The Ophthalmologist, a UK-based publication, named Asian Eye Institute glaucoma and cornea and refractive surgery specialist Dr. Robert Edward Ang as one of the world’s most influential eye doctors in the eye care industry. He is the only Filipino doctor in the list.
Through its Power List, The Ophthalmologist recognizes the leaders, pioneers, and game-changers in the field of ophthalmology. Every year, it asks its readers to nominate individuals or organizations that they believe have made the biggest impact in the world of ophthalmology. Apart from ophthalmologists or eye surgeons, the list also includes scientists, engineers, and CEOs.
As the director of Asian Eye’s Cornea and Refractive Surgery Service, Ang is a renowned Lasik (laser-assisted in situ keratomileuses) surgeon who specializes in treating patients with nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia.
He has also worked on cutting-edge research on new technologies that improve diagnosis and treatment of different eye conditions. By working with the biggest pharmaceutical and medical device companies in the cataract, refractive and glaucoma spaces, he has contributed to developing innovative surgical techniques for Lasik and cataract surgeries and applying new glaucoma treatment options. As a result, he has been invited to conduct numerous lectures and authored several book chapters and international publications.
He and his research team have been recognized by prestigious international organizations, including American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology and Asia-Pacific Association of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.
He is a five-time winner of Best Paper Session Awards at the ASCRS. He also received the APACRS Certified Educator that recognized his experience in using Supracor technology that allows patients with presbyopia (difficulty reading at close distances) to reduce or eliminate the need for reading glasses. In 2017, he bested other American and Asian doctors and was recognized as the TopGun Best Overall Instructor for his expertise and contributions in the field of ophthalmology.
Ang recently won runner-up honors at the 36th ASCRS Film Festival in Washington D.C. for his video on exchangeable intra-ocular lenses. IOLs are artificial lenses that replace the natural lens with cataract. They usually come in one piece and have two parts – the optic (the lens with grade) and the haptic (the side struts that hold the lens in place inside the eye).
His video showed his ongoing study on a 2-piece IOL, wherein the optic can be exchanged with a new one. This is beneficial for people who have undergone cataract surgery and might need to have their IOL replaced in the future.
It was Ang’s first time joining the festival. The Film Festival showcases the best ophthalmological videos and serves as a venue for eye specialists worldwide to share their knowledge and experiences about newly-developed technologies and surgical techniques.
“I’m extremely honored to be included in the Power List and be among innovators and game-changers. This motivates me as a researcher to continue working on new technologies and methods that can help more people improve their vision and enjoy happy and productive lives,” Ang says.
“With the help of my fellows and my research team, we look forward to continuing to provide patients with the best quality care across our expanding clinic network. Filipinos deserve the best and the work we do is our way of thanking them for trusting Asian Eye Institute with their eye care needs,” he says.