Oculoplastic Surgery

Dra. Gloria Isabel Salazar

Dr. Gloria Isabel Salazar Martínez — Ocular Plastic Surgery / Oculoplastics Dr. Gloria Isabel Salazar Martínez is an oculoplastic ophthalmologist with solid academic training at two of the region’s most prestigious ophthalmology institutions: Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana in Colombia and Unidad Nacional de Oftalmología in Guatemala. Dr. Gloria Isabel Salazar Martínez is a subspecialist in Ocular Plastic Surgery and Oculoplastics with more than 15 years of clinical and surgical experience in Medellín, Colombia. She is a Medical Doctor and Surgeon graduated from [undergraduate university], Specialist in Ophthalmology from Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, and completed her subspecialization (fellowship) in Ocular Plastic Surgery at Unidad Nacional de Oftalmología in Guatemala — an international reference teaching center, endorsed by Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala and Universidad Rafael Landívar, recognized as one of the most rigorous oculoplastics schools in Central America. Her professional registration in Colombia is [medical license] and she provides consultations and surgical procedures in Spanish and English, under a pre-paid medical plan modality and private consultation. She practices at Clínica de Oftalmología Santa Lucía, an institution founded in 1923 and an ophthalmology reference center in Medellín, with more than 90 subspecialists and state-of-the-art surgical technology. As part of the Clínica Santa Lucía team, Dr. Salazar Martínez has direct access to multidisciplinary support from general ophthalmologists, cornea specialists, retina specialists, and ocular oncology specialists when the case requires it — ensuring the patient receives comprehensive care under one roof. Her practice covers the full spectrum of functional and aesthetic oculoplastics: eyelid surgery (upper and lower blepharoplasty), correction of ptosis, surgical management of lacrimal drainage pathway pathology (dacryocystorhinostomy), post-trauma and post-oncologic resection eyelid reconstruction, management of benign and malignant tumors of the eyelid and orbit, orbital surgery, and ocular prosthetic rehabilitation after enucleation or evisceration. Dr. Salazar Martínez integrates the reconstructive and aesthetic components into a single discipline — understanding that the gaze is a function and the face at the same time. [Add here: publications, national and international congresses, scientific societies to which she belongs.] Her clinical approach combines surgical precision, detailed preoperative planning, and care centered on the patient’s functional and aesthetic outcome. She believes that well-done oculoplastics is invisible — the patient does not see the surgery; they see themselves younger, more symmetrical, or simply again as before the trauma or disease. Her practice integrates the latest-generation diagnostic platform available at Clínica Santa Lucía — biomicroscopy, anterior segment OCT, orbital imaging — combined with real-time consultation time to understand the aesthetic expectation and the functional need behind each case. Through KURBUO, Dr. Salazar Martínez treats patients from the United States, Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean who are seeking functional and aesthetic oculoplastic surgery at Clínica Santa Lucía in Medellín with savings of up to 70% compared to North America — particularly in blepharoplasties, ptosis correction, and periocular rejuvenation procedures. For international patients, this approach translates into a video consultation prior to travel — coordinated via KURBUO — where the complete medical history is reviewed, the surgical plan is defined with clear expectations, and the stay in Medellín is organized before arriving in Colombia.

