American Glaucoma Society Pays Tribute to Dr. Richard K. Parrish II

The American Glaucoma Society (AGS) recently honored Richard K. Parrish II, M.D., professor of ophthalmology, Edward W. D. Norton Chair in Ophthalmology and associate dean for graduate medical education at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine’s Bascom Palmer Eye Institute for his research, teaching and overall dedication to the field.

Richard K. Parrish II, M.D.

During the society’s annual meeting in Washington, D.C., AGS paid tribute to Dr. Parrish’s many scientific and clinical career achievements.

“I was sincerely surprised,” Dr. Parrish said. “Accolades such as these are usually relegated to the end of one’s career. A very well-known academic ophthalmologist said, ‘The path to retirement is strewn with named lectures.’ At the age of 68, I still feel like the most exciting times in medicine are yet to come.

“As I was introduced to say a few words after being presented with an award, I took the opportunity to ask the audience to stand for a moment of silence in honor of Chinese ophthalmologist Dr. Li Wenliang, who first described the possibility of a SARS-like illness that later proved to be the novel coronavirus,” Dr. Parrish said.

“This was the most memorable moment of the meeting for me.”

Dr. Wenliang contracted COVID-19 from one of his glaucoma patients and later died. “He was criticized by the government for calling attention to these sick patients,” said Dr. Parrish, who also wrote an editorial in the American Journal of Ophthalmology entitled: “Ophthalmologists Are More Than Eye Doctors – In Memoriam Li Wenliang.”

Dr. Parrish’s recognition came with a Tribute Book. In it, physicians who work with Dr. Parrish, fellows and residents he trained, and members of institutions where he worked before joining the Miller School praised him and his accomplishments.

“A man of unquestionable integrity, Dr. Parrish is a dedicated scientist and world-renowned glaucoma specialist most deserving of this recognition,” the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute noted.

“What a great contributor to Ophthalmology! Ground-breaking research at the start of his career, followed by inspirational lectures and always treating colleagues with kindness and respect. A true professional and inspiration,” Dr. Andrew Crichton wrote.

“Thank you … for your leadership as Editor of the American Journal of Ophthalmology,” the journal’s Executive Board wrote.

The AGS Board of Directors noted, “The American Glaucoma Society is extremely proud to recognize Richard K. Parrish II, M.D., as the 2020 AGS Honoree of our Annual Meeting. We honor your lifetime contributions to the American Glaucoma Society and Ophthalmology, and we celebrate your unwavering passion and dedication to our community of physicians, scientists, educators, residents and fellows-in-training, and to our patients with glaucoma.”

Many physicians who trained under Dr. Parrish also shared their appreciation. “The tribute book stood out for all for the fellows who sent their gratitude for having been trained in Miami,” Dr. Parrish said.

Dr. Parrish attributes his success to “trying to always remain humble. We still do not know much about the disease, glaucoma, that has caused so many people to lose sight.”

In addition, Dr. Parrish sees his role as an academic ophthalmologist at Bascom Palmer “as being a student for life rather than just being a teacher,” he said.

“We must keep asking hard questions and seeking answers. I have learned as much from a medical student asking a naive question that goes to the heart of an important issue as I have from a visiting professor.”

Tags: American Glaucoma Society, American Journal of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Richard K. Parrish II