Dr. Robert Gale Martin, the originator of Carolina Eye Associates in Pinehurst, North Carolina, expired of Mesothelioma at the age of 65. Carolina Eye Associates (founded in 1982) was the first ophthalmic ambulatory surgery center east of the Mississippi. The ace ophthalmologist was diagnosed with malignant Mesothelioma two years before.
Dr. Martin was one of the earliest doctors to perform small-incision cataract surgery, corneal relaxing incisions and lens replacement. Previously, he was also a member of the 5th Special Forces Group during the Vietnam War and performed his duties as an army surgeon until 1971. He lived 5 years from the time of his diagnosis with malignant Mesothelioma cancer, but he continued operating and serving patients for as long as he could.
He authored about 165 publications and was one of the sharpest investigators for ongoing clinical research studies on lens implants used in cataract and lens-free vision procedures.
