Dr. Francisco Contreras (1926-2023)
Dr. Francisco Contreras
The family has posted a message on Facebook which can be viewed here.
Dr. Contreras’s impact was vast and far-reaching. We invite those who knew him to share their memories in the comment section at the bottom of this page.
Dr. Contreras’ PAAO career highlights included:
- He served as the president of the Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology from 1993 to 1995.
- He held three terms as Executive Director between 1985 and 1991.
- He served four terms as Secretary-Treasurer for the Spanish-language region from 1977 to 1985.
- He was a member of the PAOF Board, chaired multiple committees, and spearheaded Low Vision campaigns.
- In 1989, he received the Benjamin F. Boyd Humanitarian Award.
- He was honored with the A. Edward Maumenee Distinguished Services Medal in 2007.
- In 2013, he received the IAPB Medal.
- Most recently, in 2023, he was awarded the Gradle Medal for Good Teaching, which was presented personally by Dr. Dino Natteri, President of the Peruvian Society of Ophthalmology, in Lima.
In addition, Dr. Contreras delivered several noteworthy Pan-American presentations:
- He presented the AJO Lecture in 1985.
- In 2001, he delivered the Gradle Lecture.
- He presented the Moacyr E. Alvaro Pan-American Lecture in 1995.
In Memory of Dr. Contreras
Dr. Contreras was not just a renowned ophthalmologist; he was a true pioneer and a beacon of hope for those suffering from various eye ailments. Throughout his illustrious career, he consistently pushed the boundaries of medical knowledge and prevention of blindness. His passion for the pursuit of excellence and unwavering commitment to his profession inspired his peers and mentored a new generation of eye care specialists. His clinics served as a haven for patients seeking solace, reassurance, and the best possible care for their eyes.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Dr. Contreras will be remembered for his compassion and kindness. His gentle demeanor and ability to connect with patients on a personal level left an enduring impact, instilling hope and confidence in the face of adversity.
The legacy of Dr. Francisco Contreras extends far beyond his homeland. He was a respected figure within the global ophthalmological community, collaborating with colleagues worldwide to advance the understanding and treatment of preventable eye diseases.
As we bid farewell to this remarkable soul, let us take solace in the fact that Dr. Contreras’ work will continue to touch lives for generations to come. The world has lost an extraordinary ophthalmologist, a mentor, and a friend. We honor his memory and pledge to carry forward his vision of compassionate eye care for all.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Dr. Contreras’ family, friends, colleagues, and patients during this difficult time. May they find strength in the memories of his profound impact and the lives he has touched.
Rest in peace, dear Dr. Francisco Contreras.
Paulo E.C. Dantas MD PhD (Brazil), PAAO President 2022-2025
Dr. Dino Natteri recieved the Gradle Medal for Good Teaching on behalf of Dr. Francisco Contreras from Dr. Paulo Dantas; Argentina, 2023
Dr. Contreras receives the Gradle Medal for Good Teaching from Dr. Natteri on behalf of the PAAO, Peru, 2023
Nos deja Ud. un gran legado, y es nuestro compromiso en ejemplo y en gratitud continuarlo y perpetuarlo por el bien de la oftalmología Peruana; apreciado Maestro!!
Siempre orgullosos de Ud., Dr. Francisco Contreras Campos.
Today we lost a pioneer of Peruvian Ophthalmology, and a worthy representative of the country at the international level.
You leave us a great legacy, and it is our commitment in example and gratitude to continue and perpetuate it for the good of Peruvian ophthalmology; appreciated Master!
Always proud of you, Dr. Francisco Contreras Campos.
Dr. Gustavo Avilés Calderon (Peru), President, Peruvian Society of Ophthalmology
A pillar in ophthalmology, is the model we all aspire to. Passionate about Blindness Prevention in Peru and all the world, he has remained dedicated to this goal. A leader of the Pan American Association of Ophthalmology (PAAO), His dedication to the PAAO, colleagues, and patients was limitless. He shaped the careers of thousands of ophthalmologists and touched the lives of countless patients.
His INO is the foundation of education for ophthalmic professionals in Peru and serves the spectrum of Peruvian patients. His life was dedicated to education and all patients. Charismatic, with a love of learning, he would enthusiastically attend meetings even in his 90’s.
