Claes H. Dohlman, MD, PhD, Professor of Ophthalmology, Emeritus and former Chair of Harvard Ophthalmology (1974-1989) was awarded an honorary doctorate from the Université de Montréal for his pioneering work in ophthalmology. University President Guy Breton presented the award to Dr. Dohlman at the graduation ceremony of the Undergraduate Doctorate of the Faculty of Medicine on June 17, 2019.
A renowned researcher and clinician, Dr. Dohlman’s research is recognized worldwide and his work is considered classic literature on understanding corneal biology. His investigations of corneal physiology have laid the groundwork for modern clinical practice in dry eye disease, management of corneal edema, corneal burns, wound healing, corneal transplantation, and keratoprosthesis.
Dr. Dohlman's career reflects a remarkable number of firsts: Dr. Dohlman was first in the world to create an organized cornea subspecialty (Mass. Eye and Ear), first to create a formal structured cornea fellowship program (Mass. Eye and Ear and Schepens Eye Research Institute), first to recruit full-time cornea fellows to HMS, and first to pioneer a number of surgical innovations in keratoplasty and keratoprosthesis. His most notable achievement is the Boston Keratoprosthesis (KPro), an artificial cornea that is now the most successful artificial cornea in the world, with over 15,000 implantations to date.
During his career, Dr. Dohlman has trained more than 200 cornea specialists—more than any other ophthalmologist in the world. He continues to shape and set new standards for the field, and remains an inspiration to everyone in the Harvard community—and beyond.