- TFOS global ambassadors and international chapter affiliate
Colombia
Ernesto Otero
Ernesto J Otero is a Professor of Ophthalmology in cornea, anterior segment and refractive surgery at the Barraquer Institute of America in Bogota, Colombia. During his 20-year career he has specialized in treating anterior segment disease and ocular surface conditions. Professor Otero completed his ophthalmology residency at the Superior School of Ophthalmology at the Barraquer Institute of America and proceeded with a fellowship at the same institution in anterior segment, cornea and refractive surgery. Then he continued his training at the Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital in New York, obtaining a second fellowship in cornea and cataract surgery. Dr. Otero worked as an associate at New York Eye Specialists until late 2002 when offered to return to Colombia as a faculty member of the Barraquer Institute and Associate Professor of the Superior School of Ophthalmology. Since his return, Professor Otero has been involved in multiple research projects including modified osteo-odonto keratoprosthesis (MOOKP) for the treatment of severe ocular surface disease. He is a frequent lecturer around the world in his specialty, and volunteer faculty with the Orbis foundation, where members travel around the world in the “flying eye hospital,” training ophthalmologists in state-of-the-art surgical techniques and procedures. He is a member of multiple associations including the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, the Panamerican Association of Ophthalmology, Colombian Society of Ophthalmology, the Panamerican Cornea Society, and the Colombian Academy of Medicine. Dr. Otero has also been the Medical Director of the Colombian Eye Bank Corporation (COBANCOL) for the past 15 years. He is an avid triathlete, enjoys sports, traveling and spending time with his family and friends.