Corneology

Dra. Isabel Christina Gomez

Dr. Isabel Cristina Gómez is an ophthalmologist with a subspecialty in Cornea and Anterior Segment and more than 7 years of clinical and surgical experience in Medellín, Colombia. She trained as an Ophthalmologist at the Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana (UPB) and completed her international fellowship in Cornea at the Instituto Oftalmosalud (Lima, Peru)—one of South America’s leading ophthalmology centers, recognized for its training program in cornea, refractive surgery, and premium cataract. She practices at Clínica Santa Lucia, seeing patients in Spanish and English, both national and international. Her practice integrates refractive surgery (LASIK, PRK), cataract surgery with premium lenses, management of keratoconus with cross-linking and intraestromal rings, corneal transplants (DMEK, DSAEK, PKP), and anterior segment pathology. Through KURBUO, she treats patients from the U.S., Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean who are seeking world-class corneal surgery with savings of up to 70% versus prices in North America. Dr. Gómez specializes in cornea, anterior segment, and refractive surgery in Medellín, Colombia. Her surgical portfolio covers the four central areas of the subspecialty: Cornea and keratoconus: corneal cross-linking (CXL), intraestromal rings (Ferrara, Keraring), topography-guided PRK, non-surgical management with special lenses. Corneal transplant: DMEK (selective endothelial), DSAEK, deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK), and penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) as indicated. Refractive surgery: LASIK, PRK, and advanced techniques to correct myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. Rigorous candidate evaluation with Pentacam tomography. Premium cataract: phacoemulsification with toric monofocal, multifocal, and EDOF lenses for patients seeking independence from glasses. Her training at UPB + Oftalmosalud Lima positions her as a young regional reference in a subspecialty with extremely high international demand.

Ocular Plastic Surgery

Dr. Jesus Antonio Rios

Dr. Jesús Antonio Ríos is an ophthalmologist with a subspecialty in Ocular Plastic Surgery and Oculoplastic Surgery, with more than 4 years of clinical and surgical experience in Medellín, Colombia. He trained as a Surgeon Physician at the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Cali campus, and completed his specialization in Ophthalmology and subspecialization in Oculoplastic Surgery at the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (Bogotá)—one of the two universities with the highest academic prestige in the country for ophthalmology training. He practices at Clínica Santa Lucia, seeing patients in Spanish and English, both national and international. His practice integrates aesthetic and functional eyelid surgery, management of the lacrimal drainage pathways, botulinum toxin and periocular fillers, and minimally invasive techniques for upper facial rejuvenation. Through KURBUO, he treats patients from the U.S., Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean who are seeking cutting-edge oculoplastic care with savings of up to 70% vs. prices in North America. For Dr. Jesús Ríos, modern oculoplastics has evolved from “operating on the eyelid” to fully rejuvenating the upper third of the face. His philosophy is built on three principles: less is more (conservative surgery ages better than aggressive surgery); natural results over trends (the eye should not look “operated” or “pulled”); and functional diagnosis before aesthetic (a healthy eyelid is the foundation of a beautiful eyelid). He works with minimally invasive techniques—botulinum toxin, fillers, transconjunctival blepharoplasty, radiofrequency energy—combined with open surgery when necessary. For international patients, KURBUO coordinates a prior virtual consultation, surgical planning, and remote follow-up after returning home. Dr. Ríos specializes in aesthetic and functional oculoplastics in Medellín, Colombia, with an emphasis on minimally invasive techniques and periocular rejuvenation. His surgical portfolio covers the four areas of the subspecialty: Periocular aesthetics (main focus): upper and lower blepharoplasty, transconjunctival blepharoplasty with no visible scar, botulinum toxin for dynamic wrinkles (forehead, glabellar area, crow’s feet), under-eye hollows rejuvenation with hyaluronic acid, combined periocular rejuvenation. Palpebral function: correction of ptosis (drooping eyelid), entropion, ectropion. Lacrimal drainage pathways: probing, management of tearing, dacryocystorhinostomy in selected cases. Reconstruction: traumatic lesions and benign eyelid tumors. His Javeriana training—combined with a contemporary generational profile—positions him as a reference for patients seeking natural results and short recovery.

