The founder of modern keratopigmentation was the only representative from the clinical field to be invited to the annual meeting of the Iris Experts Group, which operates under the US Department of Commerce.
Prof. Dr Jorge Alió, one of the leading international figures in refractive surgery, recently took part as a guest speaker at a prominent scientific conference held in the United States. This was the annual meeting of the Iris Experts Group (IEG-II), organised by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), an agency under the US Department of Commerce and a global leader in the development of technological standards.
Speaking online, the Professor of Ophthalmology and Honorary Researcher at the Miguel Hernández University (UMH) in Elche shared his experience and expertise on the latest advances in corneal surgery and iris biometrics. His participation in this forum reinforces the international recognition of Spanish ophthalmology and consolidates the scientific leadership of this specialist from Alicante in areas of innovation that are transforming clinical ophthalmological practice.
Keratopigmentation takes center stage at the annual meeting of the NIST Iris Experts Group
This event brought together international specialists in iris biometrics, eye recognition, artificial intelligence, biometric security and ophthalmology. The aim was to analyse the impact that certain surgical procedures may have on iris-based identification systems.
Accordingly, during the scientific session dedicated to ophthalmological procedures of interest, the international specialist in the anterior segment delivered the presentation “Keratopigmentation: Review”, in which he provided an overview of the evolution of keratopigmentation. This is a pioneering technique developed by Jorge Alió and his team for the functional and aesthetic reconstruction of the iris in patients with aniridia, trauma or congenital abnormalities. He also analysed its implications for iris-based biometric recognition systems.
The doctor was the only representative from the clinical field invited
The participation of the founder of Vissum’ Miranza Alicante, was particularly significant as he was the only representative from the clinical field invited to present the surgical perspective at a forum comprising experts in technological standards, government bodies and leading companies in biometric identification. It is worth noting that Dr Alió is regarded as the founder of modern keratopigmentation and is the author of the book “Text and Atlas on Corneal Pigmentation”. This work, unique in the world, is now in its second edition, aimed at updating knowledge on this surgical practice.
His continued presence at such forums reflects the international recognition of his contributions to refractive surgery, corneal surgery, cataract surgery, intraocular lenses and anterior segment reconstruction. His achievements in these areas have made a decisive contribution to the development of new surgical techniques and the advancement of scientific knowledge by the World’s 7th Most Influential and Inspiring Ophthalmologist in Cataract and Refractive Surgery; he is the only Spaniard among the top 50, according to The Ophthalmologist Power List 2025.