touchOPHTHALMOLOGY Future Leaders 2026 is nearly here
We are counting down to the launch of touchOPHTHALMOLOGY Future Leaders 2026 – a celebration of the rising stars shaping the future of ophthalmology.
Earlier this year, we asked our 2025 Future Leaders and expert faculty what defines a successful early career in ophthalmology. Their message was clear: this is a remarkable moment for the specialty. Ophthalmology remains a field that offers meaningful autonomy, rapid innovation and the opportunity to make a tangible difference to patients’ lives. Success, they told us, is built on relentless curiosity, the courage to explore new directions and the discipline to refine existing tools while embracing emerging technologies. It requires looking ahead to anticipate trends to understand where the field is moving and positioning yourself at the forefront of change.
At the same time, technical excellence must evolve alongside sound clinical judgement, with an appreciation that patients rarely fit perfectly within guidelines. Above all, those who thrive stay open to unexpected pathways, particularly as advances in imaging, genetics and artificial intelligence continue to reshape what is possible. Take a look at the full article here
With that vision in mind, for our touchOPHTHALMOLOGY Future Leaders 2026 we asked the ophthalmology community to nominate early-career colleagues who are already demonstrating exceptional promise. We sought individuals who have made meaningful academic contributions, who are actively engaged in clinical practice, research or education, and who show clear evidence of leadership potential and innovation within their subspecialty or the wider ophthalmic community. Engagement in international conferences and medical society committees was considered highly desirable – reflecting the importance of collaboration and global perspective in modern practice.
The response was outstanding and our shortlist is exceptionally strong, representing clinicians and researchers who are:
- Already influencing clinical practice at a national and international level
- Actively involved in early-career medical society initiatives and supporting peers in their training journeys
- Committed mentors and educators, investing in the next generation
- Publishing regularly and contributing to research and clinical studies that advance the field
- Proactively engaged in digital and in-person education, helping to build networks and share innovation
- Advocating for a more sustainable future in ophthalmology
These nominees are not only excelling individually; they are strengthening the specialty as a whole and make the future of our field look very bright!
We are incredibly excited to share the final list of touchOPHTHALMOLOGY Future Leaders 2026 with you very soon.
Register now to be the first to see who has been selected as a touchOPHTHALMOLOGY Future Leader 2026
→ Learn more about our touchOPHTHALMOLOGY Future Leaders 2025
→ 2025 Future Leader Maria Vittoria Cicinelli on managing eye care in an aging population
