Awards Nomination
Real World Ophthalmology is proud to recognize exemplary ophthalmologists in training through the first 10 years of practice for their outstanding contributions to the field of ophthalmology. We believe that young ophthalmologists have accomplished many things even while still in training, and we would like to provide an opportunity for their efforts to be recognized.
Throughout the year, we are excited to bestow awards for excellence in patient care, research, humanitarian efforts, mentorship, surgical skills, writing skills, leadership, teaching, innovation, professionalism, and ethics.
Nominations for RWO SPRING 2025 Awards are now OPEN!
Thank you for helping us recognize the incredible accomplishments of young ophthalmologists!
Meet the Previous Award Winners!!!
RWO Spring Awards
RWO Humanism in Ophthalmology Award
Sponsored by Glaukos
Awarded to a young ophthalmologist who has demonstrated the highest standards of care, compassion, and sensitivity in their patient interactions.
RWO Skilled Surgeon Award
Sponsored by Alcon
Awarded to a young ophthalmologist in training (resident or fellow) who displays excellent skills and judgment in the operating room.
RWO Inspiring Academic Leader Award
Sponsored by Bausch & Lomb
Recognizes a young ophthalmologist at an academic institution who demonstrates excellence in mentorship, research, and patient care.
RWO Practice Trailblazer Award
Sponsored by Dompe
Awarded to a young ophthalmologist working as a solo physician or in a group practice who has excelled at utilizing new technology to improve patient care continuously.
RWO Excellence in Community Service Award
Sponsored by Astellas
Awarded to an ophthalmologist in training (resident or fellow) who provides exemplary service in their academic department and/or community, particularly in underserved communities or in areas with healthcare disparities.
RWO Outstanding Patient Advocate Award
Sponsored by: Abbvie
Recognizes a young ophthalmologist who has demonstrated significant contributions to improving the quality and safety of patient care, creating a positive and collaborative culture, and providing exceptional patient experiences.
RWO Visionary Award
Sponsored by Genentech, A Member of the Roche Group
Awarded to a young ophthalmologist whose work demonstrates qualities of exceptional foresight, creativity, advocacy, and vision.
RWO Empowering Humanitarian Award
Sponsored by Amgen
Awarded to an ophthalmologist early in their career who has provided outstanding humanitarian service through ophthalmological mission trips, blindness prevention activities, or other public service related to improving eyecare in an area of need or to an impoverished community.
RWO Digital Innovator Award
Awarded to an ophthalmologist early in their career demonstrating outstanding creativity and leadership in leveraging digital technologies to advance the field of ophthalmology. This award celebrates young ophthalmologists who demonstrate exceptional innovation, collaboration, and forward-thinking in harnessing digital solutions to improve patient care, research, and education.
RWO Fall Awards
RWO Ophthalmologist of the Year
This top award is given to a young ophthalmologist who inspires, leads and represents the compassion and care that Real World Ophthalmology was built upon. Honoring physicians whose lives encompass the true spirit of being a medical professional caring for people. Exceptional leadership skills, service in their home community above and beyond what is required or expected, and an outstanding level of professionalism and ethics.
RWO Incredible Innovation & Scientific Contribution
Sponsored by Dompe
Awarded to a young ophthalmologist who has contributed to improvements in the field with new innovations: utilization of technology in education, creativity in surgical technique, creation of instruments, or design of devices.
RWO Outstanding Professionalism & Ethics
Recognizes a young ophthalmologist who embodies the highest degree of professionalism and ethics and serves as a noteworthy leader in the field.
RWO Exemplary Teacher
Sponsored by Amgen
Recognizes a young ophthalmologist who is an exemplary teacher and consistently provides an exceptionally positive and rewarding experience to those around them.
RWO Exceptional Leadership
Sponsored by Alcon
Recognizes a young ophthalmologist who has shown exceptional leadership qualities and demonstrates great potential for future impact on the field.
RWO Extraordinary Mentorship
Sponsored by Bausch & Lomb
Awarded to an ophthalmologist early in their career who has demonstrated a commitment to mentoring others and has had a significant positive impact on their mentees' careers.
RWO Excellence in Patient Care
Sponsored by Astellas
Awarded to a young ophthalmologist who has demonstrated exemplary patient care. The recipient is someone who has gone above and beyond to deliver excellent care in the field of ophthalmology.
RWO Remarkable Research
Sponsored by Allergan, An Abbvie Company
Recognizes an ophthalmologist early in their career who is making significant contributions to the field for their outstanding basic science or clinical research.
RWO Admirable Advocate
Sponsored by Genentech, A Member of the Roche Group
Awarded to a young ophthalmologist who exemplifies the qualities of creativity, leadership, and dedication as an advocate and has positively contributed to the betterment of patient care and the profession of ophthalmology.
