Gonin was nearly awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his innovations in retinal detachment surgery and according to some[5] should have received it. He was seriously considered by the Nobel Committee in 1934.[6] A questionnaire on Gonin's research was sent to ophthalmic authorities around the world, among which all replied favourably, with one only exception. This is believed to have come from an envious conuntryman, who persuaded the Committee to postpone the award for one year.[5] However, he died unexpectedly in the spring of 1935, before the next prize was awarded.