Donald R. Korb is a graduate of the New England College of Optometry. He is recognized as an internationally acclaimed lecturer, researcher, inventor, innovator and clinician. He devotes half of his time to seeing patients and half to research.
His primary accomplishments of contemporary significance include:
Developing the first membrane hydrophilic (soft) contact lens, the CSI lens, which is the grandfather of the modern soft lens and the model for 90% of all current contemporary lens designs.
Describing and naming giant papillary conjunctivitis, a complication from contact lens wear.
Discovering and naming Meibomian Gland Dysfunction(MGD), now recognized worldwide as the primary cause of dry eye.
Discovering that lid wiper epitheliopathy is a major cause of contact lens intolerance.
After discovering numerous contact lens related complications and MGD, Dr. Korb founded (or co-founded) several companies whose objectives were to provide solutions or resolutions to several problems. Corneal Sciences, Inc. developed the CSI lens: the first membrane extended-wear contact lens. This product resolved corneal swelling and lens discomfort and has become the model for all contemporary soft lenses. Ocular Research of Boston produced the first lipid-based solutions for dry eyes: Systane Balance™ (Alcon) and Soothe-XP™ (Bausch and Lomb), formulated for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (the most common cause of dry eye). Tear Science, Inc. is dedicated to developing metrics and treatment for dry eye. In 2011, Tear Science’s LipiFlow treatment was the first treatment cleared by the FDA for the management of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and evaporative dry eye.
Dr. Korb has been active in teaching, with appointments at Boston University Medical School, New England College of Optometry, Schepens Eye Research Institute and currently as Clinical Professor at the School of Optometry, University of California, Berkeley. He has received over 40 Honors including: Regents Lecturer (University of California, Berkeley), National Optometry Hall of Fame, the annual Donald R. Korb Medal of the American Optometric Association, and two honorary doctorates.