Previous Awardees

Rosamond Gilden is a clinician, researcher, and public health specialist committed to equitable eye care. With degrees in Biomedical Science, Orthoptics, and Public Health, she has led national initiatives like Australia’s Eye Health Survey and the DR-NET South Pacific. Her work focuses on diabetic retinopathy and improving access to care for Indigenous Australians and Pacific Islanders through systems change and community engagement.

Dr. Federica Solanes is a pediatric ophthalmologist and strabismus specialist based in Chile. She trained at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile and completed a fellowship at UCLA. She serves as Residency Director of the Ophthalmology Program at her alma mater and contributes to national and regional training efforts through the Chilean Society of Ophthalmology and CLADE, combining clinical care with medical education.

Dr. Evangelina Esposito is an Argentinian ophthalmologist specializing in ocular oncology, pathology, and uveitis. A graduate of the National University of Córdoba, she trained at McGill University and is currently pursuing advanced studies at the University of Montreal. She teaches at the Catholic University of Córdoba and has authored several publications, valuing a balance between clinical work, teaching, and research in her medical career.

Dr. Maja Kostic is a neuro-ophthalmology and pediatric ophthalmology specialist at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. Originally from Serbia, she holds an MD, MMSc, and PhD, and has led blindness prevention efforts, research, and training across the U.S. and Europe. She has authored book chapters, delivered over 100 presentations, and received multiple awards for her work in pediatric and neuro-ophthalmology.

Cristina Sánchez Gauto is a Paraguayan economist with 12 years of experience in eye health, specializing in project monitoring, evaluation, and policy advocacy. She is the Regional Coordinator for Latin America at the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) and collaborates with Fundación Visión in Paraguay and Bolivia. Her work focuses on promoting eye health and fostering cross-sector collaboration across the region.

Dr. Pinamang Poku-Hage is an ophthalmologist at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Ghana with a strong interest in children’s and women’s eye health, particularly in underserved communities. Passionate about tackling avoidable blindness, she has supported national cataract outreach initiatives and contributed to programs like The Daybreak Vision Project, CureBlindness, and NCOP, helping restore sight and improve lives.

Olivia Gomez is a public health leader in Paraguay with over a decade of experience in eye health strategy and advocacy. She serves as Director of the Vision Program at Fundación Visión and Vice President of the National Vision 2020 Committee (CONAVIP), promoting policies to expand access to eye care. Her work in inclusive services and early detection has earned her recognition from international organizations, including Combat Blindness International and Fundación Panambi Inc.

Esnala Mvula currently serves as ophthalmic staff at St. Luke’s Mission Hospital in Mpanshya. In her role, she contributes to the delivery of essential eye care services in a rural setting, playing a vital part in screening, diagnosis, and treatment support for patients. As part of a mission-based healthcare facility, Esnala is deeply committed to patient-centered care and community outreach, ensuring that those in remote areas receive the attention needed to prevent avoidable blindness.

Dr. Nonhlanhla Majola is a Specialist Ophthalmologist in Durban, South Africa, with a focus on oculoplastic and cataract surgery. She runs a private practice and founded Women in Ophthalmology South Africa (WOSA). A graduate of Stellenbosch and the University of KwaZulu-Natal, she is also part of the Orbis-Alcon Phaco Fellowship and NEO Program. Dr. Majola actively promotes gender equity and mentorship in eye health.

Dr. Thokozani Zungu is a Lecturer in Ophthalmology at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) and Clinical Director at Eyes of Africa, a leading eye clinic serving rural Malawi. She currently leads a national project to strengthen the eye health workforce by developing clinical guidelines and launching an offline mobile platform for professional development in remote areas.

Ms. Fatima Zehra is a seasoned optometrist and program manager with over a decade of experience in eye health. She has led initiatives reaching over 1.5 million people and played a key role in Pakistan’s 2024 trachoma-free status. As a national master trainer in Inclusive Eye Health and Safeguarding, she supports health systems strengthening. Her leadership has been recognized globally with IAPB’s Eye Health Hero and Young Systems Leader awards.

Dr. Yeni Dwi Lestari is an ophthalmologist and public health advocate based in Indonesia, dedicated to expanding access to eye care in underserved communities. She serves as Community Engagement Coordinator at Universitas Indonesia and RSCM. Her work spans clinical care, research, and leadership in blindness prevention.

Dr. Ha Huy Thien Thanh is an ophthalmologist at Vietnam National Eye Hospital, specializing in oculoplastic surgery and eye trauma. With international training and leadership experience, she combines surgical expertise with a strong commitment to medical education and gender equity in healthcare.

Dr. Khuyên Phạm Nhã is an ophthalmologist committed to continuous learning and providing high-quality patient care. She is passionate about empowering female healthcare professionals and believes that women in medicine play a vital role in building a healthier, more supportive society.

Dr. Rocio Banegas Erazo is a Honduran ophthalmologist specializing in anterior segment diseases, fully dedicated to providing eye care to underserved patients and mentoring future eye surgeons through the ACE Global Fellowship.

Sr. Maggie Mukuka is a Clinical Ophthalmic Nurse and mentor with over 26 years of experience, leading eye care initiatives in Zambia, training healthcare professionals, and advocating for ophthalmic education and capacity building.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Hien is a distinguished ophthalmologist specializing in oculoplastic and facial aesthetic surgery, serving as a lecturer at Hanoi Medical University and a consultant at the Vietnam National Eye Hospital, with significant contributions to research, education, and gender equality in eye care.

Dr. Fatma is an inspiring public health and eye health specialist with experience in global health initiatives, having worked with organizations such as the UN, the Red Cross, and the European Space Agency.

Dr. Rosa Balcells is a renowned Oculoplastic surgeon in Chile, serving as the Chief Consultant at the National Eye Trauma Unit, an Assistant Professor at Universidad de Chile, and the elected President of the Chilean Society of Ophthalmology, with a distinguished career in surgical reconstruction, medical education, and leadership in ophthalmology organizations.

Dr. Dziffa-Bella Ofori-Adjei is the Clinical Care Coordinator and Head of the Pediatric Eye Unit at KBTH, President of the Ophthalmological Society of Ghana, and a dedicated trainer and advocate for pediatric ophthalmology in Ghana.

Dr. Olena Hurzhii is an ophthalmologist specializing in uveitis, Director of Medical Education at Visium Ophthalmological Clinic, and coordinator of the SEVA Foundation's AIDS Eye Initiative, pioneering advanced treatment protocols and medical training in Ukraine.