Directors

I am honored to have been appointed as the Board Member for Research at the Japan Cornea Society. Over the years, our society has played a pivotal role in advancing corneal and ocular surface disease research. Among our most groundbreaking initiatives are AI-driven corneal image analysis and the nationwide corneal transplantation survey, both of which leverage cutting-edge technology and multi-institutional collaboration to push the boundaries of ophthalmic science.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly evolving beyond traditional image analysis, assuming more sophisticated roles as an intelligent agent that integrates expert knowledge, facilitates complex data interpretation, and enhances diagnostic and predictive capabilities. This technological shift is revolutionizing the field, accelerating the pace of discovery and enabling us to generate new insights at an unprecedented rate. AI is not just enhancing clinical research—it is also opening new frontiers in fundamental research, helping us unravel the underlying mechanisms of corneal diseases and explore novel treatment strategies.

My academic journey began with research on corneal and anterior segment diseases, and the Japanese Cornea Society has been a cornerstone in my professional growth. The knowledge and experience I have gained within this esteemed academic community have shaped my approach to research, and I am deeply committed to giving back. Moving forward, I aim to foster AI-driven research infrastructure, promote large-scale collaborative studies, and contribute to creating an environment where cutting-edge corneal research can thrive.

Together with my colleagues in the society, I look forward to furthering the advancement of corneal science and ensuring that our research continues to make a meaningful impact on the global ophthalmic community. I sincerely appreciate your support and collaboration in this endeavor.

I am honored to have recently been appointed as a board member (Treasurer) of the Japanese Cornea Society. While I am still unfamiliar with many aspects of this role, I sincerely appreciate the support and cooperation of all society members.

Although my memory is not entirely clear, I believe my very first academic presentation after joining the department was a poster presentation at a Cornea Conference. I vividly recall being both encouraged and challenged by many esteemed physicians, which was an inspiring and formative experience. Looking back, I feel that this moment was a turning point in my career.

Since then, the Cornea Conference has continually provided me with invaluable insights by exposing me to the latest advancements in the field. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities this society has given me, and I hope to contribute, even in a small way, to its continued success.

I sincerely appreciate your continued guidance and support.

I am honored to have been appointed as a board member of the Japan Cornea Society, responsible for external affairs and social insurance. Under the leadership of our new president, Professor Chie Sotozono, I am committed to working diligently for the development of the Japan Cornea Society.

In recent years, the economic environment surrounding ophthalmic medical care has been challenging. The evaluation of technical fees for examinations and surgeries related to corneal diseases remains inadequate. It is crucial for the Society to continue addressing these issues related to social insurance. In my current role, I will draw upon my experience as a member of the Social Insurance Committee of the Japan Ophthalmological Society. While I am still in the process of learning, I will do my utmost to contribute to the Japan Cornea Society and, ultimately, to the well-being of our patients.

The next revision of medical service fees is scheduled for 2026. To ensure that all citizens have access to appropriate medical care, the Japan Cornea Society must continue progressing. I will work closely with President Sotozono and my fellow board members to fulfill our mission. I would greatly appreciate any advice or suggestions from our society members. Thank you for your support and cooperation.

I am honored to have been appointed as a board member (in charge of records and the website) of the Japan Cornea Society. During my previous term, I oversaw the renovation of the society’s website, enabling members to pay their annual membership fees and complete the enrollment process online. Currently, over 80% of our members use the website’s system for annual fee payments. Previously, these tasks were manually handled by the society’s administrative office. To further reduce this burden, I would appreciate your continued cooperation.

In this term, I aim to further enhance the website, with a particular focus on internationalization, including a significant revision of the English pages. Additionally, we have implemented reforms such as introducing a partial mark-sheet system for councilor and board member elections. Moving forward, we plan to develop a secure web-based voting system.

With the support of the board members, councilors, and all our members, I will work diligently to achieve these goals. I sincerely appreciate your guidance and cooperation.

I am honored to have been appointed as a Trustee of the Japanese Cornea Society, responsible for General Affairs and the Eye Bank. Two years ago, I assumed the role of Chair and Professor of Ophthalmology at Tokyo Dental College Ichikawa General Hospital and took over as Executive Director of the Cornea Center and Eye Bank. Since then, in addition to my responsibilities in corneal treatment, education, and research, I have been actively engaged in eye bank management and operations. In 2013, our eye bank facilitated 90 corneal donations annually. However, due to environmental changes and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number had declined to just 18 donations in 2022, when I took over as Director. Fortunately, with the support of an outstanding team, we were able to put the eye bank on a path to recovery, increasing the number of donations to 36 in 2023 and further to 70 in 2024.

Although my contributions may be modest, as the Trustee responsible for General Affairs and the Eye Bank, I am committed to the clear and vital mission of revitalizing domestic eye banking as a means of social contribution. To achieve this, I will focus on three key objectives:

1. Valuing and supporting the dedicated staff working on the front lines,
2. Nurturing and fostering the next generation of ophthalmologists who will carry the future of eye banking, thereby ensuring a smooth generational transition,
3. Learning from international eye banks to develop a globally standardized eye banking system.

Eye banking is an essential foundation of society, offering hope to patients suffering from corneal blindness, and helping eye banking is one of the important roles of ophthalmologists. While my own abilities may be limited, I hope to work hand in hand with our esteemed members to build a more robust and effective eye banking system. I sincerely appreciate your guidance and support in this endeavor.