At Dell Laser Consultants, we are proud to share a milestone that reflects the depth of expertise our patients have trusted for decades. Our founder, Dr. Steven Dell, was recently selected to deliver the 9th Annual Steinert Lecture, the most prestigious refractive surgery keynote lecture given at the ASCRS Annual Meeting.
Held on April 10, 2026, in Washington, D.C., the honor placed Dr. Dell at the center of one of the most celebrated moments in refractive surgery education. Introducing Dr. Dell, Kendall Donaldson, MD, described him as a “defining voice in refractive surgery for three decades,” a recognition that speaks to the caliber of expertise our Austin patients have access to every day.
A Journey From Fringe to Forefront
Dr. Dell’s lecture, “The Evolution of Refractive Surgery: From Fringe to Forefront,” took attendees on a sweeping tour of how far the field has come and where it’s headed.
He opened by noting that “refractive surgery” wasn’t even part of ASCRS’s name until the mid-1980s, when the rise of radial keratotomy (RK) sparked a new era. Today, surgeons routinely achieve 20/20 results in the high 90th percentile across multiple LASIK platforms, with comparable outcomes now being delivered through phakic IOLs and SMILE.
Dr. Dell also painted a compelling picture of how cataract surgery has evolved alongside refractive procedures. From limited toric options and no light-adjustable lenses two decades ago, to today’s mainstream adoption of toric IOLs, advanced biometry, and presbyopia-correcting IOLs that patients now actively seek out, the bar for what constitutes a successful outcome has risen dramatically.
What’s Shaping the Future
Looking ahead, Dr. Dell addressed trends that will define the next chapter of refractive surgery. He noted that laser vision correction volume is currently at an all-time low, not only because of market forces, but because of something more fundamental: the rising importance of near vision in a world driven by screens, handheld devices, and digital interfaces.
“The importance of near vision has been rising among humans for a very long time, and this trend has accelerated dramatically recently,” Dr. Dell said.
He also discussed the growing desirability of eyewear as a fashion and technology platform, with AI-integrated glasses from major tech companies on the horizon, making the spectacle, as he put it, “very valuable real estate as a human interface device.”
On the horizon for surgical innovation, Dr. Dell pointed to accommodating IOLs as a key area of progress, driven by a deeper understanding of the forces within the aging eye. And while the global myopia epidemic, projected to affect roughly 50% of the world’s population by 2050, presents real public health challenges, it also underscores that ophthalmologists will remain at the forefront of patient care for generations to come. As Dr. Dell affirmed, it is still the golden age of ophthalmology.
What This Means for Our Patients
When Dr. Dell closed his lecture, he returned to the fundamental importance of listening. Quoting the legendary physician Sir William Osler, he reminded the audience: “Listen to your patient, he is telling you the diagnosis.” And as he added, patients are also telling us what they want.
That philosophy is at the heart of what we do at Dell Laser Consultants. Whether you’re exploring LASIK, SMILE, phakic IOLs, or premium lens options, our approach begins with understanding your life and your vision goals, not just your prescription.
To learn more about Dr. Dell’s Steinert Lecture, read the full coverage on EyeWorld Onsite. And when you’re ready to take the next step toward clearer vision, contact us to schedule a consultation!
