Ophthalmic World Leaders (OWL) has unveiled its 2025 Leadership Award recipients. The honorees are recognized for driving innovation, promoting inclusion, and making a significant impact on the future of eye care, according to the organization.¹

The awards spotlight individuals whose achievements are advancing the field and setting new standards across the industry, according to the organization.¹ This year’s award honorees, selected by the OWL membership, include the following:

• Rising Star Award (honoring an individual who is an emerging leader in the ophthalmic space)
  • Cherie Fathy, MD, MPH, director of clinical research for ophthalmology, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals
• Catalyst Award (honoring an individual who has contributed significantly to helping others advance their career in eye care)
  • Leo E. Otero, MBA, senior director of market development and global advisory boards, US Surgical Marketing, Alcon
• Visionary Leader Award (honoring an individual who has paved the way for diversity in their field through significant achievement)
  • Cathleen McCabe, MD, chief medical officer, Eye Health America

“Each of this year’s honorees exemplifies the spirit of OWL—leaders who are not only advancing ophthalmic innovation but also lifting others as they advance,” said OWL President Nivine Woods during the ceremony.¹ “Cherie, Leo, and Cathy inspire us all through their dedication, mentorship, and commitment to collaboration across the eye care community.”

First MD president

The organization also named Renee Bovelle, MD, as its new president during its signature event. Bovell’s appointment to this leadership role marks the first MD president for OWL, according to the organization.²

“I am thrilled to be the first MD President of Ophthalmic World Leaders,” said Bovelle, owner and medical director of Envision Eye and Laser Center in Glenn Dale, MD, and assistant professor of ophthalmology at Howard University in Washington, DC. “I look forward to continuing to raise awareness within the MD and OD communities of all that OWL has to offer—and to increase collaboration between industry and physicians,” she added.²

With this transition, the baton passes from outgoing president Woods, who has served in the role for the past 2 years.

“Serving as OWL President has been an honor and a privilege and I am proud of the growth in leadership, community, and impact we’ve seen across our organization,” said Woods, chief marketing officer with EyeCare Partners in Ballwin, Missouri.² “I have deep confidence as I pass the gavel to Dr. Bovelle. I know she will carry OWL forward with the same passion, spirit, and bold vision that have always defined us.”

In addition, 3 new members have joined the organization’s board of directors. They include the following:

• Kevin M. Douglas, MD, medical director, eye care – retina, AbbVie
• Maaza Martin, senior director, global strategic marketing, Tarsus
• Cynthia Matossian, MD, FACS, founder, Matossian Eye Associates

OWL’s signature event was held at the American Academy of Ophthalmology 2025 annual meeting, October 18-20, in Orlando, Florida.

REFERENCES

1. Ophthalmic World Leaders (OWL) Announces 2025 Leadership Award Honorees. News release. October 20, 2025. Accessed October 27, 2025.

2. Ophthalmic World Leaders (OWL) announces first MD president in leadership changes for 2026. News release. October 27, 2025. Accessed October 31, 2025.