In memory of a pioneer, surgeon calls for continued development in neuro-ophthalmology

BUENOS AIRES — In memory of a pioneer in the field of neuro-ophthalmology, a surgeon here called for continued development and knowledge in the subspecialty.

Luis Crovetto

Luis Crovetto, MD, made this call at the Argentinean Society of Ophthalmology Annual Course in a presentation given in honor of Adolfo Gomez Morales, MD, a surgeon who helped create and develop the subspecialty of neuro-ophthalmology, specifically in his work with endocrinology and oncology, and developed methods that surgeons today still use.

Dr. Crovetto said the evolution of sutures, instrumental surgery and biocompatible materials enables the resolution of complex surgical pathologies and the reduction of surgical times and complications.

In the future, continuing Dr. Morales' legacy, Dr. Crovetto called for increased access to information and technology; increased awareness of the intrinsic mechanisms of disease, especially malignant tumors and autoimmune pathologies; development of new diagnostic imaging techniques; development and creation of new surgical materials; development and creation of new diagnostic methods; and genetic decoding to determine predisposition to certain pathologies.

Additionally, Dr. Crovetto asked his peers to live up to the person that Dr. Morales was, not just the scientist.

"Understand that we treat people, not diseases," Dr. Crovetto said. He said neuro-ophthalmologists should re-evaluate medical and therapeutic value and look at each case through clinical diagnoses and supplementary tests.

"[Dr. Morales] lived his profession as an art," he said. "He was a master of ophthalmology."

But he was also a father and a family man, Dr. Crovetto said, and ophthalmologists should not forget that side of their lives.

"Do not forget that besides doctors, we are people," he said.