I have been honored to know Dr. Contreras and his beautiful family. The world has lost a hero, but his memory is forever a blessing.
With my deepest sympathy and love,
Carol
Carol Karp MD (USA), PAAO President-Elect 2022-2025
What we once enjoyed and deeply admired we can never lose, for all that we admire deeply becomes part of us.
– Helen Keller
It was a true pleasure and an honor to have known Dr. Francisco Contreras for almost 40 years and to call him a friend and colleague. An exceptional international ophthalmologist, role model and teacher, Dr. Contreras’ dedication to his work was remarkable.
Dr. Contreras has been involved with the PAAO for decades. His hard work, dedication and motivation was to be admired. He was the Dr. Zimmerman PAAO society Peruvian representative, a true icon in the PAAO and renown in the field of Ophthalmology, always working tirelessly to make a difference.
All those of us who were fortunate enough to know Dr. Contreras, professionally and personally, can confirm that he has forever left an impression in our lives. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
Miguel N. Burnier Jr., MD (Canada), PAAO President 2019-2022
We will miss you dear friend!
Fernando Arevalo MD (USA), PAAO President 2019-2021; PAOF Chair 2021-2024
Dr. Arevalo and Dr. Contreras
Dr. Arevalo, Dr. Contreras, Dr. Ashley Behrens (USA), and Dr. Liana Ventura (Brazil), New Orleans 2017
Liana & Marcelo Ventura (Brazil)
Maria H. Berrocal MD (Puerto Rico), Secretary-Treasurer 2021-2024, Pan-American Ophthalmological Foundation
Dr. Silvio Lujan (Peru), Dra. Maria Berrocal (Puerto Rico), Dr. Francisco Contreras (Peru), Dr. Federico Graue-Wiechers (Mexico)
Bradley R. Straatsma MD JD (USA), PAAO President 1987-1989
Rest in peace, Professor.
Mauricio Maia MD (Brazil), Vice Chair, 2021-2024 Pan-American Ophthalmological Foundation
His contributions to Ophthalmology and to Ophthalmologists both scientifically and humanly will survive him for generations.
I am grateful to have worked with him and to have known him.
Our deepest sympathies to his family and I know he is in a better place.
William De La Peña MD (USA), Past Chair, 2012-2015 Pan-American Ophthalmological Foundation
From the first time we met at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute’s Interamerican Course for Clinical Ophthalmology in 1981, Francisco and I connected as he offered me a big smile and warmth and concern for my education and well-being. He always made himself available to me with an open mind and warm heart. I know that he treated hundreds of others in the same compassionate and gracious manner. I was fortunate to have been touched and influenced by this extraordinary and wonderful man. The memories are many, and the context in which they occurred as well.
His visits to the clinics at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, the national and supranational meetings – the PAAO, AAO, and so many others. His long life provided all of us with so many opportunities to gain from him, I hope he also took a little bit from each one of us. Dr. Contreras has left an indelible mark upon ophthalmology and all who knew him. He embodied all the qualities of a great Pan American.
Dr. Contreras’s innumerable contributions to the field of ophthalmology will be long remembered. He left a great legacy to us all. I will remember him fondly as my mentor and my friend.
“Dear Francisco, you will always be in my memory, and I hope to emulate you as I continue to live and to practice the profession and vocation you loved so much.
Hasta la próxima, mi querido amigo. ”
Eduardo C. Alfonso MD (USA), PAAO President 2015-2017
Dr. Eduardo Alfonso (USA) with Dr. Francisco Contreras (Peru); Peru 2017
I will always remember him for his personal kindness and for his love of our profession. He radiated these qualities to whomever he met. Moreover, his greatness and many accomplishments were accompanied by extreme modesty. His life has been an example for us all to emulate.
May his memory be a blessing to all of us.
Mark J. Mannis MD (USA), PAAO President 2011-2013
Dr. Mark Mannis, Dr. Contreras, Dr. Juan Batlle (Dominican Republic); Brazil 2013
We will always remember him.
