Randall J. Olson

University Distinguished Professor, Chair of Ophthalmology and Visual Science; CEO, The John Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, USA

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

I love the solitude of our high mountains and have spent many weeks wandering in the most isolated areas of the American and Canadian Rockies. 

Why did you decide to pursue ophthalmology/your subspecialty?

I had always assumed I would be a cardiologist and had a life changing experience in 1972 of being able to work at Sahlgrenska Hospital in Gothenburg, Sweden, during the middle of the seven crown crisis. As a senior medical student, I was working at the assistant professor level at a University Internal Medicine Ward with an actual internist rounding with me just three days a week. In Sweden, I realized I should continue to look at other specialties and set rotations as soon as I came home. My first was in ophthalmology and I fell in love from day one. I have never regretted the choice or looked back! 

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

I have had the chance to work with many great people over my long career, but Greg Hageman’s undying commitment to understanding and finding novel therapies for AMD has been a marvel to behold. When I first interviewed him for a position, I asked him what he wanted to achieve in his career. He looked me straight in the eye and said, "cure macular degeneration." He has never hesitated and built an amazing team and his progress is humbling to me in its depth and potential impact for millions.

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

Looking at the last 10 years, I would have to say OCT. I remember the first CT scan as a resident and was amazed at that rudimentary breakthrough. OCT has done the same for us and it just keeps on getting better. 

Is there a particular tool, technological advance, or instrument you would not have been able to live without over the past 10 years? 

Not as germane to my subspecialty but, again, OCT has had the greatest impact overall. 

Where do you predict ophthalmology/your subspecialty will be 10 years from now?

I see us entering a golden age with the technology coming. We will be able to adjust IOLs after surgery for unbelievable precision and correction of HOAS that will actually improve on Mother Nature. Gene therapy will become routine, and many of the scourges, like inherited retinal diseases, macular degeneration and other inherited anomalies, will be treatable. I also hope to see neuroprotection for diseases like glaucoma – stay tuned, we’re in for quite a ride! 

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

To leave the John Moran Eye Center with such a foundational strength that it will continue to be a powerful force for good in the vision field far into the future.