Eyeworld

129 EW IN OTHER NEWS "But in every other way, being married to someone who under- stands your language and is inter- ested in the same things has been so much fun and so gratifying," she said. "We've collaborated on a num- ber of projects and we've written a number of papers together. At home, we often talk about difficult issues over dinner. We are a sounding board for each other." Being in the same subspecial- ty within ophthalmology offers a unique experience for the couple. "We have both been interested in glaucoma surgery," Dr. Brown said. "We have collaborated in trying to make the surgery better." In the late 1990s they began to work on a new glaucoma surgical device, the EyePass (GMP Vision Solutions, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), which was a precursor to the current iStent (Glaukos, Laguna Hills, Calif.). The idea of the EyePass was to help drain aqueous fluid from the ante- rior chamber into the physiologic drainage system while bypassing the trabecular meshwork. Dr. Brown and Dr. Lynch have several fundamen- tal patents in the area of trabecular bypass devices. The idea for the EyePass came when they were returning home from a meeting, Dr. Lynch said. "We had the kids in the back- seat and we were talking about the meeting. We started exploring different ideas," she said. "I was sketching and he was driving." Secrets to success Although sharing career interests is very important in a relationship, both Dr. Lynch and Dr. Brown said that the key is deeper. "It is love and commitment," Dr. Lynch said. "You have to keep the romance alive." They do this by continuing to go out on "dates" and traveling together. They recently attended a spiritual retreat in New Mexico. "That was a different experience for us, but it was great to do it as a couple," Dr. Brown said. Dr. Lynch plans a family reunion at the beach in the summer for each side of the family. "That keeps us connected to everyone," she said. They also travel frequently to visit their daughter in San Francisco and for other family functions. It is important to keep a good sense of humor. "When people ask how we met, Mary tells them she was a resident and I was the chief resident. She enjoys telling them that I was her boss. Then everyone laughs because they know how ridic- ulous that is." Dr. Lynch chimed in, "We are great together, and we are very lucky." EW Contact information reaymary@comcast.net February 2015 While singing a duet at the annual skit performed by the residents at the Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute, Dr. Lynch and Dr. Brown realized they had real chemistry. Dr. Brown and Dr. Lynch in Italy Dr. Brown, Dr. Lynch, and their daughter Annie (far left) attend their daughter Veronica's high school graduation in 2007. Source (all): Reay Brown, MD " Being married to someone who understands your language and is interested in the same things has been so much fun and so gratifying. " –Mary Lynch, MD

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