Theo Seiler

Founder of the Institute of Refractive and Ophthalmic Surgery (IROC), Zürich, Switzerland

Profile

After completing his PhD in Experimental Physics at the Free University of Berlin in 1974, Theo Seiler went on to complete a residency and PhD in the Department of Ophthalmology at the Free University of Berlin, where he rose to senior assistant and lecturer in 1985. It was only one year later, in 1986, that Seiler became the first person to perform laser surgery – also known as photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) – on a human eye. This ultimately laid the foundations for the development of LASIK surgery, a procedure that has since been performed over 19 million times. Alongside performing PRK, Seiler is famously recognized for his research in corneal crosslinking. Although the concept of crosslinking wasn’t new in the 1990s, it was Seiler’s idea to crosslink collagen in the cornea to prevent the progression of keratoconus. Following on from a 1999 pilot study that confirmed clinical feasibility, the Dresden protocol – named after the place where the procedure originated – became, and has remained the gold standard approach. 

In 2002, Seiler founded The Institute for Refractive and Ophthalmic Surgery (IROC) in Zurich. Offering an entire spectrum of eye care but specializing in laser eye surgery and cataract surgery, IROC does not only serve its patients but it also serves as a reminder of Seiler’s enduring contributions to laser eye treatment. Although Seiler now spends 80 percent of his time at IROC, the remaining 20 percent is dedicated to research activities, training the next generation of doctors, and performing surgery in developing countries, including Tanzania. Helping people – especially those who may struggle to afford eye treatment and surgery – is what motivates Seiler to achieve at such a high level. 

Thanks to his pioneering feats and innovations that have paved the way for modern ophthalmology, Seiler’s spot in The Ophthalmologist Power List Hall of Fame is both expected and thoroughly deserved.

Awards & Honors

1987 – Axelfeld Award, DOG
1994 – Khing Khaled-Award, SAOS
1994 – Binkhorst Award, AAO
1995 – Barraquer Award, AAO
1996 – Graefe Award, DOG
1997 – Honour Award, AAO
2002 – President´s Award, ISRS/AAO
2004 – Lifetime Achievement Award, AAO
2008 – Innovators lecture, ASCRS
2009 – Ophthalmologe des Jahres 
2009 – Senior Achievement Award, AAO
2010 – Science Award, DGII
2012 – International Leadership in Ophthalmology, HEF
2012 – Fjodorov Award, HSIOIRS
2012 – Hawaiian Eye Foundation's International Award for Excellence
2013 – Franceschetti Award
2013 – Jørn Boberg-Ans Memorial Award, DOS
2013 – Franceschetti Award
2013 – Danish Ophthalmological Society
2014 – Medaille in Gold, DOS
2014 – Ophthalmology Hall of Fame, ASCRS
2014 – Honorary membership of the BRASCRS
2023 – The Ophthalmologist Power List Hall of Fame