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In memoriam: Ophthalmologist Jack A. Singer, MD
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 Jack A. Singer |
Ophthalmologist Jack A. Singer, MD, a devoted member of the International Intra-Ocular Implant Club, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, the American Academy of Ophthalmology and many other ophthalmic academic societies, passed away Jan. 6 in Vermont, leaving a void to fill in the ophthalmic community, according to friends and colleagues.
Dr. Singer was widely recognized for various contributions to ophthalmic research, education, practice and advocacy, winning various prizes from the AAO, ASCRS and German Ophthalmic Surgeons. He is particularly remembered for his contributions in shaping an amendment to U.S. patent law that would otherwise have forced physicians to pay method royalties to patent holders.
Steve A. Arshinoff, MD, FRCSC, OSN Cataract Surgery Board Member, summarized the IIIC’s reaction to losing an esteemed member: “He was an enthusiastic proponent of the use of video for education in ophthalmology, having won many awards for video excellence himself. It was Dr. Singer who won the right of all doctors, particularly ophthalmologists, to perform surgery without the fear of interference of method patents. We all owe him a great debt.”
Fellow surgeon Alan Aker, MD, recalled Dr. Singer’s leadership and depth of knowledge: “Jack was a meticulous, well-respected and highly skilled surgeon. His keen insights and pearls will continue to be guideposts for me and many other surgeons in the years ahead. Truly, ophthalmology has lost one if its brighter lights. His passing represents a sad loss to ophthalmology as well as a profound loss to the countless patients he served. Of his work it can truly be said, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’”
Jay S. Pepose, MD, PhD, lauded Dr. Singer’s passion and attention to detail in treating patients: “Jack was generous with his insights, meticulous as a surgeon, and passionate about ophthalmology and about doing the best for his patients. He had a great intellect and was equally humble. He will be sorely missed by all of us who were fortunate enough to have him as a friend.”
Dr. Singer was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Nov. 23, 1955. He opened the Singer Eye Center in Randolph, Vt., in 2003.