EYE TRAUMA 2026: ASOT ANNUAL MEETING & SKILLS TRANSFER LAB
April 24-26, 2026 | Houston Methodist Institute for Technology, Innovation and Education (MITIE) | Houston, TX
Keynote Speakers
Christopher Rapuano, MD, AAO President
Christopher J. Rapuano, MD, is a nationally and internationally recognized expert in corneal diseases and refractive surgery, and is the current President of AAO. He serves as Chief of the Cornea Service at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia and is a Professor of Ophthalmology at Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University.
Dr. Rapuano’s clinical and research interests include corneal transplantation, keratoconus, corneal dystrophies, recurrent corneal erosions, and excimer laser–based refractive and therapeutic procedures. He has authored more than 250 peer‑reviewed scientific articles, numerous book chapters, and several textbooks, including The Wills Eye Manual, one of the most widely used references in ophthalmology worldwide.
A leader in ophthalmic education, Dr. Rapuano has held multiple senior leadership roles within the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), including serving on its Board of Trustees and as Senior Secretary for Clinical Education. His contributions to the field have been recognized with numerous honors from the AAO, and he has been named repeatedly among America’s Top Doctors and America’s Best Eye Doctors.
Dr. Rapuano received his medical degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, completed his ophthalmology residency at Wills Eye Hospital, and pursued fellowship training at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. He is board‑certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology and continues to play a pivotal role in advancing clinical care, education, and innovation in ophthalmology.
2026 La Piana Mazzoli Awardee
Ukrainian Military Ophthalmologists
Represented by Colonel Igor Khramov, Chief Ophthalmologist and Major Andrii Kovalov, Military Ophthalmologist
Colonel Ihor Khramov is the Chief Ophthalmologist of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and a senior consultant in military ophthalmology at the National Military Medical Clinical Center “Main Military Clinical Hospital” in Kyiv.
A leading authority on combat ocular trauma, Colonel Khramov has played a central role in organizing, modernizing, and delivering ophthalmic care for wounded service members throughout Russia’s full‑scale invasion of Ukraine. His work focuses on the diagnosis and surgical management of blast‑related eye injuries, penetrating globe trauma, ocular burns, and complex injuries of the ocular adnexa, as well as the long‑term preservation of visual function in combat casualties. Colonel Khramov is an author and co‑author of peer‑reviewed scientific publications examining medical evacuation systems, treatment algorithms, and outcome prediction in combat eye injuries, drawing on frontline and tertiary‑care experience during the defense of Kyiv and subsequent military operations.
In addition to his clinical and research leadership, Colonel Khramov represents Ukraine internationally, including presenting on specialized ophthalmic care in wartime conditions at global military medicine and ophthalmology forums such as the Military Vision Symposium hosted by Harvard Medical School and Mass Eye and Ear. He is also actively involved in national initiatives supporting visual rehabilitation and social reintegration of veterans with vision loss, advising Ukraine’s Ministry for Veterans Affairs on accessibility, mobility, and long‑term care strategies for blinded and visually impaired service members. Colonel Khramov’s work exemplifies the integration of clinical excellence, military leadership, and humanitarian commitment in the preservation of sight during modern warfare.
Major Andrii Kovalov, MD, is a military ophthalmologist serving with the Armed Forces of Ukraine, where he specializes in the diagnosis, surgical management, and rehabilitation of combat‑related eye injuries. In his dual role as physician and officer, he provides advanced ophthalmic care to wounded service members and civilians affected by modern warfare.
Dr. Kovalov’s clinical focus includes blast‑related ocular trauma, penetrating eye injuries, facial burns involving the ocular surface, and complex anterior and posterior segment reconstruction. Working in high‑acuity and resource‑constrained environments, he has contributed to the rapid evolution of battlefield ophthalmology and multidisciplinary trauma care. As a commissioned officer, Major Kovalov supports the development of military medical protocols for eye protection, triage, and evacuation, and collaborates closely with trauma surgeons, maxillofacial specialists, and rehabilitation teams. He is also involved in training military medics and physicians in the early recognition and management of vision‑threatening injuries. Major Kovalov represents the dedication of Ukraine’s military medical corps—combining clinical excellence, leadership, and resilience while preserving sight and improving quality of life for those injured in defense of their country.
