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Pioneering ophthalmologist dies at age 89
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 Robert C. Welsh |
Ophthalmologist, innovator, educator and humanitarian Robert C. Welsh, MD, died Jan. 8 at his home in Miami. He was 89 years old.
Dr. Welsh was the first U.S. ophthalmologist to specialize in cataract surgery and devoted a large portion of his career to educating peers about the subspecialty.
In 1963, he founded the first Contact Lens International Congress; in 1969, he founded the Welsh Cataract Congress, which continues to be held at Baylor College of Medicine.
He helped build the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute of the University of Miami School of Medicine and launched the Volunteer Eye Surgeons Association, which sends eye care providers to treat cataract patients in the Philippines, Haiti, Jamaica, China, Africa and other developing regions around the globe.
Dr. Welsh developed a portable surgical microscope used to treat patients in rural areas. The U.S. military used his microscopes in Operation Desert Storm. He also developed the Welsh 4-drop lens.
He and his wife, Judi, authored eight books on cataract surgery and several hundred clinical articles in medical journals. Dr. Welsh also organized educational courses and congresses and gave many speaking engagements.
Dr. Welsh received his medical education and ophthalmology training at Duke University, Duke Medical School and Harvard Postgraduate Medical School.
Dr. Welsh received the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s Honor Award and the Maumenee Gold Award from Baylor College of Medicine for excellence in education in cataract surgery.