EyeCon 2026: Visionary in Eye Care Resident Recognition Award winners announced

Three residents have been named winners of the 2026 Visionary in Eye Care Resident Recognition Award, presented by Eye Care Network, recognizing outstanding contributions to leadership, education and research, and patient care. The awards are part of the Ophthalmology Times and Optometry Times EyeCon 2026 conference, to be held virtually on September 26.

The 2026 award winners, listed in alphabetical order by last name, are:

• Best in Ophthalmology: Henry Bair, MD, Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Best in Optometry: Pip Dorling, OD, New England College of Optometry, Boston, Massachusetts
• Best in Retina: Janice X. Ong, MD, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts
  

In their own words

Bair, an ophthalmology resident at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, credited growing up in Taiwan with shaping his path into the field. “Growing up in Taiwan, I spent time in rural clinics where I saw how closely sight was tied to people's ability to work and live independently. Those experiences helped draw me to ophthalmology,” he said. “At Wills, I’m learning how to help patients protect their vision while making sure they feel heard and understand their care.” He thanked program director James Dunn, MD, along with his mentors and co-residents, adding, “This recognition means a great deal to me, and I hope to pass on the same generosity and mentorship I’ve received.”

Ong, a fourth-year resident at Massachusetts Eye and Ear in Boston, Massachusetts, reflected on the impact of a career in retina. “Retina, and more broadly ophthalmology, is such an exciting field, and I think it’s such a privilege to be part of a field where we can make such a significant and measurable difference in patients' quality of life,” she said. Ong thanked program director Jennifer Lindsey, MD, along with her research mentors, clinical teachers, family, and co-residents at Harvard Ophthalmology.

Dorling, an optometrist with New England College of Optometry in Boston, Massachusetts, thanked residency director Nicole Quinn, OD, for the nomination and support throughout her residency, along with mentors in the vision rehabilitation space who encouraged her to stay involved in education and the low-vision community. “I’m really looking forward to being able to continue to contribute to both the optometric community as well as future generations of optometrists as I join faculty and continue on faculty in the future,” she said.

The Visionary in Eye Care Resident Recognition Awards program was designed to honor residents across 3 categories: ophthalmology, optometry, and retina. Celebrating rising stars in these fields, the program shines a spotlight on individuals who have made exceptional contributions to patient care, research, and clinical practice.

Nominated by their residency directors, candidates were reviewed by a panel of clinicians in the eye care field, who evaluated nominees based on their leadership, education/research, and patient care contributions. The awards underscore the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the exemplary achievements of residents in the evolving landscape of eye care.