First eye patient receives synthetic cornea
For the first time in Utrecht, a synthetic cornea was transplanted into a patient with a complex eye condition. The artificial cornea is an interesting alternative due to the donor shortage, and is a prelude to regenerative corneal transplants with cultured cells.
‘With my research, I am pushing for these types of implants to become regenerative. That means they will also contain cells and thus actually repair the cornea. The current synthetic implant can be a prelude to that, because this kind of material can also be the carrier of those cells,’ said UMC Utrecht professor of ophthalmology Mor Dickman, who recently performed the transplant with the synthetic cornea.
Major shortage of donor corneas
About 2,000 cornea transplants take place in the Netherlands every year, making it the most frequently performed transplant. Many of the recipients of such a transplant are elderly people, but younger patients and children also sometimes receive a cornea. Unfortunately, there is a huge shortage of donor corneas: there is about 1 donor for every 70 patients.
Corneal transplantation at UMC Utrecht.
An alternative graft
Because of the donor shortage, there is a great drive to find alternatives. It is the personal motivation of Professor of Ophthalmology Mor Dickman, who is now placing a synthetic corneal transplant in Utrecht for the first time. ‘This implant is made of a kind of contact lens material,’ he explains. ‘In this case, it replaces the inner part of the cornea.’
In the Netherlands, this technique is particularly interesting for patients with a high risk of rejection or graft failure. Mor: ‘These include patients with multiple previous transplants, a history of rejection, or after glaucoma surgery where small tubes are placed in the eye. There are also patients who do not want to receive donor tissue for cultural or religious reasons, and then this can be an alternative.’
Towards regenerative treatment
The synthetic implant was developed by a company, Eye-Yon. ‘Currently, we only apply this technique to the most complex cases,’ says Mor. ‘With further refinement and development, this technique could be a solution for a wider patient group in the future.’ An additional advantage is that a synthetic implant presents much less logistical challenges than a donated cornea.
In the further future, Mor sees other developments ahead. ‘With my research, I am pushing for these kinds of implants to become regenerative. That means they will also contain cells and thus actually repair the cornea. The current synthetic implant can be a prelude to that, because this kind of material can also be the carrier of those cells.’
UMC Utrecht takes third surgical robot into use
UMC Utrecht has commissioned a third surgical robot. With the arrival of the latest generation, the Da Vinci 5, even more patients can be operated on with minimal stress. This leads to fewer complications and faster recovery. “Apart from the benefits for patients, the Da Vinci 5 also allows us to train even better,” says Jelle Ruurda, gastrointestinal surgeon and professor of robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery. “At the touch of a button, colleagues can watch remotely, and even learn from previous operations. This way we share knowledge faster and more widely.” The hospital is thus building on a tradition of 25 years at the forefront of robotic surgery.
The HU ORM program is moving to the Utrecht Science Park.
The Entrepreneurship & Retail Management (ORM) program will relocate from Amersfoort to the Utrecht Science Park as of September 1, 2026. According to program manager Lisette Luijk (Institute for Marketing & Commerce), it is mainly about one thing: more connection.
Danny Sahtoe receives NVBMB prize
Danny Sahtoe has been awarded the prestigious NVBMB prize, a prize that gives recognition to the work of a highly talented young independent researcher in the field of biochemistry or molecular biology. The prize includes funding to organize a one-day symposium on a topic of choice. Danny Sahtoe is group leader at the Hubrecht Institute and Investigator at Oncode Institute.
Inspiring and connecting visit by the President of Estonia to Utrecht Science Park
On Wednesday, April 8, 2026, the President of Estonia, Mr. Alar Karis, together with his wife Sirje Karis, ambassador Mr. Paul Teesalu and a delegation from the Estonian Health Ecosystem, visited the Utrecht Science Park. During the visit, much knowledge was exchanged and valuable connections were made.