Hawaiian Eye Foundation’s International Award given to Thomas Neuhann

Presentation of the Hawaiian Eye Foundation’s International Award. From right to left: Spencer P. Thornton, MD, FACS, Murray Beard, president and CEO of EagleVision, Thomas Neuhann, MD, Jerre M. Freeman, founder and chairman of EagleVision, Dr. Neuhann’s wife Antonia, and John Corboy, MD.

WAIKOLOA, Hawaii — For his dedication to developing and teaching new techniques and technologies in ophthalmology, Thomas Neuhann, MD, was made this year’s recipient of the Hawaiian Eye Foundation’s International Award.

Jerre M. Freeman, MD, founder and chairman of EagleVision, said the “earliest and most significant” contribution by Dr. Neuhann to ophthalmology was his “pioneering development and teaching of the circular capsulorrhexis for cataract surgery. Global cataract surgeons use this technique. Our patients thank you, and we thank you.”

The International Award has been supported by EagleVision for 3 years, said Murray L. Beard, president and chief executive officer of EagleVision.

“It is indeed an honor, that is probably what every awardee says and rightly so, but it is indeed an honor and a deep pleasure to receive this award,” Dr. Neuhann said. “Because it is [received] here in the United States, the award is a good opportunity to look back and look forward.”

Dr. Neuhann said he looked back with gratitude on several ophthalmologists who contributed to the development of his career. He specifically mentioned Charles D. Kelman, MD, whom he noted as a “special friend.” He also said that Richard P. Kraff, MD, “who was kind to me, …was the example of American ophthalmologists among whom I have had so many friends. This is an opportunity to thank them all most cordially and with a great deal of friendship to me and my fellow German ophthalmologists.”

Dr. Neuhann said he is continuing to work to advance ophthalmology through his current interest in improving the optics of IOLs.