Dr. Juan Martín Grice is an ophthalmologist with a subspecialty in Retina and Vitreous, with more than 5 years of clinical and surgical experience in Medellín, Colombia. He trained as a Medical Surgeon at the Universidad de Cartagena — the oldest medical school in Colombia, founded in 1827 — and completed his specialization in Ophthalmology and subspecialty in Retina and Vitreous at the Universidad de La Sabana, one of the most recognized ophthalmologic academic institutions in the country. He practices at Clínica Santa Lucia, seeing patients in Spanish and English, both national and international. His practice integrates medical and surgical management of the retina: intravitreal injections (anti-VEGF), laser treatment, vitrectomy, retinal detachment surgery, management of diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Through KURBUO, he treats patients from the U.S., Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean with savings of up to 70% versus prices in North America. For Dr. Grice, the retina is the frontier where ophthalmology meets internal medicine — diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and systemic processes first manifest in the fundus. His philosophy is built on three principles: early diagnosis preserves vision (advanced diabetic retinopathy is irreversible); coordinated management with the treating physician (ophthalmologist + endocrinologist + internist working together); and transparency about prognosis — not all vision loss is recoverable, and the patient deserves to know. For international patients, this translates into a prior virtual review of exams (OCT, angiography, fundus exam), clear trip planning based on clinical urgency, and remote follow-up coordinated by KURBUO upon returning home. Dr. Grice specializes in medical and surgical diseases of the retina and vitreous in Medellín, Colombia. His portfolio covers the four central areas of the subspecialty: Medical retina: diabetic retinopathy (all stages), age-related macular degeneration (dry and wet AMD), retinal venous and arterial occlusions, macular edema, hypertensive retinopathy. Intravitreal injections: anti-VEGF therapy (Avastin, Lucentis, Eylea) and intravitreal corticosteroids for macular edema and wet AMD — the most in-demand treatment among international diabetic patients. Vitreoretinal surgery: pars plana vitrectomy, retinal detachment surgery, management of vitreous hemorrhage, epiretinal membranes, and macular hole. Advanced diagnosis: macular OCT, fluorescein angiography, autofluorescence, and wide-field fundus photography.

Retina

Dra. Mauricio Grisales

Dr. Mauricio Grisales is an ophthalmologist with a subspecialty in Retina and Vitreous, with more than 25 years of clinical and surgical experience in Medellín, Colombia. He trained as a Medical Surgeon and completed his specialization in Ophthalmology and subspecialization in Retina and Vitreous at Universidad CES — one of the most prestigious medical schools in Antioquia and a national reference for ophthalmology training. He practices at Clínica Santa Lucia, seeing patients in Spanish and English, both national and international, under a prepaid and private modality. His practice integrates complex vitreoretinal surgery, facovitrectomy (combined cataract + retina surgery in a single procedure), posterior vitrectomy, laser photocoagulation, cataract surgery, and antiangiogenic injections (anti-VEGF). Through KURBUO, he treats patients from the U.S., Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean who are seeking retina and posterior segment surgery with savings of up to 70% vs. prices in North America. For Dr. Grisales, mature retina surgery with experience: each vitrectomy, each facovitrectomy, and each complex surgery builds the judgment that separates the technically correct surgeon from the surgeon who anticipates the complication before it occurs. His philosophy is built on three principles: experience is not delegated (25 years in the operating room are irreplaceable), combined surgery is clinical efficiency (cataract + vitrectomy in a single act when indicated), and long-term follow-up defines success (surgery is the beginning, not the end). For international patients, this translates into a prior virtual review of exams, precise surgical planning according to pathology, and remote follow-up coordinated by KURBUO upon returning home. Dr. Grisales specializes in complex vitreoretinal surgery and combined procedures in Medellín, Colombia. His surgical portfolio covers the five core areas that distinguish the experienced retina surgeon: Cataract surgery: phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation — including premium lenses (toric, multifocal, EDOF). Facovitrectomy: combined cataract + vitrectomy surgery in a single procedure — ideal for patients with dual pathology (e.g., diabetic patients with cataract + proliferative retinopathy). Reduces hospitalizations, anesthesia, and recovery time. Posterior vitrectomy: management of vitreous hemorrhage, retinal detachment, macular hole, epiretinal membrane, and endophthalmitis. Laser photocoagulation: focal, panretinopathy, and retinal barrier — the standard of care for diabetic retinopathy and retinal vein occlusions. Antiangiogenic injections (anti-VEGF): Avastin, Lucentis, Eylea for AMD, macular edema, and occlusions.

