Donald Korb’s myopia hasn’t affected his renowned ability to observe and to see what’s next.  

The renowned researcher, inventor and thought leader in both optometry and ophthalmology is known for discovering and naming Meibomian Gland Dysfunction(MGD), now recognized worldwide as the primary cause of dry eye, and giant papillary conjunctivitis(GPC), a complication from contact lens wear. 

Those discoveries—not to mention all the other ocular-related conditions he named—changed the face of ophthalmology and optometry. But the most personally satisfying accomplishment was his first breakthrough: creating the first membrane hydrophilic contact lens. 

From there, he said to host Paul Karpecki, OD, his life took off like the lead character in The Secret Life of Walter Mitty: whatever he imagined came to reality. 

Listen to this week’s podcast for Dr. Karpecki’s in-depth conversation with Dr. Korb. In it, they discuss: 

• How a visit with Polaroid led him to ocular photography and contact lens development. 
• The animal that inspired the first soft contact lens. 
• What it takes (and what it doesn’t take) to be a great inventor. 
• Why treatment by design is the way forward for eye care.