Claes H. Dohlman, MD, PhD, professor of ophthalmology, emeritus, and former chief and chair of the Department of Ophthalmology at Mass Eye and Ear and Harvard Medical School, passed away peacefully at the age of 101 on July 14, Massachusetts Eye and Ear announced. Dr. Dohlman is considered by many to be the father of modern corneal science, whose transformative work modernized the field and continues to be widely utilized today.
Among his accomplishments, Dr. Dohlman spearheaded key research investigations to help better understand the structure and function of the cornea. His research efforts laid the groundwork for the modern treatments and methods used today for dry eye disease, corneal burns, wound healing, corneal transplantation and keratoprosthesis. As a result, Dr. Dohlman’s work has helped improve the vision and lives of millions of people around the world.
“Dr. Dohlman’s pioneering research has forever changed the way conditions of the cornea are understood and treated,” said Joan W. Miller, MD, chair of ophthalmology at Mass Eye and Ear and Harvard Medical School.
Michael Albert Lemp, MD, passed away peacefully on May 10. During his clinical fellowship at Mass Eye and Ear and Harvard Medical School, his expertise in corneal eye disease was sharpened under the leadership of Dr. Dohlman.
Dr. Lemp began his practice while serving as professor of ophthalmology at Georgetown University and George Washington University. He went on to serve as a visiting professor at close to 70 universities and authored 220+ scientific papers and six medical books. Throughout his time in direct patient care, Dr. Lemp also served as the primary ophthalmologist to sitting presidents and foreign dignitaries.
Dr. Lemp is also credited with establishing the International Eye Bank’s presence in Jordan where he trained ophthalmic surgeons and nurses on the corneal transplantation procedure to address blindness and corneal damage. In addition, he also served in advisory/consulting positions to the NIH, the FDA, and drug and medical device companies.
