Richard K. Parrish II

Edward W. D. Norton, MD Chair in Ophthalmology, Academic Chief of Glaucoma, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute; Anne Bates Leach Eye Center, Professor, University of Miami Miller School Medicine; Editor-in-Chief, American Journal of Ophthalmology, Florida, USA

What industry trends are catching your attention right now?

Early detection of glaucoma damage at the level of the retinal ganglion cells. 

What is a little-known fact about you?

My paternal grandfather went blind after receiving glaucoma surgery by Harry Gradle, MD in Chicago when my father was six years old in 1920.

Make a bold prediction for the future of ophthalmology.

We will look beyond intraocular pressure as the key determinant of glaucoma and develop specific patient specific genetic treatments. 

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

Leading progressive policies as a US Senator and spearheading efforts to guarantee reproductive rights, gender equity, and voter rights for everyone.

How do you think AI and machine learning will impact the field?

The biggest value of artificial intelligence and machine learning will be helping patients realize that care and humanity is a unique component of a doctor-patient relationship, not an abstract concept defined in cyberspace. 

What global trends in eye health should ophthalmologists be aware of?

Funding for eye health research competes with other health care issues, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. Eyecare is losing out around the world. Pressure should be put on those decision makers to increase funding for eye research.