Leon W. Herndon Jr.

Professor of Ophthalmology, Chief of Glaucoma Division, Duke Eye Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA

What is an interesting or little-known fact about you?

I work at Duke, but pull for the UNC Tarheels!

Why did you decide to pursue ophthalmology/your subspecialty?

I am a high myope and got my first pair of glasses in the 9th grade. I then decided to work in a career to help patients maximize their vision.

Who is someone in ophthalmology/your subspecialty that you feel has been particularly influential over the past 10 years?

Anne Coleman.

What’s been the biggest breakthrough in ophthalmology/your specific field over the last 10 years?

The proliferation of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) technology and interventional glaucoma care. This allows us to be more proactive in the management of our patients’ disease.

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

We need more under-represented minority trainees in our field to give patients more choice in their doctor.

Do you have any personal missions for the next 10 years?

My vision is to develop a program to effectively screen family members of glaucoma patients.