As one of the up-and-coming leading figures in modern ophthalmology, Dr Jorge Alió del Barrio is a pioneer whose contributions have already shaped the field on a global scale. Based in Spain, Dr. Alió del Barriois a renowned ophthalmologist specializing in Cornea, Cataract, Refractive Surgery and Ocular Surface. He also serves as a professor of Ophthalmology, dedicating his career to advancing research, clinical practice and education.
In this Q&A for touchOPHTHALMOLOGY’ Future Leaders 2025 series, Dr Alió del Barrio reflects on the key mentors who shaped his career, shares his insights on balancing clinical practice with research and personal life and offers invaluable advice to rising stars in the field.
1. Is there a specific patient, mentor, or experience that shaped your path in this field?
I am very grateful to all my mentors. Including those from Madrid, London and of course my father, since all of them shaped the ophthalmologist I am today.
2. How do you balance clinical practice, research and personal development?
With fine tailoring of the week. I work in the clinic four full days per week (from morning until late evening). I dedicate the the fifth day to research, and strive to keep my weekend for my family and hobbies.
3. What advice would you give to medical students or young professionals considering a career in ophthalmology?
Ophthalmology focuses on a small piece of the body, but with a huge impact on a patients life, and possesses a very broad spectrum of subspecialties. It is surprising how such a small organ can justify one of the widest specialties in every single hospital, and each subspecialty it’s very different from the others, so there is a field to every taste.
Disclosures: This short article was prepared by touchOPHTHALMOLOGY in collaboration with Dr Alió del Barrio. 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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