Neuro-ophthalmology

Dra. Melissa Alvaran

Dr. Melissa Alvarán is an ophthalmologist with subspecialty training in Neuro-ophthalmology and more than 10 years of clinical and surgical experience in Medellín, Colombia. She trained as an Ophthalmologist at Universidad CES and completed her fellowship in Neuro-ophthalmology at the Fundación Oftalmológica de Santander (FOSCAL)—one of the few reference centers in Colombia with a formal subspecialty program in neuro-ophthalmology. She practices at Clínica Santa Lucia, seeing patients in Spanish and English, both national and international, under a prepaid and private modality. Her practice integrates general ophthalmology (cataract surgery, LASIK, chalazion management, diagnosis of eye pain and loss of visual acuity) and high-complexity neuro-ophthalmologic diagnosis: optic neuritis, oculomotor palsies, papilledema, and visual impairment of neurologic origin. Through KURBUO, she cares for patients from the United States, Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean. For Dr. Alvarán, ophthalmology is the discipline where the eye tells what the body has not yet said. Many neurologic diseases—multiple sclerosis, brain tumors, intracranial hypertension, myasthenia gravis—first manifest through the visual pathway. Her philosophy is built on three principles: listen before operating (the atypical visual symptom deserves evaluation, not a surgical shortcut); rule out what is serious first (eye pain can be simple or a neurologic emergency); and treat what is common with the same rigor as what is rare. For international patients, this translates into a prior virtual consultation with review of exams (visual fields, OCT of the optic nerve, MRI when applicable), clear trip planning, and remote follow-up coordinated by KURBUO. Dr. Alvarán specializes in general ophthalmology with advanced diagnostic capacity in neuro-ophthalmology in Medellín, Colombia. Her practice covers four areas: Cataract surgery: phacoemulsification with implantation of a monofocal, toric, multifocal, or EDOF intraocular lens—to correct lens opacity and improve visual quality. Refractive surgery (LASIK): laser correction of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism in candidates evaluated with complete corneal tomography. Clinical ophthalmology: management of chalazion, eye pain, red eye, dry eye, and loss of visual acuity of common cause. Neuro-ophthalmology (differentiating hallmark): diagnosis and management of optic neuritis, III, IV, and VI cranial nerve palsies, papilledema, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, ocular myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis with visual involvement, and unexplained visual loss. Her CES + FOSCAL training positions her as a reference in a subspecialty with very few certified specialists in Colombia.

Glaucoma

Dra. Melissa Zapata

Dr. Melissa Zapata is an ophthalmologist sub-specialized in Glaucoma, with more than 4 years of clinical and surgical experience in Medellín, Colombia. She trained as an Ophthalmologist at Universidad CES and completed her international fellowship in Glaucoma at Instituto Oftalmosalud (Lima, Peru)—one of the most recognized ophthalmology centers in South America, with a formal glaucoma sub-specialization program recognized at the regional level. She practices at Clínica Santa Lucia, seeing patients in Spanish and English, both national and international. Her practice integrates medical management of glaucoma (topical medication, pressure monitoring, and visual field testing), laser treatment (selective trabeculoplasty—SLT, YAG iridotomy) and glaucoma surgery (trabeculectomy, Ahmed/Baerveldt drainage valve implantation, MIGS). Through KURBUO, she treats patients from the U.S., Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean with savings of up to 70% versus prices in North America. For Dr. Zapata, glaucoma requires a mindset different from the rest of ophthalmology: it is not cured—it is controlled for life. Her philosophy is built on three principles: early detection preserves vision (glaucomatous loss is irreversible); personalization of the pressure target (not all patients need the same goal); and rational stepwise treatment escalation (medication → laser → surgery only when necessary). For international patients, this translates into a prior virtual review of exams (pachymetry, OCT of the optic nerve, visual fields), clear trip planning based on clinical urgency, and remote follow-up coordinated by KURBUO—because glaucoma extends beyond the trip to Medellín. Dr. Zapata specializes in comprehensive glaucoma management—medical, laser, and surgical—in Medellín, Colombia. Her portfolio covers the four core areas of the sub-specialty: Advanced diagnosis: OCT of the optic nerve and retinal nerve fiber layer, computerized perimetry (Humphrey), corneal pachymetry, gonioscopy, and daily intraocular pressure curve. Medical management: topical therapy with prostaglandin analogs, beta-blockers, alpha-agonists, and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors—personalized adjustment according to the pressure target. Laser treatment: selective trabeculoplasty (SLT) as a first-line option for many patients, YAG iridotomy for angle-closure glaucoma, cyclophotocoagulation in refractory cases. Glaucoma surgery: trabeculectomy with mitomycin C, Ahmed or Baerveldt drainage valve implantation, MIGS (minimally invasive glaucoma surgery), and combined procedures with cataract.