2026 Ferenc Kuhn Awardee
Arne Viestenz, MD, President, International Society of Ocular Trauma
Prof. Dr. med. Arne Viestenz is an accomplished ophthalmologist with 26 years of experience. He is currently the Clinic Director at the Department of Ophthalmology of the University Hospital Halle (Saale) in Germany. With an extensive education background, including studying human medicine at prestigious institutions such as the University of Leipzig and Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Dr. Viestenz has obtained a wealth of knowledge and expertise in his field.
Throughout his career, Dr. Viestenz has made significant contributions to the field of ophthalmology. He has published over 200 scientific papers, focusing on various areas such as diabetic eye diseases, corneal diseases, and glaucoma treatment. These publications highlight his dedication to advancing research and finding innovative treatments for his patients.
In addition to his work as a clinician and researcher, Dr. Viestenz is actively involved in professional organizations and societies. He is the President of the International Society of Ocular Trauma and serves as the Speaker of the German Ophthalmological Society in ophthalmotraumatology.
With his wealth of experience, extensive research contributions, and dedication to his field, Prof. Dr. med. Arne Viestenz is considered a highly respected and skilled ophthalmologist. His expertise and innovative approach to treatment make him a valuable asset to the Department of Ophthalmology at the University Hospital Halle (Saale).
Global Excellence Award
Carlos A. Wong Morales, MD; Wong Oftalmologia
President, Asociacion Panamericana de Trauma Oftalmico (APTO); President of the Peruvian Chapter of Ophthalmic Trauma, Peruvian Medical Society; Medical Director and Co-founder, Wong Oftalmologia, Lima
Reception Keynote: Navy Veteran Lonnie Bedwell – Blind Extreme Sportsman, Advocate
Lonnie Bedwell, a blind extreme-sports athlete and National Geographic 2015 Adventurer of the Year, is a testament to resilience, grit, and the pursuit of pushing boundaries. He is now on the verge of completing one of the world’s most elite adventure challenges — the Explorer’s Grand Slam, which requires reaching both the North and South Poles and summiting the highest peak on each of the seven continents. Lonnie has now climbed all seven summits — Kilimanjaro (Africa), Aconcagua (South America), Denali (North America), Everest (Asia), Mt. Vinson (Antarctica), Mt. Elbrus (Europe), and Carstensz Pyramid (Oceania) — the latter two completed in 2025. With only the North Pole remaining, Lonnie stands closer than ever to achieving this remarkable global feat.
A former Navy Petty Officer, Bedwell’s life changed in 1997 after a hunting accident instantly took his sight. Despite this, he raised three daughters, teaching them to hunt, fish, and, incredibly, to drive. After his daughters graduated, Bedwell turned his attention to challenging himself and soon became one of the world’s most recognized blind extreme-sports athletes.
When told he’d need to master 1,000 kayak rolls to conquer the Grand Canyon, Bedwell rolled his donated kayak 1,500 times in his farm pond. That determination laid the foundation for the historic journey that followed.
Bedwell has since tackled some of the world’s most challenging whitewater, achieving the first blind descents of Africa’s legendary Zambezi River’s Batoka Gorge and West Virginia’s world-renowned Gauley River. Before May 2023, he was best known for his historic first blind descent of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon in 2013 with Team River Runner — a journey that earned him his Adventurer of the Year nomination and cemented his legacy in adaptive adventure.
These feats showcase his unwavering dedication to teamwork, resilience, and problem-solving under pressure. He also rock climbs and is an avid downhill skier when he has time away from construction work in his hometown of Dugger, Indiana.
Lonnie’s mission is clear: to inspire others to live boldly and embrace life with confidence. He is a passionate advocate for children and veterans with disabilities, demonstrating that blindness does not define him or limit his capacity to help others thrive. His inspiring story has led to appearances on The Today Show, Steve Harvey, and Breaking Bobby Bones, and he has been featured in the documentary films Feel of Vision, Dreamline Blind, and Long River Home, as well as numerous publications.
