David Huang, a clinician-scientist and MIT alumnus, has reflected on his invention of optical coherence tomography (OCT), a medical imaging technology that has become standard practice in eye care worldwide.

OCT is a noninvasive imaging technique that allows doctors to capture detailed images of the inside of patients' eyes. The technology provides cross-sectional views of eye structures, enabling early detection and monitoring of various eye conditions.

The imaging method is now used in approximately 40 million medical procedures annually, making it one of the most widely adopted diagnostic tools in ophthalmology. Patients who have visited eye doctors in recent years have likely undergone OCT imaging as part of their routine examination.

Huang earned multiple degrees from MIT, including a bachelor's degree in 1985, a master's degree in 1989, and a doctorate in 1993. His work bridged clinical medicine and engineering, leading to the development of this influential diagnostic technology.

The widespread adoption of OCT demonstrates how academic research can translate into practical medical applications that benefit millions of patients globally. The technology has become an essential tool for eye care professionals in diagnosing and monitoring various ocular conditions.