Judy E. Kim, M.D., is a Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at UT Southwestern Medical Center. She holds the Jean and Tom Walter Distinguished Chair in Ophthalmology. She specializes in vitreoretinal diseases and surgery, including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, retinal surgery for macular hole and epiretinal membrane, and ocular imaging.

Dr. Kim is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Chicago and earned her medical degree at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore.  She completed a residency in ophthalmology at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at the University of Miami in Florida. Certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology, she joined the UT Southwestern faculty in 2024.

Dr. Kim is Chair Emeritus of Women in Retina, a Fellow of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), and a member of the American Ophthalmological Society and the Retina Society. 

A few of her numerous awards and honors over the years include the Heed Ophthalmic Foundation Fellowship, Medical College of Wisconsin Outstanding Faculty Service Awards, Suzanne Véronneau-Troutman Award from Women in Ophthalmology. She has been peer-selected to the Best Doctors in America List since 2003, which recognizes the top 4 percent of physicians in the country.

She has also received the AAO Lifetime Achievement Honor Award, AAO Secretariat Awards, and the ASRS Senior Achievement Award. She is in the Retina Hall of Fame and is an ARVO Silver Fellow and an inaugural ASRS Fellow.

Dr. David Sarraf is a renowned retinal specialist at the Stein Eye Institute, UCLA. His expertise spans a wide range of retinal diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vascular occlusion, retinitis pigmentosa, and retinal toxicity.  

Dr. Sarraf is a prolific researcher with over 350 publications and has contributed to several textbooks.

He is a sought-after lecturer, having presented at conferences worldwide. His contributions to the field have been recognized with prestigious awards like the LuEsther T Mertz Lectureship Award and the Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology Keynote Lecture.

As a faculty member at UCLA, Dr. Sarraf is dedicated to teaching and mentoring the next generation of ophthalmologists.

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Dr. Sarraf is a world leader in the field of advanced retinal imaging and has delivered over 400 invited lectures at various meetings worldwide including more than a dozen endowed and keynote lectures. Specifically, Dr. Sarraf was awarded the LuEsther T Mertz Lectureship Award by the Macula Foundation in 2018, the Canadian Journal of Ophthalmology Keynote Lecture by the Canadian Ophthalmological Society in 2020 and the 2023 Richard Greene Award and Lecture by the Macula Society in 2023.

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Education

Medical Board Certification

Ophthalmology, American Board of Ophthalmology

Fellowships

Ophthalmology, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Trust

Ophthalmology, UCLA School of Medicine

Residency

Ophthalmology, University of Chicago Hospitals

Internship

Ophthalmology, Toronto Hospital - General Division

Degree

MD, University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine

Dr. Michael W. Stewart stands as a beacon of expertise in the realm of ophthalmology, with a particular focus on retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration. Serving as the Chair of Ophthalmology in Florida, Dr. Stewart is deeply involved in pioneering research and treatment methodologies. His association with the Mayo Clinic further underscores his commitment to excellence and innovation in eye care.

Dr. Stewart's rich educational background, including fellowships at the University of California, Davis, and the Retina Research Foundation, equips him with a profound understanding of vitreoretinal diseases. He has been recognized with prestigious awards, such as the Nataraja Pillai Orator Award and the President's Award from the Florida Society of Ophthalmology, reflecting his dedication to the field. His active involvement as a Board Member of the International Council on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs in Ophthalmology and his role as Secretary of Education for the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology showcase his leadership and commitment to shaping the future of ophthalmology.

With over five decades of unwavering dedication to ophthalmology, Dr. Lee Jampol stands as a testament to excellence and innovation in eye care. Currently practicing at Northwestern Medical Group and affiliated with the renowned Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, IL, Dr. Jampol's vast experience spans both clinical and academic realms.

