J.ophthalmol.(Ukraine).2022;6:70-71.
http://doi.org/10.31288/oftalmolzh202267071
In Memoriam: Prof. Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Naumenko
TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: In Memoriam: Prof. Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Naumenko. J.ophthalmol.(Ukraine).2022;6:70-71. http://doi.org/10.31288/oftalmolzh202267071
Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Naumenko, Deputy Head for Medical Research at the Filatov institute, Professor, Dr Sc (Med), and a recipient of the State Prize of Ukraine, suddenly passed away on 1 December 2022 at the age of 53. The staff of the institute, and his friends and colleagues over Ukraine, mourn his death.
He was an excellent doctor. A professional and sensitive administrator. A talented scientist. A true friend and a phenomenal family man. Because of his personal and professional attributes, he was an undisputed leader of his profession, and highly respected by his colleagues in the institute and beyond as well as patients. No words can describe how sorry we feel for the loss of Dr. Naumenko. We have lost a true friend, teammate and like-minded person.
Volodymyr Oleksandrovych Naumenko was born in Kyiv on June 28, 1969. He studied general medicine at the Bohomolets Medical University of Kyiv, graduated in 1996, and began his career as an ophthalmologist at the Research and Practice Center for Laser Eye Treatment, Kyiv Municipal Clinical Eye Hospital “Eye Microsurgery Center”.
Since February, 2004, Dr. Naumenko worked at the Filatov Institute of Eye Disease and Tissue Therapy. He developed the fundamental principles of laser treatment for diabetic fundus lesions based on the model of laser radiation effect on the retina and choroid in diabetic fundus lesions, and actively contributed to research in the field of selective effects on the chorioretinal structures. Dr Naumenko defended his Cand Sc (Med) thesis, Efficacy of a New Method of Diagnostic Assessment and Laser Treatment of Edematous Diabetic Maculopathy, in 2004, and doctoral (Dr Sc (Med)) dissertation, A System of Differential Approach to Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Diabetic Eye Lesions, in 2010. Volodymyr Oleksandrovych contributed to conducting massive clinical trials aimed at substantiating the feasibility and efficacy of laser photocoagulation methods in the treatment of various forms of diabetic retinopathy, which made it possible to differentiate with high probability between applications of laser photocoagulation methods for various forms of diabetic retinopathy. He has been developing a new field in the treatment of ocular tumors, novel laser and combination treatment techniques. Dr Naumenko has introduced laser techniques for the treatment of retinoblastoma, a congenital tumor of the eye, in children in Ukraine, and performed more than 25 thousand laser procedures.
He was awarded the title of professor in 2014. In addition, he was a member of the Academic Council of the Filatov institute, member of the Special Academic Council of the Filatov Institute of Eye Disease and Tissue Therapy, board member of the Ukrainian Society of Ophthalmologists, and editorial board member of the Journal of Ophthalmology (Ukraine). Professor Naumenko was successful in combining his administrative and research activities with a lot of clinical work. Just in 2020, he consulted more than 900 patients and performed 400 surgical procedures. Volodymyr Oleksandrovych was the person making a final decision on the diagnosis and treatment for most severe patients with eye disease coming to the institute from all over Ukraine. He participated in conducting training sessions for interns and residents of the institute, and dedicated 19 years to his research and training career, including 18 years at the Filatov institute, the place where he found his home and calling. One individual completed her Dr Sc (Med) degree, and four, their Cand Sc (Med) degrees, under the supervision of Prof. Naumenko. He published 217 articles and a monograph on ophthalmology, and authored or co-authored 17 patents.
Volodymyr Oleksandrovych was actively involved in developing and implementing a state investment project for the completion of construction of a medical treatment building, the construction of which began as early as 1996. It is particularly due to his efforts that the construction of this advanced building was completed, and they are going to put it into service. His dedication to the work he had chosen for himself as well as serving the people was continuous throughout his life. Professor Naumenko was friendly, partial and benevolent, and made people finding joy, positive emotions and some energy in socializing with him. He was interested in everything, delved into any issue, and was a generator of ideas and a person you could rely on and trust in any vital matter. His eyes were always shining with interest, love to people and life, and kindness.
Volodymyr Oleksandrovych will be an example for us with regard to devotion to one’s profession, wisdom and love to life. We express our sincere condolences to all his friends, colleagues, and family. Prof. Naumenko will be missed by all who had a chance to know him. It is his joyous and radiant presence that is indelible in our memories of him, and his name will always be a part of the history of the institute.
Staff of the SI "The Filatov Institute
of Eye Diseases and Tissue Therapy
of the NAMS of Ukraine"