The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) 2026 Annual Meeting took place October 9-12 in New Orleans, bringing together ophthalmologists, researchers, educators, and trainees from around the world. Duke Eye Center faculty, fellows, residents, and trainees contributed to more than 100 sessions throughout the meeting, including presentations, instructional courses, panel discussions, research sessions, and leadership activities across numerous ophthalmic subspecialties.
In addition to presenting new research and helping lead educational programming throughout the meeting, Duke faculty and trainees were recognized with several prestigious honors from the Academy and its affiliated organizations.
- Mays El-Dairi, MD received the Academy's Senior Achievement Award, one of AAO's highest honors for sustained contributions to ophthalmology and the profession.
- Laura Enyedi, MD served as Program Director for Pediatric Ophthalmology Subspecialty Day, a prestigious leadership role that helps shape educational programming for specialists from around the world.
- S. Grace Prakalapakorn, MD, MPH received an AAO Secretariat Award in recognition of her service and contributions to the Academy.
- Jullia Rosdahl, MD, PhD received the Roy S. Chuck, MD, PhD, Secretary for Quality of Care Honor.
- SriniVas Sadda, MD, FARVO received the 2026 Heed-Gutman Award and the Emily Y. Chew, MD, Editor-in-Chief of Ophthalmology Science honor.
- Sarthak Shah, MD, won Best Paper in the Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus category.
- Cynthia Toth, MD, received the Suzanne Véronneau-Troutman Award, presented by Women in Ophthalmology.
- Linus Shen, MD received the Ronald G. Michels Fellowship Foundation Award.
We congratulate all Duke faculty, trainees, and staff who contributed to AAO 2026 and celebrate the many presentations, leadership roles, and honors earned throughout the meeting in New Orleans.