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A proud alumnus of Yale University, where he completed both his medical degree and residency, Dr. Jampol's foundation in ophthalmology is rooted in world-class education and training. His commitment to advancing the field is further evidenced by his numerous accolades, including recognition as a Regional Top Doctor by Castle Connolly and receiving the Meaningful Use Stage 1 Certification from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

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Beyond his clinical expertise, Dr. Jampol is deeply involved in the academic sphere, nurturing the next generation of ophthalmologists and contributing to the broader knowledge base of the field. His legacy in ophthalmology is not just built on his exceptional patient care but also on his enduring commitment to education, research, and the broader medical community.

Dr. Daniela Ferrera is a luminary in ophthalmology, merging her deep-rooted South American heritage with global advancements in eye care. A proud graduate of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, one of South America's leading institutions, Dr. Ferrera's medical journey reflects a blend of dedication, innovation, and passion.

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With a foundation in macromolecular metabolism research during her medical school years, she has continually pushed the boundaries of knowledge. Her Master's Degree focused on the electrophysiology of chromatic vision, and her subsequent PhD in Visual Sciences delved into multimodal imaging on retinal dystrophy, showcasing her commitment to understanding the intricacies of the human eye.

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In 2006, Dr. Ferrera transitioned to the United States, undertaking a research fellowship in Medical Retina at the Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital affiliated with New York University. Since then, her expertise in multimodal imaging analysis for clinical trials on retinal diseases has been instrumental in shaping the field. Currently, as an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at Tufts University School of Medicine, she collaborates closely with the Optical Coherence Tomography Team, bridging the gap between retina specialists and the innovative Research Laboratory of Electronics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

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A beacon of inspiration and knowledge, Dr. Ferrera's career is a testament to her dedication to both basic research and clinical challenges, making her a pivotal figure in the global ophthalmology community.

Christina Rapp Prescott, MD, PhD, a distinguished cornea and cataract surgeon, has joined NYU Langone Health’s Department of Ophthalmology as the Vice Chair for Education and Director of the Cornea Service. Dr. Prescott, an associate professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, brings a wealth of experience in anterior segment surgery, with a focus on complex cataract and corneal procedures in both children and adults.

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Previously serving as an assistant professor at Johns Hopkins Medicine's Wilmer Eye Institute, Dr. Prescott's expertise is a significant addition to the faculty at NYU Langone. Her collaboration with Dr. Kathryn A. Colby, chair of ophthalmology, is poised to enhance the training of future ophthalmologists and elevate patient care standards.

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In her new role, Dr. Prescott aims to revitalize the Ophthalmology Residency program's surgical curriculum. This includes introducing advanced simulators, multiple practice laboratories, and specialized faculty mentorship, ensuring a comprehensive and hands-on learning experience for residents.

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Dr. Prescott's educational journey began with a BA in biophysics from Columbia College, followed by a combined PhD/MD program at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver. It was during this period that she discovered her passion for ophthalmology. Her subsequent internship and residency at Yale School of Medicine, and a cornea fellowship at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary under Dr. Colby, further solidified her career path.

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Throughout her career, Dr. Prescott has been an active participant in the ophthalmology community, presenting at national and international conferences, collaborating internationally, and contributing to a plethora of research publications. Her dedication to advancing corneal surgery techniques and nurturing clinical expertise among her colleagues is evident in her work.

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David A. Goldman, M.D., embodies a blend of exceptional expertise and innovation in the field of ophthalmology. His illustrious journey began with an impressive academic foundation, earning a BA in Psychology, cum laude with distinction in all subjects from Cornell University, followed by an MD with honors in research from Tufts School of Medicine. He honed his medical skills during his internship in Internal Medicine at Cabrini Medical Center and further specialized in Ophthalmology with a residency and fellowship in Cornea and External Disease at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute.

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In his professional career, Dr. Goldman has held significant positions, including serving as the Medical Director at New York Eye and Ear/Mount Sinai West Palm Beach from 2017 to 2018 and as the Anterior Segment Team Lead at Modernizing Medicine since 2012. His tenure as an Assistant Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Palm Beach Gardens highlighted his profound knowledge and skill in the field.

