News — Rockville, Md.—The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) Foundation announced the recipients of the 2025 ARVO Foundation Early Career Clinician-Scientist Awards: Maria Vittoria Cicinelli, MD; Denise Loya-Garcia MD, PhD and Vishal Raval, MD.
Supporting researchers who are committed to careers as clinician-scientists, the awards are presented annually to recognize significant research presented at the ARVO Annual Meeting. Awardees will receive a $3,000 honorarium, an inscribed award and invitations to several special events at the ARVO Annual Meeting.
Cicinelli (San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Italy) is an assistant professor whose primary areas of expertise are medical retina and uveitis. Her research investigates the progression of pachychoroid disease by identifying distinct phenotypic clusters using multimodal imaging and machine learning. “We analyzed a large cohort to classify eyes into four subgroups based on disease severity and fluid dynamics, then modeled their longitudinal transitions using a Markov approach," explains Cicinelli. "This study provides insights into the natural history of pachychoroid disease, highlighting the relative stability of advanced disease stages and the dynamic nature of earlier forms.” Cicinelli notes the findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions that address underlying choroidal dysfunction rather than focusing solely on fluid resolution.
Cicinelli say receiving this award is a great honor and motivation. “In this project, I applied advanced statistical techniques to a relatively common retinal disease that remains a significant cause of visual impairment," she shares. "This experience has reinforced the importance of pushing boundaries — both in research and in the limits we set for ourselves. It serves as a valuable lesson for early-career scientists like myself, and I hope it inspires others to embrace challenges, explore new methodologies, and pursue their talents with confidence.”
Loya-Garcia (Instituto de Oftalmología Fundación Conde de Valenciana, Mexico) is an ophthalmologist specializing in cornea, refractive surgery and external diseases. She is researching the long-term outcomes of the Boston Keratoprosthesis in Latin America. “The Boston Keratoprosthesis (KPro) is an artificial cornea designed to help people with severe corneal blindness when traditional corneal transplants are not an option. This study examined the long-term outcomes of 419 eyes treated with the Boston KPro across six Latin American countries.” With results showing that half of the patients experienced significant vision improvement, Loya-Garcia asserts that even in complex cases, the Boston KPro has proven its potential to restore sight and enhance quality of life for those in Latin America.
Loya-Garcia says she is deeply honored to receive this award, which is not only a personal milestone but also evidence of the invaluable mentorship, collaboration, and institutional support that have guided her research journey. "Being recognized with an award is both an honor and a reminder of the responsibility that comes with it," she notes. “While such recognition acknowledges dedication and effort, and creates opportunities for future collaboration… it also serves as a call to action — to pay it forward. Just as we have been guided, supported, and given opportunities by others, we must do the same for those who follow. True success is not measured only by personal achievements but by the impact we have on others, ensuring that the knowledge, support, and opportunities we received continue to inspire and uplift future generations.”
Raval (LV Prasad Eye Institute, India) is currently pursuing a PhD in the field of novel drug delivery treatment for retinoblastoma (RB). His clinical interests lie in the field of vitreoretinal diseases (e.g., diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment and ocular oncology), including the management of intraocular tumors, such as retinoblastoma and choroidal melanoma. In the research field, he is keen on translational animal research in ocular oncology, particularly retinoblastoma. Raval says his proposed research will have an inherent public health impact on developing nations that are carrying RB’s global burden. “What is widely used in developed nations does not apply to populations in developing nations with low incomes, lack of infrastructure, and limited access to technologically complex treatment in countries like India,” he explains. “Considering the high cost and technical complexity of IAC (intra-arterial chemotherapy) and the lack of cultural acceptance of the alternative (enucleation), there is an urgent need to develop new drug delivery approaches that are effective yet easy to administer.” Raval will test the working hypothesis that applying a dissolvable polymer-based microneedle patch loaded with topotecan on the sclera will achieve therapeutic target levels in choroid-retinal complex. "The dissolvable polymer matrix of MSP would allow us to design a controlled release of the drug within the choroid-retinal complex," says Raval. "Our research strategy has the translational potential to significantly improve upon the current management of children with retinoblastoma."
Raval says receiving this award is a tremendous honor as it signifies significant recognition from the scientific community for his research in ocular oncology. "This validates the hard work and dedication of my team and serves as a motivator for further research...Overall, this award is not just an accolade, but a significant catalyst that will propel my research career forward; allow me to make a greater impact in the field and help me pursue my dream of becoming a true clinician-scientist."
For more information on the ARVO Foundation Early Career Clinician-Scientist Awards, visit ARVO’s website.
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The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) is the largest eye and vision research organization in the world. Members include approximately 10,000 eye and vision researchers from over 75 countries. ARVO advances research worldwide into understanding the visual system and preventing, treating and curing its disorders. Learn more at ARVO.org.
Established in 2001, the ARVO Foundation for Eye Research raises funds through partnerships, grants and sponsorships to support ARVO’s world-class education and career development resources for eye and vision researchers of all stages of career and education. Learn more at ARVOFoundation.org.
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