Laureate Recognition Award

About /

Awards /

Laureate Recognition Award

Laureate Recognition Award

Every year, ophthalmologists distinguish themselves and the profession by making exceptional scientific contributions toward preventing blindness and restoring sight worldwide. The Academy's Board of Trustees will recognize these extraordinary contributions with its Laureate Award, the Academy's single highest honor.

Laureate Recognition Award Recipients

Eligibility

The Laureate Award may be given to individuals who:

Developed new techniques accepted worldwide.
Made a seminal invention or adapted a previous technology.
Introduced a new treatment modality.
Discovered the etiology of a disease state.
Reassessed previous findings, resulting in a significant shift in treatment.
Established new standards of quality care in ophthalmology.
Made breakthroughs in genetic understanding.
Conducted primary research in new pharmacological product.
Provided sustained, impactful leadership to the profession.

The award may be made at the discretion of the Laureate Recognition Selection Committee for accomplishments of significance either past or present. One award (living) can be awarded annually, however, it is not necessary to present awards each year; the Selection Committee and/or the board may recommend and vote not to give it at all in any given year.

Nominations

The Laureate Award recognizes individuals from around the world who have made exceptional scientific contributions to the betterment of eye care leading to the prevention of blindness and restoration of sight worldwide.

The award is made at the discretion of the Laureate Selection Committee for accomplishments of significance either past or present. Up to one award may be awarded annually, but it is not required that a recipient be named every year. Selection Committee recommendations must be approved by the Academy's Board of Trustees and the recipient must be living. The award recipient is announced each Fall and the Laureate induction ceremony occurs during the Opening Session of the Academy's Annual Meeting. Laureate Award winners receive a commemorative plaque, medal, complimentary lifetime Academy membership and reimbursement for expenses associated with
travel to the award ceremony.

How to Submit a Nomination:

Complete the nomination form (PDF 81K).
Write a letter of support. Highlight the nominee's achievements and the significance of his/her work as it relates to significant contributions to the profession, new techniques developed, a seminal invention or a new treatment accepted worldwide. Include evidence of justification such as: career highlights, university service, honors and awards, publications and community service.
Do not send videos or similar presentations, books or published papers.
All submitted materials become property of the Academy and cannot be returned.

Send nomination by Jan 31, 2023 to:

The Academy Laureate Selection Committee
American Academy of Ophthalmology
655 Beach Street
P.O. Box 7424
San Francisco, CA 94120-7424 USA
Email: lowen@aao.org

Past Recipients

2022
	Morton F. Goldberg, MD Recognized for his impactful scientific discoveries, visionary leadership and enduring mentorship of ophthalmology trainees.
2021
	Michael T. Trese, MD Recognized for his seminal contributions to the diagnosis and management of retinopathy of prematurity and pediatric retinal detachment. His contributions span the breadth of genetics, imaging, telemedicine, pharmacology and he is widely considered to be the father of modern pediatric vitreoretinal surgery.
2020
	George B. Bartley, MD Recognized for his contributions to the science, leadership and stewardship of the profession which have advanced the standards and quality of care for the benefit of patients and colleagues.
2019
	Marilyn T. Miller, MD Recognized for her significant contributions to the field of pediatric ophthalmology and teratology, her lasting impact on the profession through her international humanitarian outreach and her accomplishments as an exceptional leader, educator and mentor.
2018
	Steven Charles, MD Recognized for his work as a leader of and catalyst for the incredible advances in vitreoretinal surgery since its introduction in the 1970s.
2017
	Irene H. Maumenee, MD Recognized for her significant impact by merging clinical genetics with laboratory investigations and playing a seminal role in creating the subspecialty of ophthalmic genetics.
2016
	Matthew D. Davis, MD Recognized for his seminal contributions to Ophthalmology including fostering rigorous standards in clinical studies that have had major public health impact on the leading causes of blindness.
2015
	Bruce E. Spivey, MD Honored for his exceptional leadership and monumental contributions to ophthalmology and ocular oncology in research, education and patient care.
2014
	Jerry A. Shields, MD Recognized for his exceptional leadership and monumental contributions to ophthalmology and ocular oncology in research, education and patient care.
2013
	Daniel M. Albert, MD, MHS Recognized for his seminal contributions to ophthalmology including those in patient care, education, research, ophthalmic history, medical ethics, journal editing and administration.
2012
	Stephen J. Ryan, MD Recognized for his valuable and innumerable contributions to the field of vitreoretinal disease and ocular trauma; Dr. Ryan's key leadership impact in major national and international organizations has reshaped not only ophthalmology but the entire field of medicine.
2011
	Alfred Sommer, MD, MHS Recognized for his remarkable career and lasting contributions to ophthalmology, epidemiology and public health worldwide through his discovery of the link between vitamin A deficiency and childhood blindness and mortality.
2010
	Bradley R. Straatsma, MD, JD Recognized for his unique contributions to the science of ophthalmology through innovative research in posterior segment pathology and his leadership in enhancing ophthalmic education institutions and organizations worldwide.
2009
	Bernard Becker, MD Recognized as a pioneer in ophthalmic research, clinical care, education and leadership. He is widely accepted as a world expert on the treatment of intraocular pressure regulation and neuroprotection of the optic nerve.
2008
	Professor Alan C. Bird, MD Recognized as a pioneer in ophthalmic research, teaching and clinical medicine. He is one of the world's experts on the treatment of retinal vascular disease and genetic and degenerative retinal disorder.
2007
	Claes H. Dohlman, MD Recognized as the founder of modern corneal science and for his years of teaching and educating young ophthalmologists in the field of cornea.
2006
	Lorenz E. Zimmerman, MD Widely recognized for his many contributions to our understanding of a broad spectrum of diseases of the eye and for his ability to clearly communicate his cogent observations to ophthalmologists in clinical practice through a series of seminal publications and lucid lectures.
2005
	Arnall Patz, MD A gifted teacher and clinician who saved the sight of an untold number of newborns when he suspected oxygen had a role in the alarming number of retrolental fibroplasia cases among premature infants.
2004
	Danièle S. Aron Rosa, MD, PhD Recognized as the inventor of the YAG Laser for the treatment of posterior capsule opacity (secondary cataract).
	J. Donald M. Gass, MD Recognized for his research on diseases of the retina, macula and uvea, much of which was done in Miami.
	Marshall M. Parks, MD Almost single-handedly created the subspecialty field of pediatric ophthalmology; world-renowned for his contributions to understanding and treating amblyopia and strabismus.
2003
	Charles D. Kelman, MD Pioneered phacoemulsification and devised a mechanical, portable cryoprobe.
	Robert Machemer, MD Invented the vitreous infusion suction cutter, which allowed surgeons to more safely remove vitreous from the eye.
	Charles L. Schepens, MD Recognized as the father of modern retinal surgery.