Enrique Graue-Wiechers MD (Mexico), PAAO President 2005-2007
Dr. Juan Verdaguer (Chile), Dr. Enrique Graue Wiechers (Mexico), Dr. Contreras, Dr. Bronwyn Bateman (USA); Chicago 2014
I am proud to be part of the PAAO Bateman, Contreras, Cortez (BCC) Committee. Many years ago, Francisco, Rafael Cortez and I were guests of the Honduran Ophthalmological Society courtesy of Dra. Doris Alvarado. Francisco came up with a proposal to train young ophthalmologists from Honduras in the U.S. Fortunately, Dr. Eddie Alfonso supported Francisco’s idea and he has graciously trained multiple young Honduran ophthalmologists on behalf of our BCC committee at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. A young Nicaraguan is the next. Fortunately, Dr. Tono Roca, Francisco’s son-in-law, is now a member of the BCC committee and we look forward to continuing the program indefinitely.
I will miss Francisco and his generous heart forever.
J. Bronwyn Bateman MD (USA), PAAO President 2003-2005
Dr. Bronwyn Bateman (USA) with Dr. Contreras; Chile 2015
Dr. José Antonio Roca (Peru), Dr. Bronwyn Bateman (USA), Dr. Rafael Cortez (Venezuela) with Dr. Contreras (seated); Peru 2022
He was also a dear friend to all of us and an example of what a real Professor should do in the fight against blindness and the improvement of access to the good medicine as a humanitarian ophthalmologist.
Rubens Belfort Jr. MD (Brazil), PAAO President 2001-2003; PAOF Chair 2006-2009
Dr. Rubens Belfort Jr. (Brazil), Dr. Cristian Luco (Chile), Dr. Contreras; San Francisco 2009
Dr. Contreras was truly a father of the community in all that he did to advance Pan-American ophthalmology and the Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology. Serving in many official capacities for the PAAO over many years and also as an unofficial ambassador of kindness and friendship to legions of ophthalmologists in the Americas and beyond, Dr. Contreras was a revered figure to so many.
My spouse, Carolyn, and I had the great fortune to know Dr. Contreras for decades through the PAAO and our mutual interest in glaucoma. He was always warm and welcoming to us and for many years was accompanied to meetings by his daughter Cecelia and late daughter Lilly. They had the same warm and outgoing spirit as their father, and we always looked forward to visiting with them.
Dr. Contreras seemed ageless and his loss creates a sudden void in our hearts. We send our deepest-felt condolences to his family, close friends and colleagues. While gone from our lives, he will be remembered with the greatest admiration and fondness.
Paul R. Lichter MD (USA), PAAO President 1999-2001
Mis sinceras condolencias por el sensible fallecimiento del maestro y profesor Francisco Contreras, past Presidente de la Asociación Panamericana de Oftalmología, que sin duda descansa en paz con su camino ya realizado dejando un tremendo legado en lo humano y profesional en la prevención de la ceguera. Es una pérdida irreparable de un gran maestro, pero sobre todo de un gran amigo siempre alegre, amable y generoso al compartir sus conocimientos y dispuesto a apoyar cualquier iniciativa que ayude a la población más vulnerable.
Fue un honor haber compartido con él su alegría en múltiples congresos, lo que perdurara en mis pensamientos y de muchos oftalmólogos latinoamericanos, esperando que su familia encuentren un rápido consuelo ante su partida. Un abrazo afectuoso a toda su familia.
Dr. Fernando Barría von B. (Chile), PAAO Prevention of Blindness Committee
Dear Contreras Family: My sincere condolences for the passing of our teacher and professor Francisco Contreras, past President of the Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology, who undoubtedly rests in peace with his path already completed, leaving a tremendous legacy in the human and professional aspects of blindness prevention. It is an irreparable loss of a great teacher, but above all of a great friend always cheerful, kind and generous in sharing his knowledge and willing to support any initiative that helps the most vulnerable population.
It was an honor to have shared with him his joy in multiple congresses, which will remain in my thoughts and those of many Latin American ophthalmologists, hoping that his family will find a quick consolation for his departure. A warm embrace to all his family.
