Photo by Bill Bartlett
Dr. Mark Lobanoff, a fellowship-trained refractive surgeon based in Minnesota, has dedicated his career to advancing the field of ophthalmology through innovation and technology. With a robust educational background, including four years of medical school, a year of internal medicine, and three years of surgical training, Dr. Lobanoff specialized in refractive surgery through an additional fellowship at the University of Minnesota. He began practicing in 2004 and quickly built a reputable clinic in the northern suburbs. However, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted him to reevaluate his career goals, leading to the founding of OVO LASIK + LENS, a clinic dedicated to utilizing the latest technology in eye care.
Dr. Lobanoff’s passion for research and industry collaboration drives OVO’s commitment to cutting-edge technology. Unlike many clinics that claim to have the latest advancements but use outdated equipment, OVO genuinely offers state-of-the-art technology. Dr. Lobanoff emphasizes that OVO participates in multiple FDA studies to bring the next generation of eye care technology to market. This includes the FDA trial for Bausch and Lomb’s new laser for LASIK, the first new laser for this procedure in 15 years.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Lobanoff has ventured into software development, forming the company Phorcides, which utilizes geographic imaging software to enhance topographical mapping of the cornea. This technology has made Contoura, or topography-guided LASIK, the most advanced form of LASIK, even more precise. Phorcides’ success led Dr. Lobanoff to create another company, Lochan, which builds Bausch and Lomb’s global cloud-based surgical planning platform, improving the accuracy and safety of cataract and lens-based surgeries.
Photo by Bill Bartlett
Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a significant role in Dr. Lobanoff’s innovations. At OVO, AI is used to plan cataract and lens-based surgeries by analyzing a database of 30,000 successful surgeries. The AI software compares a patient’s eye measurements with similar cases to recommend the most accurate lens formula. This approach has led to remarkable outcomes, such as helping a patient with extreme myopia achieve 20/20 vision, a feat that even the world’s leading experts couldn’t confidently address.
Dr. Lobanoff acknowledges the challenges of incorporating AI, particularly the risk of AI “hallucinations” or false answers presented confidently. To mitigate this, OVO has implemented safeguards to ensure AI’s recommendations are accurate and reliable. “We as human beings have a responsibility to be enthusiastic about AI’s potential,” he says. “But we also must have a cautious eye on how we make it work best for us and not the other way around.” Despite these challenges, AI has the potential to make ophthalmology more efficient and personalized. For instance, AI could streamline medical record-keeping, allowing doctors to focus more on patient interaction and less on administrative tasks.
Looking ahead, Dr. Lobanoff envisions AI becoming an integral part of ophthalmology, enhancing pattern recognition in diagnostics and providing expert-level assistance to surgeons. He believes that while AI can improve technical aspects of eye care, the human touch in patient interactions remains irreplaceable. “[AI] is going to make medical record taking easier. I’ll have time to actually look the patient in the eye and talk to them face to face,” he says. “So, ironically, the introduction of artificial intelligence into the office allows me to be more personal in that inner relationship with the patient.” Dr. Lobanoff’s commitment to innovation and patient care is evident in his continuous efforts to integrate AI and advanced technology into ophthalmology, setting a new standard—the absolute best—for eye care excellence.
As AI continues to evolve, Dr. Lobanoff’s pioneering work at OVO and his software companies demonstrate the transformative potential of technology in improving patient outcomes and advancing medical practice. His dedication to staying at the forefront of ophthalmology ensures that patients receive the best possible care, combining the latest technology with a personal touch.
Read more about how AI is revolutionizing health care in Minnesota.
