Otago alumni Professor Helen Danesh-Meyer and Dr Ben Lahood have made the latest global list of top 100 ophthalmologists
Two Otago alumni have been named in the global Ophthalmology Power List. Medical alumnus Dr Ben Lahood is the youngest ophthalmologist and eye surgeon in the world to make this year's list, while Otago alumna Professor Helen Danesh-Meyer CNZM is named on the list for the third year in a row.
In its 10th year, the Power List is made up of 100 influential ophthalmologists, nominated by surgeons worldwide, and published annually by The Ophthalmologist publication. It aims to highlight individuals who have demonstrated 10 years of excellence and impact in ophthalmology.
Dr Lahood, who was nominated at age 39, is recognised for his surgical services as a consultant ophthalmologist at Adelaide Eye and Laser Centre, ParkView Surgery and The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Adelaide. He is also a Senior Lecturer at University of Adelaide and considered a leader in the subject of cataract and refractive surgery. He is one of only two Australian eye surgeons to make the 2023 list.
“I am incredibly humbled to be included in this group of the world's top 100 ophthalmic minds. I had never assumed I would be at this stage in my career and still not be 40! Selection on this list has been a career goal and is clearly a highlight for me. I could not have got to where I am today, without the many opportunities I have been provided by my professional community. Thank you,” says Dr Lahood.
Dr Lahood was inspired to become an ophthalmologist at a young age, after experiencing the impact of blindness as he watched his grandfather go completely blind from glaucoma. As a child, then young adult, he regularly visited eye clinics and saw how many people had eye and vision issues that were preventable or could be improved with medical intervention.
After graduating MB ChB with Distinction in 2007, Dr Lahood went on to complete his Postgraduate Diploma in Ophthalmic Basic Sciences with Distinction at Otago and the University of Sydney in 2011. He then undertook subspecialty training in refractive surgery in Adelaide.
As well as his clinical work, Dr Lahood produces two podcasts in his field; Ophthalmology Against the Rule, and The Second Look.
Professor Danesh-Meyer, who graduated from Otago with an MB ChB in 1991, is the Sir William and Lady Stevenson Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Auckland and Head of Academic Neuro-Ophthalmology and Glaucoma. She is the first female Professor of Ophthalmology and the second female professor in any surgical specialty in New Zealand.
In January, Professor Danesh-Meyer was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to ophthalmology in the New Year Honours list.
She is Chair and co-founder, in 2003, of Glaucoma New Zealand, which now comprises 15,000 members and is recognised as the official advocacy organisation for patients in New Zealand with glaucoma.
Professor Danesh-Meyer has also served as the Chair of Women in Ophthalmology for the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO), introducing innovative polices that have reduced inequities and promote diversity and inclusion in clinical and scientific training.
Her research has yielded key insights into the causes and improved management of glaucoma and other leading causes of blindness in New Zealand.
You can read more about Professor Danesh-Meyer's work here: https://www.otago.ac.nz/alumni/news/otago0240035.html