The Visionary Award

Michael Belkin, MA, MD

Leading Ophthalmic Innovator and Entrepreneur

Michael Belkin, MD will receive our Visionary Award in recognition of his remarkable achievements in the development of innovative ophthalmic technology. Professor Belkin has been involved in the establishment of many major startups in ophthalmology. His first notable contribution was the invention and development of the first Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS), the Ex-PRESS Glaucoma Filtration Device. More recently, Professor Belkin invented the first and only contactless laser for glaucoma, designed to offer several advantages over traditional treatment options. 

Additional technological inventions include an FDA-approved amblyopia (lazy eye) treatment system to restore both visual acuity and depth perception, an automatic visual acuity measuring device, a home-use LED based warming device for dry eye treatment, and a device for enabling orbital endoscopy for treatments behind the eye. 

Emeritus Professor of Ophthalmology in Tel Aviv University, Dr. Belkin received an MA degree in Science from Cambridge University, England, and his medical degree from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel.  He was the founder and first director of the Tel Aviv University Eye Research Institute at the Sheba Medical Center and is a senior advisor to the Singapore Eye Research Institute. He is an author of over 500 scientific publications and holds over 40 patents. Three of his inventions have received FDA and CE approvals.