08/27/2010 0 Comments

The American Academy of Ophthalmology will present its highest honor, the 2010 Laureate Recognition Award, to Bradley R. Straatsma, MD, JD, for his distinguished career and contributions to ophthalmology.

Dr. Straatsma is to be honored with the award on Oct. 17 at the AAO's Joint Meeting with the Middle East Africa Council of Ophthalmology in Chicago. Dr. Straatsma is widely acclaimed as a pioneer in the study of peripheral retinal disease, investigations of tumors and research on ophthalmic conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and cataract.

Dr. Straatsma is professor of ophthalmology emeri¬tus at the Jules Stein Eye Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles. He began his faculty appointment at UCLA in 1959, was appointed profes¬sor in 1962 and director of the Jules Stein Eye Institute in 1964, and he was chair of ophthalmology from 1968 to 1994. In 2002, Dr. Straatsma graduated from the University of West Los Angeles School of Law.

"In recognition for his commitment to teaching and education, and for his professional leadership on many fronts, we acknowledge the debt we all owe to him for his remarkable achievements," Randy Johnston, MD, president of the AAO said in a press release. "Dr. Straatsma is truly recognized worldwide as a leader in ophthalmic research, clinical care, and education."

Among Dr. Straatsma's many accomplishments, he has been elected to the leadership of nearly all the major academ¬ic and educational entities in American and international ophthalmology, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology and Oto¬laryngology, the American Board of Ophthalmology, the Pan-American Asso¬ciation of Ophthalmology, the American Ophthal¬mological Society and the Academia Ophthalmologica Internationalis. Committed to world ophthalmology, he has also served as a member of the International Council of Ophthalmology and pres¬ident of the International Council of Ophthalmology Foundation. Dr. Straatsma served as the first Secretary for Continuing Education in Ophthalmology in the AAO's history (1969-1974). He was also the lead individual during the evolution of the AAO into a separate entity from the AAOO in 1979.

Dr. Straatsma has con¬tributed extensively to ophthalmic science through authorship of more than 550 scientific publications and presentations—including distinguished named lectures at meetings and congresses throughout the world. In 2003, the Straatsma Award for Excel¬lence in Resident Education was established through the Academy, the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology and private funds, and is given to a program director dedicated to the principles and signifi¬cance of residency educa¬tion.

"Throughout an impressive career, Dr. Straatsma has illustrated the ideals of the profession," said Dr. Johnston. "Few individuals have had such a great impact on the field of ophthalmology, with his record of accomplishment, commitment, and integrity."

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