Drs. Arnaldo Gonçalves

We were real pioneers

Like father, like son. This certainly applies to Drs. Arnaldo Gonçalves, who, as a seven-year-old boy, was allowed to go to the hospitals where his father worked as an ophthalmologist. “I practically grew up in those hospitals. After that, I started my medical studies at a young age. When I was barely twenty, I performed my first cataract operation under the supervision of my father.”

Born and raised in Brazil, Drs. Gonçalves decided to gain experience in Europe after specializing as an ophthalmologist in Sao Paulo. He chose Nijmegen, where he was given the opportunity to work at the Radboud Hospital. After a temporary return to Brazil for a PhD, Drs. Gonçalves settled permanently in the Netherlands in 2000.

“When I was barely twenty years old, I performed my first cataract operation under the supervision of my father.”

Warm personality

However easily Drs. Gonçalves has integrated into Dutch society, his Brazilian background remains prominent. “I am very friendly and passionate about what I do. These are typical Latino characteristics. I have a warm personality that makes me popular with colleagues and clients.”

Working in two worlds has taught Drs. Gonçalves that Brazil is progressive in the field of ophthalmology. “Brazil is parallel to the United States. The Netherlands is a bit more reserved when it comes to developments. That is not better or worse, just different. The great thing is that FYEO has an exceptional position in the Netherlands. Always looking for innovation and progress.”

Apprenticeship

His apprenticeship with his father has made Drs. Gonçalves a better ophthalmologist. “The new generation of ophthalmologists only learns the newest techniques. I have experienced all the revolutions. I can work with all the techniques. That makes me very versatile and a good surgeon. I am fast and handy.”

Drs. Gonçalves has been working at FYEO since 2013. “Together with founder Paul Holtman and four ophthalmologists, we were true pioneers. We started with innovative concepts that were not yet offered. FYEO has now grown into a large company with branches throughout the Netherlands, but is still very progressive and focused on the best quality for the client.”