Iqbal “Ike” K. Ahmed

Professor, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah; Director, Alan S. Crandall Center for Glaucoma Innovation, John A. Moran Eye Center; Director, Glaucoma & Advanced Anterior Segment Surgery (GAASS) Fellowship, University of Toronto; Division Head, Ophthalmology, Trillium Health Partners, Mississauga; Research Director, Kensington Eye Institute, University of Toronto; and Chief Innovation Officer, Prism Eye Institute, Ontario, Canada

Why did you decide to pursue ophthalmology/your subspecialty?

The technical micron level surgical expertise required to preserve the most precious sense of our body, protecting the essence of what is to live to see the world.  I grew up with a surgical mentality all my life, innovating and improvising with my hands.  Ophthalmology gave me the challenge and rationale to do so. At that time, there was little to no work being done in surgical glaucoma and topical drops had their limitations.  I decided to focus the bulk of my life’s work on changing the way we treat glaucoma in an interventional manner to address the shortcomings of traditional approaches.

Who is your role model?

Alan Crandall – one of the most talented surgeons on the planet who spread his work to the most vulnerable and who maintained so much humility. He led by example and brought joy to everyone around him, but pushed all to do better and think greater.

What is your proudest contribution to ophthalmology/your subspecialty?

Creation of a new approach in glaucoma (Interventional Glaucoma) and new surgical genre (MIGS or Micro-Invasive Glaucoma Surgery). Changing the treatment of glaucoma from a passive to an active one, addressing adherence, risks, and limitations of traditional treatments to improve the quality of life of those suffering with glaucoma. To turn a specialty on its end has been a challenge, but together we are finding a better way to help our patients at the right time with the right approach.

What do you credit most for your success over the course of your career?

Growing up being told I was different, an outsider, and didn’t belong – and using that to think differently about treating blinding diseases. Using energy, passion, love, and the human spirit to innovate, teach, and help those in need. And most importantly working with the best and most loyal friends in the world to make a difference.

What would you like to see change in ophthalmology/your subspecialty over the next 10 years – and why?

A more open-minded, collaborative, supportive, and unified way to move forward.

If you weren't an ophthalmologist, what would you be doing?

I love adventure and adrenaline rushes. It’s how I operate. If I was not a complex eye surgeon, I would be a high altitude mountain climber – taking on the most challenging of climbs in the most difficult of circumstances. For the rush. To feel alive. And to take calculated risks.

If you could restart your career would you do anything differently?

I would take more time to enjoy and live in the moments of the journey and the times we are in. I would try to make more meaningful relationships and deeper connections with the people who I came across in my journey, and try to make more positive impacts to those around me.

When you are no longer practicing, what do you want your legacy to be?

Someone who was an outsider and who didn’t belong, who somehow had some sort of impact in my field. A simple guy who naively challenged the norm and tried to bring people together for the love of our profession – and for the fun of our work. I hope I can show that it doesn’t matter who you are, where you’re from, how you look, or how you think – that you can make a difference and have an impact. Do it respectfully, do it for the right reason, and don’t settle for being comfortable.

Do you have any advice for young, aspiring ophthalmologists?

Be genuine and do the right thing.