Dr. İskender Alkın Solmaz wins ASCRS award for corneal disease research

Turkish ophthalmologist Dr. İskender Alkın Solmaz received the “Best Paper of Session” award at the 2026 ASCRS annual meeting for research on a new therapy aimed at protecting corneal cells. The recognition spotlights physician-led innovation in eye care and the potential for less invasive corneal disease treatment.

Why it matters: - Dr. İskender Alkın Solmaz’s ASCRS recognition gives international visibility to research aimed at improving treatment options for corneal disease. - The award underscores growing interest in therapies that protect corneal cells and may reduce the need for invasive procedures. - The honor also reflects the rising profile of Turkish physicians in global ophthalmology research.

What happened: - Dr. İskender Alkın Solmaz, a Turkish ophthalmologist, oculoplastic surgeon and medical innovator, received the “Best Paper of Session” award at the 2026 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. - The award was presented in Istanbul, Turkey, in recognition of research led by Dr. Solmaz and his team on a novel therapeutic strategy for corneal disease. - The study was selected as the leading presentation in its scientific session by an international audience of ophthalmologists, researchers and academic experts.

The details: - The research focuses on a next-generation eye drop therapy designed to protect the cornea at a cellular level. - Researchers believe the approach could address unmet needs in corneal disease treatment. - The team says the therapy may also reduce the need for invasive interventions in some cases. - ASCRS is one of the premier scientific organizations in ophthalmology and draws thousands of specialists from around the world each year. - The annual congress is a platform for research and emerging technologies that may influence the future of eye care. - Dr. Solmaz is based in Istanbul and is known for work in oculoplastic surgery, eyelid surgery, blepharoplasty and facial rejuvenation procedures. - Dr. Solmaz has participated in more than 25,000 surgical procedures and medical interventions. - Dr. Solmaz is a co-founder of TelomEYE Pharmaceuticals, a Canadian biotechnology company founded in Toronto in 2022. - TelomEYE Pharmaceuticals focuses on therapies for eye diseases, especially corneal and ocular surface conditions. - The ASCRS-recognized project is part of broader research involving international collaborations, biotechnology development and translational medicine initiatives. - More information is available on Dr. Solmaz’s website.

Between the lines: - The award signals that physician-led research can move beyond clinical practice and into treatment development. - Dr. Solmaz framed the work as a response to everyday patient needs seen in surgery and practice. - The recognition also suggests that translational eye research is becoming more central to future ophthalmology breakthroughs. - Dr. Solmaz said the honor highlights the growing contribution of Turkish medicine to global healthcare innovation.

What’s next: - Dr. Solmaz said the team will keep advancing the science, generating evidence and developing treatments that could improve patients’ lives. - The broader research effort is expected to continue through collaborations and biotechnology development. - Ongoing work in corneal disease and regenerative therapies may determine whether the eye drop approach becomes clinically useful.

The bottom line: - The ASCRS award puts Dr. Solmaz’s corneal disease research on an international stage and adds momentum to efforts aimed at less invasive eye treatments.