Dr. Fernando Barría (Chile), Dr. Rene Kant Vargas Tank (Chile) (standing), Juan Batlle (Dominican Republic), Dr. Contreras, Dr. Juan Verdaguer (Chile); Chile 2015
Rest in Peace
Dr. Francisco Martinez Castro (Mexico), PAAO Executive Director 1995-2001, Regional Chair for IAPB Latin America
Dr. Francisco Martinez Castro (Mexico), Dr. Claudia Zuluaga (Colombia), Dr. Contreras, and Dr. Juan Carlos Silva (Colombia)
Bruce E. Spivey MD (USA), Secretary-Treasurer, Ophthalmology Foundation
Van Charles Lansingh MD (Mexico), Help Me See Foundation
Dear Contreras family: To describe what Dr. Francisco Contreras meant, not only for me, but for many people, is a difficult task, because many facets overlap. The teacher, the doctor, the friend, the apprentice who was always in the front row to listen attentively… That smile, the supportive word, I never heard him speak ill of anyone…. Perhaps one word describes him, GIANT, but above all, a human being who will leave a mark difficult to emulate, and that the world is better, thanks to him. I am convinced that he does not need our prayers, for such a person is directly in the presence of God. Prayers are for you, his family and all of us, his friends, who need them to find comfort in his irreparable loss, and that as little or as much as we can emulate him, we will honor his legacy.
Hugh R Taylor, MD (Australia), Melbourne Laureate Professor Emeritus, Past-President, International Council of Ophthalmology
Se nos va uno de los grandes maestros de la Oftalmologia.
Con gran pesar recibimos la noticia del fallecimiento del Prof. Dr. Francisco Contreras, expresidente de la PAAO. Excepcional profesional y gran persona, a quien tuvimos el honor de conocer y disfrutar de sus valiosos conocimientos y también de su amistad.
Desde el Paraguay enviamos nuestras sentidas condolencias a su familia y a la comunidad oftalmológica peruana.
Paz en tu tumba querido Profesor.
Dr. Miriam R. Cano (Paraguay), PAAO Board of Directors 2022-2025
Prof. Dr. Francisco Contreras, One of the great masters of Ophthalmology has passed away. It was with great sorrow that we received the news of the death of Prof. Dr. Francisco Contreras, former president of the PAAO. Exceptional professional and great person, whom we had the honor of knowing and enjoying his valuable knowledge and friendship. From Paraguay we send our heartfelt condolences to his family and the Peruvian ophthalmologic community. Peace in your grave dear Professor.
Alicia Martínez Márquez (Uruguay)
With great sorrow, we receive the news of the death of Dr Francisco Contreras; colleague and friend. With him we shared concerns and formed, together with Prof. Dr Newton Kara Jose, the Pan-American Society of Blindness. Through it, with its consolidated prestige, we obtained the support of generous Foundations like Hellen Keller, Lyons, with which the ambitious Cataract Free Zone Program was implemented. His mentorship, prestige and tireless work managed to replicate this program in many Latin American countries; forming leaders who put these programs into practice. He was a generous friend to all of us and an important support in all educational endeavors in our countries, where he was always present. We will always remember him and he will remain among us for his works and his example. Strong embrace to all his family.
Teresa J. Bradshaw (USA), PAAO/PAOF Executive Director 1985-present
INO renamed, Lima, Peru 2017
Teresa Bradshaw, Dr. Contreras and Mapy Padilla; Peru 2017
Prof Contreras
He did so much for Latin America Ophthalmology as many of us recognize. I want to remember his excellent work in the field of Prevention of Blindness in his country Peru and other latin american countries. His pionner work in Chimbote, Peru with Prof Newton Jara José in Campinas Brazil to combat Cataract blindness was so important to change the regional situation The number of people who got surgery increased a lot in the years after their initial work improving the quality of life of thousands of people. Also we must remeber his kindness and friendship.
We pray for you and your family
Carlos EL Arieta
Professor of Ophthalmology
UNICAMP
Brasil
It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of our beloved colleague and wonderful friend, Dr. Francisco Contreras. I first met him at various prevention of blindness meetings at WHO in Geneva in the 1980’s where he represented the Latin America region. He always was ready to welcome NGOs and others who wished to implement programs in Peru. In fact, he was a key figure to our success. Francisco always was generous in sharing his advice, expertise, and his warmth. He was a giant in global ophthalmology, and we are blessed to have known him.
What a wonderful person and humanitarian; gentle but strong. We were so lucky to know him and work with him over so many years and to witness so much of what he envisioned and worked for come to fruition.
Leslie and Tom France