Prof. Nikica Gabrić, MD, PhD

Prof. Nikica Gabrić, MD, PhD graduated from the University of Zagreb School of Medicine.

Professor Gabrić completed his specialization at University Hospital Center Zagreb (Rebro), under the mentorship of Prof. Krešimir Čupak, MD, PhD, a doyen of Croatian ophthalmology.

Professor Gabrić earned his master’s degree at his alma mater in 1988 with the thesis “Computer Monitoring of Postoperative Complications after Cataract Surgery.”

Professor Gabrić received his doctorate in 1997 with the thesis “Comparative analysis of corneal graft preservation in rabbits and humans – a contribution to the formation of the first Croatian eye bank” under the mentorship of Ljerka Henč-Petrinović, MD.

Since 2000, he has held the academic title of assistant professor at the University of Rijeka School of Medicine, and since 2009, he has been a full professor.

He completed advanced training in anterior segment eye surgery at prestigious medical centers in Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, Russia, and Switzerland.

• Founder and Director of the Special Hospital for Ophthalmology Svjetlost

Prof. Nikica Gabrić, MD, PhD, specializes in anterior segment eye surgery, with over 100,000 operations including cataracts, glaucoma, refractive surgery, corneal transplants, strabismus, and more.

He operated in 17 countries worldwide, in more than 50 operating rooms, including the prestigious Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Complex in Russia.

He worked as a specialist ophthalmologist and later as Head of the Department of Ophthalmology at the Sveti Duh Clinical Hospital in Zagreb.

He was the first in Croatia to perform laser vision correction and was also the founder and president of the Lions Croatian Eye Bank.

In 1998, he founded Svjetlost, which quickly became the leading private medical institution in ophthalmology in Southeast Europe.

At Svjetlost Eye Clinic, Prof. Nikica Gabrić, MD, PhD, introduces the latest advances in ophthalmology, following the example of the world’s leading centers of excellence, and has built a team of leading experts who perform the most demanding eye surgeries.

From 1998 to 2008, he was an Alcon instructor for cataract surgery in Eastern and Southeastern Europe.

Since 2008, he has been an instructor for the American company AMO for refractive surgery and cataract surgery in Slovenia, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Italy, Poland, and Russia.

Today, he is the director of the Special Hospital for Ophthalmology Svjetlost, which grew from a polyclinic into a clinic in 2010, becoming the first private university clinic in Croatia.

“Svjetlost” is an internationally recognized brand with centers in Zagreb, Split, Sarajevo, and Budva.

He is the recipient of the Ciceron Award for the best speaker among Croatian entrepreneurs, and in 2011, he received recognition as Manager of the Year in Southeast Europe.

To date, he has given hundreds of lectures at international and domestic scientific and professional conferences.

In 2018, Professor Gabrić received the International Star Diamond Award for organizational excellence from the American Academy of Hospitality and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Croatian Association of Managers and Entrepreneurs CROMA.

The City of Zagreb Award for exceptional contribution to ophthalmology was presented to Professor Gabrić in 2019, in recognition of his contribution to the development and reputation of the capital of the Republic of Croatia.

In 2023, Professor Gabrić received the Večernjakov pečat for medicine.

In 2024, Prof. Nikica Gabrić, MD, PhD, received the prestigious “European Top Manager” award, and Svjetlost received the “Top Company” award from the European Independent Agency for the Selection and Promotion of the Most Successful Business People and Companies.

Professor Nikica Gabrić introduced a series of new surgical procedures into Croatian medicine (ultrasound cataract surgery, amniotic membrane transplantation, sulcus fixation of intraocular lenses, and cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation in children).

He is credited with advancing transplant medicine, establishing the first tissue bank in Croatia, the Lions Croatian Eye Bank, and through his efforts and expert assistance, he supported the opening of eye banks in Rijeka, Osijek, and Split.

He also performed the first laser vision correction surgery in the region.

He has published over 400 scientific and professional papers in domestic and international journals, including 40 in Current Contents indexed journals, 21 papers in other relevant databases, 21 book chapters, 5 books, and over 300 abstracts.

He is the founder and president of the Croatian Society for Cataract and Refractive Surgery.

He was a board member of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS), the European Eye Bank Association (EEBA), and is a board member of the European Society of Ophthalmology (SOE) and the South-Eastern European Ophthalmological Society (SEEOS).

He is an active member of the Croatian Medical Association, the Croatian Ophthalmological Society, the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Academy of Medical Sciences of Croatia, the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), the Anterior Segment Disease Association, and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery.

