Laureate Recognition Awardees

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

Honorary professor and chair of ophthalmology, Park University, and chair of ophthalmology at Hospital Robert Debrè and Foundation Rothschild in Paris; inventor of the YAG Laser for the treatment of posterior capsule opacity (secondary cataract).

J. Donald M. Gass, MD

Professor at both the University of Miami School of Medicine and Vanderbilt University in Nashville, well known 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

New York Medical College clinical professor of ophthalmology and attending surgeon at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary and the Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital; pioneered phacoemulsification and invented the cryoprobe.

Robert Machemer, MD

Former chairman of the Duke University department of ophthalmology; invented the vitreous infusion suction cutter, which allowed surgeons to more safely remove vitreous from the eye.

Charles L. Schepens, MD

Harvard Medical School clinical professor emeritus and president of the Eye Research Institute of the Retina Foundation; is the father of modern retinal surgery.