Faculty
Ore-Ofe Adesina, MD – Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Neurology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
Rupesh Agrawal, MD, MMed – (Singapore), FRCS (Glasgow), FAMS, DNB, DO – Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist, Head of Research, National Healthcare Group Eye Institute, Tan Tock Seng Hospital; Associate Professor, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University; Associate Professor, Duke NUS Medical School; Senior Clinical Lecturer, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore
Zeynep Aktas, MD – Pediatric and Adult Glaucoma Specialist, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Asim Ali, MD, FRCSC – Ophthalmologist in Chief, Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, The Hospital for Sick Children
Grayson W Armstrong MD, MPH – Director of Ophthalmology Emergency Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear; Associate Director, Medical Student Education, Harvard Medical School; Program Committee and Executive Board, American Society of Ophthalmic Trauma
James Auran, MD – Professor of Ophthalmology, Columbia University; Associate Residency Program Director, NYC Health and Hospitals/Harlem; Executive Director and Past President, American Society of Ophthalmic Trauma
Touka Banaee, MD – Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Director of Vitreoretinal Fellowship, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
Sushank A. Bhalerao, MD – Consultant Ophthalmologist, Cornea, Anterior Segment, Refractive, L V Prasad Eye Institute/LVPEI
Purendra Bhasin, MD – Founder, Medical Director, Ratan Jyoti Netralaya, Ophthalmic Institute & Research Centre
Richard Blanch, MBChB(Hons), DSc(Hon), MRCS (Ed), PhD, FRCOphth – Defence Consultant Advisor for Ophthalmology at the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine; Lead Consultant in neuro-ophthalmology, ocular trauma and cataract, University Hospitals, Birmingham, UK; member, Joint Ocular Trauma Group
Eileen Bowden, MD – Academic Ophthalmologist, UT Health-Austin
Maria Alejandra Charria, MD – Ophthalmologist, Charria Eye Center, University of La Sabana
Imtiaz Chaudhry, MD, PhD, FACS – Ophthalmologist, Houston Oculoplastics Associates
Yewlin Chee, MD – Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, Medical and Surgical Retina and Telehealth, University of Washington
Amy Coburn, MD – Ophthalmologist, Houston Methodist Hospital; Program Chair and Secretary, American Society of Ophthalmic Trauma
Ian Conner, MD – Chief of Ophthalmology, UPMC Shadyside
Maricruz Contreras, MD – Ophthalmic Surgeon, Asociación Mexicana de Órbita, Párpados y Vías Lagrimales
Craig N. Czyz, DO – Ophthalmologist, Ohio University / OhioHealth
Jose Dalma-Weiszhausz, MD – Founder, President, Mexican Ophthalmological Society; Professor of Ophthalmology, Retina, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico; Editorial Board, Eye Trauma
Garvin Davis, MD – Associate Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology, Weill Cornell Medicine; Vitreoretinal Service, Blanton Eye Institute, Houston Methodist Hospital
Dale Fajardo, EdD, MBA – Vice President for Education, American Academy of Ophthalmology
Morgan Fredell, MD – Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology, Ruiz Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston
Mary Gonzalez, MD – Ophthalmic Surgeon, Association to Prevent Blindness in Mexico
Seanna Grob, MD – Ophthalmologist, UCI Health
Ashok K. Grover, MD – Chairman of the Dept. of Ophthalmology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital & Vision Eye Centres, New Delhi
Bartlett Hayes, MD – Ophthalmologist, Ellsworth Uveitis and Retina Care
Guy Hunter, FRCOphth – Royal Navy UK; Nuclear Submarine Medical Officer and Defence Aviation Medicine Vision Specialist; Author, Role 1 Afloat Ophthalmic Management; Deputy Chair, Ophthalmologists in Training Group, Royal College of Ophthalmologists; Vitreoretinal Surgeon
Mona Hussein, MSc, FRCS (UK) – formerly Ophthalmology Specialist, Military Medical Compound, Cairo and Ambulatory Health Services, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, United Arab Emirates
Dan Ignazewski, MD – Executive Director, Alliance for Eye and Vision Research (AEVR) and the National Alliance for Eye and Vision Research (NAEVR)
