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Colleagues pay tribute to Joseph Colin
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Joseph Colin, MD, a leader in ophthalmology, passed away Feb. 24 following a battle with illness. A longtime member of the OSN Europe Edition Board, serving 12 years total and as chairman in 2009 to 2010, Colin contributed over the years with his innovative ideas and scientific knowledge to the continuous development of Ocular Surgery News.
Those who knew him well will never forget his wit, charm, contagious enthusiasm and joie de vivre. He had the charisma of a leader, but also the humble curiosity and eagerness of a scholar who realizes that learning never ends. He was a man of great achievements and fame, but he had a kind and open attitude that made everyone feel at ease, appreciated and welcome.
David Touboul, MD, one of his pupils and closest colleagues at Bordeaux University Hospital, remembered Colin as a teacher and mentor of great zeal and dynamism.
“He embodied the spirit of initiative and innovation in ophthalmology. He kept encouraging us to try, search and validate new approaches with the highest level of scientific rigor. His capacity for work was amazing, and he made his students eager to follow him in the perpetual strives for excellence,” he said.
A pioneer in ophthalmology
Colin was a pioneer in the fields of refractive and cataract surgery, research on biomaterials, keratoconus, laser technology, microbiology and corneal disease.
He was the first to propose intracorneal ring segments for the treatment of keratoconus and ectasia, and his earliest publications on this topic date back to the early 2000s. He was also among the first specialists in Europe to embrace cross-linking and did extensive research on corneal biomechanics with his team. Bordeaux, thanks to the contributions of Colin and his wife, Florence Malet, MD, a contact lens specialist, has become a National Reference Center for Keratoconus in France.
Colin’s search for innovative solutions encouraged him to develop an interest in the potential of femtosecond laser technology in cataract surgery. This treatment modality is now well established, but it was still in the early days when the University of Bordeaux developed a laboratory prototype for research into this novel application.
Colin published more than 190 international papers and 300 French papers, many of which are considered landmarks in ophthalmology, and gave more than 200 lectures around the world. His style as a presenter was unique for the way he combined rigorous information with a witty, conversational approach to the audience.
“He traveled the world in every sense, proudly waving the banner of ophthalmology,” Touboul said.
Colin began his career at the University of Western Brittany and the University of Brest, where, as the new the head of the department, he created a young and dynamic school of ophthalmology, open to innovation and international developments.
Béatrice Cochener, MD, OSN Europe Edition Associate Editor, who at the time was specializing in ophthalmology and then succeeded Colin as chairman of the department, remembered him as a mentor and model, a great friend and a spiritual father.
“Life offered me the tremendous privilege to develop my career close to him, climbing successive steps as fellow, assistant and senior in a fantastic climate. He knew so well how to insufflate passion for work, motivation and thirst for innovation in young people, and constantly encouraged us in our initiatives and projects.”
In 2000, Colin was appointed chairman of the ophthalmology department at the University of Bordeaux, where he brought the same spirit of creativity, innovation and education.
“He opened wide the doors of its services to all people of goodwill. With his insatiable curiosity, he was a great source of knowledge and a facilitator of ideas. We will never forget his way of organizing activities in each service. He dedicated all his energy, constantly, tirelessly, never forgetting anything, knowing everything; he had the gift to lead men and women to transcend themselves,” Touboul said.
“His passing has created a void and has left us with a legacy of responsibilities that will be difficult to follow because, quite simply, he was irreplaceable. We must go on without him, but we will keep him forever in our hearts and especially in our actions so that they will be in line with the guiding spirit of his exemplary life,” he said.
International impact
Colin served in many national and international ophthalmological societies. From 2005 to 2008, he was president of the Société Française d’Ophtalmologie, and from 2009 to 2011, president of the Société de l’Association Française des Implants Intraoculaires et de la Chirurgie Réfractive. He chaired several committees of the International Society of Refractive Surgery and the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons.
“Joseph Colin was a great human being whom I had the good fortune to know. I was closely associated with him in the ISRS,” Amar Agarwal, MS, FRCS, FRCOphth, OSN APAO Edition Board Member, said. “Just a few days before he passed away I was exchanging emails with him, and he talked to me about his condition with courage and dignity.”
“In the ESCRS we will remember Joseph for his original thinking, for the many tasks he successfully carried out, and for his tireless dedication to creation and education. We shall badly miss his bright, active and enthusiastic personality. He will forever live in our memories as a smiling and creative team leader, ophthalmologist and friend,” Philippe Sourdille, MD, OSN Europe Edition Board Member, said.
Throughout his career, Colin received awards from many societies. In 2011 he was honored with the title of Chevalier dans l’Ordre de la Legion d’Honneur (Knight of the Legion of Honor) in recognition of his services to France.
“He was a very special ophthalmologist and man,” Richard L. Lindstrom, MD, OSN Global Chief Medical Editor, said. “He will be missed but remembered. He lived in a beautiful location, loved his work, loved his family and friends worldwide, lived fully, and shared his blessings with many — a legacy worth emulating. He will be remembered with sadness but also with the acknowledgment of a life well lived.”
In addition to his wife, Florence, Colin is survived by his children, Melanie, Typhaine and Timothé. – by Michela Cimberle