Already a leading figure in refractive surgery, Dr Damien Gatinel has been Head of the Anterior and Refractive Surgery Department at the Rothschild Foundation, Paris, since 2007. His work has driven major advancements in laser refractive surgery, astigmatism correction, and intraocular lens (IOL) design, including the first diffractive trifocal IOL (FineVision IOL).
With a PhD in applied mathematics, Dr Gatinel has redefined ocular optical aberrations and holds multiple patents. A board member of ISRS and ESCRS, he has received over 20 international awards and published 100+ peer-reviewed articles.
In this Q&A, Dr Gatinel shares his insights on the inspiration behind his career, the innovations he is most excited about and thoughts for the future.
1. What inspired you to pursue a career in ophthalmology?
Ever since I was a teenager, I’ve been fascinated by the world of science—particularly astronomy. I loved contemplating the cosmos, learning about telescopes, and understanding how light travels through space. At the same time, I felt a strong calling to pursue medicine. When I discovered ophthalmology in the early 1990s, it immediately resonated with me: it was a sophisticated specialty at the crossroads of medicine, surgery and cutting-edge technology, especially lasers, which reminded me of my passion for optics and astronomy.
From the very start of my medical studies, I knew I wanted to become an ophthalmologist—and more specifically, a refractive surgeon. Back then, refractive laser surgery was still emerging, and the idea of using lasers to correct vision felt as exciting as exploring the stars. To prepare myself for this journey, I delved deeper into optics and applied mathematics, and had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with a highly experienced mathematician, Professor Jacques Malet. Working with him opened doors that would have otherwise remained closed and propelled me along a path I never imagined. I’m not sure how many medical students were mapping out a plan to be refractive surgeons from day one, but that was definitely my vision. I feel very fortunate to have met and even worked alongside some of the pioneers in this field.
2. What current innovations in ophthalmology excite you the most?
I’m always drawn to technological breakthroughs grounded in solid science. Right now, we’re seeing a surge in artificial intelligence that is reshaping the medical world—ophthalmology included. Even though there’s some hype surrounding AI, I genuinely believe it will lead to significant advances in areas like diagnostic imaging and patient care.
One of the biggest challenges on the horizon is creating a truly accommodative lens replacement for cataract surgery—something that can restore the eye’s natural focusing ability. While we’re not quite there yet, I’m very interested in any innovations related to intraocular lenses (IOLs). Diffractive lens systems, in particular, fascinate me because they rely on understanding light as a wave phenomenon, which resonates with my background in optics. In fact, that curiosity is part of what drove me to help develop the first trifocal diffractive lens in the late 2000s.
Outside of IOL design, I remain captivated by new laser technologies, advanced imaging instruments for the anterior segment of the eye, and wavefront analyzers that assess optical quality. These tools have enormous potential to refine our diagnostic capabilities and surgical outcomes, and I love being part of the ongoing evolution in this space.
3. What legacy do you hope to leave in the field of ophthalmology?
One of the most rewarding aspects of working in an academic hospital setting is training students and junior doctors. Teaching is a legacy in itself—it’s about passing on knowledge, simplifying complex concepts, and demystifying advanced techniques. Beyond that, I’m proud to have contributed to specific innovations, such as trifocal IOLs, improved keratoconus detection methods, optimized wavefront analysis functions (LD/HD), and the co-creation of the PEARL DGS implant power calculation formula. I hope these contributions stand the test of time, although I’m also aware that each new innovation often replaces what came before.
On a broader public health level, I’m especially focused on raising awareness about the mechanical origins of keratoconus. My conviction is that excessive eye rubbing plays a key role in triggering this disease. It’s not just an academic point—it has real implications for prevention and patient education. If I can encourage more ophthalmologists and patients to take this cause-and-effect relationship seriously, and thereby reduce the incidence of keratoconus, I’ll feel I’ve left a meaningful mark on the field.
Disclosures: This short article was prepared by touchOPHTHALMOLOGY in collaboration with Dr Gatinel. No fees or funding were associated with its publication.
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