Priv.-Doz. Dr. Werner Wackernagel, MBA

Eye Surgeon, Cataract Surgery and Retinal Surgery, Ophthalmic Oncology

Cataract surgery (cataract operation) – standard and complex cases; retinal and vitreous surgery (vitrectomy); combined phaco-vitrectomies; surgical and conservative ophthalmic oncology; treatment of retinal holes and tears.

Over 10,000 microsurgical eye operations. More than 20 years of surgical experience. Hirsch factor / h-index 20 with 4,053 citations (as of December 2025, Google Scholar).

Born on March 18, 1974, in Graz. Medical studies at the Karl Franzens University of Graz (1992–1999), graduated with a doctorate sub auspiciis praesidentis. Immediately followed by the start of specialist training in ophthalmology and optometry with early specialization in eye surgery (cataract operations and vitrectomy), retinal diseases, and ophthalmic oncology.
Several international fellowships and training placements shaped his surgical specialization:

2005–2007: Fellowship in Ocular Oncology at the Cole Eye Institute of the Cleveland Clinic (Ohio, USA) under Professor Arun Singh
St. Paul’s Eye Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital (now Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, LUHFT), under Prof. Bertil Damato
S:t Eriks Ögonsjukhus , of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm under Prof. Stefan Seregard
Ophthalmology Department of the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles and the Doheny Eye Institute of the University of Southern California under Prof. Linn Murphree

After returning to Graz in 2007, he underwent advanced training in retinal and cataract surgery at the University Eye Clinic Graz. In this context, he developed his own surgical techniques, including the technique for subretinal biopsy of intraocular tumors for histological and genetic typing. This work contributed to establishing the Ophthalmic Oncology specialist area of the University Eye Clinic Graz among the international leaders, with publications in the New England Journal and Nature Genetics, among others.
Cooperations with partner universities (TU Graz) and the private sector (M&R) led to the application of new therapeutic methods in ophthalmic oncology practice. The development of the MedEyeTrac was recognized with the Fast Forward Award of the State of Styria.
Habilitation in 2014, followed by the management of the outpatient clinic for surgical ophthalmic oncology and the Retinoblastoma Center at the University Eye Clinic Graz. From 2017, additional independent work; in 2020, establishment of his own surgical practice, which today bears the name Eyeside as a group practice with Dr. Mona Schneider.

To supplement medical education with economic knowledge and leadership competence: Course for medical executives at the Medical University of Graz (2013/14), MBA studies (2015-2017) at the Executive Academy of the Vienna University of Economics and Business (Triple Crown with accreditation by EQUIS, AACSB, and AMBA).

Member of the Commission for Oncology and Pathology of the Austrian Ophthalmological Society (ÖOG) since 2008, chairing this commission from 2018–2022. Only active Austrian full member of the European Ophthalmic Oncology Group (OOG) and the International Society of Ocular Oncology (ISOO).

ÖOG – Austrian Ophthalmological Society
DOG – German Ophthalmological Society
AAO – American Academy of Ophthalmology
EURETINA – European Society of Retina Specialists
ESCRS – European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery
OOG – European Ocular Oncology Group
ISOO – International Society of Ophthalmic Oncology

Numerous research projects, publications in international specialist journals, as well as national and international lectures have accompanied my clinical work for many years. My aim at eyeside is to combine high-quality, scientifically sound, and university-oriented ophthalmic care with low-threshold access for statutory health insurance patients. The organization and treatment processes of the practice are continuously evaluated and further developed via the accompanying project ORIG.at.