Kirk H. Packo, MD, FACS, FASRS, stood as the visionary force behind the transition of the Vitreous Society into the influential American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS), showcasing his strategic innovation and commitment to the field of retina. Beyond his expertise in vitreoretinal surgery, Dr. Packo was a beacon of creativity, intellect, and masterful storytelling. He served as President of American Society of Retina Specialists from 2000-2002, and as professor and chair of the Department of Ophthalmology at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago since 2004. He was also senior partner at Illinois Retina Associates for nearly 40 years. He holds leadership roles in numerous societies and organizations, including ASRS, Retina Society, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American College of Surgeons, the American Medical Association, and the Chicago Ophthalmologic Society.
Dr. Packo’s career was marked by innovative contributions. He developed over 25 surgical instruments, held multiple patents, led the commercialization of intraocular gases, and contributed to the development of the Artificial Silicon Retina. His impact as a lecturer reached across the globe, with over 1,200 presentations and courses delivered in more than 40 countries, captivating audiences with his distinctive combination of expertise and theatrical flair.
Dr. Packo led several initiatives such as the Preferences and Trends (PAT) Survey, Film Festival, and Retina Times, showcasing his deep commitment to advancing the field of retina. He has produced over 20 award-winning medical films. With a background in professional acting, Dr. Packo's lectures are celebrated for their clarity, creativity, and humor, earning him the reputation as the "Yoda of PowerPoint and Photoshop."
He received serval prestigious awards, including the Packo Award for exceptional service to ASRS in 2019 and was among the first Americans to receive the Relja Zivojnovic Award from the European Vitreous Society for outstanding lifetime worldwide contributions to vitreoretinal surgery. In 2007, Dr. Packo was honored with the Founders Award by the ASRS, recognizing his exceptional leadership and contributions to the science of retina. He was honored with a Lifetime Achievement in Retina Award from the Mediterranean Retina Society in 2010, as well as multiple education awards, including the Senior Honor Award of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, numerous Golden Apple awards, and was elected to Rush University’s Mark Leeper Society of Teachers.
Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Packo dedicated himself to educating and mentoring future generations of retinal specialists with his wisdom and enthusiasm, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to shape the field of retina.
