We are delighted to introduce touchOPHTHALMOLOGY Future Leader 2025 Dr Dagny Zhu, a highly accomplished ophthalmologist, surgeon and educator, widely recognized for her expertise in advanced laser vision correction, cataract surgery and custom lens replacement. As the Medical Director and Partner of NVISION Eye Centers in Rowland Heights, CA, she is at the forefront of cutting-edge surgical techniques and innovation in ophthalmology.
With a strong presence in both academia and social media, Dr Zhu leverages her platform to educate, inspire and advocate for the next generation of ophthalmologists, especially women in medicine.
In this Q&A, Dr Zhu shares the personal and professional influences that shaped her journey, her excitement for the future of ophthalmology, and her advice for aspiring medical professionals looking to enter the field.
1. Is there a specific patient, mentor or experience that shaped your path in ophthalmology?
Absolutely. My greatest and first mentor was my grandfather. My parents immigrated from China when I was very young, working tirelessly to provide better opportunities for me. My grandfather, meanwhile, was building his career as a pioneer in oral and maxillofacial surgery. He was deeply devoted to his work, training mentees, advancing surgical techniques, and continuing to see patients even into his later years. His passion for medicine was his life, and that level of dedication always stayed with me.
Surprisingly, he was the one who encouraged me to explore ophthalmology instead of following in his footsteps in oral surgery. He saw it as a field that offered a balance between a fulfilling career and a good quality of life, all while performing life-changing, precise surgeries. His guidance led me to seek out mentors during medical school, and I was fortunate to work with leaders in the field, such as Dr. James Chodosh at Massachusetts Eye and Ear. Those early experiences, combined with my grandfather’s influence, cemented my path in ophthalmology.
He recently passed away, which was a profound moment, but seeing the outpouring of gratitude from his former patients and mentees reminded me of the incredible impact he had. His philosophy of lifelong learning, humility and dedication to patient care is something I strive to carry forward in my own career.
2. What excites you most about future innovations in ophthalmology?
There are so many exciting advancements on the horizon in ophthalmology. One of the most thrilling areas is the ongoing effort to replicate the natural lens. Intraocular lens (IOL) technology has improved dramatically over the past decade, providing patients with a fuller range of vision and reducing the need for glasses. However, we are still working toward the holy grail—an accommodating lens that truly mimics the function of the natural lens, adjusting shape and focal power dynamically.
Light-adjustable lenses have already made significant strides, but the next step is creating lenses that can continue to adapt as a person’s eyes change over time. This would be a game changer, offering lifelong visual optimization.
Another exciting area is robotic cataract surgery and AI-driven surgical enhancements. While femtosecond laser technology was an initial step, I believe we are only scratching the surface of what robotic assistance and AI customization can achieve in improving surgical precision and patient outcomes.
Additionally, personalized medicine is an exciting frontier in ophthalmology. The ability to use molecular and genetic markers to customize treatments for conditions like dry eye disease would allow us to move away from a one-size-fits-all approach and provide more targeted, effective therapies.
All of these innovations point toward a future where we can not only restore vision more effectively but also enhance the patient experience and deliver truly individualized care.
3. What advice would you give to medical students or young professionals considering a career in ophthalmology?
We need you!
There is a growing demand for ophthalmologists, especially as the aging population increases and conditions like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration become more prevalent. Despite rising medical school applications, there is a predicted shortage of ophthalmologists in the coming years.
Unfortunately, ophthalmology is not a core part of the medical school curriculum, so many students don’t get exposure to the field unless they actively seek it out. My advice would be to explore it early—shadowing an ophthalmologist, attending conferences, or reaching out to mentors can provide valuable insight into this rewarding specialty.
Ophthalmology offers an incredible balance of clinic and surgery, allowing for long-term patient relationships while also performing transformative procedures. The technology in this field is constantly evolving, making it an exciting and innovative specialty to be part of.
For those interested, social media and online networks have opened up so many opportunities to connect with mentors, collaborate on research, and find resources to get involved. Organizations like YoungMD Connect and Women in Ophthalmology are fantastic platforms for networking and mentorship.
Ophthalmology is a tight-knit, supportive community, and once you find your place in it, it truly feels like a family. If you have even a slight interest in surgery and technology-driven medicine, I highly encourage you to explore ophthalmology—you might just find your passion.
Disclosures: This short article was prepared by touchOPHTHALMOLOGY in collaboration with Dr Zhu. No fees or funding were associated with its publication.
touchOPHTHALMOLOGY is celebrating the brightest rising stars in the ophthalmology community, who are set to shape the future of the field.
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