Dr. Goldman's dedication and skill have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards and honors. He was named one of the top 250 US surgeons by Premier Surgeon in 2010 and has been acknowledged as one of the top 40 under 40 ophthalmologists worldwide by The Ophthalmologist in 2015. Consistently featured in the list of Best Doctors and Top Ophthalmologists since 2012, his expertise was also recognized by Newsweek, ranking him as one of the best ophthalmologists in the United States.

A respected figure in the academic sphere, Dr. Goldman has contributed immensely to several editorial boards, including Refractive Eye Care, Advanced Ocular Care, Cataract and Refractive Surgery Today, Millennial Eye, and Ocular Surgery News. His insights and knowledge have been shared at numerous conferences as a keynote speaker and panelist, showcasing his leadership in the field.

Dr. Goldman’s approach to patient care combines technical brilliance with a compassionate, patient-focused philosophy. His active participation in various societies, editorial roles, and consistent presence in national and international ophthalmology conferences reflect his commitment to advancing the field. We are thrilled to welcome Dr. David A. Goldman as a key figure at the Vail Retina & Eye CME Conference, where his extensive achievements and visionary approach to ophthalmology will undoubtedly inspire and enlighten our community.

A cornerstone of the Retina & Eye community, Dr. Ronald Frenkel founded the East Florida Eye Institute in 1989 and has been instrumental in advancing ophthalmological care on the Treasure Coast. Specializing in conditions such as Cataracts, Diabetic Retinopathy, and Macular Degeneration, Dr. Frenkel's commitment to excellence ensures patients receive cutting-edge care. A former professor at the prestigious Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, his achievements include the Distinguished Alumni Award from Kresge Eye Institute and the American Academy of Ophthalmology's Achievement Award. With distinguished training, including a Glaucoma Fellowship at Harvard, Dr. Frenkel's contributions to the field, both as a speaker and a researcher in over 90 clinical trials, position him as a luminary in retina and eye care.

Cathleen McCabe, MD serves as Chief Medical Officer at Eye Health America™. She is one of the foremost eye surgeons today, specializing in bladeless laser cataract surgery and LASIK at The Eye Associates in Sarasota, Florida. Dr. McCabe has performed over 50,000 cataract surgeries and more than 17,000 LASIK procedures.  She has a keen interest in advancing the field of ophthalmology and has participated in numerous clinical trials, including innovations in intraocular lenses, perioperative medications, medications and devices to treat glaucoma, dry eye treatments and presbyopia correction.

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Dr. McCabe continues to receive many prestigious and esteemed awards for her work in Ophthalmology, including being named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor – 2015 to 2021 for Ophthalmology. Castle Connolly also selected her for the first-ever Exceptional Women In Medicine Award for 2017 to 2020. She was named to the OSN Premier Surgeon 300 List, and the Premier Surgeon 250 List of Leading Innovators in Premium IOL Cataract Surgery.

She was also chosen a LASERVISION Top 100 LASIK Surgeon, elected President of CEDARS/ASPEN-2017, has received the American Academy Achievement and Secretariat Awards, is the President of the Outpatient Ophthalmic Surgery Society, the chair of the Refractive Surgery Clinical Committee for the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS), serves on the governing board of ASCRS and serves on numerous editorial and subspecialty boards and committees.

Dr. McCabe was most recently honored for being on the Global Top 100 Power list for 2021 and 2022. She has leadership positions in mentoring and international educational organizations, including YoungMDConnect, Global Education and Research Society in Ophthalmology, and serves as an advisor to many ophthalmology industry partners.

She is passionate about giving back to her local community, profession and globally and participates in charitable giving and volunteer efforts both at home and abroad. 

She is a board member of several charitable foundations in ophthalmology, including One World Global Health/Sight for Life, OOSS Gives, and others. Dr. McCabe received her medical degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin and received her residency training at the prestigious Bascom Palmer Eye Institute at the University of Miami’s School of Medicine. She continues to share her expertise by publishing articles and book chapters as well as lecturing at national and international ophthalmological seminars.

