Internationally renowned ophthalmic surgeon, Professor David Spalton, is the 2022 recipient of the ICO International Duke Elder Medal. This honour is awarded every four years to an individual recognised for outstanding global leadership whose work has advanced the field of ophthalmology and contributed to the development of international relations and friendship between ophthalmologists.

Prof. Spalton is known internationally for his research, knowledge, and clinical skills in the fields of cataract surgery and neuro-ophthalmology with specialised expertise relating to intra-ocular lenses. He was the Ophthalmic Surgeon at St Thomas’ Hospital and now holds Emeritus status. Prof. Spalton is a Past President of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) and of the United Kingdom and Ireland Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. He received their Gold Medal and Lifetime Achievement Award and the Ridley Medal, among many other honours recognising his contributions to ophthalmology.

As the 2022 recipient of the ICO International Duke Elder Medal, Prof. Spalton will deliver a lecture in honour of the late Sir William Stewart Duke Elder at the 2022 World Ophthalmology Congress.