Dr. med. Dr. sc. med. Emilio Torres-Netto

Profile

• Recognized as the #2 worldwide expert in corneal cross-linking (Expertscape, 2024)

• Swiss board-certified ophthalmologist (FMH) and fellowship-trained specialist in cornea, cataract and refractive surgery.

• Fellow of the World College of Refractive Surgery & Visual Sciences (FWCRS), European Board-certified ophthalmologist (FEBO).

• Holds a PhD in Medical Sciences and a Doctorate in Medicine, and is recognized as a Key Opinion Leader (KOL) in keratoconus management, corneal biomechanics and advanced refractive surgery.

Since 2016, he has been based in Zurich, where he completed a second full Swiss board certification in ophthalmology (FMH) and established his clinical practice within the Swiss healthcare system.

Prior to this, he completed advanced subspecialty training in corneal, cataract and refractive laser surgery, during which he also supervised and trained surgeons in cataract and corneal surgery, gaining extensive experience in complex corneal surgeries and advanced refractive laser procedures.

During this period, he also began participating in multiple international voluntary cataract surgery programs, providing surgical care to underserved populations with limited access to ophthalmic treatment — an activity he has continued alongside his academic and clinical career.

Driven by a passion for innovation, Dr. Dr. Torres-Netto has been at the forefront of corneal therapy, pioneering breakthrough approaches for keratoconus that have reshaped modern treatment standards — including the Sub400 protocol for ultra-thin corneas, the ELZA-PACE customized cross-linking technique, and ECO-CAIRS.

Scientific and Academic Activities

• Author of over 70 peer-reviewed publications and multiple book chapters, with work that has received 1,200+ citations and an h-index of 18.
• Invited speaker and faculty at more than 300 international and national conferences.
• Editorial board member and scientific reviewer for several leading international journals.
• Leads ongoing innovative research on keratoconus, corneal biomechanics, and advanced refractive surgery techniques.

Honors & Awards

Dr. Dr. Torres-Netto has been distinguished with 22 international awards, including:

• Future Leaders in Ophthalmology, 2025
• Achievement Award, American Academy of Ophthalmology, 2024
• Waring Memorial Award, International Society of Refractive Surgery, 2023
• José Ignacio Barraquer Medal, 2023
• Key Opinion Leader – Global Influencers List, 2023
• Key Opinion Leader – Global Influencers List, 2022
• First Prize in Refractive Surgery, European Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgeons, 2020
• International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) Fellowship Award, 2018