How would it feel to be the grandchild of a famous grandparent? We had a unique opportunity to answer that question during October when the Advanced Cornea Course welcomed a distinguished visitor from Innsbruck, Austria, Dr. Mathias Zirm.

His grandfather, Dr. Eduard Zirm, was the Chief of Medicine of a hospital in what is now the Czech Republic, when he performed the first successful organ transplant. He transplanted the corneal tissue of an 11-year old boy who had accidentally died into the eyes of a day laborer blinded in an industrial accident.

The operation and subsequent healing were difficult because without a microscope, Dr. Zerm was unable to suture the cornea. He had to use sutures from the outside. In spite of these limitations, the cornea did not get opaque and the patient was able to see within a few hours post-surgery and retained his vision for the rest of his life.

This groundbreaking surgery took place on December 7, 1905 and the centennial anniversary of the milestone will be recognized worldwide in December. It took years of unsuccessful attempts by eye surgeons around the globe to reach that turning point and as a result, thousands of people are now able to see. The method Dr. Zerm developed is still the basis today for the repair of corneal damage.

We interviewed Dr. Zirm during his visit to Indianapolis about his own illustrious career as a researcher and ophthalmologist.

Q: How did you decide to become a doctor?

My Dad was a chemist, a doctor and an immunology professor. I admired him as an excellent scientist and physician, and I found his research fascinating. When I attended medical school, I thought at first I might pursue only the practice of medicine as my life work. But then I had an opportunity to conduct research and it lured me from my initial plan.

Q: How does it feel to be the grandson of a famous grandfather?

His was a remarkable achievement in the history of medicine. It was accomplished in spite of many obstacles and a century of unsuccessful attempts by doctors around the world. I am proud of him, of course, and, as a doctor, indebted to him for this triumph. Having a famous grandfather inspired me to want to contribute during my own lifetime.

Q: How did you learn of Dr. Price’s work?

I attended a conference in Milan this spring and heard him present a paper he had written describing his research. He and I are somewhat alike in our interests and philosophy and this further intrigued me to want to come and learn directly from him. He is a good teacher, very well prepared, and I have enjoyed my time here.

Q: Will there be further contact between your clinic and Dr. Price’s practice?

Yes, I have invited him to come visit me, my staff, and my family when he and his lovely wife, Dr. Marianne Price, return to Europe next year. He will be equally impressed as I have been, that we do many things exactly the same, for example, when we operate. I look forward to having him come to Europe and to helping spread his methods because they are of great value to patients.

Q: What role has your family played in your life’s work?

My wife, Maria, is an accomplished lawyer and she raised our three beautiful daughters while I concentrated on my research. At this stage of my life, I sometimes reflect on how I might have done things differently. It is a challenge we all face to balance work and life.

Q: What advice do you have for young doctors in your field?

In the beginning of a career, you run fast toward a goal that seems far away, and you sometimes leave your family behind. If I have any advice for young doctors I would say this: do it better than I did! I am grateful for my wonderful family and could not have made the contributions I have without their support and understanding.

Footnote: Throughout 2005, the Eye Bank Association of America will be commemorating the centennial of the first corneal transplant performed by Eduard Zirm, M.D. Here are some facts about eye donation they have distributed in an effort to call attention to its importance:

• The first eye bank opened in New York in 1944
• More people donate eyes and tissue than other types of organs
• There are no patient waiting lists for corneas at the present time in the U.S.
• Over 90% of all corneal transplants are successful in restoring vision
• Corneal transplants are the most common of the human transplants procedures; more than 600,000 have been performed on patients from the age of nine days to 107 years of age
• Cataracts, poor eyesight or age do not prevent you from being a donor
• Eye, tissue and organ donations are consistent with beliefs and attitudes of all major religions