Interview with Ass. Prof. Dr. Ali Olgun, MD

In today’s interview, we’re joined by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ali Olgun – a very important figure in glaucoma and cataract surgery, known not only for his surgical expertise but also for his passion for education and international collaboration. I believe that Dr. Olgun’s journey reflects a deep commitment to excellence, innovation, and mentorship in ophthalmology. We spoke with him about the challenges of residency, the evolution of surgical techniques, and his mission to make eye care more accessible and understandable through research and social media. Read his interesting answers in the interview below! Enjoy!

Atanas: Hello Dr. Olgun, and welcome! It’s great to have you on our ophthalmology blog. You’ve built a remarkable career in eye care, and we’re excited to learn about your journey.

Dr. Olgun: Thank you, Atanas. I’m happy to be here and share my story.

Early Inspirations and Choosing Ophthalmology

Atanas: Let’s start at the beginning. What first drew you to medicine and, in particular, to ophthalmology?

Dr. Olgun: Ever since I was a kid, I was curious about how the human body works, and the eye always fascinated me. I remember watching an eye surgery during medical school and thinking how incredible it is to work with such a small, delicate organ. In Turkey, I did my medical degree at Marmara University and during rotations, ophthalmology stood out.

The combination of medicine, technology and the chance to literally improve someone’s sight inspired me. I also had a great mentor in an ophthalmology clinic – his passion really rubbed off on me. By the time I applied for residency in Istanbul Göztepe Training and Research Hospital, I knew I wanted to become an eye specialist.

Residency Challenges and Lessons Learned

Atanas: Residency can be intense. What were some of the toughest challenges you faced during those years, and how did you navigate them?

Dr. Olgun: Residency in ophthalmology was very demanding but rewarding. One challenge was the learning curve for surgeries. Imagine doing your first cataract surgery – I was nervous! But the attending surgeons were patient with me. A big part was hands-on practice: I spent many late nights in the wet lab training on animal eyes to improve my micro-surgery skills. Time management was tough too: we often worked long hours, on call for emergencies. I had to learn fast while staying fresh.

Emotional challenges came with patient outcomes – sometimes surgery doesn’t go as planned. In those moments, I leaned on my colleagues and mentors. Discussing tough cases in study groups helped a lot. I also realized the importance of a steady hand and a calm mind – I developed pre-surgery routines like double-checking everything and taking a deep breath. Overall, persistence, teamwork, and continuous practice helped me get through residency stronger and more confident.

Mastering Glaucoma and Cataract Surgery (MIGS, XEN, GAAT, Trabeculectomy, etc.)

Atanas: Over the years you’ve become known for your surgical skill, especially in complex cataract and advanced glaucoma techniques like MIGS, XEN stents, and even the Paul implant. How did you build up those specialized skills?

Dr. Olgun: It was a gradual process. In the early years of my career, I focused on mastering standard cataract surgeries and simpler glaucoma procedures. As I gained experience, I sought out additional training. For example, I attended advanced workshops and wet labs on MIGS (minimally invasive glaucoma surgery). Learning to implant a XEN gel stent or perform gonioscopy-assisted trabeculotomy (GATT/GAAT) requires a different mindset than a regular trabeculectomy. I learned from pioneers in those techniques, practicing with them and reviewing surgical videos over and over. Over time, I started incorporating MIGS into my practice for patients who needed less aggressive surgery.

At the same time, I didn’t abandon traditional techniques. I performed many standard trabeculectomies (TE) during my training, which taught me how to handle complications and manage tough cases. Mastering trabeculectomy gave me a solid foundation. As new devices like the XEN stent and Paul Glaucoma Implant became available, I took specialized courses offered by societies and even some of the device manufacturers. In these courses I did hands-on simulations on cadaver eyes, which was incredibly helpful.

For complex cataract surgeries – like dense or subluxated lenses – I learned techniques like using capsular tension rings and doing scleral-fixation of intraocular lenses. Again, this came from watching experienced surgeons and getting extra training. To me, it’s been important to combine the best of all worlds: keep the basic surgeries safe and reliable, while also adopting new methods to help patients who need them. It takes years to feel comfortable with each new technique; honestly, I’m still learning something new from every case.

