Establishing LASIK in the United States

Before LASIK Had a Name

Long before LASIK became a household term—and well before it emerged as the most common elective surgery in the United States—I had the privilege of participating in its earliest development here. 

That conviction led me to help organize the first LASIK course ever held in the United States.

A Pivotal Moment in Refractive Surgery

This course marked a historic moment. It brought together many of the world’s most respected refractive surgeons at a time when LASIK itself was still widely misunderstood.

In fact, over two days, 25 internationally recognized surgeons delivered 64 scientific presentations—yet not one used the term LASIK. The hesitation was unmistakable.

Patients needed better options than those available. I believed LASIK represented the future of refractive care, even when skepticism dominated the conversation.

From Skepticism to Standard of Care

Ultimately, it evolved into the procedure that would redefine how millions of Americans correct their vision.

I edited and authored chapters in Advances in Refractive and Corneal Surgery, including the first textbook chapters ever written on both myopic and hyperopic LASIK.

As a result, these chapters became essential references for early adopters and future leaders in the field.