General Ophthalmology

Dr. Miguel Uribe Trujillo

Dr. Miguel Uribe Trujillo is an ophthalmologist with subspecialty training in Retina and Vitreous, with more than 12 years of clinical and surgical experience in Medellín, Colombia. He trained as an Ophthalmologist at Universidad CES and completed his international fellowship in Retina and Vitreous at the Instituto de Oftalmología Conde de Valenciana (Mexico)—one of the oldest and most prestigious ophthalmology centers in Ibero-America, founded in 1876, a historic reference for ophthalmology training on the continent. He practices at Clínica Santa Lucia, seeing Spanish- and English-speaking national and international patients under prepaid and private modalities. His practice integrates complex vitreoretinal surgery, phacovitrectomy (combined cataract + retina surgery), pars plana vitrectomy, laser photocoagulation, premium cataract surgery, and antiangiogenic injections (anti-VEGF). Through KURBUO, he treats patients from the U.S., Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean with savings of up to 70% versus prices in North America. For Dr. Uribe Trujillo, retinal surgery is the combination of academic rigor and technical precision—the balance he learned in the ophthalmology tradition of the Conde de Valenciana in Mexico. His philosophy is built on three principles: exhaustive diagnosis comes before surgical decision-making, combined surgery is clinical efficiency (cataract + vitrectomy when indicated), and ongoing training defines the surgeon (ophthalmology changes quickly; the surgeon who stays still falls behind). For international patients, this translates into a prior virtual review of examinations (OCT, angiography, fundus exam), precise surgical planning according to pathology, and remote follow-up coordinated by KURBUO upon returning home. Dr. Uribe Trujillo specializes in vitreoretinal surgery with an international academic perspective in Medellín, Colombia. His surgical portfolio covers the five areas that distinguish an elite-trained retina surgeon: Cataract surgery: phacoemulsification with implantation of a monofocal, toric, multifocal, or EDOF intraocular lens for glasses independence. Phacovitrectomy: combined cataract + posterior vitrectomy surgery—ideal for diabetic patients with cataract + proliferative retinopathy or patients with cataract + macular hole or epiretinal membrane. Posterior vitrectomy: management of vitreous hemorrhage, retinal detachment, macular hole, epiretinal membrane, and endophthalmitis. Laser photocoagulation: focal treatment and panretinopathy for diabetic retinopathy and retinal vein occlusions. Antiangiogenic injections: Avastin, Lucentis, Eylea for wet AMD, macular edema, and retinal occlusions.