Academic Credentials: FEBO, FICO, MRCSEd and Their Relevance

Atanas: You hold qualifications like FEBO, FICO, and MRCSEd. Can you tell us what those are and why you pursued them?

Dr. Olgun: Sure. These are professional fellowships and memberships that show a high level of training and knowledge. FEBO stands for Fellow of the European Board of Ophthalmology. It means I passed a rigorous exam and met European standards for eye surgeons. FICO is Fellow of the International Council of Ophthalmology – another comprehensive exam and certification recognized worldwide. MRCSEd is Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, which is actually a surgical qualification (not ophthalmology-specific but it’s respected globally).

Preparing for those exams was very challenging. I spent months studying cases and theory far beyond what I learned in residency. Why did I do it? Several reasons. First, it deepened my medical knowledge. Studying for FICO and FEBO covered areas of ophthalmology I might not have encountered every day.

Second, having these titles helps patients and colleagues trust that I’ve been tested to a high standard. It also opens doors internationally – for example, when I was applying to work abroad, these credentials reassured hospitals that I’m up to par with global peers. Finally, it was a personal goal to keep growing. Each qualification felt like a milestone that I was up for the challenge.

International Experience and Its Impact

Atanas: You’ve also worked internationally, most recently in Erbil, Iraq, and in major clinics in Turkey. How has that shaped your skills and perspective?

Dr. Olgun: Working in different countries has been eye-opening (no pun intended). Here’s what I’ve learned: in each place, the types of patients and available resources can be different. For instance, at the West Eye Hospital in Erbil where I work now, I treat patients who come from many regions and sometimes present with very advanced disease. Resources might not be exactly the same as in a big Istanbul clinic, so I’ve learned to adapt my techniques and make quick, practical decisions.

In Istanbul’s private hospitals like Dünya Göz and Venividi, we had high-tech equipment and a steady flow of cases, which sharpened my surgical skills with large volume. In government hospitals during my training, I saw a broader spectrum of eye disease, including many trauma cases, because everyone has access. Teaching and collaborating with colleagues from different backgrounds has made me more culturally sensitive and flexible.

Each international stint taught me something new – whether it was learning language nuances, or understanding patient concerns in a different healthcare system. It also helped me build a global network; I’ve attended conferences around the world and learned cutting-edge techniques from foreign experts. Overall, working abroad confirmed that good medicine transcends borders, but you must be adaptable and always considerate of the setting.

Research and Key Publications (GAAT, XEN, Paul Implant)

Atanas: You’ve authored several research papers on glaucoma topics like GATT/GAAT, XEN stents, and the Paul Glaucoma Implant. Can you highlight some of your key findings and what they mean for clinical practice?

Dr. Olgun: Absolutely. My research so far has focused on comparing different surgical methods and looking at outcomes. One study I helped lead compared the XEN gel stent versus traditional trabeculectomy, specifically looking at corneal endothelial cell health. We found that patients who had XEN implants lost far fewer endothelial cells than those who had a trabeculectomy, at least in the short term. In plain language, that means XEN might be gentler on the cornea. Clinically, this suggests that for patients who already have low corneal cell counts (like some elderly patients), a XEN stent could be a safer choice to protect the inner cornea.

Another project compared the XEN stent with gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT), two minimally invasive techniques for open-angle glaucoma. That study showed both methods effectively lowered eye pressure, but the XEN stent tended to reduce pressure and the need for drops slightly more on average. It’s interesting because it tells surgeons: you have options, and you can tailor the choice to each patient’s needs. If you need a very low target pressure, XEN might be better; if you want to avoid an implant altogether, GATT is still a strong option.

I was also part of work on gonioscopy-assisted trabeculotomy (often called GAAT or GATT) with other methods. For example, in one paper we looked at GATT alone versus GATT combined with micropulse laser in advanced glaucoma. We found adding the micropulse laser gave even lower pressures in very advanced cases. This kind of research helps doctors know what to try next when standard surgery isn’t enough.

