Drivers of Change: Seven Bascom Palmer Physicians Named to The Ophthalmologist Power List 2026
Seven Bascom Palmer Eye Institute physicians have been recognized among The Ophthalmologist Power List 2026 honorees for leadership shaping the future of ophthalmology through clinical innovation, research and global impact.
Seven ophthalmologists from Bascom Palmer Eye Institute have been named to The Ophthalmologist Power List 2026, an annual international recognition honoring 50 leaders whose recent work is influencing the direction of ophthalmology and shaping the future of eye care.
Published by The Ophthalmologist, the Power List highlights clinicians, researchers, educators and innovators whose contributions over the past 12 to 18 months have advanced ophthalmic practice, research, education, technology and global access to care. The 2026 theme, Drivers of Change, reflects the growing impact of leadership at the intersection of science, innovation and clinical care.
Together, Bascom Palmer’s 2026 honorees exemplify the institute’s strengths in translational research, clinical innovation, education and global engagement.
Bascom Palmer’s 2026 Power List Recipients
Professor of clinical ophthalmology and John A. Strobis Chair in Ophthalmology, Dr. Amescua is internationally recognized for his work in infectious keratitis. As medical director of the Ocular Microbiology Laboratory, he has led initiatives to improve rapid diagnostics and antimicrobial stewardship, while advancing multicenter clinical trials focused on emerging therapies for fungal and Acanthamoeba keratitis. His efforts also emphasize international education and training, particularly throughout Latin America.
Professor of ophthalmology, microbiology and immunology, and director of cornea cesearch, Dr. Perez has made significant contributions to the understanding and management of ocular surface disease. Over the past year, he has played a leading role in the TFOS DEWS III global consensus reports, which have helped redefine international standards for dry eye diagnosis and treatment. His research spans ocular immunology, transplant biology and the development of AI-enabled diagnostic tools for complex corneal and autoimmune eye diseases.
Ranya Habash, M.D.
An ophthalmologist and digital health leader, Dr. Habash is recognized for her work at the intersection of artificial intelligence and ophthalmology. As chief medical officer of Helfie.ai, her recent efforts have focused on multimodal AI models that analyze eye and facial data captured via smart phones to support early detection and monitoring of systemic disease. Her work aims to expand access to preventative care through scalable, technology-driven solutions.
Holder of the J. Donald M. Gass Distinguished Chair in Ophthalmology, Dr. Flynn is internationally respected for his longstanding contributions to vitreoretinal disease, ocular infections and clinical research. His recent scholarship has addressed complex retinal disorders, antimicrobial resistance, and patient safety, reinforcing his role as a leader in evidence-based retinal care and mentorship in ophthalmology.
Vice chair and director of research at Bascom Palmer, Dr. Medeiros is a global leader in glaucoma research and the development of artificial intelligence-based diagnostic tools. His recent work has focused on creating sensitive outcome measures and AI-driven approaches to detect functional change earlier in glaucoma. These efforts support more efficient clinical trials and a shift toward personalized and disease-modifying therapies.
Professor of clinical ophthalmology and holder of the Johnstone Horvitz Chair in Ophthalmology, Dr. Berrocal is widely recognized for her work in pediatric retina and gene therapy. Her ongoing contributions include advances in surgical techniques, diagnostic precision and treatment strategies for complex pediatric retinal diseases.
Vice chair of administration and strategic planning and director of the Dr. Nasser Ibrahim Al-Rashid Orbital Vision Research Center, Dr. Tse is a pioneer in orbital disease research and whole-eye transplantation. His recent work includes the development of new surgical workflows and preservation technologies aimed at restoring vision in previously untreatable conditions, representing an interdisciplinary approach to innovation in ophthalmology.
Tags: Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Dr. Audina Berrocal, Dr. David Tse, Dr. Felipe Medeiros, Dr. Guillermo Amescua, Dr. Harry W. Flynn Jr., Dr. Hilda Capo, Dr. Ranya Habash, Dr. Victor Perez, ophthalmology, The Ophthalmologist Power List