Christopher Anderson is a Chambers ranked health care transactional and regulatory attorney who works with professional healthcare providers,

telehealth/health tech companies, private equity funds, venture capitalists, strategic investors, lenders, and life science companies in connection

with planning, structuring, and executing transactions and other strategic business arrangements in the healthcare and life sciences industries.

His transactional experience also includes M&A, divestitures, joint ventures and other affiliations, corporate reorganizations, and financings. He

regularly leads large-scale transactions managing a team of subject matter experts as well as acting as a health care regulatory and transactional

authority in other firm deals.

His hospital-physician integration experience encompasses transactions for health systems, ASCs (ambulatory surgery centers), large physician

groups, and other ancillary providers, as well as the formation of care coordination entities, joint ventures, pay-for-performance and gain sharing

programs, co-management agreements, ACOs (accountable care organizations), clinically integrated networks, and other partnership opportunities

He has structured innovative arrangements between for-profit entities and nonprofit providers and/or quasi-governmental entities that has led to

the preservation of community health care assets and simultaneously safeguarded investor value.

Mr. Anderson’s regulatory practice includes advising clients on various fraud and abuse and self-referral matters, HIPAA and other data security

compliance issues, and Medicare program requirements as well as state licensure, certificate of need, corporate practice of medicine, and fee-split

problems.

Chris co-chairs the healthcare provider transaction subgroup and the virtual and digital health subgroup. He has written and spoken extensively on

the applications of health care law and is an adjunct professor at the University of Illinois-Chicago leading an annual class on health care law and

regulation.

Dr. Leon Herndon is a distinguished ophthalmologist and glaucoma specialist at Duke University. He has been actively involved in the American Glaucoma Society (AGS), serving in various leadership roles. In 2023-2024, he was elected President of the AGS, a testament to his expertise and contributions to the field.

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Herndon's career at Duke Eye Center has been marked by his dedication to research, education, and patient care. He has mentored numerous glaucoma fellows and trainees, and his work has been featured in numerous scientific presentations and publications.

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Beyond his academic pursuits, Herndon is a practicing ophthalmologist at Duke University Hospital and Duke Regional Hospital. He specializes in glaucoma surgery, cataract surgery, and the treatment of glaucoma, among other eye conditions.

Dr. Herndon has an interest in exploring better medical and surgical ways to treat patients and will continue to be involved in clinical trials involving novel drug-delivery systems and new surgical procedures.  

He also has a research interest in the differential burden of glaucoma on African-derived populations.

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Dr. Herdon, a native North Carolinian raised in Raleigh, pursued his undergraduate and medical degrees at UNC-Chapel Hill, specializing in biology and ophthalmology, respectively. Following a residency in ophthalmology, he completed a fellowship in glaucoma at Duke Eye Center, joining the faculty in 1996. His passion for ophthalmology began in ninth grade when he received his first pair of glasses, inspiring him to dedicate his life to helping others improve their vision.

Known for his compassionate approach, Dr. Herdon puts patients at ease, addressing their concerns about vision loss. He listens attentively to their needs and provides recommendations based on current research and his own expertise.

Dr. Cantor began his medical journey at Indiana University School of Medicine, graduating in 1980. Following his residency in ophthalmology and a glaucoma fellowship, he joined the IU department of ophthalmology as the director of the glaucoma service. Over the years, he held various leadership positions, including chief of ophthalmology at Wishard Memorial Hospital and director of the ophthalmology residency program. In 1999, he was appointed professor of ophthalmology and later became the department chair.

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Dr. Cantor has made significant contributions to the field of ophthalmology, particularly in the area of glaucoma research. His work has focused on evaluating new topical medications and understanding the role of ocular blood flow in glaucoma. He has secured numerous grants and fellowships to support his research and has co-founded the Glaucoma Research and Diagnostic Center.

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In addition to his research endeavors, Dr. Cantor has been instrumental in developing strong residency training programs and providing high-quality patient care. He has authored numerous articles, given lectures worldwide, and served on various committees for national eye organizations.

