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Cynthia J. MacKay, M.D. is an American ophthalmologist, author, filmmaker, and retired professor of ophthalmology at Columbia University. She is recognized as one of the first female eye surgeons in the United States and is widely known for her advocacy against LASIK eye surgery. Over her career, MacKay has published medical literature, written memoirs, and produced educational media to raise awareness about the long-term risks associated with elective vision correction procedures.
Early life and education
[edit]MacKay completed her undergraduate studies at Harvard University in 1964 and received her medical degree from SUNY Downstate Medical Center in 1977.[1] She trained in ophthalmology at the Edward S. Harkness Eye Institute, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and completed a retina fellowship at Bellevue Hospital.[1]
Career
[edit]Medical and academic practice
[edit]MacKay was among the early cohort of female eye surgeons in the United States. She served on the faculty of Columbia University Irving Medical Center for over 20 years, attaining the rank of Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology, the highest academic appointment at the institution.[1] She also lectured at the Lancaster Course in Ophthalmology for 17 years.[1]
Advocacy against LASIK
[edit]Dr. MacKay is a prominent critic of LASIK eye surgery, citing patient safety concerns and inadequate informed consent practices. She has testified before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on LASIK-related complications and has campaigned for stronger regulatory oversight.[2]
In 2013, MacKay appeared on The Dr. Oz Show to discuss the dangers of refractive eye surgery and shared stories of affected patients.[3]
In 2024, she co-authored the book The Unsightly Truth of Laser Vision Correction with Morris Waxler, Edward Boshnick, and Paula Cofer.[4]
Writing and media
[edit]MacKay published her memoir in 2024, titled Making the Cut: A Female Surgeon’s Journey, which recounts her experiences as a pioneering woman in ophthalmic surgery.[5]
That same year, she served as executive producer of the documentary film Broken Eyes, which documents the experiences of individuals who experienced adverse effects from LASIK surgery.[6]
Awards and recognition
[edit]Dr. MacKay has received multiple honors over her career, including:
- Richard C. Troutman Master Teacher Award[1]
- Honor Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology[1]
- Alumni Achievement Award from SUNY Downstate (2024)[1]
- Induction into the Westchester County Senior Citizens Hall of Fame (2024)[1]
Selected works
[edit]Books
[edit]- Making the Cut: A Female Surgeon’s Journey. Independently published, 2024. ISBN 978-0-0000000-0-0.[5]
- The Unsightly Truth of Laser Vision Correction. Co-authored with Morris Waxler, Paula Cofer, and Edward Boshnick. 2024. ISBN 978-0-0000000-0-0.[4]
Film
[edit]- Broken Eyes (2024) – Executive Producer[6]
External links
[edit]See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h "Cynthia Johnson MacKay, MD, Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology". Greenwich Retired Men's Association. Retrieved 6 May 2025.
- ^ Demopoulos, Alaina (18 April 2023). "The patients who regret laser eye surgery: 'My life's stood still since then'". The Guardian. Retrieved 6 May 2025.
- ^ "Books and Movies". eyedocmackay.com. Retrieved 6 May 2025.
- ^ a b Morris Waxler, Paula Cofer, Edward Boshnick, Cynthia J. MacKay (2024). The Unsightly Truth of Laser Vision Correction: LASIK Surgery Makes Healthy Eyes Sick. Independently published. ISBN 978-0-0000000-0-0.
{{cite book}}: Check|isbn=value: checksum (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ a b Cynthia J. MacKay (2024). Making the Cut: A Female Surgeon’s Journey. Independently published. ISBN 978-0-0000000-0-0.
{{cite book}}: Check|isbn=value: checksum (help) - ^ a b "Groundbreaking documentary on LASIK dangers accepted at Silicon Beach Film Festival" (Press release). PRWeb. 11 September 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2025.