Malvina Eydelman is the Director of the Office of Ophthalmic, Anesthesia, Respiratory, ENT and Dental Devices at the FDA. For three decades, she has led diverse, multidisciplinary teams at the FDA to assure the safety and effectiveness of medical devices; she is passionate about expediting innovation of novel medical products. Her patient-centric approach is exemplified by the development of patient-reported outcome measures for refractive surgery, premium IOLs and glaucoma. Dr. Eydelman was instrumental in developing and implementing novel policies with regulatory flexibility to allow expedited access to ventilators during the Covid-19 pandemic and is currently leading efforts to take skin pigmentation, race and ethnicity into consideration in the evaluation of pulse oximeter devices. A board-certified ophthalmologist, she received her medical degree from Harvard Medical School and a Doctorate in Health Sciences and Technology from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Her nominator calls her a “true visionary” whose leadership at the FDA has resulted in countless regulatory advancements, including authorization of the first AI device capable of diagnosis without physician input; generating consensus for MIGS guidance and standards for premium IOLs. Dr. Eydelman is FDA Liaison to the Collaborative Community on Ophthalmic Innovation (CCOI), which works to overcome obstacles to medical product innovation. The nominator praised her “unparalleled dedication to advancing healthcare innovation through patient-centered care and the championing of diverse perspectives,” noting that “Dr. Eydelman has led countless initiatives to champion health equity around the globe to assure that no patient is left behind.”

Constance Okeke is an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at Eastern Virginia Medical School and the lead glaucoma specialist at CVP – Virginia Eye Consultants in Norfolk, VA.
She received her undergraduate and medical degrees from Yale University, did her residency training at the Wilmer Eye Institute of Johns Hopkins University, completed her glaucoma fellowship training as a Heed Research Fellow at Bascom Palmer Eye Institute of University of Miami, and earned a Masters of Science in Clinical Epidemiology at the University of Pennsylvania. She serves on a number of editorial advisory boards and is a well-known eyecare industry consultant and educator. Her iGlaucoma YouTube channels help to educate eye care professionals around the world and provide education and support for patients with glaucoma. Her books, “The Building Blocks of Trabectome Surgery” and “The Glaucoma Guidebook,” have won multiple awards.

“Dr. Okeke has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to mentoring and supporting the next generation of eye care professionals,” said her nominator, noting that she mentors and sponsors promising individuals, including numerous minority students who have gone on to medical school, residency, and fellowship. Her leadership in supporting the advancement of diversity in eye care is exemplified through various initiatives, including Advocates for Glaucoma Education (AGE), which has organized missions in Anambra, Nigeria, focusing on preventing glaucoma blindness. “Dr. Okeke has significantly contributed to promoting diversity and inclusion within her practice and the broader field of eye care.,” said her nominator. “She has developed educational resources and deliberately made them accessible to a wide audience, ensuring that aspiring eye care professionals have the tools they need to succeed.”

Neda Shamie is a renowned cataract, refractive, and corneal surgeon and partner of the Maloney-Shamie Vision Institute in Los Angeles. She previously was the Medical Director of the Doheny Eye Center in Beverly Hills and an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at the USC Keck School of Medicine. Dr. Shamie obtained her medical degree from UCSF, and completed her residency and fellowship training at UC Irvine. She has co-authored numerous high impact articles on the topics of cataract surgery, refractive surgery, and corneal transplantation, written 8 chapters for surgical textbooks and has led international lectures, courses, and seminars teaching colleagues about advancements in vision correction surgery. Her career spans 20 years during which she has mentored many younger generation leaders and has left her impact through her passion for education, mentorship, and collaboration with industry partners.

Dr. Shamie is recognized as a leader in her field and takes great pride in supporting her colleagues and the next generation to strive for and rise to their highest potential. “Dr. Shamie has exemplified her leadership and vision in numerous ways within our field,” said her nominator. “Not only is she an amazing surgeon and person, but she has made a huge impact on the field of ophthalmology as a speaker, an educator and clinical collaborator, and as a leader on the AECOS Executive Board.”

Joe Boyd is President and Chief Operations Officer of Executive Biotech Advisors. In this role, he advises a wide variety of firms and investors on growth strategies, commercial and medical engagement of healthcare professionals, sales and marketing strategies, communications, and more. Previously, he served as Chief Commercial Officer for Avellino and has more than 20 years of experience in the diagnostic, pharmaceutical and medical device industry. Mr. Boyd is currently completing an Executive MBA from the Wharton School of Business and has earned a BA in Political Science and a BS in Psychology from the University of Memphis.

His nominator says, “I have been continually impressed by his strong work ethic and commitment to promoting diversity within the eye care industry. He actively shares his knowledge and experience to support the early careers of physicians and young professionals. He championed the inclusion of physicians who are often overlooked as KOLs, not only fostering growth and inclusivity within our company but making a lasting impact on the broader eye care community.”