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Dr. Cantor's leadership and expertise have been recognized throughout the ophthalmology community. He has held leadership positions in organizations such as the American Ophthalmological Society, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, and the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology. He has also served on the editorial review boards of several ophthalmology journals.  

Dr. Matthew D. Kay, a renowned ophthalmologist in Pompano Beach, Florida, has dedicated his career to the field of neuro-ophthalmology. He received his undergraduate degree from Northwestern University and completed his medical training at Temple University.

His expertise in neuro-ophthalmology, a specialized area that focuses on eye conditions related to the nervous system, was further honed during his fellowship at the world-renowned Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia.

Following his fellowship, Dr. Kay served as a faculty member at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami before establishing the first full-time private practice exclusively dedicated to neuro-ophthalmology in Southeast Florida. This groundbreaking initiative provided a much-needed resource for patients in the region.

Committed to advancing the field, Dr. Kay frequently lectures and teaches ophthalmologists, optometrists, residents, and students. He has also contributed to the development of the neuro-ophthalmology study curriculum for practicing ophthalmologists seeking to maintain their Board certification.

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Sara Tullis Wester, MD is an Associate Clinical Professor at the University of Miami's Bascom Palmer Eye Institute. Prior to her medical career, she worked as an investment banker at Goldman Sachs. Dr. Wester earned her medical degree from Harvard Medical School and completed her Ophthalmology Residency and ASOPRS fellowship training in Oculofacial Plastic, Reconstructive, Orbital, and Oncology surgery at Bascom Palmer.

Dr. Wester specializes in reconstructive and cosmetic surgery of the eyelids and orbit, with a particular focus on the management of Thyroid Eye Disease. Her research investigates adipose stem cells and their potential applications in treating Thyroid Eye Disease and reconstructive or cosmetic surgery. She has authored numerous chapters and peer-reviewed articles on stem cells in ophthalmology and alterations in the adipose stem cell population in Thyroid Eye Disease. Additionally, Dr. Wester has participated in several multi-center randomized controlled clinical trials on Thyroid Eye Disease and serves as a consultant for Horizon Therapeutics, the manufacturer of Tepezza, an FDA-approved medication for this condition.

Dr. Wester is a sought-after speaker, both nationally and internationally, on advancements in Thyroid Eye Disease, eyelid surgery, aesthetic eyelid surgery, non-surgical rejuvenation, lacrimal procedures, orbital surgery, and other ophthalmic topics. She has received numerous awards, including Castle Connolly's Top Doctors, F1000 Invited Faculty, Women Extraordinaire Award, Leading Physicians of the World, and Marquis Who's Who Top Ophthalmologist awards. Dr. Wester is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, has been interviewed extensively for her expertise in thyroid eye disease, and served on the scientific advisory committee for the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS). She is actively involved in ophthalmology organizations, serving on the executive board of Women in Ophthalmology and the board of directors for the North American Society for Academic Orbital Surgeons. Dr. Wester also serves as the program director for the NASAOS spring meeting and is a co-program director for the Thyroid Symposium at the World Ophthalmology Congress

Dr. William R. Katowitz is a renowned ophthalmologist specializing in pediatric ophthalmology. He is affiliated with multiple hospitals in Philadelphia, including Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania Hospital. Dr. Katowitz received his medical degree from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and has over 20 years of experience in the field.

As an attending surgeon in the Division of Ophthalmology at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Dr. Katowitz treats a wide range of conditions affecting children's eyes and surrounding structures. His expertise includes treating tearing abnormalities, droopy eyelids, facial trauma, eyelid and orbital tumors, thyroid conditions, and vascular malformations.

Dr. Katowitz is passionate about advancing the field of pediatric ophthalmology and is actively involved in research. His research focuses on pediatric ptosis, orbital tumors, and tearing. He is also an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at the Perelman School of Medicine and the Fellowship Director of a 2-year fellowship in the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS).

Dr. Katowitz is committed to providing exceptional care to his young patients and their families. He believes that a positive experience at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia can make a significant impact on their lives