Terry Kim, MD, joining Alcon as chief medical officer and head of global medical safety

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Alcon announced Terry Kim, MD, professor of Ophthalmology at Duke University Eye Center, will join the company in April as chief medical officer and head of global medical safety.

Kim specializes in cornea, cataract, and refractive surgeries, and currently serves as Duke Eye Center’s chief of the Cornea and External Disease Division, director of the Refractive Surgery Service, and Director of the Duke Sports Vision Center.

According to the company, as CMO, Kim will continue to integrate scientific and clinical priorities across Alcon’s Surgical and Vision Care franchises, with a focus on meeting the needs of patients and eye care practitioners across the globe. Kim will also support the development of Surgical and Vision Care clinical evidence, and represent Alcon to academic, scientific and industry communities, as well as government agencies.

Kim succeeds Stephen S. Lane, MD, who is retiring after 7 years of service at Alcon and 39 years in ophthalmology. Throughout his tenure at Alcon, Lane advised and collaborated with some of the most brilliant minds in the industry, playing a critical role in advancing Alcon innovations.

Moreover, the company noted in its news release that Lane advocated for clinicians, surgeons, and patients worldwide while supporting cornerstone initiatives, including the development of Clareon, Vivity, and next-generation instrumentation, as well as the acquisition of ophthalmic pharmaceuticals. He also led the advancement of the Medical Safety team, the global expansion of advisory boards and key-opinion-leader partnerships.

Franck Leveiller, chief scientific officer, global head R&D, Alcon, said in the news release that Kim is an “exceptional addition” to the company and his expertise could build upon the efforts spearheaded by Lane.

“Bringing Dr. Kim to Alcon is a testament to our ongoing commitment in leveraging experts to inform our innovations aimed at meeting the evolving needs of eye care professionals and their patients,” he said in the release. “Kim’s expertise—in partnership with leading industry professionals—will help us continue to advance our mission to deliver bold innovations.”

According to the news release, Kim received his medical degree from Duke University School of Medicine and completed his ophthalmic training at Emory Eye Center and Wills Eye Hospital. He has served as Past President of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) and has received multiple awards throughout his career, including the Achievement Award and the Senior Achievement Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO).

The company also noted that Kim has been recognized by continual annual listings in America’s Best Eye Doctors (Newsweek), Best Doctors in America, America’s Top Ophthalmologists, and The Ophthalmologist Power List. Kim serves on multiple boards, sits on the editorial board for several peer-reviewed journals and trade publications, and consults for the Food and Drug Administration’s Ophthalmic Devices Panel.