• Gabrić N, Henč-Petrinović Lj, Dekaris I. Complications following two methods of posterior chamber intraocular lens suturing. Documenta Ophthalmologica 1996; Vol 92: 107-116.
• Gabrić N, Dekaris I, Šuman L, Karaman Ž, Mravičić I. The influence of tissue culture on corneal antigenicity. Experimental Eye Research, Experimental Eye Research 1999, 68(3):277-282.
• Gabrić N, Mravičić I, Dekaris I, Karaman Ž, Mitrović S: Human amniotic membrane in the reconstruction of the ocular surface. Documenta Ophthalmologica 2000, 98: 273-283.
• Gabrić N, Dekaris I, Karaman Ž, Mravičić I, Katušić J. Corneal transplantation in children. Collegium Antropologicum 2001; 25(Suppl): 17-22.
• Dekaris I, Gabrić N, Mažuran R, Karaman Ž, Mravičić I. Profile of Cytokines in Aqueous Humor from Corneal Graft Recipients. Croatian Medical Journal 2001.
• Dekaris I, Gabrić N, Mravičić I, Karaman Ž, Kaštelan S, Špoljarić N. Multilayer versus Monolayer Amniotic Membrane Transplantation in Deep Corneal Ulcer Treatment. Collegium Antropologicum 2001; 25(Suppl):23-28.
• Dekaris I, Gabrić N, Karaman Ž, Mravičić I, Kaštelan S, Špoljarić N. Pterygium Treatment with Limbal-Conjunctival Autograft Transplantation. Collegium Antropologicum 2001; 25(Suppl):7-12.
• Mravičić I, Gabrić N, Kerhin-Brkljačić V, Grubić Z, Dekaris I, Karaman Ž. The role of HLA-DRB1 matching in corneal grafting. Collegium Antropologicum 2001; 25(Suppl):l-6.
• Gabrić N, Dekaris I, Karaman Ž: Refractive lens exchange for correction of high myopia. European Journal of Ophthalmology, 12:384-87, 2002.
• Dekaris I, Gabrić N, Karaman Ž, Mravičić I, Kaštelan S. Limbal-conjunctival Autograft Transplantation in Recurrent Pterygium Treatment. European Journal of Ophthalmology 2002; Vol.12 no.3: 177-182.
• Kokić S, Buković D, Radman M, Capkun V, Gabric N, Lesko V, Karelović D, Stanceric T.: Lispro insulin and metmorfin versus other combination in the diabetes mellitus type 2 management after secondary oral antidiabetic drug failure. Collegium Antropologicum, 27(1):321-325, 2005.
• Dekaris I, Gabrić N, Damir B, Gagro A, Markotić A, Lazić R. Interleukin 1a Production in Human Corneal Scars. Collegium Antropologicum 2005; 29(Suppl.1):81-84.
• Lazic R, Gabric N, Dekaris I, Bosnar D, Boban-Blagaic A, Sikiric P. Gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 promotes corneal epithelial defects healing in rats. Collegium Antropologicum 2005 Jun;29(1):321-5.
• Titlic M, Erceg I, Kovacevic T, Gabric N, Karaman K, Zuljan I, Orsolic K, kalajzic J. The correlation of changes of the optic nerve diameter in the acute retrobulbar neuritis with the brain changes in multiple sclerosis. Collegium Antropologicum 2005 Dec;29(2):633-6.
• Gabric N, Rastegorac P. An overview of telemedicine technology in the Russian countries. Teleophthalmology. 2006. 163-165.
• Bosnar D, Dekaris I, Gabric N, Markotic A, Lazic R, Spoljaric N. Influence of interleukin-1alpha and tumor necrosis factor-alpha production on corneal graft survival. Croat Med J. 2006 Feb;47(1):59-66.
• Knezović I, Dekaris I, Gabrić N, Cerovski J, Barišić A, Bosnar D, Raštegorac P, Parać A. Therapeutic efficacy of 5% NaCl hypertonic solution in patients with Bullous keratopathy. Collegium Antropologicum 2006; 30(2): 405-8.
• Lazic R, Gabric N, Dekaris I, Gavric M, Bosnar D. Photodynamic therapy combined with intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) in treatment of choroidal neovascularization secondary to age-related macular degeneration. Collegium Antropologicum 2007 Jan;31 Suppl 1:71-5.
• Lazic R, Gabric N, Dekaris I, Saric B, Gavric M. Intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) in treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Collegium Antropologicum 2007 Jan;31 Suppl 1:77-81.
• Sekelj S, Dekaris I, Kondza-Krstonijevic E, Gabric N, Predovic J, Mitrovic S. Ultraviolet light and pterygium. Collegium Antropologicum 2007 Jan;31 Suppl 1:45-7.
• Barisic A, Dekaris I, Gabric N, Bosnar D, Lazic R, Martinovic ZK, Krstonijevic EK. Blue light filtering intraocular lenses in phacoemulsification cataract surgery. Collegium Antropologicum 2007 Jan;31 Suppl 1:57-60.
• Bosnar D, Martinovic ZK, Dekaris I, Gabric N, Predovic J, Barisic A. Sunshine on holidays-eye risks. Collegium Antropologicum 2007 Jan;31 Suppl 1:49-52.
• Lazic R, Gabric N. Intravitreally administered bevacizumab (Avastin) in minimally classic and occult choroidal neovascularization secondary to age related macular degeneration. Graefes Archive for Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology. 2007 Jan 245 (1):68-73.
