Abstract
The following presents a personal account of one man’s journey through a once-in-a-lifetime experience that changed the world. Recounting the extraordinary events that led to the development of vitrectomy would not have been possible without the assistance of my long-time friend and indispensable colleague Dr. Helmut Buettner. In his endearing self-effacing manner, Helmut graciously insisted on not sharing authorship of this chapter, feeling that it was my story. I therefore dedicate this introduction to thanking him—for everything. Of course, words alone cannot express the gratitude and devotion I feel for the leadership of my mentors and friends, the Chief, EWD Norton and Robert Machemer, whose adventure this was as well (Fig. V.B.1-1).