EyeWorld is the official news magazine of the American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery.
Issue link: https://digital.eyeworld.org/i/1186984
as "a pioneer who was always accessible, sup- portive, and a prince of a man." "He was a role model for how to live a life as an ophthalmologist and family man. For me, he will be remembered as a man who made a difference in everything he did," Dr. Donnen- feld said. 'Diversely talented' Richard Lindstrom, MD, described Dr. Thorn- ton as "one of the most diversely talented friends I have enjoyed in ophthalmology." "A true Renaissance man, he was a superb clinician and surgeon, practice owner, and manager, global educator, ASCRS president, innovator and inventor of surgical techniques and instruments, consultant to industry, busi- ness owner and founder, elite magician, and so much fun to share an evening with that he was a repeat guest on the Johnny Carson show," Dr. Lindstrom said of this "truly unforgettable man and friend." A 'genuine human being' Arun Gulani, MD, said he and Dr. Thornton met at podiums many times while teaching at conferences around the world, especially in South Africa. "Nearly two decades ago, he traveled to witness my work on Corneoplastique and called it a 'beacon' in the world of eye surgery. I still remember the twinkle in his eyes as he said and wrote that down," Dr. Gulani recalled. He also recalled how special the ASCRS Film Festival was due to Dr. Thornton's "larg- er-than-life presence." Dr. Gulani said when he received an award at the Film Festival from Dr. Thornton it was a dream fulfilled. Dr. Gulani said Dr. Thornton's "movie star personality and flamboyance" and ready wit set him apart and enhanced their friendship. Dr. Gulani recalled how Dr. Thornton seemed to admire his fashion designs. Dr. Thornton was a "genuine human being who could relate to many levels," Dr. Gulani said. "To his last day he was involved in inno- vations in ophthalmology, and I have been ap- proached to complete that project—I will." DECEMBER 2019 | EYEWORLD | 13 Arun Gulani, MD, remembered receiving a 1st prize award at the ASCRS Film Festival from Dr. Thornton. Source: Arun Gulani, MD Dr. Thornton (fifth from left) received the ASCRS Film Festival Lifetime Acheivement Award in 2019. Source: ASCRS Robert Osher, MD, remembered meeting Dr. Thornton in the 1980s, becoming lifelong friends. Source: Robert Osher, MD Spencer Thornton, MD Source: ASCRS