NYU Langone Health Chair of Ophthalmology Honored with Prestigious Castroviejo Medal at AAO 2025
Kathryn Colby, the Elisabeth J. Cohen Professor and chair of the Department of Ophthalmology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, has been awarded the prestigious Castroviejo Medal from the Cornea Society at the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) annual meeting in Orlando. This honor recognizes Dr. Colby's groundbreaking contributions to the field of ophthalmology, particularly in the promotion, research, and understanding of the cornea. Dr. Colby will deliver the annual Castroviejo Lecture, focusing on transformative approaches to treating Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy, an area of study she has spent her career advancing.
Key Takeaways:
- Dr. Kathryn Colby, Chair of Ophthalmology at NYU Langone Health, received the Castroviejo Medal at AAO 2025 for her contributions to the field of ophthalmology, particularly in corneal research and treatment.
- Dr. Colby will deliver the Castroviejo Lecture on transformative approaches to treating Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy, an area she has dedicated her career to researching.
- The lecture will focus on her latest research exploring the potential of surgical procedure Descemet stripping only (DSO) paired with Rho kinase inhibitors to stimulate endogenous corneal endothelial cell regeneration.
- Dr. Colby has pioneered DSO as a treatment to allow a patient's own cells to rejuvenate their cornea, rather than relying on a donor cornea.
- Dr. Colby has made significant contributions to the field of ophthalmology, including co-authoring over 100 peer-reviewed studies and 7 books, and holding leadership positions in national and international societies.
Statistics:
- Dr. Colby has spent her 20-year career advancing research and understanding of the cornea, particularly Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy.
- Over 100 peer-reviewed studies and 7 books co-authored by Dr. Colby on various topics in ophthalmology.
- Vizient Inc. has ranked NYU Langone No. 1 out of 118 comprehensive academic medical centers across the nation for four years in a row.
- U.S. News & World Report has ranked four of NYU Langone's clinical specialties No. 1 in the nation.
- The NYU Langone Health system generates $15.5 billion in revenue per year.
Sources:
- NYU Langone Health news release
- AAO annual meeting proceedings (link is external)
- Cornea Society (link is external)
- Vizient Inc. ranking
- U.S. News & World Report ranking
- NYU Langone Health website (link is external)