The world’s oldest original Ridley intraocular lens, the very first implant into a human, changed cataract surgery and the world forever.

Who would have thought this little ball of plastic would grow up to give millions of people vision.

This particular IOL lives in Dunedin New Zealand where I grew up and trained. The first IOLs were produced by Rayner Global who continue to produce innovative lens designs today!

These photos were organized by friend and colleague Dr Francesc March and we included them in our recent publication on the 75th anniversary of the first implantation.

It’s an interesting tale and is now freely available online at CRS Today so go check it out here!