The United Kingdom and Ireland Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (UKISCRS) celebrates 75 years of life-changing eye surgery. The 75th anniversary of the invention of the intraocular lens (IOL) and the remarkable benefits the procedure has given to millions of people worldwide by restoring their vision due to cataracts, will be marked by a two-day event in London on 28th and 29th November.
The invention of the IOL is one of the most significant medical advances ever. It not only revolutionised eye care but was responsible for paving the way for many other types of implants globally.
“The IOL, an artificial lens that replaces the eye's natural lens removed during cataract surgery has transformed the landscape of eye surgery, becoming one of the most significant medical advancements of the 20th century,” said UKISCRS President, Professor Paul Ursell.
A British innovation, the IOL was designed by the late Sir Harold Ridley together with John Pike of Rayner, a British ophthalmic company and John Holt of ICI. The first implantation by Sir Harold Ridley took place on 29 November 1949 at St Thomas’s Hospital in London and changed ophthalmology practice for ever. Ridley's IOL was made by Rayner, a British eyecare company from polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), a transparent material used in Spitfire & Hurricane windshields manufactured by
ICI. Ridley was inspired to use this material after observing that shards from windshields lodged in the eyes of Battle of Britain pilots remained inert.
As part of the anniversary celebrations UKISCRS will host a global scientific meeting in London on 28 & 29 November 2024, bringing together the most eminent ophthalmologists from across the globe, including from UK, Europe, Brazil, Australia Singapore and the USA. Topics will include robotic surgery, AI, lens design and training surgeons of the future. Attendees will reflect on the past, present, and future of IOL technology and cataract surgery, honouring the legacy of Sir Harold Ridley and exploring how the IOL continues to transform lives.
Cataract remains the leading cause of blindness and a major cause of visual loss across the globe. In 2019, 29 million cataract surgeries were performed globally, a figure that is projected to increase to 50 million in 2050. In 2023 it is estimated that 750,000 cataract surgeries were performed in the UK, making it the most common operation performed in the NHS.
If you would like to book a consultation to see Prof Ursell about your vision, please click here.
Professor Paul Ursell MBBS MD FRCOphth
President UKISCRS
Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, London
Honorary Professor, University of Bradford
www.cataract-doctor.com
Appointments: 0845 680 2020