The American Academy of Ophthalmology is pleased to announce Donald J. Cinotti, MD as the 2016 Outstanding Advocate Award recipient. This honor is annually awarded to an ophthalmologist who has made a long-standing commitment to participation in advocacy-related efforts at the state and/or federal levels.
Dr. Cinotti, nominated by the New Jersey Academy of Ophthalmology (NJAO), has dedicated countless hours as an advocate for patients and the profession. He has committed himself to ensuring that his colleagues understand the importance of contributing their time in building relationships with legislators and their money to critical funds that support ophthalmology at the state and federal levels. Dr. Cinotti has been an inspiring role model and a mentor to a generation of young ophthalmologists. Young ophthalmologists learn from Dr. Cinotti that their professional duties include not only treating patients but also advocating that patients receive quality eye care.
Dr. Cinotti has served in numerous advocacy leadership roles. He is currently chair of the Academy’s OPHTHPAC committee. Dr. Cinotti is a beloved fixture each year at the Academy’s Mid-Year Forum in Washington D.C. Throughout the course of the meeting he can be seen and heard compelling colleagues to generously donate to both the OPHTHPAC® and Surgical Scope Funds, leading the legislative briefing and then joining his colleagues on visits to legislators during Congressional Advocacy Day to discuss key Academy priorities. He previously served as a member and chair of the Academy’s Committee for Congressional Advocacy, as member of the Academy’s Committee for State Governmental Affairs and Surgical Scope Fund Committee, a Councilor representing New Jersey and as Associate Secretary for State Affairs. At the state level, he currently serves as the legislative and PAC chair for NJAO and as a delegate to the American Medical Association House of Delegates representing the Medical Society of New Jersey. He regularly participates in the annual NJAO Residents’ Advocacy Program (RAP) to inspire ophthalmology residents to engage in advocacy early in their careers. He also previously served as the president of the Medical Society of New Jersey.
Dr. Cinotti practices general ophthalmology at the Hudson Eye Physicians and Surgeons LLC in Jersey City, New Jersey. He went to medical school at the University of Guadalajara and did his residency at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary.