Anterior Segment Pioneer Passes

Anterior segment pioneer Walter Jackson Stark, MD, recently passed away at age 81. He was an internationally recognized leader in corneal surgery, with the American Academy of Ophthalmology bestowing on him its Life Achievement award in 2015, according to an obituary on Legacy.com.

Dr. Stark became a member of the faculty at the Wilmer Eye Institute of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, in Baltimore, in 1973. Thereafter, he took on the role of the director of the Institute’s Corneal and Cataract Services.

He was also a founding leader in establishing Medical Eye Banking of Maryland and became director of the Medical Board of Directors at Tissue Banks International, according to the obituary.

Dr. Stark is survived by his wife, Polly, children Heather Stark, Walter J. Stark III (Jay), Melissa Stark Lilley, and grandchildren Matthew, Christopher, and Emma Anderson; Walter J. IV (Jack) and Henry Stark; Mikey, Jackson, Clara and Clemmie Lilley.

For additional information on Dr. Stark’s achievements, see here: https://www.baltimoresun.com/2024/03/07/walter-stark-eye-surgeon-dies/.