After OSA 2024: “Winners Underline the Importance of Recognizing Outstanding Innovations”

VSY Biotechnology GmbH, a global leader in ophthalmic innovation and research, handed the prestigious Ophthalmology Star Awards 2024 (OSA) to its owners during the Satellite Symposium at the ESCRS 2024 Congress in Barcelona. The awards, which were personally presented to the winners by Dr. Florian Kretz, show VSY Biotechnology’s support and honor these exceptional researchers who demonstrate extraordinary dedication, innovation, and expertise in their respective areas of research. The winners shared their thoughts on receiving the prizes.

First Place Winner Suphi Taneri, Germany Study Title: Decision-Making in Corneal Refractive Surgery

Suphi Taneri who took the first place with his study titled “Decision-Making in Corneal Refractive Surgery” shared his thoughts. “I am deeply grateful and honored to have won the OSA 2024 for our work on decision-making in corneal refractive surgery. I would like to share this success with all my colleagues involved in the development of standardized approaches in evaluation of candidacy for refractive surgery. Secondly, this achievement serves as a reminder of the importance of clear and understandable decision making in choosing the best treatment modality,” he said.

Second Place Winner: Liliana Werner, USA Study Title: Rotational Stability of a New Hydrophobic Acrylic Intraocular Lens Platform

Winning the second-place award with her study titled “Rotational Stability of a New Hydrophobic Acrylic Intraocular Lens Platform,” Liliana Werner made a similar comment. “In over 25 years navigating between evaluating new intraocular lens (IOL) technology and describing the pathogenesis of IOL complications I learned 3 important lessons:  It is important to keep an open mind when approaching new ideas, as they have the potential to become the disruptive innovations of the future. However, it is only through a rigorous scientific process that we can ensure new ideas are safely adopted and incorporated into clinical and surgical practice. We have to exercise constant vigilance through promptly identifying and describing IOL-related complications because this provides very valuable feedback to surgeons and industry alike, ultimately benefiting all patients,” she said.

Third Place: Paolo Fogagnolo’s Study named “Sural Nerve Vertical Cross-Face Graft for Lacrimal Gland Neurotization to Improve Tear Secretion in Neurogenic Dry Eye”

With his study named “Sural Nerve Vertical Cross-Face Graft for Lacrimal Gland Neurotization to Improve Tear Secretion in Neurogenic Dry Eye,” Paolo Fogagnolo, third place award winner also shared his opinion about the award. “I am very grateful and proud of winning the OSA 2024 with my work on the management of neurodeprivative dry eye by means of reinnervation of the lacrimal gland by means of sural nerve graft. I want to share this success with all the colleagues involved in the research on neurotization of the eye. I am convinced that neurotization is a viable solution for many patients who still don’t know about this opportunity. As clinicians and scientists, our effort is to spread information as much as possible. In the future we will develop systems to increase the availability of this surgery and decrease the morbidity associated. Nerve banking and bioengineering will be the next frontiers of this fascinating surgery,” he commented.

The traditional Ophthalmology Star Awards ceremony celebrates outstanding contributions to the field of ophthalmology, recognizing individuals whose groundbreaking research and clinical studies have significantly advanced our understanding and treatment of eye diseases.