#USA #Orlando #NYU Langone #Kathryn Colby #Castroviejo Medal

Dr. Kathryn Colby Receives Castroviejo Medal at AAO 2025

On October 17, 2025, during the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) held in Orlando, Florida, Dr. Kathryn A. Colby, the chair of the Department of Ophthalmology at NYU Langone Health, was awarded the distinguished Castroviejo Medal by the Cornea Society. This prestigious recognition celebrates Dr. Colby's significant advancements in the field of ophthalmology, specifically her efforts in corneal research and understanding.

Dr. Colby, an esteemed figure in the medical community, has a career dedicated to improving patient outcomes and advancing treatment methods for corneal diseases. Her latest research, which she will showcase at the AAO, revolves around innovative approaches to managing Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy, a prevalent condition leading to corneal transplants in the United States. Her groundbreaking work includes a surgical technique known as Descemet stripping only (DSO), used in conjunction with targeted therapy such as Rho kinase inhibitors, aimed at regenerating a patient’s own corneal endothelial cells rather than relying solely on donor tissues.

"Receiving the Castroviejo Medal is a profound honor, and it emphasizes the importance of advancing treatments that can significantly improve patient outcomes," Dr. Colby remarked. She showed optimism about the future of corneal therapies, mentioning that they might eliminate the necessity for transplants in certain cases.

In addition to her keynote address, the conference will feature several other presentations from NYU Langone’s ophthalmology faculty. Dr. Mina Massaro-Giordano, an expert in dry eye treatment, will discuss the use of intense pulse light (IPL) therapy to enhance Meibomian gland functionality and alleviate dry eye symptoms. Dr. Massaro-Giordano noted, "This treatment has evolved significantly over the past 20 years, and there are promising advancements that can improve the quality of life for those suffering from dry eye disease."

Moreover, Dr. Vaidehi S. Dedania will share insights from her experience on the surgical team for the first-ever face and eye transplant surgery at NYU Langone Health. This pioneering procedure lasted an astonishing 21 hours and seeks to establish new standards and methods for such complex surgeries.

Dr. Colby, also the director of the NYU Langone Eye Center, stated, "These presentations underscore NYU Langone Health's commitment to clinicians, researchers, and patients through pioneering research and innovative treatments." Her dedication to the field and commitment to addressing women's roles in ophthalmology highlights her leadership within national and international societies. In her extensive portfolio, Dr. Colby has co-authored over 100 peer-reviewed papers and seven books, illustrating her profound impact on medical literature and education.

NYU Langone Health’s dedication to healthcare innovation and patient-centered practices has helped it maintain its status as a leading hospital system, recognized for some of the best patient outcomes in the United States with a focus on cutting-edge research and clinical excellence. The achievements in ophthalmology exemplified by Dr. Colby and her peers continue to contribute to the advancement of medical practices and patient satisfaction worldwide.

As ophthalmology evolves rapidly, the contributions of pioneers like Dr. Kathryn Colby will remain vital in shaping the future of vision care and enhancing the well-being of countless patients around the globe.