José-Alain Sahel, MD, FARVO, Distinguished Professor and Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, the Eye & Ear Foundation Chair, and Director of the UPMC Vision Institute, received the 2026 Proctor Medal from the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) at its Annual Meeting on May 4, in Denver, Colorado. The Proctor Medal is a prestigious award established in 1949 to honor outstanding ophthalmology research in the basic or clinical sciences.
His colleague Botond Roska, MD, PhD – with whom he won the Wolf Prize in Medicine for their work to restore sight using optogenetics – introduced him prior to his Proctor Medal Lecture.
Dr. Sahel’s lecture, “Shooting in the Dark, a Translational Odyssey,” was about how attempts to protect or store functional vision in retinal degeneration face multiple challenges, including the multiplicity and complexity of causative mutations and the status of remaining cells at the time of treatment.
According to the lecture abstract, Dr. Sahel talked about developing gene-independent approaches to (1) protect cone photoreceptor cells, based on the identification of Rod-derived Cone Viability Factor, (2) in advanced stages, reactivate remaining dormant cones or retinal ganglion cells using optogenetics, and (3) retinal implants.
Dr. Sahel shared the process of learning from mistakes and continuing to move forward. The abstract continues: “After multiple setbacks, these led to clinical proof-of-concept trials, paving the way towards regulatory approval. Higher-resolution vision restoration is underway through collaborative academic efforts and constructive partnerships with industry. Understanding and assessing patient needs, expectations, and input are essential for developing clinically meaningful endpoints relevant to daily activities.”
During his speech, Dr. Sahel had the rapt attention of more than 2,000 people. His talk was followed by a standing ovation.
“I have never seen a standing ovation after a scientific presentation,” said Larry Benowitz, PhD, Co-Director of the Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration at UPMC.
Dr. Sahel called the award especially meaningful for him and his collaborators. “It has an impressive history and is considered a lifetime achievement award from the most important research community in our field,” he said. “I receive it as an encouragement to continue to strive for restoring vision for all.”