And so without even saying a whole lot, I know I have a wonderful non-verbal relationship with Kathrin. We don’t have to say much to understand each other’s good natured vibe. By the way, that kind of culture runs throughout Norlase, which is impressive!
15. Team iCare
iCare products continue to do good around the world. Here, it’s also great to meet Joonas Ihalainen and Giulio Pasolini, who is responsible for African development, truly an important aspect of what our vision care community does.
16. Theo Reininger
Theo Reininger first introduced me to the new Haag-Streit slit lamp back in the US last year, under an NDA (it was so secret at the time). I was enthused to see a “sneak preview” of this innovation more fully at DOC, as the Elara 900 (the slit lamp, reinvented.) It can’t be overstated what an important product this is to the company, which is known for its slit lamp heritage. This innovation takes us all into a more modern ophthalmic future. The web flyer explains it all here.
17. Prof. Burkhard Dick
Prof. Burkhard Dick looked a little different here, compared to when he was wearing his neon vest at ASCRS Party for a Purpose. No matter, it’s the energy inside that makes all the difference. Here, you can see Burkhard’s face lit up. This always happens with our friendly interactions. Meanwhile, Burkhard I’m sure is looking forward to his presidency of ESCRS starting in 2026.
18. Antonio Gianno
Antonio Gianno was here certainly advancing HOYA friendships and business. That includes Vivinex, Nanex and iSert lenses globally, as well as robust preloaded IOL injectors for which the company is well known.
19. Mariam Sekandari
My colleague Sven Mehlitz and I were delighted to meet Mariam Sekandari of STAAR Surgical, and it seems vice versa. But I’ll let her tell you about it, as it was a magnetic meeting. See her LinkedIn post about it here
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20. Nicholas Helme
I’m excited for Nick, as Eyeyon is commercializing well now in Europe. We hear that ESCRS is going to be a major meeting for the company in Copenhagen, and are all ears to hear how it goes.
21. Dr. Karsten Klabe
I got to know Karsten originally through our work with Nova Eye, and subsequently found him to be delightful. He is certainly among Germany’s top KOLs, and if you don’t know his name by now, you should.
22. Prof. Damien Gatinel (middle)
I never quite know where I’m going to find Damien. Giving a major named lecture. On the dance floor. Or on the bus. Damien, like myself perhaps, is seemingly everywhere. His name has simply rocketed to the top of KOL fame, and it is all well deserved. One thing I notice about this younger crop of major KOLs is that there is less ego involved. It’s like ophthalmic humanity has learned that excellent work, success and even brilliance do not need a major dose of ego. Rather, when that reduces, the person glows all the more brightly.
23. Andreas Zahn
Great seeing Andreas of Iridex here, especially because I got to snap a photo with a completely color matching background to my jacket. Iridex also offers the patented MicroPulse Laser Therapy and other novel products, other than great backgrounds.
24. Dr. David Chang
David and I have come to terms with the fact that we meet at the most social of occasions across the planet. I’d never be in David’s scientific league, obviously, but socially we are harmonious. And we certainly enjoy each other’s company.
25. Team Bioniko
Bioniko has some new eye models, especially designed for retinal surgery. I found these models fascinating, as the intricacy with which they mimic ocular structure is mind boggling. Obviously having fashioned jackets, I wonder what kind of material allows for such intricate modeling. I didn’t ask, as I figured it was a trade secret. Nonetheless, I was impressed! Great to see Maria Ramirez, P.E and Andrés Bernal!
26. Rod Ross
Rod gives extra reason to persevere, always. Whenever we meet, he reminds me how much he believed in me in my early days in business, and what a tremendous success Media MICE has been. He’s not wrong, but his words glow so brightly, I can’t help but be humbled. And that’s how it should be. I’d be nothing without my incredible team, and the company would be nowhere. Society seems to give special recognition to leadership as if they have some magical element that makes everything tick. Nothing of the sort, I guarantee it.
27. Leandro Gonçalves
Leandro is the amazing success behind Mundo da Oftalmologia, which has a strong social media following in Latin America. To hear him compliment Media MICE in another language is almost other-worldly. We had a great interview in Spanish here:
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28. Pascal Eberhard
Pascal is a breath of fresh air at Ziemer. He and some other new faces at the company are dynamic, and are pledging to give marketing of Ziemer products new life. After meeting Pascal here for five minutes, I could tell he was 100% genuine. We’re already making ski plans in Switzerland as well, which would be my first ski time there as opposed to Austria. I’m looking forward to it!
