Nick Mamalis

Professor of Ophthalmology, Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, USA

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

I was born and raised in the small town of Rock Springs – on the windswept plains of Southern Wyoming, and worked my way through college by working in a plant/mine complex.

Why did you decide to pursue ophthalmology/your subspecialty?

My mother had Devic’s disease that affected her optic nerves when I was a medical student and I was fascinated by her condition and evaluations she received by ophthalmologists.

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

Liliana Werner. She is the co-director with me of the Intermountain Ocular Research Center at the University of Utah. She is one of the premiere researchers worldwide in the field of intraocular lens design, materials, biocompatibility, and has been responsible for innumerable publications in this area.

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

The development of phacoemulsification machines with active fluidics technology that dynamically manages the IOL during cataract surgery and allows stabilization of the anterior chamber. This technology has been instrumental in helping to decrease complications of cataract surgery, especially in a university setting with residents, fellows, and trainee surgeons.

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

The development of a truly accommodative IOL that would allow clear vision at distance, intermediate, and near following cataract surgery without the visual problems associated with multifocal/extended depth of focus IOLs.

Who would you invite to your dream dinner party? 

Barack Obama, former President of the United States; Steven Spielberg, movie producer; and Fareed Zakaria, journalist.