Introduction

Dr. M. Ronan Conlon’s journey in the field of ophthalmology has been both inspiring and impactful. From his early days as a student in Dublin, Ireland, to his dedicated work in refractive surgery, Dr. Conlon has made a difference in the lives of many patients. A Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and a Diplomat of the American Board of Ophthalmology, Dr. Conlon is also an esteemed member of the Canadian Ophthalmology Society, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, and the Canadian Oculoplastics Society. 

Education and Training

Dr. Conlon embarked on his medical journey by graduating with an honours degree from the prestigious Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland, in 1987. His exceptional performance earned him the Gold Medal in Ophthalmology. Afterward, he moved to Canada to complete his residency training at the University of Western Ontario.

Determined to excel in his field, Dr. Conlon pursued additional fellowship training at the esteemed Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard University in Boston, and the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.

Notably, he is a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and a Diplomat of the American Board of Ophthalmology.

An Esteemed Career in Ophthalmology

Dr. Conlon is a Clinical Professor in Ophthalmology at the University of Saskatchewan. Throughout his career, he has written numerous scientific articles and book chapters and has spoken nationally and internationally about refractive surgery.

Dr. Conlon’s passion for innovation led him to pioneer refractive eye surgery in Canada. In 1996, he and his colleagues travelled to Germany to acquire the necessary laser technology. As a result, they brought laser eye surgery to Canada even before it was available in the United States.

In 1995, Dr. Conlon co-founded the Horizon Laser Vision Centre (HLVC) with Dr. Jim Underhill, Dr. Tom Blackwell, and several local optometrists. He later became the first Medical Director of HLVC in 2010. After a fruitful tenure at HLVC, Dr. Conlon moved on in 2017 to focus on his own refractive laser practice. In 2018, Dr. Conlon performed the first femtosecond laser-assisted cataract extraction (LenSx) in Saskatchewan and has performed over 3000 procedures.

The Conlon Eye Institute: A Testament to Dr. Conlon’s Vision

As Dr. Conlon’s career and the Conlon Eye Institute have grown, so has the laser technology used in ophthalmology. Dr. Conlon has honed his surgical skills as LASIK/PRK evolved from its early stages to today’s advanced procedure. He also transitioned to treating cataract patients, moving from cataract removal to cutting-edge lenses for visual enhancement at the highest level.

A Proven Leader and Philanthropist

Dr. Conlon’s extensive administrative background is evident in his service as the first conjoint head of the Department of Ophthalmology and Chief of Staff in the Saskatoon Health Region. He has also served on various boards, including the Saskatoon Community Foundation and Inclusion Saskatchewan.

Conclusion

Having performed more than 40,000 refractive procedures, Dr. M. Ronan Conlon is deeply appreciative of his role in a constantly evolving field, which has enabled him to grow and adapt continuously. He takes pride in witnessing the progress made in ophthalmology and eagerly looks forward to the Conlon Eye Institute continuing to serve patients as the field advances. Dr. Conlon’s life story stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment, innovative spirit, and passion for enhancing the vision of others.