Ranna Jaraha is a co-founder of YoungMD Connect, a membership-based mentorship and educational platform for aspiring and young ophthalmologists, and Executive Director of New Media at Bryn Mawr Communications (BMC), a multifaceted medical media company. In her role, she works closely with physicians and industry leaders on targeted digital programs and strategic engagements. Additionally, Ms. Jaraha hosts the weekly news broadcast, EyewireTV; she hosts similar programs in the dermatology and aesthetics specialties, as well. She holds a BS in Biological Sciences from Drexel University.

“She effortlessly changes hats from EyewireNews/TV host to creating content for YoungMD Connect workshops, to supporting a resident on a weekend phone call to creating strategic ideas for a client to running a flawless event to speaking on stage on the fly with grace,” says one nominator. Another mentions that, “She elevates others and is focused on mentoring—helping those interested in ophthalmology to become ophthalmologists, as well as helping those early in their career become more successful.”

Yari Mitchell is the co-founder of LaunchLab Partners and previously served as chief business development officer for AcuFocus. She is an experienced executive leader with a career spanning nearly 25 years in the ophthalmic medical device industry, during which she has demonstrated expertise in market development, strategic business planning, commercialization, KOL engagement, and venture capital fundraising. She is an OWL mentor, past president and board member. Ms. Mitchell is also an award-winning public speaker, regular contributor to industry podcasts, and host of Healio’s “Yari Has Questions” series.  She holds a BA in Economics and Mathematics from the University of Miami.

Her nominator praises her dedication to OWL’s mentorship program: “She guides and uplifts mentees with her wisdom, experience, and unwavering support. Her mentorship goes beyond traditional boundaries; she consistently seeks out opportunities to help her mentees grow, both professionally and personally.”  Additionally, they said, “Her commitment to cross-collaboration and proactive approach to expanding her network have further strengthened the eye care ecosystem. Her ability to bring people together and create a culture of inclusivity and cooperation is a testament to her leadership and vision. She has consistently championed initiatives that promote diversity within the eye care community and her contributions have significantly advanced the careers of many in the eye care field.”

Marcus Lorick is Alcon’s Vision Care Regional Director for the South Region. With over 15 years of experience in the eye care industry, he has a wealth of expertise gained during his time with Alcon’s Surgical, Pharmaceutical, and Vision Care organizations. His professional journey includes a wide range of sales, commercial support and leadership roles with increasing responsibility.  Mr. Lorick’s contributions have included being a member of Alcon Surgical’s first commercial team focused on education and surgical training with Ophthalmic Academic institutions. He also played key roles in the Global launches of the Centurion Phaco Machine and CyPass Micro-Stent. Recently, he was part of the leadership team that reintroduced a Pharmaceutical Sales organization back to Alcon. He holds a BS in marketing from Eastern Illinois University.

According to his nominator, Mr. Lorick has been a strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the field. “His dedication is evident through his support of other minority professionals breaking into the industry and his participation in organizations such as OWL, NMA, Women in Eye Care and others,” they said.  “His efforts have fostered lasting bonds that will only increase over time. He embodies the qualities of a Rising Star.”

Zaiba Malik, MD, is a Medical Director and Therapeutic Lead at Medpace, a global clinical research organization, where she works with biopharmaceutical and medical device companies helping them bring their products to market. In addition, she is an attending ophthalmologist at Kettering Hospital and Assistant Clinical Professor in the Surgery Department at Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine in Dayton, OH. This combination of industry and clinical expertise allows her to consult with smaller biotechs helping them design rigorous clinical trials that meet regulatory requirements, distinguish products from competitors, and make a meaningful impact on patient care.

Dr. Malik received her medical degree from the University of Miami and completed her internship and residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI.

Dr. Malik is passionate about global health and conducts yearly humanitarian camps providing cataract surgery to economically underserved areas. She believes in engaging all stakeholders
to share resources and strategies in a more collaborative and sustainable approach to global eye care delivery. Much of her local volunteer time has been centered around the themes of equity through addressing racial, gender, and health disparities. “Dr. Malik has already demonstrated remarkable potential and passion for driving positive change in eyecare,” said her nominator. “Her innovative approaches, dedication to excellence, and commitment to advancing OWL’s mission make her a standout candidate.”

Callan Navitsky is the Vice President of Content Strategy and Programs, Vision, at Bryn Mawr Communications, as well as the Editor-in-Chief of Glaucoma Today and YoungMD Connect Bookmarked. She contributes to the planning and execution of several ophthalmology meetings, including the Interventional Glaucoma Consortium and YoungMD Connect Live. Ms. Navitsky has spent 14 years in ophthalmology, supporting the development and distribution of high-quality education to advance eye care. She holds a BS in journalism from Boston University.

Nominators praised her leadership, networking abilities, and efforts to secure the involvement of a diverse group of ophthalmologists and eye care leaders and to ensure equity and representation for women and underrepresented groups in editorial and meeting content.