Bascom Palmer Ophthalmologist First in South Florida to Implant Newly FDA-Approved Trifocal Lens
Dr. Florence Cabot has become the first surgeon in South Florida to implant the FineVision HP trifocal intraocular lens, expanding cataract surgery options for patients seeking greater freedom from glasses.
Florence Cabot, M.D., waited 15 years for the day she became one of the first ophthalmologists in the United States to implant the FineVision HP trifocal intraocular lens (IOL). As a mentee of the Paris physician-scientist behind the novel technology, that first intraocular lens procedure at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, part of UHealth – University of Miami Health System, was a full-circle moment in Dr. Cabot’s medical career, representing the progress she’s personally witnessed as cataract surgery rapidly evolves.
As a resident in Paris, Dr. Cabot observed her mentor, Damien Gatinel, M.D. Ph.D., develop and implant his new cataract lens in patients. At the time, only bifocal lenses existed, so the trifocal technology was a massive breakthrough in cataract lens technology.
“I’ve seen since the beginning when my mentor designed these breakthrough lenses, so I was very honored to be the first one to do it here in Miami,” said Dr. Cabot, assistant professor of clinical ophthalmology and associate program director of the cornea fellowship at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine’s Bascom Palmer Eye Institute.
The first version of Dr. Gatinel’s trifocal lenses introduced the ability to see points at near, intermediate and distance with little or no dependence on glasses. Since then, the lenses have been available in Europe but not in the U.S. This spring, the lenses became available in South Florida. In May, Dr. Cabot implanted the lenses in her first patient.
“It was very sentimental,” she said. “I saw my mentor designing it. For me to be the first one to do it here in Miami, I was very honored.”
What Is a Trifocal Cataract Lens?
During cataract surgery, the surgeon replaces the eye’s cloudy natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens, or IOL. A traditional monofocal lens corrects vision at one distance, often distance vision. Many people still need glasses for reading, computer work or other close-up tasks after surgery.
Extended depth-of-focus (EDOF) lenses stretch the range of vision rather than create distinct focal points. Patients often see well at distance and intermediate ranges, such as computer work, but may still need reading glasses for small print.
“A trifocal lens is designed to give the patient a range of vision between near and far, with an intermediate focus plane in the middle,” said Dr. Cabot.
For patients, it’s the difference between bringing reading glasses everywhere and having the freedom to check a text message, read a recipe or do crafts without them.
Design Features That Stand Out Clinically
FineVision HP is the third generation of a technology that has evolved since Dr. Cabot was a resident.
“This current lens isn’t 15 years old. It’s been improved based on patient feedback and evolving technology,” said Dr. Cabot.
FDA approval adds another option to an increasingly competitive premium IOL market that includes trifocal and extended-depth-of-focus technologies from multiple manufacturers. The FineVision HP lenses are especially appealing to those who want strong near vision. The lens has a 3.5-diopter add, which is one of the strongest near-vision options among trifocal lenses.
The current generation of FineVision HP reflects advances in both lens materials and optical design. Originally developed as a hydrophilic lens, it now features a hydrophobic, glistening-free material and refined light distribution across near, intermediate and distance focal points to optimize postoperative visual outcomes.
Why This Matters
Florence Cabot, M.D., a Bascom Palmer Eye Institute ophthalmologist, became the first surgeon in South Florida to implant the FineVision HP trifocal intraocular lens following its FDA approval.
- Improves vision across multiple distances: Unlike traditional monofocal lenses, FineVision HP is designed to provide clear near, intermediate and distance vision.
- Expands cataract surgery options: FDA approval introduces another premium intraocular lens choice for patients seeking greater visual independence after cataract surgery.
- Features advanced optical design: The latest-generation lens incorporates refined materials, optimized light distribution and enhanced stability designed to improve visual outcomes and reduce unwanted visual disturbances.
- Builds on decades of innovation: The technology represents years of clinical refinement and reflects ongoing efforts to develop vision-correcting solutions that more closely mimic the eye’s natural focusing ability.
- Signals the future of ophthalmology: Researchers are pursuing next-generation accommodative lenses that could one day restore natural focusing, with advances in imaging, computational modeling and artificial intelligence helping accelerate innovation.
For Dr. Cabot, the larger footprint and a four-point haptic design help maintain centration within the capsular bag. This reduces glare, halos and general visual disturbances, said Dr. Cabot.
“What I like is the four-haptic fixation,” she said. “When it’s well-centered, it usually doesn’t move.”
One week after surgery for that first patient, Dr. Cabot reports the patient achieved excellent distance and near visual outcomes. Most importantly, the patient expressed high satisfaction with the result.
Advancing Cataract Lens Innovation
The Ophthalmic Biophysics Center at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute and the Biomedical Engineering Department at the University of Miami College of Engineering have been working closely together for more than four decades, pursuing the ‘holy grail’ of accommodation restoration that would more closely replicate the eye’s natural focusing mechanism.
Current trifocal and EDOF platforms improve functional vision by distributing light among multiple focal points. The ultimate goal, however, remains the development of a truly accommodative IOL capable of restoring dynamic focusing.
Although significant scientific challenges remain, Dr. Cabot believes advances in imaging, computational modeling and artificial intelligence may accelerate future innovation. For Dr. Cabot, access to the new lenses represents something more personal, which she reported back to her mentor in Paris.
“He was so happy for me that the FineVision was able to cross the pond. It’s something I’ve seen since the beginning, so I was very honored to have the opportunity to be the first here to implant it,” said Dr. Cabot.
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Tags: Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, cataracts, Dr. Florence Cabot, ophthalmology, vision impairment, vision loss