Finally, I co-authored a recent paper on the Paul Glaucoma Implant, which is a newer type of glaucoma shunt. In that study, we implanted Paul devices in children with refractory congenital glaucoma (kids who had very high pressures and had failed multiple surgeries). The results were promising: most of those challenging cases saw a big drop in pressure after receiving the Paul implant, with acceptable safety. This is exciting because congenital glaucoma can be very hard to treat, and having another tool like the Paul implant could really change outcomes for those children.

In summary, all these publications are about giving evidence to our clinical decisions. They help me and others answer questions like “Should I do MIGS or a classic trabeculectomy?”, “Is XEN better for this patient or that patient?”, or “Is this new implant worthwhile?” In the end, research is a way of learning from every patient and improving what we do next.

Advice for Young Ophthalmologists

Atanas: What advice would you give to young ophthalmologists, especially those interested in glaucoma and cataract surgery?

Dr. Olgun: I have several tips I often share:

• Master the basics first. Spend plenty of time perfecting simple cataract surgeries before you jump into complex ones. Those fundamental skills are the foundation for everything else.

• Seek mentorship. Find an experienced surgeon who is generous with advice. Watching and assisting a mentor in the operating room is invaluable. Never be afraid to ask questions, even if they seem basic.

• Learn continuously. Ophthalmology is always evolving. Read journals, watch surgical videos, attend conferences or webinars. There are excellent online platforms (like AAO courses or surgical video libraries) – make use of them whenever you can.

• Practice, practice, practice. If you can, use simulators or wet labs to rehearse surgeries. Even outside of actual surgery, you can practice steps on models or pig eyes. Muscle memory builds with repetition.

• Be patient and calm. Surgery can be unpredictable. If a case gets tough, stay calm and systematic. Sometimes taking a pause, reassessing, and switching strategies is the safest route.

• Communicate well with patients. This may not feel like a surgical skill, but explaining procedures and building trust makes everything go more smoothly. A relaxed patient is a better patient.

• Network and collaborate. Join a glaucoma society or online forum. Talking with peers about challenging cases can give you new ideas. Platforms like Twitter or Instagram (medical accounts) can connect you with experts worldwide.

  
  

In short, stay humble and curious. Every patient and every surgery is an opportunity to learn. If you keep working hard, over time your hands and judgment will become more reliable.

Instagram Presence: @doktorite

Atanas: You have an active Instagram account, @doktorite, with tens of thousands of followers. What's the story behind starting that account, and what impact has it had?

Dr. Olgun: (Laughs) Well, the story is pretty simple. When I was a fellow in Istanbul, I started posting some interesting surgical videos and case discussions on Instagram. I chose the handle “doktorite” kind of like a playful take on “doctor.” Initially I did it just for fun and to share knowledge with a few colleagues. But very quickly more and more people started following – not just doctors but even patients who wanted to learn about eye health.

The mission became clear: I wanted to educate and demystify ophthalmology. I post things like short clips of surgeries (with patient consent, of course), Q&A sessions, and infographics about eye conditions. I try to do it in a friendly, understandable way. Instagram turned into a two-way street. Patients ask questions and I can point them to good resources. Young doctors ask about tips and I can answer or share links.

The impact has been quite encouraging. Many young surgeons have told me they learned a trick from watching my videos, or felt supported by seeing I face the same challenges. Some patients even message me personally thanking me for explaining their condition in plain language. It’s built a community.

For me personally, managing @doktorite has also meant I have to stay sharp and up-to-date, because I’m out there explaining concepts publicly. It’s become part of my identity. I think social media is a powerful tool to break down barriers – it shows the human side of medicine. But I also maintain professional boundaries, so it’s used mostly for education, not personal life. I’m grateful it’s had a positive impact, and it continues to motivate me to share knowledge.

Recommended Courses and Online Resources

Atanas: What educational resources or courses would you recommend to someone training in glaucoma and cataract surgery?

Dr. Olgun: There are many great resources out there. Here are a few categories and examples:

• Hands-on Surgical Courses: Look for wet-lab workshops and simulation courses. For example, the ESASO or ASCRS masterclasses often have sessions on MIGS and complex cataract surgery. Visiting a training center like the Dominican Eye Doctors or Moorfields for a short surgical fellowship can be invaluable.

