Three SUNY Optometry Students Win Ezell Fellowships

Three clinician scientists pursuing doctoral degrees at the State University of New York College of Optometry have been named the 2026 William C. Ezell Fellows by the American Academy of Optometry Foundation. This selection represents one of the most prestigious honors available to graduate students who are actively pursuing careers in vision research and education. The recognition was announced during the Academy 2026 conference held in Anaheim, California, highlighting the institutional strength of SUNY Optometry in doctoral research and faculty mentorship. The three awardees are Manoj K. Manoharan, Manish Subedi, and Stephen Dellostritto, each of whom is conducting research focused on myopia, a condition commonly known as nearsightedness. Their work explores different aspects of how the eye processes visual information, develops, and changes over time, contributing to a broader understanding of this growing public health concern.

The William C. Ezell Fellowship program, established in 1949, is designed to support graduate students who are pursuing advanced degrees in vision-related research. Each of the 2026 fellows receives $10,000 in financial support, which includes specific funding to attend major scientific conferences. The selection process is highly competitive, and the fellows are chosen in recognition of their research accomplishments and their potential to make significant contributions to the field of vision science.

Stephen Dellostritto, who holds an OD, MS, and FAAO, serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor and doctoral researcher at SUNY Optometry. He is working under the mentorship of Dr. Jose-Manuel Alonso on a project that investigates how different retinal pathways contribute to eye development and myopia. Specifically, his research examines the pathways involved in processing light and dark visual information. Dellostritto utilizes virtual reality-based visual field assessments, contrast testing, and retinal imaging to study how changes in visual function correspond with structural changes in the nearsighted eye. The ultimate goal of his work is to inform future approaches to myopia prevention and management by understanding these complex biological mechanisms.

Manoj K. Manoharan, a PhD student with a B. Optom and PGDOVS, is working under the mentorship of Dr. Lisa Ostrin. His research focuses on how the body’s internal biological clock, or circadian rhythms, affects visual function and the development of myopia. By examining how these biological mechanisms influence eye growth, Manoharan aims to identify specific factors that contribute to nearsightedness. His work hopes to inform evidence-based approaches to the prevention and control of myopia, potentially leading to new strategies for managing the condition in both children and adults.

Manish Subedi, a PhD student with a B. Optom, is working under the mentorship of Dr. Alexandra Benavente-Perez. His research focuses on understanding how visual information influences eye growth, a process that is central to the development of myopia. Subedi investigates how optical imperfections, the retina’s processing of light and dark signals, and color perception may contribute to the development and progression of nearsightedness. His work seeks to better understand how the eye responds to visual experiences and how those responses may influence the structural changes associated with myopia.

Dr. David Troilo, President of SUNY College of Optometry, described the recognition of three graduate program researchers with Ezell Fellowships as an extraordinary achievement. He stated that this success is a testament to the quality of the students and the research taking place at the institution. Troilo noted that Manoharan, Subedi, and Dellostritto are pursuing important scientific questions that could help scientists better understand how myopia develops. He emphasized that their work aims to find new ways to prevent the onset of myopia and manage its progression. The President congratulated each of them on this well-deserved recognition and expressed anticipation for the contributions they will continue to make to vision science and patient care.

Dr. Lisa Ostrin, Dean of Graduate Studies and Research at SUNY College of Optometry, commented that these fellowships recognize exceptional students who have demonstrated the drive, talent, and commitment to make meaningful contributions to the field. She noted that their success also reflects the collaborative research environment that the college works to create. Ostrin highlighted that students at SUNY Optometry have access to supportive faculty, strong mentorship, and opportunities to pursue innovative research that connects scientific discovery with clinical care.

The recognition of these three fellows also highlights the strength of SUNY Optometry’s doctoral research program, which brings together students with clinical backgrounds and experienced faculty researchers. This program is designed to investigate fundamental questions in vision science and translate discoveries into potential improvements in patient care. The college offers graduate programs leading to MS and PhD degrees in vision science, providing opportunities for students to pursue advanced research alongside faculty working across basic, translational, and clinical disciplines. The research environment supports collaboration between scientists and clinicians, helping to prepare graduates for diverse careers in academic research, industry, and optometric education.

Myopia is described as a growing public health concern affecting children and adults worldwide, and the recipients’ research reflects SUNY Optometry’s broader commitment to advancing understanding of this condition. Their projects examine different biological and visual mechanisms that may contribute to the development and progression of myopia. The shared goal of their work is to advance scientific knowledge that could eventually lead to better strategies for protecting vision. By investigating these mechanisms from multiple angles, including circadian rhythms, retinal pathways, and visual processing, the fellows are contributing to a multifaceted approach to addressing the global rise in nearsightedness.

Founded in 1971 in New York City, the State University of New York College of Optometry is the only school of optometry in the state and a nationally recognized leader in optometric education, vision research, and patient care. The college prepares the next generation of eye care professionals through its Doctor of Optometry program, residency programs, and advanced graduate degrees in vision science. As an academic health center in optometry dedicated to advancing eye and vision care, SUNY Optometry conducts a robust portfolio of basic, translational, and clinical research focused on improving diagnosis, treatment, and understanding of visual disorders. Beginning in fall 2027, the Doctor of Optometry degree will be offered in both New York City and Syracuse, providing students with the opportunity to choose where they live and practice.

Subject of Research: Doctoral research on myopia mechanisms and vision science at SUNY College of Optometry

Article Title: Three SUNY Optometry doctoral students awarded prestigious William C. Ezell fellowships

Article References: Three SUNY Optometry doctoral students awarded prestigious William C. Ezell fellowships. Original publication (Bibliographic details unavailable.)

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Keywords: SUNY Optometry, William C. Ezell Fellowship, Myopia, Vision Science, Doctoral Research, American Academy of Optometry Foundation, Circadian Rhythms, Retinal Pathways, Eye Development, Clinical Research, Three, SUNY