Tetsuro Oshika

President of the Japanese Ophthalmological Society; President-Elect of Asia Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology; Professor and Chairman at the Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Japan

What industry trends are catching your attention right now?

For me, there are two major industry trends now: gene therapy – in spite of its high price tag – and AI, which, by all accounts, will affect all stratifications of ophthalmic practice.

Make a bold prediction for the future of ophthalmology.

One day, we will be able to manipulate cells throughout the eye to treat diseases and enhance vision, mirroring the way obstetrician-gynecologists currently manipulate genital cells in reproductive medicine.

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

I would likely be a music writer. During my college years, I was deeply passionate about rock music and even worked part-time in the music industry.

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

The healthcare budget is growing rapidly across many countries. However, a persistent, albeit superficial, belief exists that ophthalmologists are earning significant profits by treating non-life-threatening conditions with simple procedures. It is essential to emphasize the importance of quality of vision in healthy life, and we must counter the escalating pressure to lower reimbursement rates for eye care services.