29. Domenic von Planta
Domenic and I went to the library together in Bogotá. How exciting. Actually, it was because outside on some beautiful park grounds we filmed our latest MICE TV episode. It involved — as we call it — a walk & talk. It may be hard to walk and chew gum, but it can be surprisingly easy to walk and talk about ophthalmology. And so we did, in the park. Getting up from conference chairs and outside has two benefits. One, the interview is a lot more interesting to watch, and we can use metaphors around the park as well to talk about ophthalmology. Second, we just feel a lot better starting the day in the park as opposed to the convention center. It’s like we actually did something really nice during the day in Bogotá, and we have a solid, memorable experience rather than just another exhibition center. Also, by getting out, I learned that Schwind has a laser that itself can solve some keratoconus issues, without any implants. Kudos Domenic!
30. Federico Acosta
Custom Surgical is democratizing access to healthcare through affordable medtech devices, and we hear they are planning something big for ESCRS. We’re all ears. Congrats Frederic.
31. Shelley Sun
I first saw Shelley, of Main MediTech, two years ago at the PAAO, and it was great to share “then & now” photos with her. So, there’s then. And here’s now. It’s so nice to review our friendship over the years like this!
32. Team AAO
We were pleased to collaborate with the AAO at PAAO by filming some important LATAM KOLs and their messaging. All agreed that coming to AAO 2025 IMAGINE in Orlando is a must!
33. Dr. Sandra Belalcazar-Rey
Besides a wonderful interview about AAO, Sandra shared that a family friend is actually an Olympic kayaker representing Colombia. I was very excited to hear about that, given my own passion for the sport. Who knows, an interview might be forthcoming with this young Olympian.
34. Dr. Carlos H. Gordillo (left)
Carlos, who is the head of cornea at Zaldivar Institute in Mendoza, has become a great friend. As I am also a friend of Dr. Roger Zaldivar, the CEO of that group, I was thrilled to find that one of his collaborators is equally cool. Clearly, they are doing something right at the Zaldivar Institute, and I look forward to my visit someday.
35. Lionel Iribarne
Lionel and I met back at the Winter ESCRS in Athens, Greece, and it was fortuitous that we did. Clearly, we are long lost friends that share a similar sense of humor. It was wonderful to see Lionel in Bogotá, as we can enjoy our travels around the world and still advance eye care. Visionix, meanwhile, manufactures “intelligent diagnostic, screening, refraction and finishing lab equipment for eye care professionals,” according to the company. I love the word “intelligent” there, as in this day and age of diagnostics, it can be so very true.
36. Team Microclear
It was great to see Microclear, a Chinese company, all the way over in Colombia. “Focused on ophthalmology and optometry imaging, Microclear integrates self-developed critical components with artificial intelligence & connection technology, to provide high quality Chinese created equipment and service for hospitals and basic medical institutes across the globe,” according to the company. Associates Luna and Golden were especially helpful on site to support in Colombia.
37. Eugene Van Arsdale (left)
It was my second time seeing Eugene at a PAAO event, and I tell ya, this old man gets around. I’m able to say that as Gino is a good (old) friend. Now I’m going to do something that will allow you to retire soon Gino. Friends, go to the Keelerusa.com site. Scroll over “Products.” It’s a much more massive list than I realized, and it shows you all you need to know.
38. Riccardo Nicoletti
Espansione Group was doing something a little different this time. They were exhibiting under the EssilorLuxottica brand. Of course, that’s because they were acquired by EssilorLuxottica recently. But Riccardo was, as usual, representing Espansione very well. We heard that they will continue to exhibit under EssilorLuxottica at Euretina this year as well.
READ MORE: EssilorLuxottica Announces Agreement to Acquire Espansione Group
39. Team Cristalens
We saw this team and their colorful backdrop at APAO-AIOC 2025 in New Delhi. And we thought, why not have another picture together here at PAAO in Colombia? This is how this industry is driven, with friends making contact with friends all over the world. The only difference is, we can show that in great pictures now, in a more modern way than ever before. Great to see you all once again, and see you at ESCRS in Copenhagen!
READ MORE: 35 of 1.4 Billion: The Influencers of India, as far as APAO-AIOC 2025 Goes
40. Matías Iskowitz
Matías was one of the most enthusiastic delegates I met. Representing Rayner and others as a distributor, Matías is a dynamic personality. From putting on his own podcasts to sharing openly about the Latin American market, he is a confidant among confidantes for Latin American business. A gem of a friend in LATAM.
That’s another show roundup in the books. See you in a moment at Clinical Trials at the Summit in Las Vegas!