General Ophthalmology

Dr. Sebastian Orrego

Dr. Sebastián Orrego is an ophthalmologist with more than 10 years of clinical and surgical experience in Medellín, Colombia. He trained as a Medical Surgeon and completed his specialization in Ophthalmology at Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana (UPB) — one of the two universities with the highest academic prestige in the country in ophthalmology training. He practices at Clínica Santa Lucia, seeing patients in Spanish and English, both national and international, under a prepaid and private modality. His practice integrates comprehensive clinical ophthalmology and the most in-demand surgical procedures: cataract surgery with intraocular lens, LASIK refractive surgery, surgical management of chalazion, pterygium, red eye, dry eye, and initial diagnosis of conditions that require subspecialty management. Through KURBUO, he treats patients from the U.S., Canada, Europe, and the Caribbean who are seeking common ophthalmologic procedures with savings of up to 70% vs. prices in North America. PHILOSOPHY For Dr. Orrego, general ophthalmology is not “less specialized” — it is the foundation on which every subspecialty is built. The general ophthalmologist is the first filter: the one who diagnoses what the patient has, what requires common surgery, and what must be escalated to cornea, retina, or glaucoma. His philosophy is built on three principles: broad diagnosis before narrow (the visual symptom can have many causes), common procedures performed with excellence (cataract surgery is the most performed surgery in the world — perfection comes from volume and rigor), and early referral when applicable (a good general ophthalmologist knows when the case belongs to a subspecialist and refers it immediately). For international patients, this translates into clinical efficiency and diagnostic honesty. FOCUS Dr. Orrego specializes in comprehensive general ophthalmology and high-demand surgical procedures in Medellín, Colombia. His portfolio covers four clinical areas: Cataract surgery: phacoemulsification with implantation of a monofocal, toric, multifocal, or EDOF intraocular lens — the most performed ophthalmologic surgery in the world, performed with modern technique and rapid recovery. Refractive surgery (LASIK): laser correction of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism in candidates evaluated with complete corneal tomography. Ocular surface surgery: pterygium (with conjunctival autograft), chalazion, cysts, and benign eyelid lesions. Clinical ophthalmology: management of red eye, dry eye, ocular allergy, infections, acute ocular pain, complete visual evaluation, and initial diagnosis that directs the patient to the correct subspecialist within the Santa Lucia team when applicable.

Pediatric Ophthalmology

Dra. Maria Camila Ortiz

Dr. María Camila Ortiz is an ophthalmologist with a subspecialty in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, with more than 4 years of clinical and surgical experience in Medellín, Colombia. She trained as an Ophthalmologist at the Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana (UPB) and completed her international fellowship in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus at the Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona (UAB)—one of Europe’s most prestigious medical universities, ranked in the top 100 worldwide. She practices at Clínica Santa Lucia, caring for national and international pediatric patients in Spanish. Her practice integrates medical and surgical management of childhood visual conditions: strabismus (crossed eyes), amblyopia (lazy eye), refractive errors in children, visual evaluation of the newborn, and follow-up of pediatric visual development. Through KURBUO, she serves Spanish-speaking families from the United States, the Caribbean, and Latin America who are seeking outstanding pediatric ophthalmology with savings of up to 70% vs. the U.S. PHILOSOPHY For Dr. Ortiz, caring for children is a discipline distinct from adult ophthalmology: the child does not complain like an adult, the child’s eye is undergoing active development, and the father or mother is as much a part of the treatment as the patient themselves. Her philosophy is built on three principles: time is vision (untreated amblyopia before 7–8 years of age leaves permanent sequelae); explaining to the child using their own language (a frightened child cannot be examined properly); and accompanying parents with honesty (clear diagnosis reduces anxiety and improves treatment adherence). For international families, this translates into a virtual consultation in advance with review of examinations and pediatric reports, clear travel planning to Medellín, and remote follow-up coordinated by KURBUO. FOCUS Dr. Ortiz specializes in comprehensive pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus surgery in Medellín, Colombia. Her portfolio covers four core areas: Strabismus (main focus): evaluation, medical management, and strabismus surgery (muscle recessions, resections, and advanced techniques)—correction of misaligned eyes in children and adults to restore alignment, binocular function, and aesthetics. Amblyopia (lazy eye): early diagnosis and treatment plan (occlusion, penalization, optical correction)—the optimal therapeutic window is before age 7. Refraction and pediatric optical prescription: evaluation of myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism in children, prescription of lenses, and follow-up of progression. Pediatric ophthalmologic evaluation: visual review of the newborn, infant, and school-age child; screening for retinopathy of prematurity; diagnosis of developmental visual pathologies.