Prof. Maciej Gawęcki | Ophthalmology | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Maciej Gawęcki, MD, PhD, is a distinguished Polish ophthalmologist renowned for his expertise in retinal diagnostics and laser therapy. He graduated from the Medical University of Gdańsk in 1994 and has since held prominent positions in clinical ophthalmology, including Deputy Head at the Regional Hospital in Elbląg and Head of Ophthalmology at the Specialist Hospital in Chojnice and currently at the Pomeranian Hospitals in Wejherowo. His academic journey includes a PhD on amblyopia and a European Ophthalmological Society scholarship at Moorfields Hospital in London. Since 2015, he has served as the Regional Consultant in Ophthalmology for the Pomorskie Region. His pioneering work on subthreshold micropulse laser therapy for central serous chorioretinopathy earned him habilitation in 2021. An author of three ophthalmology manuals, he also directs the Dobry Wzrok Clinic in Gdańsk. His contributions significantly impact both clinical practice and ophthalmic education in Poland.

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🎓 Education

Dr. Gawęcki earned his MD from the Medical University of Gdańsk in 1994, where he also completed his internship and specialization in ophthalmology. He began his academic career as an assistant at the Department of Ophthalmology at the same institution, continuing until 2022. In 2001, he defended his doctoral dissertation titled “Amblyopia without strabismus in clinical practice.” He furthered his education through a prestigious scholarship from the European Ophthalmological Society, which he completed at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London in 1999. In 2021, he achieved habilitation based on his research into the clinical application of micropulse laser therapy for central serous chorioretinopathy, marking a significant academic milestone. Dr. Gawęcki’s education blends clinical ophthalmology with cutting-edge research and teaching, laying a solid foundation for his later roles as a clinician, consultant, and educator.

🧪 Experience

Dr. Maciej Gawęcki’s professional experience spans over three decades. From 1994 to 1995, he completed his internship at the Medical University of Gdańsk, followed by service as an assistant in its Department of Ophthalmology until 2022. Between 2002 and 2006, he was Deputy Head of the Ophthalmology Department at the Regional Hospital in Elbląg. In 2007, he became Head of the Department of Ophthalmology at the Specialist Hospital in Chojnice and now leads the Department at the Pomeranian Hospitals in Wejherowo. He also founded and continues to direct the Dobry Wzrok Ophthalmology Clinic in Gdańsk since 2001. His experience extends to regional public health leadership, having served as the Regional Consultant in Ophthalmology for Pomorskie since 2015. Dr. Gawęcki’s career reflects a deep commitment to clinical excellence, patient care, and innovation in ophthalmological practice.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Maciej Gawęcki has been the recipient of numerous honors in recognition of his contributions to ophthalmology. A notable early distinction was his selection for a scholarship by the European Ophthalmological Society in 1999, enabling advanced training at Moorfields Eye Hospital in London—one of the world’s leading eye centers. His academic and clinical achievements culminated in the prestigious habilitation degree in 2021 for his pioneering work on micropulse laser therapy in central serous chorioretinopathy. In addition, he has earned national recognition through his appointment as the Regional Consultant in Ophthalmology for the Pomorskie Region since 2015, a role that reflects both his leadership and expertise. His publications, including ophthalmic manuals widely used by practitioners, further reinforce his stature as a respected thought leader and educator. Through both public health roles and academic work, Dr. Gawęcki has significantly advanced ophthalmic care and education in Poland.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Gawęcki’s research is centered on medical retina diagnostics and therapeutic innovations, particularly for central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR). His habilitation thesis explored the use of subthreshold micropulse laser therapy in CSCR, positioning him as a national pioneer of this technique in Poland. His investigative interests encompass a range of retinal imaging modalities, including fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and angio-OCT. By integrating advanced imaging with minimally invasive laser therapy, his research seeks to refine diagnostic accuracy and improve patient outcomes in retinal disease. He is also dedicated to the education of clinicians, evidenced by his authorship of ophthalmology manuals addressing diagnostic techniques and retinal disease management. Dr. Gawęcki’s work bridges clinical application and academic research, offering both theoretical insights and practical guidelines that influence daily ophthalmologic practice across the country and increasingly abroad.

✅ Conclusion