Yunia Iriwati, MD, PhD – Ophthalmologist, JEC Eye Hospitals and Ophthalmology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia
Ahmad Kheirkhah, MD – Ophthalmologist, Robert Cizik Eye Clinic, associate professor in the Ruiz Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston
Amin Kherani, MD – Clinical Associate Professor, University of Calgary, Co-Founder, Calgary Retina
Won I. Kim, MD – Ophthalmologist, Eye Doctors of Washington
David Kohn, MD –
Kirthi Koka, MD – Ophthalmologist, Sankara Nethralaya
Ferenc Kuhn, MD, PhD – Chairman, International Society of Ocular Trauma; Founder and Past President, American Society of Ocular Trauma
Gary LeGault, MD, MAJ, MC USA – Director, Virtual Medical Center, US Department of Defense; former Chief of Refractive Surgery, US Army Beaumont Army Medical Center
Derek Mai, MD – Ophthalmologist and Deputy Chief of the Ophthalmology Service at Madigan Army Medical Center
Juan Carlos Martinez Camarillo, MD – Ophthalmologist, Keck Medicine of USC
Kanwal Matharu, MD – Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology, Cornea and Refractive Surgery and Global Health, University of Iowa
Sandra Montezuma, MD – Professor of Ophthalmology, Knobloch Endowed Chair, Vitreoretinal Service, University of Minnesota
Felipe Morera, MD – Ophthalmologist, Ophthalmologist Hospital San Juan de Dios
S. Natarajan, MD – Chief, Clinical Services, Adity Jyot Eye Hospital; Chief, Vitreoretinal Services, Dr. Agarwal’s Group of 212 Eye Hospitals; President, Tele-Ophthalmology Society of India; Treasurer, International Council of Ophthalmology; Vice President, Global Eye Genetics Consortium; President, Eye Cancer Society of India; Past President, Asia Pacific Ophthalmic Trauma Society and Ocular Trauma Society of India; Board Member, International Society of Ocular Trauma
Hossein Nazari, MD, PhD – Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, Vitreoretinal Service, University of Minnesota
Silvia Orengo-Nania, MD – Burch Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology, Professor and Chair, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences, University of Minnesota Medical School
Rahul Pandit, MD – Ophthalmologist, Houston Methodist Eye Associates
Roma Patel, MD – Independent Consultant, RP Vision Services
Boonkit Purt, MD MAJ, MC, USA – Assistant Professor of Surgery, USUHS; Program Committee and Vice-President, American Society of Ophthalmic Trauma
Mary Qui, MD – Ophthalmologist, University of Chicago Medical Center
Tonia Rex, PhD – Research Director and Vice Chair for Basic & Translational Research, and Marlene and Spencer Hays Director for Translational Vision Research, Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Professor of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences , Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
Jose Romero, MD – Unidad Nacional De Oftalmologia, Guatemala
Tomas Rybertt, MD –
Ankoor Shah, MD – Assistant Professor and Director of Pediatric Ocular Trauma, Harvard Medical School; Program Committee and Treasurer, American Society of Ophthalmic Trauma
Michael Snyder, MD – Board of Governors, Cincinnati Eye Institute/CVP, Co-Chair, EyeCare Partners MEB Research Committee, Professor of Ophthalmology, University of Cincinnati
Mohammad Soleimani MD, FICO – Professor of Ophthalmology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Charles Soparkar, MD, PhD, FACS – Fellow, ASOPRS; Clinical Assistant Professor, Weill Cornell Medicine and Baylor College of Medicine; Past Chief of Ophthalmic Oncology and Oculoplastic Surgery, University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Boston University Medical Center, and Lahey-Hitchcock Clinic
Prem Subramanian, MD, PhD – Ophthalmologist, UCHealth Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center – Aurora, University of Colorado Health
Misha Syed, MD – Assistant Dean for Educational Affairs, Office of Clinical Education Vice Chair for Academic Affairs, Ophthalmology, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
Jennifer Tong-Young Yu, MD, PhD – Ophthalmologist, UW Medical Center
Sami Udaywat, MD – Ophthalmologist, Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS)
Anja Viestenz, MD – Ophthalmologist, University Hospital Halle Clinic and Polyclinic for Ophthalmology
