The field of ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery is undergoing a profound paradigm shift. We are moving beyond traditional approaches toward a future defined by digital precision, minimally invasive access, and personalized reconstruction. This special issue of the Taiwan Journal of Ophthalmology captures this evolution, bridging the invisible logic of artificial intelligence (AI) with the tangible intricacies of endoscopic surgery and patient-specific implants. The Digital Revolution and Advanced Imaging At the forefront is the integration of data science. As explored by Hui and Li, AI is no longer a futuristic concept but a burgeoning clinical reality. By enhancing diagnostic accuracy in eyelid tumors and automating facial analysis for ptosis and orbital disorders, AI acts as a force multiplier for the clinician. However, the path to full clinical translation requires bridging the gaps in data diversity and algorithmic transparency. Complementing this “digital brain” is the surgeon’s “digital eye.” The review of advanced imaging modalities illustrates how we are refining preoperative maps to achieve previously unattainable surgical foresight. Expanding Frontiers: Precision Reconstruction and Transorbital Access Personalization is best exemplified by patient-specific implants (PSIs). The paper by Yang and Sa highlights how 3D printing and customized bioengineering have revolutionized orbital reconstruction, allowing for superior functional and esthetic outcomes by restoring orbital configuration and volume with mathematical precision. Simultaneously, the boundaries of our field are expanding into the cranial vault. Tong et al. redefine the orbit as a vital gateway to the skull base, underscoring the role of the oculoplastic surgeon in transorbital neuroendoscopy (TONES). By utilizing familiar oculoplastic approaches, surgeons can now access the anterior and middle cranial fossae with minimal morbidity. This review underscores the critical role of the oculoplastic surgeon in multidisciplinary teams, providing the anatomical expertise necessary to navigate these complex orbitocranial corridors. The Philosophy of Visualization Finally, we return to the fundamental principle that visualization must precede intervention. The review on dacryoendoscopy by Suzuki T et al. provides a masterful overview of how the field has shifted from “blind” probing to anatomy-based endoluminal diagnosis. Beyond the technical mastery of “Bent group” endoscopes, this work introduces a vital surgical philosophy: Illuminating the unseen structures. Conclusion Collectively, these articles transcend technical mastery to make the invisible visible. As we look to the next decade, our challenge lies in the ethical integration of this vision. We hope this roadmap inspires clinicians to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery. Data availability statement Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no datasets were generated or analyzed during the current study.
Kyung In Woo (Thu,) studied this question.