Visionary & Virtuoso
A comprehensive exploration of Charles David Kelman, the pioneering ophthalmologist who transformed eye surgery and simultaneously pursued a vibrant career as an entertainer and Broadway producer.
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Kelman's Vision
A Dual Genius
Charles David Kelman (1930โ2004) was a multifaceted American figure, renowned as an ophthalmologist, surgeon, and prolific inventor. Simultaneously, he cultivated a vibrant career as a jazz musician, entertainer, and Broadway producer. His most profound medical contribution, the invention of phacoemulsification, earned him the distinguished title, "father of phacoemulsification."
Revolutionizing Sight
Kelman's innovative spirit fundamentally reshaped cataract surgery. His pioneering work in cryosurgery and, most notably, phacoemulsification, transformed a lengthy, painful procedure into a minimally invasive, outpatient experience. These advancements significantly reduced recovery times and improved patient outcomes, setting new standards in ophthalmic care.
The Drive for Recognition
Born to an immigrant father who, despite his own inventions (such as tar-free cigarettes and cellophane Christmas wreaths), never received due recognition, Charles Kelman was instilled with a profound desire to ensure his own innovations were properly acknowledged. This personal motivation fueled his relentless pursuit of medical breakthroughs and public advocacy for his techniques.
Early Journey
Brooklyn Roots
Charles David Kelman was born on May 23, 1930, in Brooklyn, New York, to Eva and David Kelman. His early years were spent in East New York before his family relocated to Forest Hills, Queens. His father, a Jewish immigrant from Greece, significantly influenced Charles's future, particularly his drive to seek recognition for his inventions.
Musical Beginnings
Kelman's artistic talents emerged early; he began playing the harmonica at age four and regularly performed on "The Horn and Hardart Children's Hour" radio show. He further honed his musical skills, learning the saxophone and clarinet, receiving professional training during the big band era. He played first clarinet in the New York All-City Orchestra. However, at 17, his father's pragmatic adviceโ"You'll be a doctor"โredirected his primary career path, though his passion for music never waned.
Academic Pursuit
Embracing his father's counsel, Kelman pursued higher education with remarkable speed. He earned a B.S. degree from Tufts University in just two years (1950). He then attended the University of Geneva, accelerating his medical studies after his father's cancer diagnosis, hoping he would see him become a doctor. He obtained his M.D. in 1956, completing his internship at Kings County Hospital and residency at Wills Eye Hospital.
Medical Innovate
Cryosurgery Pioneer
In 1960, Kelman established his ophthalmology private practice. By late 1962, he began experimenting with cryosurgery. His first invention, published in January 1963, was an ophthalmic cryoprobe utilizing liquid nitrogen. This device was used to freeze and remove cataractous lenses in intracapsular cataract extraction (ICCE) and to experimentally freeze the retina for retinal detachments, building upon earlier, less effective cryoprobe designs.
Phacoemulsification: The Breakthrough
The pivotal idea for phacoemulsification struck Kelman after observing an ultrasonic device at his dentist's office. He envisioned a similar vibrating instrument to break up cataracts, allowing removal through a small incision. Collaborating with Cavitron, he developed an ultrasonic surgical instrument with aspiration and irrigation. The first successful crystalline lens removals in animals occurred in March 1966, followed by his first human surgery on a blind patient in 1967. A patent application for the device was filed in July 1967.
Minimally Invasive Era
Kelman's phacoemulsification dramatically reduced the incision size for cataract removal from 11โ12 mm to just 3 mm, leading to significantly shorter recovery times and less pain. Initially met with skepticism and labeled "experimental" by the National Eye Institute, Kelman actively promoted the procedure, including an appearance on "The Tonight Show" in 1975. The full potential of phacoemulsification was realized in the early 1980s with the invention of foldable intraocular lenses (IOLs), which could be inserted through the same small incision.
Beyond Ocular Surgery
The principles of phacoemulsification extended beyond ophthalmology, influencing other medical fields. The technique and similar ultrasonic tools were adopted in neurosurgery for the removal of brain and spinal cord tumors, ushering in a broader trend of minimally-invasive outpatient surgical procedures. Throughout his career, Kelman held over 100 patents for his instruments and innovations, including a method to create collagen from a patient's own skin to prevent allergic reactions.
