Donald Munro Follow

Donald J. Munro is the Business Development Director of the Laboratory, University of Heidelberg.

Donald Munro

Posts by Donald Munro

Harold Ridley's birthday, 10 July

2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the first intraocular lens manufactured by Rayner in 1949. Sir Harold Ridley was born in Kibworth, a village in Leicestershire in the English Midlands, on 10th July 1906. He was the elder son of Nicholas Charles Ridley and Margaret (née Parker)

In lab history, Jul 10, 2024

Two Apple cores

Dr. David J. Apple, a renowned ophthalmologist and pathologist, founded the David J. Apple Laboratory for Ophthalmic Devices Research. He trained over 200 students and doctors, known as the "Apple Korps," and made significant contributions to cataract surgery and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. After his death in 2011, his laboratory was transferred to the University of Heidelberg, Germany, where Dr. Gerd U. Auffarth continues his work, now known as the Auffarth-Apple Korps.

In news, history, Mar 01, 2023

Recommending realistic incision sizes!

A recent study analyzed the recommended incision sizes of 13 intraocular lens injector systems in cataract surgery, finding that manufacturers' recommendations often lead to intraoperative incision enlargement, and in some cases, require larger incisions than recommended.

In lab, news, Feb 16, 2023

Platinum Performance!

The German Congress of Ophthalmic Surgeons (DOC) in Nuremberg, Germany, on June 25, 2022, was the largest face-to-face meeting in three years with 5,400 delegates. Researchers from the David J Apple Center for Vision Research in Heidelberg won four of the seven "Conference Best Paper Awards," with Prof. Dr. med. Gerd U. Auffarth receiving the first-ever Platinum Medal.

In laboratory, news, Jun 26, 2022

Announcement: Prof. Auffarth to present the 2022 Ernst Bodenheimer Memorial Lecture.

Prof. Gerd U. Auffarth, MD, PhD, delivered the 2022 Ernst Bodenheimer Memorial Lecture on "Corneal Treatments and Surgery 2022: What We are Doing Differently" at the Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University.

In lab, news, Apr 27, 2022

The Nuc'Cracker

ESCRS offers educational resources, including the "ESCRS 100" video series, live streaming of cataract surgery, and the ESCRS IOL Calculator.

In lab, news, Oct 10, 2021

The 80th anniversary of David Apple

David J. Apple was a renowned ophthalmic pathologist who made significant contributions to the field of intraocular lens (IOL) research and ophthalmic surgery. He was a medical historian and biographer of Sir Harold Ridley, the inventor of the IOL. Apple founded the Center for Developing World Ophthalmology and was a pioneer in IOL research, improving the world that Ridley's invention had changed. He received numerous honors and awards for his work, including the Life Achievement Honor Award and the ASCRS Innovator's Award.

In lab, history, Sep 14, 2021

Singapore winner!

CSI Heidelberg Episode 4: DMEK with EndoArt, a prize-winning video, showcases the innovative EndoArt artificial implant used in place of human donor tissue for Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK).

In lab, news, Aug 01, 2021

Remember 29th November!

"Today, November 29, 2020, marks the 71st anniversary of Sir Harold Ridley's first implantation of an intraocular lens (IOL) at St Thomas's Hospital in London on November 29, 1949."

In news, history, Nov 29, 2020

Anneke Worst (1928-2020)

Ophtec, a Dutch IOL manufacturer, was founded by Jan and Anneke Worst. Anneke Worst passed away in 2020, and the company continues to innovate with products like the Precizon Go IOL.

In ophthalmology, news, Aug 04, 2020

Chinese presentation

The text discusses David J. Apple's laboratory experience and how ophthalmologists can contribute to the innovative development of artificial crystalline lenses. It includes a link to a presentation by Prof. Auffarth, which is in English, and thanks Eyebright for compiling and translating the content.

In lab, news, Jun 21, 2020

After Lock-down - how to re-start?

The webinar, "SIFI Global Webinar," held on May 9, 2020, discussed the challenges of restarting cataract surgery after lockdown restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The panel, consisting of seven surgeons from Asia and Europe, covered topics such as patient interview protocols, COVID-19 testing, ocular infection, and tele-ophthalmology. The webinar aimed to provide guidance on safely resuming clinical and surgical practices.

In news, COVID 19, May 11, 2020

DGII Mainz

The 34th Annual Congress of the DGII was held in Mainz, Germany, from February 13 to 15, 2020. The event featured presentations from the Apple Lab and the Eye Department in Heidelberg, with several team members winning awards for their research on intraocular lenses and optics.

In News, Feb 15, 2020

Welcome 2020: New website

The David J Apple Lab celebrates the new year with a revamped website featuring contributor-based content on IOL research and history. They look forward to the ESCRS Congress in Amsterdam and reflect on their successful 2019, marked by publications in peer-reviewed journals on IOL studies.

In lab, news, Jan 01, 2020

70th IOL anniversary

"Today marks the 70th anniversary of Sir Harold Ridley's groundbreaking implantation of the first intraocular lens (IOL) at St. Thomas's Hospital in London on November 29, 1949."

In history, lab, Nov 29, 2019

2019 cataract poster prizewinners in Paris

Dr. Daniel H. Chang, USA, won the First Prize for his poster on visual outcomes and defocus curve profiles of a next-generation diffractive presbyopia-correcting intraocular lens at the 2019 ESCRS meeting.