• Society Conferences and Webinars: The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), European Glaucoma Society (EGS), Asia-Pacific Academy, etc., all have annual meetings and online webinars. These not only teach surgical techniques but also offer access to lectures from leaders.

• Online Video Libraries: Platforms like EyeTube, CataractCoach (Dr. Zeiter’s YouTube channel), YouTube @doktorite channel, or the AAO Basic and Clinical Science Course lectures can be very helpful. Watching recorded surgeries on YouTube or specialized apps lets you see techniques in detail.

▷ Youtube Channel: @Doktorite

• Journal Clubs and Case Discussions: Participate in online ophthalmology groups on WhatsApp or Telegram, or follow ophthalmology podcasts. Discussing real cases with peers around the world can open new perspectives.

• Social Media and Blogs: As we mentioned, Instagram accounts like @doktorite, @essutrainee, or @eyedocsocial share daily tips. Also professional groups on LinkedIn or Facebook (e.g. European Glaucoma Society group) can be informative.

• Books and Online Texts: Don’t underestimate classic textbooks and online resources like the “Wills Eye Manual” or “EyeWiki.” They’re great references for both clinical knowledge and surgical technique.
  

A balanced mix of these will build both theoretical knowledge and practical skill. And remember, local courses or workshops in your region can also be very effective, especially if they allow hands-on practice.

Vision for the Future of Work and Education

Atanas: Looking ahead, what is your vision for the future in your field and in surgical education?

Dr. Olgun: I’m really excited about the future. Technology will continue to transform ophthalmology. For example, I expect artificial intelligence to become more integrated – maybe helping us detect glaucoma earlier or guiding us during surgery. Robotic assistance in eye surgery is also something on the horizon. I hope to stay involved in those advances.

In terms of education, I see training becoming more immersive. Virtual reality simulators are improving, so trainees can practice surgeries in realistic settings before touching a patient. I plan to support that by perhaps collaborating on simulation training programs. I also think global connectivity will keep growing – young surgeons from different countries can collaborate online as if they’re neighbors, which is fantastic.

For my own work, I want to continue combining practice with teaching and research. I would love to establish more structured surgical training workshops locally – like hands-on glaucoma surgery courses in Turkey or the region. On social media and online, I hope to expand my educational outreach, maybe starting live lecture sessions or interactive webinars through @doktorite’s network.

Above all, my vision is that patients will benefit from these developments. With better training methods, more surgeons will be skilled in safe, effective techniques. And with new tools like the Paul implant, more patients will keep their sight who might otherwise lose it. I want to be part of that positive change, both in the operating room and in educating the next generation.

Closing Message to Young Doctors

Atanas: Finally, is there anything you’d like to say to young doctors who are just beginning their journey?

Dr. Olgun: To young doctors, I’d say: Cherish your curiosity and compassion. Medicine is a long road – there will be challenging days, but always keep in mind why you started. Don’t be discouraged by setbacks; each mistake is a lesson that makes you better. Seek out mentors, but also be ready to become a mentor yourself someday. Keep learning even when you’re tired, because each bit of knowledge adds to your skill. Take care of your own well-being too – a rested, healthy doctor is the best doctor for patients. And remember, empathy and patience with your patients are as important as your medical skills. Work hard, stay humble, and keep your passion alive. If you do all that, you’ll build a rewarding career and make a real difference in people’s lives.

Atanas: Thank you so much for sharing your insights and experiences, Dr. Olgun. I’m sure our readers will find this conversation as inspiring and informative as I did. All the best in your future endeavors!

Ass. Prof. Dr. Ali Olgun, MD - Links and Contacts:

• Instagram

• YouTube

• LinkedIn

• ResearchGate

Interviewer: Atanas Bogoev, MD, FEBO

Atanas Bogoev, M.D., FEBO is a consultant ophthalmologist, eye surgeon, and co-founder of Ophthalmology24. Atanas has trained internationally, attending courses at Harvard Medical School, Oftalmo University, and completing observerships such as the GAASS program in Toronto. He combines surgical experience with a passion for education, translating surgical best practices and clinical learning into accessible resources.