We are delighted to introduce Dr Jelena Potic, MD, PhD, FEBO as a touchOPHTHALMOLOGY Future Leader 2025. Born and raised in Belgrade, Serbia, she completed her medical and PhD training at the University of Belgrade before earning a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship to advance her research at the renowned Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital in Lausanne, Switzerland. As the current President of the SOE Young Ophthalmologists (SOE YO) committee, Dr Potic is committed to expanding training opportunities and encouraging international collaboration in ophthalmology.
In this Q&A, she shares insights into her career journey, the latest innovations shaping the field and her vision for the future of ophthalmology.
1. Is there a specific patient, mentor or experience that shaped your path in this field?
Firstly, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Jelena Potic, and I was born and raised in Belgrade, Serbia. After completing medical school at the University of Belgrade, I began my residency in ophthalmology. With the guidance of my mentors in Belgrade, particularly Prof. Ivan Stefanovic and Dr Igor Kovacevic at the time, I quickly developed a strong interest in the retina, especially vitreoretinal surgery.
After finishing my residency in Belgrade, I realized that I wanted to deepen my knowledge of the retina. I have always been passionate about research and the pursuit of the unknown, so I embarked on an MD-PhD program in Belgrade. To further expand my knowledge and opportunities, I applied for the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship. My choice was the prestigious Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital in Lausanne, Switzerland—a renowned institution where many leading figures in vitreoretinal surgery have trained. My application and project were accepted, allowing me to continue my MD-PhD and research in Switzerland. That moment was pivotal in shaping my future, particularly my meeting with my mentor, Prof. Thomas Wolfensberger. His guidance and support were instrumental throughout my thesis journey.
It was during this time that I truly discovered what real research entails—how to think both clinically and scientifically, and how to bridge the gap between basic science and clinical practice. This translational approach became central to my work, culminating in my thesis, which I defended in 2018. Over the years, I have worked to develop collaboration between the University Eye Clinic at the Clinical Center of Serbia in Belgrade and Jules-Gonin Eye Hospital in Lausanne. I have continued practicing vitreoretinal surgery in both countries while furthering my research. None of this would have been possible without the invaluable support of my mentors, particularly Prof. Thomas Wolfensberger in Switzerland, and my dedicated team in Serbia.
Beyond my scientific and clinical activities, my path has also been shaped by my involvement with SOE YO (the European Society of Ophthalmology – Young Ophthalmologists), where I currently serve as Chair. I am deeply passionate about improving collaboration, networking, and training conditions for young ophthalmologists across Europe, as well as addressing the significant disparities in ophthalmology education and advocating for harmonization. Through SOE YO, I have also had the opportunity to collaborate closely with the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO YO). These experiences have allowed me to meet and work alongside incredible colleagues worldwide, many of whom have become lifelong friends.
2. What current innovations in ophthalmology excite you the most?
That is a difficult question—so much is happening right now! With the introduction of AI, we are witnessing major advancements in data analysis and processing, particularly in ophthalmic diagnostics and imaging. These developments are incredible, as they help us better understand diseases—there is still so much that remains unknown.
As a vitreoretinal surgeon, my research focuses on cellular changes following retinal detachment surgery, particularly using adaptive optics (high-resolution) imaging to visualize photoreceptors and other retinal cells in vivo. Understanding postoperative functional recovery and identifying early biomarkers of potential complications is crucial for timely and effective treatment. This field continues to evolve rapidly, and I am excited about the possibilities ahead.
3. What legacy do you hope to leave in the field of ophthalmology?
I believe there is still so much ahead of me, and I hope to contribute in multiple domains—clinical practice, research, education, and raising the overall quality of ophthalmology. My ultimate goal is to ensure that all patients receive optimal care, regardless of where they live.
In my own field, I hope we will gain a deeper understanding of retinal changes such as proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) and photoreceptor damage following retinal detachment surgery—and perhaps even find ways to prevent or treat them more effectively.
Education is also a cause close to my heart. Everyone deserves access to the right knowledge and opportunities for professional growth, regardless of geographical or political barriers. Through my collaboration with UEMS, I helped enable residents from Serbia to sit for the European Board of Ophthalmology (EBO) exam. I strongly believe that harmonizing ophthalmology training across countries is essential—not only to improve patient care globally but also to facilitate collaboration and communication between colleagues.
It is deeply unfair that talented individuals can be “punished” simply because they were born in the “wrong country”—forced to redo their entire education just to prove themselves. Knowledge and potential should never be restricted by borders. I hope to continue advocating for equal opportunities in ophthalmology training, ensuring that skills and dedication—not nationality—determine one’s professional journey.
Disclosures: This short article was prepared by touchOPHTHALMOLOGY in collaboration with Dr Potic. 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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