Dr İskender Alkın Solmaz Honored with "Best Paper of Session" Award at ASCRS 2026 Congress

Dr. İskender Alkın Solmaz, a Turkish ophthalmologist and oculoplastic surgeon, has been awarded the "Best Paper of Session" prize at the 2026 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS), one of the world's most influential scientific congresses in ophthalmology.

The award recognizes an innovative research project led by Dr. Solmaz and his team focusing on a novel therapeutic approach for corneal diseases. Presented before an international audience of leading eye surgeons, researchers, and academics, the study was selected as the top scientific presentation within its session for its originality, scientific quality, and potential clinical relevance.

Held annually in the United States, the ASCRS Congress is regarded as one of the most prestigious events in ophthalmology, bringing together thousands of experts from across the globe to discuss the latest advances in eye care, surgery, and medical research.

"This recognition is an extraordinary honor for our team," said Dr. Solmaz. "ASCRS is one of the most respected scientific platforms in ophthalmology, and receiving an award here is both humbling and motivating. It confirms that years of dedicated research can contribute to meaningful progress in patient care."

The award-winning study investigates a next-generation eye drop therapy designed to help protect corneal cells from damage and support the preservation of healthy corneal tissue. Researchers believe the approach may eventually offer new treatment possibilities for patients suffering from corneal diseases and could potentially reduce the need for corneal transplantation in selected cases.
According to Dr. Solmaz, the project reflects a broader commitment to translating scientific discoveries into practical solutions for patients.

"Our goal has always been to bridge the gap between laboratory research and clinical practice," he said. "Every scientific question we pursue ultimately begins with a patient. We are constantly looking for ways to develop treatments that can improve quality of life and preserve vision."

The recognition received in Washington, D.C. marks another milestone in Dr. Solmaz's career, which combines extensive surgical experience with active scientific research. Based in Istanbul, he specializes in oculoplastic surgery, eyelid surgery, blepharoplasty, and facial rejuvenation procedures, while also maintaining a strong focus on academic and biotechnology initiatives.

Over the course of his career, Dr. Solmaz has participated in more than 25,000 surgical procedures and medical interventions. His work attracts patients from across Türkiye as well as Europe, the Middle East, and North America.
Colleagues and attendees at ASCRS highlighted the growing international interest in research emerging from Türkiye and the wider region. For Dr. Solmaz, the award carries significance beyond personal achievement.

"I believe this recognition belongs not only to our team but also to the broader scientific community that supports innovation and collaboration," he said. "It is particularly meaningful to demonstrate that research originating from Türkiye can earn recognition on the world stage and contribute to global scientific progress."

The research forms part of a broader scientific program involving TelomEYE Pharmaceuticals, a Canadian biotechnology company co-founded by Dr. Solmaz in Toronto in 2022. The company focuses on developing innovative therapies for eye diseases, particularly corneal disorders and ocular surface conditions.

TelomEYE has attracted increasing attention within international biotechnology circles through its research initiatives, intellectual property portfolio, and ongoing product development efforts. Several programs remain under active development as the company advances its scientific and regulatory objectives.

Dr. Solmaz credited the success of the ASCRS presentation to the collaborative efforts of researchers, clinicians, and scientific advisors involved in the project.

"Scientific progress is never the work of one individual," he said. "This award reflects the dedication of a talented multidisciplinary team that has worked tirelessly to move this research forward. I am deeply grateful to every colleague who contributed to this achievement."

He also acknowledged the contributions of Dr. Işılay Kavadarlı, Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of TelomEYE Pharmaceuticals, along with the wider research team whose efforts helped bring the project to international attention.
As global demand grows for innovative treatments addressing corneal disease and vision loss, the recognition received at ASCRS 2026 highlights the increasing role of physician-scientists in shaping the future of ophthalmology.
Looking ahead, Dr. Solmaz and his collaborators plan to continue advancing research programs aimed at developing new therapeutic options for patients worldwide.

"This award is not an endpoint," Dr. Solmaz added. "It is an encouragement to continue asking important questions, pursuing innovative solutions, and working toward treatments that may benefit patients for generations to come."

You can find out more about Dr. İskender Alkın Solmaz and his work on his website: https://www.driskender.com/

Company: Op. Dr. İskender Alkın Solmaz
Contact Person: Op. Dr. İskender Alkın Solmaz
Email: driskender@driskender.com
Country: Türkiye
Address: Zorlu Center R3 Blok - T0 - D:043 Beşiktaş/İstanbul/Turkey
Website: www.driskender.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iskender-alkin-solmaz/
Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/iskenderalkinsolmaz/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@okuloplastikcerrahi

Op. Dr. İskender Alkın Solmaz is an experienced ophthalmologist specialized in ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery. He is also an expert on treating periocular structures and facial tumors, tear duct blockages, Graves' orbitopathy, and managing conditions related to eye loss and prosthetic eye applications. He is an active member of Turkish Ophthalmology Society (TOD), Turkish Facial Plastic Surgery Society (YPCD), and European Association of Facial Plastic Surgery (EAFPS). He is also the founder of TelomEye Pharmaceuticals in Toronto, Canada, which focuses on preventing and treating age-related diseases commonly encountered in ophthalmology.

This release was published on openPR.