In this episode of The History of Eyecare, Dr. Morgan Micheletti sits down with legendary medtech executive Tom Frinzi to explore a remarkable career that has helped shape modern ophthalmology. With over 40 years of leadership across some of the most transformative eras in eye care, Tom reflects on his journey through legacy companies like Chiron Vision, WaveTec, and Johnson & Johnson Vision.

From the transition to phaco and the birth of LASIK to the rise of premium IOLs and intraoperative aberrometry, Tom shares behind-the-scenes insights into the technologies, teams, and timing that defined an era. This episode is a deep dive into the business, culture, and innovation cycles that continue to move our field forward.

Key Takeaways:
Tom shares how a rep job in Houston and early exposure to ophthalmic microsurgery with Ralph Berkeley and Steve Slade sparked a lifelong passion. He witnessed and led through the shift from extracap to phaco, the emergence of refractive surgery, and the dawn of the premium cataract era. Whether working in big strategics or venture-backed startups, Tom’s work has impacted everything from LASIK and IOL development to aberrometry and refractive platforms. He discusses lessons from leading WaveTec to acquisition, the early promise of CK, and how timing can make or break a great idea. Tom emphasizes culture, mentorship, and building a “reservoir of goodwill”—offering hard-won insights for aspiring leaders in the medtech space.

Takeaways
-Tom Frinzi has over 40 years of experience in ophthalmology.
-He emphasizes the importance of mentorship in career development.
-Innovation in ophthalmology can come from both internal and external sources.
-The relationship between industry and practitioners is unique and beneficial.
-Frinzi believes that lens-based refractive surgery is the future.
-Patient fear and cost are significant barriers to elective surgeries.
-Collaboration among ophthalmologists and industry is crucial for advancement.
-Regulatory bodies have become more receptive in recent years.
-The myopic epidemic presents ongoing opportunities for innovation.
-Frinzi is optimistic about the future of technology in ophthalmology.

Keywords
ophthalmology, medical devices, innovation, refractive surgery, mentorship, patient care, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory changes, industry evolution, technology