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Leaders who believe in promise of intraoperative aberrometry win Ophthalmology Innovation Award
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LAS VEGAS — Two innovators who worked together to bring the latest generation of intraoperative aberrometry to surgeons were honored at the Ophthalmology Innovation Summit here.
Moderator Richard L. Lindstrom, MD, said when introducing Daniel S. Durrie, MD, founder and president of Durrie Vision, and Thomas G. Frinzi, president and CEO of WaveTec Vision, as winners of the Ophthalmology Innovation Award, “It is certainly a pleasure for me, because I have known both of the winners this year for their entire careers.”
Thomas G. Frinzi & Daniel S. Durrie
Durrie played an integral role in the creation of WaveTec Vision and Frinzi, a 30-year ophthalmic veteran, became the company’s president and CEO at a time when the technology needed a leader to guide the technology to a higher level.
“Not only did Dan come up with the idea and have the vision of what [WaveTec] could be, he stayed with that project through the ups and downs from the beginning to the end; his voice and influence through the whole process,” William J. Link, PhD, said during the opening award video. When Frinzi joined as CEO, the trust relationship between the two “helped the company blossom,” he added.
“I saw something in Tom – his leadership through a very, very difficult period. When you find out what people are really about is not when things are going great and they are getting awards, you find out what people are like when times are tough,” Andy Corley said. “I was so impressed by how Tom handled that adversity. It was something I never forgot.”
Vance Thompson, MD , was a fellow under Durrie 24 years ago. Addressing Durrie, he said, “I got to see that enthusiasm, that energy that you have had to innovate on a daily basis, and the ideas you have had to make the world a better place.”
Alcon acquired WaveTec Vision in 2014. Jeff George, President and Global Head of Alcon, spoke about Frinzi in the award video saying that people who know Frinzi know him to be a “purpose-driven” leader “who creates high performing teams and an environment of collaboration both internally and externally as we have seen between our two teams.”
“This little project was just a good example of teamwork, great scientists and innovation,” Durrie said during the discussion moderated by Lindstrom that followed the award video.
“It is always a partnership between doctors and practices trying to take care of their patients and industry,” Lindstrom said. – by Joan-Marie Stiglich, ELS
Reference:
Lindstrom R, Durrie D, Frinzi T. OIS Innovation Award. Presented at: Ophthalmology Innovation Summit. Nov. 12, 2015; Las Vegas.