Dr. Marcelino Ríos Torres, Prominent Cuban Ophthalmologist, Passes Away

July 22, 2023

In the early morning hours of July 21, 2023, the distinguished Dr. Marcelino Ríos Torres passed away at the age of 79. Among his many responsibilities, he served for 27 years as director of the Cuban Institute of Ophthalmology "Ramón Pando Ferrer".

Born on February 2, 1944, Dr. Marcelino had a distinguished career in academic, scientific, and healthcare areas within the National Health System. He held various leadership positions in hospitals and specialized centers in Villa Clara, Matanzas, and Havana.

Throughout his professional trajectory, he reached the highest categories: Specialist of First and Second Degree in Ophthalmology, Diploma in Public Administration, Doctor in Medical Sciences, and full professor and researcher at the University of Medical Sciences of Havana.

He was one of the principal promoters of the "Operation Miracle" program, which restored vision to thousands of people from many parts of the world, under the guidance of Commander in Chief Fidel Castro Ruz. Throughout his life he received important recognitions and distinctions. He was a member of the Communist Party of Cuba since 1975.

He belonged to multiple national and international scientific societies and organizations. He was President of the Cuban Society of Ophthalmology. As part of his academic work, he provided scientific advice to various institutions in Cuba and other countries in the Region, taught numerous courses, and conducted high-impact research. He published more than 100 articles and participated in numerous national and international scientific events.

Today we bid farewell to a physician who knew how to use the scientific and technical knowledge of his specialty and his revolutionary ethics in service of his patients' health.