In Sep 15, 2019

EDOF wavelength dependence

The latest paper from the David J Apple Lab, titled "The Effect of a Spectral Filter on Visual Quality in Patients with an Extended-Depth-Of-Focus Intraocular Lens," has been accepted for publication in the American Journal of Ophthalmology. The study examines the impact of spectral filters on visual quality in patients with diffractive intraocular lenses, finding that while red filters do not improve distance vision, they can cause visual deterioration at near distances.

In publication, Aug 19, 2018

Optical Quality July 1, 2018

New research from the David J Apple Lab reveals that pars plana vitrectomy with gas injection increases the risk of secondary calcification in hydrophilic acrylic intraocular lenses, necessitating IOL exchange.

In publication, news, Jul 01, 2018

Lab at ASCRS•ASOA ANNUAL MEETING (Washington DC)

The David J Apple Laboratory will be exhibiting at the 2018 ASCRS-ASOA Annual Meeting in Washington, DC, at booth 762.

In news, Apr 14, 2018

Dresden news

Dr. Hyeck-Soo Son, an ophthalmology resident and research fellow at the University of Heidelberg, received the Best Paper award at the German-speaking Society of Intraocular Lens Implantation for his research on simulating photic phenomena in different IOL models.

In Feb 17, 2018

Albert Galand 1938 - 2015.

Albert Galand (1938-2015) was a pioneer in capsular IOL design and intra-capsular techniques. He developed novel capsulotomy methods, including the envelope technique, and designed lenses for capsular implantation. Galand was a strong advocate for in-the-bag fixation of IOLs and organized international meetings to promote this approach. His contributions to ophthalmology were significant, and his ideas continue to influence IOL development.

In pioneer, news, Jan 06, 2016

New Look for the Lab

Apple has expanded its use of recycled materials across its products, including 59% recycled aluminum, 45% certified recycled rare earth elements, and 30% certified recycled tin. The company aims to use only renewable or recyclable materials in its products and has made significant progress toward eliminating plastics from its packaging.

In news, Nov 02, 2015

Jan Worst 1928 to 2015

Jan Worst, a pioneer in intraocular lens (IOL) design and co-founder of Ophtec, died on September 25, 2015, in Groningen, Netherlands. He developed the iris claw lens and phakic IOLs, and his company, Ophtec, became a leading manufacturer of IOLs.

In pioneer, news, Oct 01, 2015

DGII Award for Mary Attia

Dr. Mary Safwat Aziz Attia, an ophthalmologist at Heidelberg University Clinic, won the "Best Paper of the Session" award at the 2015 DGII meeting for her research on multifocal IOLs using the Salzburg Reading Desk.

In research, news, Mar 11, 2015

Feast for Eye and Ear

Prof. Dr. med. Gerd Auffarth, Head of the DJApple Lab, drew a record 730 attendees to his "Medicine in the Evening" lecture on ophthalmology, sponsored by the Rhein Neckar Zeitung.

In news, Jan 25, 2015

The Ridleys visit the Lab

The Ridley Eye Foundation works to cure blindness in Nepal by providing small incision cataract surgery to those in need. The foundation collaborates with local hospitals and organizations to provide medical care and restore sight to people in remote areas.

In news, Dec 22, 2014

Boston ASCRS.

Dr. Ramin Khoramnia won the Runner-Up prize in the Cataract Complications category at the 2014 ASCRS Films Awards Ceremony for his film "CSI: Heidelberg-IOL Analysis." He also received the ASCRS Foundation's 2014 Resident Excellence Award, recognizing his outstanding performance in research, patient care, leadership, and education.

In news, Apr 30, 2014

Better vision for AMD patients.

Oculentis Lentis Mplus High Add IOL is a hydrophobic acrylic biconvex IOL which has a +8 D sector-shaped near addition resulting in 6 D of near correction at the spectacle plane and 1.5 times magnifying power. “It provides image magnification for near — quite useful for AMD patients who normally have to rely on low vision reading aids such as magnifying glasses or electronic reading desks,” Prof. Gerd U.

In clinical, news, Apr 03, 2014

Congratulations, Ramin!

Ramin Khoramnia, a Research Fellow from The Apple Lab, achieved second place in the European Board of Ophthalmology's 2013 exam, demonstrating exceptional knowledge and skills in ophthalmology.

In staff, news, Aug 29, 2013

A Lab with history

David J. Apple was a renowned ophthalmic pathologist who significantly improved the world of ophthalmology through his groundbreaking research on intraocular lens (IOL) complications and ophthalmic surgery. He founded the Center for Developing World Ophthalmology and was a medical historian, biographer of Sir Harold Ridley, and a pioneer in IOL research. His work led to the development of safer and more effective IOLs, and he trained over 200 students and doctors who now hold key positions in ophthalmic education and practice worldwide.

In history, Aug 01, 2013

The Legend of Albert Schweitzer

The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded annually to individuals or organizations who have made outstanding contributions to peace, arms reduction, international cooperation, and human rights. Established by Alfred Nobel's will in 1895, the prize is presented by the Norwegian Nobel Committee and has been awarded to notable figures such as Albert Schweitzer, who received the prize in 1952 for his philosophy of "Reverence for Life."

In news, Feb 22, 2013

Crossing an Ocean – the laboratory that moved

The David J Apple Lab, led by Professor Gerd U. Auffarth, has relocated from Charleston, South Carolina to the University Eye Department of the University of Heidelberg. The lab aims to create an international research center for intraocular ophthalmic devices, continuing and expanding the work initiated by David Apple.

In news, Nov 02, 2012

Moving to Heidelberg.

“For us, it is a great honour to be able to carry on the legacy of this great man,” says the CEO of the company. “We are proud to be part of the project,’ he adds, “and we are looking forward to working with the team.”

In lab, news, Sep 11, 2012