Scott MacRae, MD, Wins 2017 Barraquer Award

The José Barraquer Award is the highest achievement a refractive surgeon can receive. Refractive surgery includes LASIK, premium intraocular lens surgeries, and other laser refractive procedures, all which change the eye’s focusing power to reduce dependence on glasses or contact lenses.

The annual prize honors an ophthalmologist who has made significant contributions in the field of refractive surgery during his or her career. This individual exemplifies the character and scientific dedication of Dr. José I. Barraquer; known as one of the founding fathers of LASIK and other refractive procedures.

Barraquer Award recipients are chosen by a panel of the International Society of Refractive Surgeons – the world’s leading authority on refractive Surgery in conjunction with the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Many Barraquer winners are clinicians and scientists who were “first” in developing new refractive surgical treatments or instrumentation that advanced patient safety and outcomes. 

Scott MacRae, MD, is just the 32nd physician selected for this honor. Dr. MacRae is the first and only American LASIK surgeon to develop a U.S. patented and FDA approved mathematical equation to improve LASIK outcomes, called The Rochester Nomogram. It is used throughout the world on tens of thousands of patients each year. Not only does the technology help nearly all patients achieve 20/20 or better eye sight, it actually improves the final quality and clarity of vision beyond the lines of an eye chart.

In addition to the Rochester Nomogram, Dr. MacRae is known as a highly respected master surgeon, researcher and teacher who has published numerous articles, presented at international meetings, written book chapters and authored the leading textbook on custom LASIK surgery. Moreover, he is one of the leaders of the University of Rochester and Bausch + Lomb team that redefined LASIK in the 21st century through the introduction of wavefront technology, which allows the procedure to be more accurately customized to each patient’s eyes.