90 Years of Eye Healthcare Progress - with Patrick ‘Paddy’ Condon

This is ophthalmic history told by the man who lived it. Settle in.In this special episode of Eyes on Tomorrow, we’re celebrating a true giant of Irish ophthalmology. For the first time we recorded in front of a live audience, joined by none other than Mr Patrick “Paddy” Condon, widely regarded as the Founding Father of modern ophthalmology in Ireland. Paddy’s impact runs deep: he helped pioneer cataract and refractive surgery, played a central role in the creation of UKISCRS and ESCRS, and spent decades improving paediatric eye care across the country. He even recruited four Irish Presidents to support his mission to reduce workplace and sporting eye injuries. And he’ll also explain how he once ended up playing football with Colonel Gaddafi’s children in their garden in Libya.Eyes on tomorrow is supported by Topcon Healthcare and Thea UK.Produced by Matt Hill at Rethink Audio.—For subscribers, this month’s bonus episode is a treasure trove for anyone curious about the evolution of cataract surgery. Paddy shares the surprising origins of the Ridley and Duke-Elder feud, long before the first intraocular lens was implanted. He takes us through the early days of modern microsurgery, his friendships with Charlie Kelman, Eric Arnott, and other pioneers, and gives candid insight into why institutions like Moorfields resisted IOL implantation and phacoemulsification.This, along with a host of CPD resources, all for just £25 per year when you subscribe at eyesontomorrow.substack.com/subscribe. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit eyesontomorrow.substack.com/subscribe