Dr. Kathryn Colby Receives Castroviejo Medal at AAO 2025

Dr. Kathryn Colby, Chair of Ophthalmology at NYU Langone Health, was awarded the prestigious Castroviejo Medal during the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) held in Orlando, Florida, from October 17 to 20, 2025. This honor recognizes her significant contributions to the field of ophthalmology, particularly in the research and treatment of corneal diseases.

Dr. Colby, who also holds the title of Elisabeth J. Cohen, MD, Professor at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, delivered the annual Castroviejo Lecture at the conference. Named after the pioneering surgeon Ramon Castroviejo, the lecture focuses on advancements in corneal treatment. Dr. Colby’s presentation, titled “Innovation in Ophthalmology: Advances in the Management of Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy,” centered on her innovative work in treating Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy. This condition is the leading cause of corneal transplants in the United States.

In her lecture, Dr. Colby discussed the potential of a surgical technique known as Descemet stripping only (DSO), which she developed to promote the regeneration of a patient’s own corneal endothelial cells. This method aims to reduce reliance on donor corneas, enhancing the prospects for patients suffering from corneal diseases. Dr. Colby emphasized the transformative nature of this research, stating, “Receiving the Castroviejo Medal is a profound honor, and it emphasizes the importance of advancing treatments that can significantly improve patient outcomes.”

Dr. Colby has made substantial impacts in ophthalmology and is dedicated to enhancing the representation of women in the field. She has served in various leadership roles, including as a past president of the Cornea Society, and has co-authored over 100 peer-reviewed studies and seven books.

Innovative Treatments Highlighted at AAO

The AAO meeting also featured a range of presentations from NYU Langone Health faculty, showcasing cutting-edge research and treatment strategies. Dr. Mina Massaro-Giordano, Director of the Dry Eye Service, led a course on new treatments for dry eye and Meibomian gland dysfunction. Dr. Massaro-Giordano highlighted the effectiveness of intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, a non-invasive approach that has evolved over the past two decades to improve the quality of life for patients with dry eye disease.

Additionally, Dr. Vaidehi S. Dedania presented findings from her involvement in the world’s first face and eye transplant surgery at NYU Langone Health. This groundbreaking 21-hour procedure achieved eye globe viability using a novel vascular connection technique. Dr. Dedania provided insights into the surgical outcomes and the ongoing challenges of restoring sight, emphasizing that while optic nerve regeneration remains limited, the advancements made could pave the way for future innovations.

Dr. Colby, who also serves as the Director of the NYU Langone Eye Center, remarked, “These presentations underscore NYU Langone Health’s commitment to clinicians, researchers, and patients through pioneering research and innovative treatments.”

NYU Langone Health: A Leader in Healthcare

NYU Langone Health is recognized as a fully integrated health system that consistently achieves outstanding patient outcomes. It has received accolades for maintaining some of the lowest mortality rates in the nation. For four consecutive years, Vizient Inc. ranked NYU Langone first out of 118 comprehensive academic medical centers in the United States. Furthermore, U.S. News & World Report recently rated four of its clinical specialties as number one nationally.

The health system offers a wide range of medical services across seven inpatient locations, including the Perlmutter Cancer Center, and more than 320 outpatient locations in the New York area and Florida. With an impressive annual revenue of $15.5 billion, NYU Langone also boasts two tuition-free medical schools and a robust research enterprise.

For inquiries, please contact Colin DeVries at 212-404-3588 or [email protected].