Dr Steven Nahaisi, Refractive Surgeon in Paris

Medical school

I began medical school at Université Pierre et Marie Curie (Paris VI), where I finished first in my class in first year, out of more than 2,000 students. I then did my clinical rotations as a medical student at Pitié-Salpêtrière and Saint-Antoine. In 2015, I took the ECN (the French national ranking exam) and was ranked 398th out of more than 9,000 candidates. This ranking allowed me to choose ophthalmology in Paris, one of the most sought-after specialties.

Ophthalmology residency in Paris (2015-2020)

For five years, I trained in the best ophthalmology departments in Paris. That is where it all started with the cornea.

My first formative rotation was in the department of Pr Jean-Louis Bourges at Hôtel-Dieu, a French reference center for corneal surgery. There I learned the most recent corneal transplant techniques (DMEK, KLAP, penetrating keratoplasty), as well as the screening and treatment of keratoconus. It is also where I discovered laser corneal refractive surgery. This rotation gave me a taste for everything related to the cornea.

At Kremlin-Bicêtre, I refined my skills in managing infectious corneal lesions (herpetic keratitis, fungal infections, autoimmune inflammatory reactions), as well as severe dry eye syndromes, autoimmune conditions and other ocular surface diseases. This experience with corneal and surface problems helps me a great deal today in managing the post-operative course and any side effects of refractive surgery.

At Eaubonne hospital, alongside Dr Sadri Chahed, I performed my first cataract operations, about a hundred in six months. That is what gave me my surgical skills and my familiarity with the operating room.

At Cochin Hospital, I worked under the supervision of Pr Monnet and Pr Brézin on post-operative inflammation: endophthalmitis, toxic anterior segment syndromes (TASS). It was in this context that I completed my thesis, which identified an inflammatory cause linked to a model of intraocular lens. This discovery led to the withdrawal of the lens from the market and to a better understanding of the mechanisms of ocular inflammatory reactions.

At the Fondation Rothschild, I was trained by two major figures in French ophthalmology. Pr Gabison taught me the most modern corneal surgery techniques, from corneal transplants to corneal prostheses, including refractive surgery. Pr Gatinel, a world reference in refractive surgery, trained me in the advanced theory of laser correction: aberrometry, Q factor, principles of corneal asphericity, management of corneal aberrations. It was with him that I performed my first refractive surgeries.

It was also with Pr Gatinel that I sharpened my ability to detect keratoconus, including its most subtle forms, and to distinguish true positives from false positives on corneal topographies. I also deepened my knowledge of the theory of eye rubbing and its role in corneal deformation. This skill carries a lot of weight in refractive surgery: detecting keratoconus, even subclinical, during the pre-operative assessment means preventing the risk of post-operative ectasia. I do it for every patient, without exception.

My last residency rotation brought me back to Cochin, where I took over from Dr Ferrero to ensure the continuity of the cornea department. At that stage, I was already performing my first transplants on my own, as a resident.

In November 2022, I completed my chief residency at Cochin. My colleagues Dr Romain Nicolau and Dr Camille Rambaud had just opened the Institut Laser Ophtalmologique Voltaire, a brand-new clinic equipped with the latest technologies. They invited me to join them. In February 2023, I started my private practice.

Demand for refractive surgery grew quickly. More and more patients came, thanks to the reputation I had built at the hospital and to word of mouth. I then chose to devote myself entirely to my passion: laser vision correction.

This choice is not insignificant. It means that I devote all my time and all my attention to a single subject. I master all eye surgery techniques (LASIK, TransPRK, SMILE, but also cataract surgery and intraocular lens implantation) and I chose to focus this experience on laser refractive surgery, on the Schwind excimer and Visumax 800 femtosecond platform.

I am often asked about it, so I might as well answer here. I have mild myopia, and I wear glasses. Quite simply because I like my face with them, they have never bothered me, and my myopia lets me read very close up without correction, which is very practical in everyday life. Refractive surgery is above all a matter of personal motivation. When glasses or contact lenses become a burden, surgery is a great solution. But when you live very well with them, nothing is mandatory.

On the other hand, I have operated on my wife, many members of my family, ophthalmologist colleagues, and thousands of patients. Everyone has their own reasons, and their own timing.

Patients who come from all over France, the French overseas territories and abroad

I regularly see patients who travel from all over France, from the French overseas territories and sometimes from abroad. When someone travels several hundred kilometers to entrust me with their eyes, it is a mark of trust that moves me deeply. For these patients, I organize tailored care pathways. For example, it is possible to have the consultation and the surgery on the same day at the Institut Voltaire, to limit travel.