As part of the touchOPHTHALMOLOGY Future Leaders 2025, we welcome Dr Emilio Torres-Netto, an ophthalmologist and researcher at the ELZA Institute, Switzerland. His work focuses on corneal diseases, refractive surgery, and the development of advanced corneal cross-linking techniques to enhance treatment outcomes. Dr Torres-Netto has been at the forefront of translational research, bridging laboratory innovations with clinical practice to improve patient care.
In this Q&A, he shares insights into his career journey, the experiences that shaped his path and what excites him most about the future of ophthalmology.
1. What inspired you to pursue a career in ophthalmology?
My passion for ophthalmology began early in my life, greatly influenced by my father, who is also an ophthalmologist. From a young age, I was exposed to the intricacies of eye care and became fascinated by the visual and technological aspects of the specialty. The blend of cutting-edge technology in diagnostics and treatment captivated me, and I realized that restoring vision could significantly enhance patients’ lives. This profound impact on quality of life, combined with the opportunity to bring meaningful improvements, led me to pursue a career in cataract, cornea, and laser refractive surgery.
2. Is there a specific mentor or experience that shaped your path in this field?
I have been fortunate to have several outstanding mentors throughout my journey in ophthalmology and as a surgeon. My father ignited my early passion, and I was fortunate to be mentored by exceptional individuals, with Damien Gatinel at the Rothschild Foundation in Paris being a particularly influential figure for me. Farhad Hafezi’s mentorship has been especially transformative. His guidance at the University of Zurich and ELZA Institute has been instrumental in shaping my research, particularly in corneal biomechanics and innovative treatments for keratoconus and refractive laser surgeries. His unparalleled blend of brilliance and humble strength inspires not only me but everyone around him to relentlessly pursue excellence.
3. What current innovations in ophthalmology excite you the most?
Advancements in keratoconus treatments and laser surgery have been transformative. Our research has led to groundbreaking protocols like the sub-400 for thin corneas and the ELZA-PACE cross-linking, which not only stabilize keratoconus but also offer the potential to improve the condition. It’s incredibly rewarding to see these protocols, developed by our team, now in use globally, helping countless patients. I am deeply honored to be recognized as top #2 globally in corneal cross-linking research by Expertcape in 2024. This recognition is a testament to the hard work of our team at ELZA and inspires us to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation to improve patient care.
Disclosures: This short article was prepared by touchOPHTHALMOLOGY in collaboration with Dr Torres-Netto. 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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