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Making the Cut

Making the Cut:  The Extraordinary True Story of a Woman in a Man's World

ASIN: B0D1KDTHCD
Publication date: May 6, 2024
Print length: 451 pages

Making The Cut

The Extraordinary True Story of a Woman in a Man’s World

by Dr Cynthia J MacKay MD

“This beautifully written biography charts the life of Dr MacKay, a wife, a mother, a surgeon, and a lifelong activist campaigning against the cruel, painful, damaging invasive corrective eye surgery LASIK. It is written with modesty. It is engaging, witty, and sometimes painful to read as it describes the discrimination, smear campaigns, and brutal conduct of her peers and others who have tried to ruin her in their own act of self-preservation. Dr MacKay battles through it all, with dignity, determination, and an abundance of wit, humor and humility.

The book is best summed up by this single quote:

“I was utterly enchanted by this wonderful biography. The style is so lively I could not bear to put it down. It is full of generous insights into other people. The focus on how a girl acquires the skills she will need as a surgeon adds suspense .”
– Ann (Nanno) C. Bienstock, Author, “Stories”

Dr MacKay has dedicated her life to healing sick eyes. After retiring from practice, she threw herself into a crusade to tell the truth about LASIK. She financed and co-authored a book, “The Unsightly Truth of Laser Vision Correction: LASIK Surgery Makes Healthy Eyes Sick”, written with Morris Waxler (former head of the FDA committee that approved LASIK), Paula Cofer (one of millions of LASIK-damaged patients) and Ed Boshnick (optometrist). She was Executive Producer of a movie, “Broken Eyes”, that was filmed by LASIK-damaged Dana Johnson. The book was published, and the movie was released, in April, 2024.

After Dr MacKay graduated from Harvard in 1964, she spent the next 9 years focusing on her husband and two children. She squeaked into medical school despite discrimination for her age (31), gender, and status as a mother. After completing an eye surgery residency and fellowship at the Harkness Eye Institute (where she was the fourth female resident), she went on to build a private practice, perform significant scientific eye research, teach at the prestigious Lancaster Course for 17 years, and become a member of important ophthalmology societies, which led to her appointment as Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Dr MacKay welcomes you on this journey, through her life, the ups, the downs, the sublime, and at times the ridiculous. You will find yourself laughing, and at the same time crying, but in the end you will be amazed at the courage, strength and determination that made her the successful woman she is today.

Never let anyone tell you what you can or cannot achieve. This biography is living proof that you can, and you will succeed.

Dr MacKay dedicates this book to her family, friends and all the victims of LASIK surgery.