In a significant milestone for ophthalmology, Dr. Kathryn A. Colby, MD, PhD, the Elisabeth J. Cohen, MD, Professor and chair of the Department of Ophthalmology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, has been honored with the prestigious Castroviejo Medal by the Cornea Society in 2025. This distinguished award recognizes Dr. Colby’s transformative contributions to corneal science and clinical practice, underscoring her role as a pioneer in innovative therapies and research aimed at restoring and preserving vision. The award ceremony and her accompanying lecture were key highlights at this year’s American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) annual meeting held in Orlando, Florida.
The Castroviejo Medal celebrates outstanding achievements in corneal and external disease fields, named after Ramon Castroviejo, MD, renowned as the father of modern corneal transplant surgery. Dr. Colby delivered the Castroviejo Lecture titled “Innovation in Ophthalmology: Advances in the Management of Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy,” showcasing her groundbreaking work on Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy, the leading indication for corneal transplant operations in the United States. Her research advances a paradigm shift in treating this visually debilitating condition, replacing traditional transplantation approaches with regenerative techniques stimulating the patient’s own corneal endothelial cells.
At the core of Dr. Colby’s research is the surgical procedure known as Descemet Stripping Only (DSO). Unlike conventional penetrating or endothelial keratoplasty, DSO selectively removes damaged corneal endothelium while sparing adjacent healthy tissue, thereby harnessing endogenous regenerative energy. The procedure is further augmented by adjunctive pharmacologic therapy using Rho kinase inhibitors, a class of agents shown to enhance endothelial migration, proliferation, and functional recovery. This innovative approach has the potential to reduce reliance on donor tissue transplantation, addressing both shortages in corneal graft availability and complexities related to immune rejection.
Dr. Colby’s emphasis on biologically driven repair is transforming the landscape of corneal therapeutics. Her laboratory and clinical investigations investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underpinning endothelial cell regeneration. Combining state-of-the-art imaging, in vivo corneal endothelial assessments, and longitudinal functional visual tests, her work elucidates the regenerative capacity of native endothelial cells once obstacles related to senescence and cellular environment are overcome. This represents a critical leap forward in vision science, presenting prospects for sustained corneal clarity using patients’ own cells.
Alongside her leadership in regenerative corneal medicine, Dr. Colby is committed to improving ophthalmology as a discipline and promoting diversity within its ranks. Having held prominent roles in national and global ophthalmologic societies, including past presidency of the Cornea Society, she has authored over 100 peer-reviewed manuscripts and authored seven specialized textbooks. Through these contributions, she fosters knowledge dissemination and clinical excellence that impact both emerging scientists and practicing clinicians.
The AAO meeting also featured compelling presentations by colleagues from NYU Langone Health’s Department of Ophthalmology, illustrating the institution’s forward-thinking research and clinical innovation. Dr. Mina Massaro-Giordano, director of the dry eye service, presented findings on the clinical benefits of intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy for managing dry eye and Meibomian gland dysfunction. Her work underscores IPL’s role as a noninvasive but powerful modality to restore glandular function and alleviate the chronic inflammatory processes that plague millions affected by ocular surface disease.
Another groundbreaking presentation was delivered by Dr. Vaidehi S. Dedania, MD, who shared data from the surgical team involved in the world’s first face and eye transplant performed at NYU Langone Health. This unprecedented 21-hour procedure employed a novel vascular anastomosis connecting the superficial temporal artery to the ophthalmic artery and attempts at direct optic nerve reconnection. While optic tract integration was demonstrated by postoperative imaging, full sensory restoration remains unattainable with current nerve regeneration limits, emphasizing the immense complexity of visual system transplantation.
Dr. Colby, also director of the NYU Langone Eye Center, remarked on the collective achievements showcased at the AAO meeting. She highlighted the institution’s dedication to pushing boundaries at the intersection of clinical care, translational research, and education. These innovations underscore NYU’s status as a premier academic medical center focused on improving patient outcomes, advancing scientific understanding, and shaping the future of ophthalmological therapies.
NYU Langone Health stands at the forefront of integrated healthcare delivery and medical education, consistently recognized for its quality and patient safety metrics. It holds top national rankings in multiple specialty areas and supports a vast clinical network extending from urban New York City campuses to community outpatient locations in Florida. Its expansive research enterprise funds cutting-edge studies like those advanced by Dr. Colby and colleagues, attracting world-class talent to explore novel interventions that redefine standards of care for eye disease.
These developments herald a new era in ophthalmology where biologically based regenerative medicine and surgical innovation combine to tackle previously intractable conditions such as Fuchs dystrophy and complex ocular trauma. Dr. Kathryn Colby’s recognition with the Castroviejo Medal solidifies her legacy as a visionary leader whose translational research is fundamentally reshaping treatment paradigms and improving millions of lives affected by blinding corneal diseases worldwide.
Subject of Research:
Innovation in the management of endothelial corneal dystrophy with regenerative surgical techniques and adjunctive pharmacotherapy.
Article Title:
Dr. Kathryn A. Colby Awarded Castroviejo Medal for Pioneering Regenerative Approaches in Corneal Disease
News Publication Date:
October 17, 2025
Web References:
https://nyulangone.org/doctors/1245221282/kathryn-a-colby
https://aao.apprisor.org/apsSession.cfm?id=SYM35
Image Credits:
NYU Langone Health
Keywords:
Ophthalmology, Eye diseases, Cornea, Transplantation, Eye, Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy, Descemet stripping only, Rho kinase inhibitors, Regenerative medicine, Dry eye, IPL therapy, Eye transplant surgery
