Meyer Meets Medicine… Dr. Kaweh Mansouri in Conversation. A Look into Ophthalmology and Beyond
On his podcast “Meyer Meets Doctors“, Zurich-based author Thomas Meyer engages physicians in discussions about their work, motivations, and views on medicine and society. In a recent episode, Meyer spoke with renowned Swiss ophthalmologist Prof. Kaweh Mansouri, one of the leading glaucoma specialists and a consulting physician at the ELZA Eye Institute in Zurich.
Right at the start, Meyer seized the opportunity to undergo an eye examination himself – offering listeners an instructive demonstration of modern ophthalmology. Dr. Mansouri explains how ophthalmologists can use relatively simple optical instruments to gain direct, non-invasive insight into the central nervous system: “The eye is an outpouching of the brain,” says Mansouri, “and allows us to observe nerves and blood vessels directly and non-invasively, unlike any other organ.”
The discussion focuses on glaucoma, a chronic and initially asymptomatic disease where delayed diagnosis and treatment can lead to irreversible nerve damage. Dr. Mansouri emphasizes the importance of regular preventive eye examinations starting at age 45: “Often, 50 percent of the visual field may be lost before the patient notices.”
Mansouri outlines current treatment options in detail: from pressure-lowering eye drops and laser treatments to surgical procedures, including minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS), where tiny stents are implanted. He also addresses current health policy challenges in Switzerland, noting that MIGS stents are currently not reimbursed by basic health insurance, leading to what he critically describes as the emergence of a two-tier healthcare system.
Another key topic is the growing role of artificial intelligence in ophthalmology. Mansouri explains how AI-supported imaging already improves diagnostics and monitoring, and how it may accelerate drug development in the future. He cites ongoing research using retinal scans to identify early markers of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
The conversation extends beyond medical topics. Meyer and Mansouri discuss physicians’ societal responsibilities, Switzerland’s political culture, and the importance of intergenerational experience in preserving democratic values. Personal insights into Mansouri’s Persian-Austrian background, his appreciation of Switzerland’s natural beauty, and his fondness for Persian cuisine round out the episode.
Dr. Kaweh Mansouri combines clinical excellence, surgical expertise, and scientific innovation in his work. In addition to his practice in Lausanne, he supports the ELZA Institute in Zurich as a consulting physician, particularly for complex glaucoma cases. This in-depth interview offers not only insights into modern ophthalmology but also into the perspective of a physician who sees his role extending far beyond his specialty.
