Cataract surgery and Istrian born inventor Anton Banko

Cataract Surgery Inventor

I’ve recently discovered that a person who invented and constructed the ultrasound device for cataract surgery was born in Istria, Croatia in 1927. 

His name was Anton Banko, he was an engineer by profession and, together with the American ophthalmologist and a pioneer in cataract surgery, Charles Kelman, he patented the instrument designed for “breaking apart and removal of unwanted material”, especially cataracts (US patent No. 3589363, filed on 25th July 1967). According to the records, this instrument was very advanced for its time but this was not all. Mr. Banko later established own company in New York dedicated to innovation in the design and development of ophthalmic instruments. The company soon started to produce and market a series of very reliable and successful phaco machines that are still used worldwide.

So, our Istrian bright engineer took part in helping many people regain their clear sight by the cataract surgery that is today performed simply and swiftly over the world. The typical pre operation phase takes two hours, while the surgical procedure itself lasts only 15 or 20 minutes and it is rather comfortable for the patients. Depending of the person’s state, one can be dismissed from hospital the same or the following day after the procedure.
In some places there are still long waiting lists for the cataract surgery and therefore, people do not hesitate much to have the cataract surgery done away from home, bearing in mind that one week recovery would be necessary before taking the trip back home.

Once the cataract is removed, the patient feels relieved and starts noticing brightness of the colors and craters on the moon, Not to mention full-hearted enjoyment in safety and beauty of the walks in nature or precision of movements while avoiding kitchen elements and edges that had made a home narrow before. That is why we often hear people saying “why haven’t I done it earlier?”

Share it on:
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
XING
WhatsApp
Email
Print

Related posts:

healthcare in croatia

Healthcare in Croatia

Healthcare in Croatia is surprisingly well developed and is often praised by tourists visiting the country.

The branch of medicine that goes long in the past and still holds the highest place is medical therapy or medical rehabilitation.

Read More »

OPPORTUNITIES FOR CROSS BORDER HEALTHCARE

At the end of 2019, the European Commission published its 7-year programme for investing in social and healthcare improvement. The new European Social Fund Plus is, from 2021 on, supposed to incorporate also finances for the stand-alone healthcare programme.

Read More »
summer 2020

OUR STORY: SUMMER 2020

The summer 2020 map The summer 2020 has found us in a not very happy state. Croatia has been doing well regarding the corona virus. Nevertheless, the world stopped and we all found ourselves in the unknown land. Our business,

Read More »

OUR STORY: WELLBE 2020 CHALLENGES AND REMINISCENCE | PART ONE

We would like to tell you our story from the point of view of one of the partners. The beginning of the year 2020 looked promising. However we have to admit 2020 was full of challenges. We undertook significant activities in order to spread good news, the options and opportunities about healthcare in Croatia.

Read More »
Scroll to Top