Drs. Thijs Vaessen

What Drs. Thijs Vaessen likes about the field of ophthalmology is that it is a very communicative field. “Ophthalmology is a field where you have to talk a lot. You have to assess people, guide them and give them a good, honest explanation. That is important and fun to do. Moreover, you can offer people a lot, because a lot is possible. Ophthalmology is also a very positive field. The result of our work is immediately visible. The first time I looked into an eye, it was as if I was looking into a kind of galaxy. Beautiful!”

“Ophthalmology is a very positive profession.”

Beautiful combination

After his training as an ophthalmologist, Drs. Vaessen specialized in the cornea. “A lot of things can be wrong with the cornea. You can treat sick corneas with a laser. But you can also use lasers to treat healthy corneas to help people get rid of their glasses. That is what we do at FYEO. A nice synergy.”

Be honest and provide the best care

In 2024, Drs. Vaessen started at FYEO. “I spent one day there and found it very inspiring right away. The next day, I operated in the hospital and had already adjusted my way of doing things, based on what I had seen at FYEO.” In addition, honesty is an important theme within FYEO, even if people are not eligible for treatment, as are comfort and the best care.

Close to the client

Drs. Vaessen: “In the hospital it is about making better, you can replace a worn cornea. At FYEO it is about improving and then you often have several options. You listen to your client and also let the treatment depend on someone’s lifestyle and wishes. A retired watchmaker of 67 needs a different approach than a soldier of 25. By asking questions about the profession, hobbies, lifestyle and wishes of a client, you get closer to that person and I really like that.”