In La Rioja, Spain lies the small village of Castroviejo. But international renown is attached to a person carrying the name who contributed to improving the lives of so many. Ramon Castroviejo was a great eye surgeon whose reputation towered in the 20th century. His influence stretched from the United States to other countries.
The medical trendsetter is recognized to be one of the most influential ophthalmologists of the 20th century. Improvements in keratoplastic surgery were spearheaded through decades of dedication in his profession. The achievements live on beyond his life span.
The son of a Spanish ophthalmologist, this apple did not fall far from the tree. As a young man he came to the United States for a research fellowship at the Mayo Clinic. He arrived following his graduation in 1927 from the medical school of the University of Madrid. He was based at the Presbyterian Medical Center of Columbia University from 1931 to 1952. It was here that he performed the first successful human cornea transplant in the world. New York became his home base. The surgeon became chief of ophthalmology a year later at St. Vincents Hospital. Dedication to surgery was also reflected in consultant posts at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, St. Clares Hospital, Mount Sinai and Bellevue Hospitals and New York University Medical Center.
By inserting a rectangular rather than a circular window in the cornea his transplants proved successful. It was noted that this was the secret to his success where others failed. The surgeon believed this method was superior as it fitted better with the living part of the undamaged eye. In 1937 Later that year he pioneered a method of platinizing corneas for improving vision. While at the Mayo Clinic, he began his innovative career where he developed a new instrument for square grafts.
Novel techniques were furthered by his research work. His initial improvements were refined over the years. The desire to spread knowledge meant teaching was another activity of this innovator. Students were instructed at the New York University Post Graduate Medical School, Mount Sinai Medical School and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University. Over 200 medical journal articles were also published.
The ophthalmologist promoted eye donations to allow the sight of more people to benefit from the advancements. Along with a few leading members of the profession he facilitated the establishment of an institution collecting the donations. As a member of the Committee on Eye Banks, he enabled institutionalization of the process. With the AAO&O as sponsor, the Eye-Bank Association of America was created in 1961. The sponsor adopted the Association in 1977. Subsequently, the Academy instructed the Association to devise standards for handling tissue and establish training programs. After three years, the standards were adopted.
Ninety seven eye banks since those early beginnings. More than one million have been the recipients of this program. Leadership has been maintained by spearheading technical developments. Research work has made for better surgical procedures and improved the design of ophthalmic instruments.
Castroviejo also contributed to design improvements of surgical instruments. His rich and highly productive professional life received numerous awards. Following his retirement although he contributed so much to America, he returned to Spain. But, his contributions live on in his adopted country and the world over.
The medical trendsetter is recognized to be one of the most influential ophthalmologists of the 20th century. Improvements in keratoplastic surgery were spearheaded through decades of dedication in his profession. The achievements live on beyond his life span.
The son of a Spanish ophthalmologist, this apple did not fall far from the tree. As a young man he came to the United States for a research fellowship at the Mayo Clinic. He arrived following his graduation in 1927 from the medical school of the University of Madrid. He was based at the Presbyterian Medical Center of Columbia University from 1931 to 1952. It was here that he performed the first successful human cornea transplant in the world. New York became his home base. The surgeon became chief of ophthalmology a year later at St. Vincents Hospital. Dedication to surgery was also reflected in consultant posts at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, St. Clares Hospital, Mount Sinai and Bellevue Hospitals and New York University Medical Center.
By inserting a rectangular rather than a circular window in the cornea his transplants proved successful. It was noted that this was the secret to his success where others failed. The surgeon believed this method was superior as it fitted better with the living part of the undamaged eye. In 1937 Later that year he pioneered a method of platinizing corneas for improving vision. While at the Mayo Clinic, he began his innovative career where he developed a new instrument for square grafts.
Novel techniques were furthered by his research work. His initial improvements were refined over the years. The desire to spread knowledge meant teaching was another activity of this innovator. Students were instructed at the New York University Post Graduate Medical School, Mount Sinai Medical School and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University. Over 200 medical journal articles were also published.
The ophthalmologist promoted eye donations to allow the sight of more people to benefit from the advancements. Along with a few leading members of the profession he facilitated the establishment of an institution collecting the donations. As a member of the Committee on Eye Banks, he enabled institutionalization of the process. With the AAO&O as sponsor, the Eye-Bank Association of America was created in 1961. The sponsor adopted the Association in 1977. Subsequently, the Academy instructed the Association to devise standards for handling tissue and establish training programs. After three years, the standards were adopted.
Ninety seven eye banks since those early beginnings. More than one million have been the recipients of this program. Leadership has been maintained by spearheading technical developments. Research work has made for better surgical procedures and improved the design of ophthalmic instruments.
Castroviejo also contributed to design improvements of surgical instruments. His rich and highly productive professional life received numerous awards. Following his retirement although he contributed so much to America, he returned to Spain. But, his contributions live on in his adopted country and the world over.
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