Establishing the Foundation of LASIK in the United States

Long before LASIK became a household word—and years before it became the most common elective surgery in America—I had the privilege of standing at the center of its birth in the United States. What happened next would shape the direction of refractive surgery for decades.

In an era when even the world’s leading corneal surgeons were hesitant to embrace this new technology, I recognized the extraordinary potential of LASIK to transform patient care. That conviction led me to help organize the first LASIK course ever held in the United States—a historic gathering that brought together many of the most revered refractive surgeons from around the world.

It was a bold undertaking because LASIK was still misunderstood and often dismissed. Over two days, 25 of the most influential surgeons in international refractive surgery delivered 64 presentations—yet not a single one mentioned the word LASIK. The skepticism was real, and the hesitation palpable.

But I believed the science was sound. I believed patients deserved better options. And I believed LASIK represented the future of refractive care.

By presenting the data, making the case, and challenging the status quo, that moment marked a turning point. From that point forward, LASIK didn’t merely gain traction—it became the procedure that would redefine how Americans correct their vision.

As part of this effort, I also edited and contributed to the landmark textbook Advances in Refractive and Corneal Surgery, which included the first textbook chapters ever written on myopic and hyperopic LASIK. Those chapters became foundational reading for early adopters and future leaders in refractive surgery.

This page simply presents the documentation for those who wish to verify LASIK in its earliest days.

This isn’t about self-promotion—it’s about transparency.