Kelman the Maestro
From Jazz to Pop
Kelman's musical journey began with composing in high school and forming a big band as a teenager. While in medical school in Geneva, he regularly performed on jazz radio and television shows. He co-wrote "Le Petit Dรฉjeuner" and, under the stage name Kerry Adams, recorded "Telephone Numbers" in 1960, which achieved national billboard chart success before the "Twist" craze shifted pop music trends. Despite this, his passion for performance remained a constant.
Television & Stage Presence
His medical innovations inadvertently propelled his entertainment career. Following his 1975 appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson," where he sang and promoted his surgery, Kelman became a regular on television, appearing with Merv Griffin, Barbara Walters, Oprah Winfrey, and David Letterman. He developed a musical comedy routine, performing in Atlantic City, Las Vegas, and Carnegie Hall, often alongside jazz luminaries like Dizzy Gillespie and Lionel Hampton, and entertainers such as Glen Campbell and Regis Philbin.
Broadway & Beyond
Kelman extended his artistic endeavors to theatrical production, co-producing several Broadway musicals, including "Can-Can" (1981), "Triumph of Love" (1997), and "The Sound of Music" (1998โ1999). He also penned at least two Off-Broadway musicals, "The Marrano" (previewed 1992) and "The Right Pair of Shoes" (due to premiere 2004). In 1992, he released a jazz album, "Moonlight Serenade," on Columbia Records, further cementing his diverse artistic footprint.
Lasting Impact
Global Transformation
Charles Kelman's invention of phacoemulsification fundamentally transformed cataract surgery worldwide. By 2011, over 9.5 million such procedures were performed annually, making it one of the most common surgeries globally. His innovation not only improved patient care but also had a significant economic impact, with "The New York Times" estimating in 1992 that it "shaved $7 billion a year from the nation's hospital bill."
Celebrated Patients
Kelman's skill attracted numerous high-profile patients seeking his expertise. Among them were boxing legend Joe Frazier, jazz icon Lionel Hampton, actor Rex Harrison, dancer Ann Miller, opera singer Jan Peerce, radio personality William B. Williams, and Hollywood star Hedy Lamarr. Lamarr famously credited him, stating, "I was blind for more than seven years. But I'm fine now. Dr. Kelman gave me my sight back. He gave me my eyes."
Personal Pursuits
Beyond his demanding professional lives, Kelman maintained a rich personal life. He was an avid golfer and, later in life, learned to fly a helicopter, demonstrating his adventurous spirit. He was married twice and had six children: David Joseph (who passed away in 2003), Lesley, Jennifer, Evan, Jason, and Seth. His life was a testament to balancing profound professional achievement with diverse personal interests.
Final Chapter
In 1996, Charles Kelman moved to Boca Raton, Florida, where he continued to practice medicine, perform surgery, teach, and pursue his entertainment career. He passed away on June 1, 2004, at the age of 74, due to lung cancer. His legacy endures through the millions whose sight has been restored by his innovations and the countless individuals inspired by his extraordinary blend of scientific genius and artistic flair.
Distinguished Honors
Prestigious Accolades
Charles Kelman received numerous prestigious awards recognizing his groundbreaking contributions. These include the American Academy of Achievement (1970), a Congressional Salute in the U.S. Senate (1982), the National Medal of Technology from President George H. W. Bush (1992), and posthumously, the esteemed Lasker Award (2004), a rare exception to its rules.
Professional Tributes
His impact on ophthalmology was celebrated by his peers. He was recognized as the "Ophthalmologist of the Century" by the International Congress of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (1994) and inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame (2004). The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) named its Innovator's Lecture series in his honor, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) established the annual Charles D. Kelman Lecture. Wills Eye Hospital also named its research facility the Charles D. Kelman Laboratory and Library.
Enduring Recognition
Kelman's legacy is further preserved through various publications and media. He authored a lay book, "Cataracts: What You Must Know About Them" (1982), and his autobiography, "Through My Eyes" (1985), which also inspired a 2010 public television documentary, "Through My Eyes: The Charlie Kelman Story." These works, alongside his numerous scientific articles, ensure his story and contributions continue to educate and inspire.
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