As we all know, there are two versions of endothelial keratoplasty therapy; DSAEK which has been performed for more than 10 years and the newer DMEK, which is only a couple of years old. Of note, each of these therapies was developed, in large part, through extensive exploration and refinement by VisionGift laboratory staff – with DMEK largely being pioneered in our lab by our technician Phil Dye. That Phil just this month passed the 1,000 DMEK graft preparation threshold is a truly remarkable achievement. Coupled with the many hundreds of peels Phil performed during validation and clinical trials for the procedure, Phil’s epic contribution to DMEK science means he has very likely performed more of these peels than any other person on the planet.
As noted by Joshua Galloway, Processing Manager for VisionGift, “Phil Dye has recently processed his 1000th DMEK graft for transplant and we are aware of only 1 other person the world, Dr. Mark Gorovoy, who can make the same claim. This is a remarkable achievement in itself, but to prepare that many with as few failures as Phil has had is even more astounding. In his over 1000 attempts Phil has been 98.5% successful in preparing transplantable grafts. To hit such a mark with that level of success on such an incredibly difficult procedure is a testament to the skills and dedication to our mission that Phil possesses.”