• Lazic R, Gabric N.Verteporfin therapy and intravitreal bevacizumab combined and alone in choroidal neovascularization due to age related macular degeneration. Ophthalmology. 2007 Jun 114 (6):1179-1185.
• Barisic A., Dekaris I., Gabric N., Bohac M., Romac I., Mravicic I., Lazic R.: Comparison of diffractive and refractive multifocal intraocular lenses in presbyopia treatment,Collegium Antropologicum, 2008 Oct 32(suppl2):27-31.
• Brijacak N., Dekaris I., Gagro A., Gabric N.: Therapeutic effect of amniotic membrane in persistent epithelial defect and corneal ulcers in herpetic keratitis,Collegium Antropologicum, 2008 Oct 32(suppl2):21-25.
• Predovic J., Balog T., Marotti T., Gabric N., Bohac M., Romac I, Dekaris I: The expression of human corneal MMP-2, MMP-9, pro-MMP-13 and TIMP-1 in bullous keratopathy and keratoconus,Collegium Antropologicum, 2008 Oct 32(suppl2):15-19.
• Gavric M., Gabric N., Dekaris I., Bohac M., Draca N.: Selective laser trabeculoplasty in the treatment of pseudoexfoliation glaucoma in patients allergic to all antiglaucoma drops,Collegium Antropologicum, 2010 Apr 34(suppl2):275-277.
• Mravicic I., Dekaris I., Gabric N., Romac I., Glavota V., Sviben M.: Trichophyton Spp. Fungal keratitis in 22 years old female contact lenses wearer,Collegium Antropologicum, 2010 Apr 34(suppl2):271-274.
• Barisic A., Gabric N., Dekaris I., Romac I, Juric B: Comparison of different presbyopia treatments: refractive lens exchange with multifocal intraocular lens implantation vs. LASIK Monovision,Collegium Antropologicum, 2010 Apr 34(suppl2):95-98.
• Dekaris I., Gabric N., Barisic A., Mravicic I., Pauk M., Anticic M.: Penetrating keratoplasty and Verisyse iris-claw lens – is it safe for corneal graft? Collegium Antropologicum, 2010 Apr 34(suppl2):73-77.
• Lazic R.,Boras I., Vlasic M., Gabric N., Tomic Z. Anti-VEGF in Treatment of Central Retinal Vein Occlusion. COLLEGIUM ANTROPOLOGICUM 2010.34(2):69-72.
• Boras I, Lazić R, Gabrić N, Lukić M, Dekaris I. Anti-VEGF in treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema. Coll Antropol. 35, 2011, 2: 15-19.
• Bohač M, Gabrić N, Antičić M, Drača N, Dekaris I. First results of Intracor procedure in Croatia. Coll Antropol. 35, 2011, 2: 161-166.
• Romac I, Gabrić N, Dekaris I, Barišić A. Resolution of Pseudophakic Cystoid Macular Edema with Combination Therapy of Topical Corticosteroids and Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs. Coll
• Antropol. 35, 2011, 2: 281-284.
• Mravičić I, Gabrić N, Pasalić A, Glavota V, Draca N. Surgical treatment of residual esotropia. Coll Antropol. 2011 Sep;35 Suppl 2:299-302.
• Gavrić M, Gabrić N, Jagić J, Cović A. Clinical experience with Ex-press Mini Glaucoma Shunt implantation. Coll Antropol. 2011 Sep;35 Suppl 2:39-41.
• Vojniković B, Gabrić N, Dekaris I. Curvature Analyses of the Corneal Front and Back Surface. Coll Antropol 37, 2013, 93-96.
• Vojniković B, Gabrić N, Dekaris I. How to Convert the Obliquely Crossed to non Crossed Astigmatism? Coll Antropol 37, 2013, 103-106.
• Draca N, Lazic R, Simic P, Dumic-Cule I, Luetic AT, Gabric N. Potential beneficial role of sevelamer hydrochloride in diabetic retinopathy. Med Hypotheses. 2013 Apr;80(4):431-5.
• Dekaris I, Gabrić N, Pauk M, Drača N. Positive pressure during penetrating keratoplasty can be solved with a modified graft-over-host technique.Acta Ophthalmol. 2013 Feb 7. doi: 10.1111/aos.12085.
• Lazic R, Lukic M, Boras I, Draca N, Vlasic M, Gabric N, Tomic Z. Treatment of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor-resistant diabetic macular edema with dexamethasone intravitreal implant. Retina. 2013 Aug 22.
• Gabric N.,Lazic R. PRIVATE SECTOR MEDICINE – INCREASING EXCELLENCE AND VIABLE ALTERNATIVE TO STATE SECTOR. PSYCHIATRIA DANUBINA 2013. 25(1):41-44.
• Bohac M.,Biscevic A.,Koncarevic M.,Anticic M.,Gabric N.,Patel S. Comparason of Wavelight Allegretto Eye-Q Schwind Amaris 750S excimer laser treatment of high astigmatism. GRAEFES ARCHIVE FOR CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL OPHTHALMOLOGY 2014. 252 (10):1679-1686.
• Dekaris I., Gabric N.,Draca N., Pauk-Gulic M., Milicic N. Tree-year corneal graft survival rate in high-risk cases treated with subconjunctival and tropical bevacizumab. GRAEFES ARCHIVE FOR CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL OPHTHALMOLOGY 2015. 253(2):287-294.

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