Matthew Wade, MD – Associate Professor, Cornea & Cataract Surgery, Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of California, Irvine
Heuy-Ching H Wang CIV, USN, NAMRU – Assistant Professor, Pediatric Ophthalmology, University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center
Marguerite Weinert MD – Assistant Professor, Pediatric Ophthalmology, University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center
Alan Wenger, MD – Ophthalmologist, Seashore Eyecare
Lloyd Williams, MD, PhD – Associate Professor of Ophthalmology; Director of Refractive Surgery; Director of Duke Global Ophthalmology; Affiliate, Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University School of Medicine
Jules Winokour, MD – Ophthalmologist, Lenox Hill Hospital at Northwell Health, Long Island Jewish Medical Center at Northwell Health, Garden City Surgicenter and Syosset Surgicenter
Carlos A. Wong Morales, MD – President, Asociacion Panamericana de Trauma Oftalmico (APTO); President of the Peruvian Chapter of Ophthalmic Trauma, Peruvian Medical Society; Medical Director and Co-founder, Wong Oftalmologia, Lima
Fasika Woreta, MD, MPH – Professor of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine; Executive Board Member and Past President, American Society of Ophthalmic Trauma
Michael Yen, MD – Professor, Baylor College of Medicine
James Zhao, MD – Assistant Professor, Oculoplastics Service, Emory University School of Medicine
Annual Meeting + Wet lab Planning Committee
Course Director
Amy Coburn, MD
Ophthalmologist, Houston Methodist Hospital
Lab Director
Grayson Armstrong, MD, MPH
Director of Ophthalmology Emergency Service, Massachusetts Eye and Ear; Associate Director, Medical Student Education, Harvard Medical School; Program Committee and Executive Board, American Society of Ophthalmic Trauma
Retina Section Director
Hossein Nazari, MD
Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, Vitreoretinal Service, University of Minnesota
Pediatric Section Director
Ankoor Shah, MD
Assistant Professor and Director of Pediatric Ocular Trauma, Harvard Medical School; Program Committee and Treasurer, American Society of Ophthalmic Trauma
Glaucoma Section Director
Mary Qiu, MD
Ophthalmologist, University of Chicago Medical Center
Glaucoma Section Director
Won I. Kim, MD
Ophthalmologist, Eye Doctors of Washington
Cornea Section Director
Morgan Fredell, MD
Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology, Ruiz Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston
Jose Dalma-Weiszhausz, MD
Founder, President, Mexican Ophthalmological Society; Professor of Ophthalmology, Retina, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico; Editorial Board, Eye Trauma
Fasika Woreta, MD, MPH
Professor of Ophthalmology, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine; Executive Board Member and Past President, American Society of Ophthalmic Trauma
Boonkit Purt, MD
MAMC, President, American Society of Ophthalmic Trauma
Grant Justin, MD
James Auran, MD
Professor of Ophthalmology, Columbia University; Associate Residency Program Director, NYC Health and Hospitals/Harlem; Executive Director and Past President, American Society of Ophthalmic Trauma
Kristen Hawthorne, MD
Howerton Eye Center
Bhakti Panchal, MD
PGY-1 Ophthalmology, MedStar Georgetown/Washington Hospital Center
Marfy Ezekiel Abousifein
Research Committee
Touka Banaee, MD
Associate Professor
University of Texas Medical Branch
Galveston, Texas
Sushank Ashok Bhalerao, MD
Consultant
Shantilal Shanghvi Cornea Institute (SSCI), Kode Venkatadri Chowdary (KVC) campus, LV Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI)
Tadigadapa, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, India
Mohammad Dastjerdi, MD
Associate Professor
Rutgers Health, New Jersey Medical School
Newark, New Jersey
Gary Legault, MD
Director, Virtual Medical Director
Uniformed Services University
San Antonio Military Medical Center, Texas
Fatma Shakarchi, MD, MSc
Firdous Eye Hospital
Baghdad, Iraq
Mohammad Soleimani, MD
Professor
University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill, NC
David Fleischman, MD, MS, FACS
Sterling A. Barrett Distinguished Associate Professor
Interim Chair, Department of Ophthalmology
Director, Glaucoma Fellowship
Director, Ocular Trauma
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill