The Dry Eye Society of the Americas (DESA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, dedicated to advancing awareness, education, and collaboration to improve the lives of those affected by dry eye disease.

DESA is proud to have the most recognized and respected experts in dry eye disease, representing ophthalmology, optometry, research, and clinical innovation from around the world join our mission.

These leaders are at the forefront of advancing diagnosis, treatment, and patient care—shaping the scientific dialogue, contributing to research, and helping define best practices in dry eye management. Their collective expertise ensures that DESA’s initiatives remain evidence-based, clinically relevant, and firmly grounded in real-world patient needs.

Rolando Toyos, MD, USA, Samer Hamada, MD, UK, Adriana Fierro, MD, Colombia, Juan Carlos Serna-Ojeda, MD, Mexico, Mahnia Madan, OD, Canada, Cristobal Cruz Colón, Puerto Rico, Pedram Hamrah, MD, USA, Andrés Benatti, MD, Argentina, Jake Lang, OD, USA, Lisa Njim, MD, USA, Nikolina Budimilja, MD, Ireland, Giovanni Tedesco, Italy, Reiko Arita, MD, Japan, Wes McCann, OD, Canada, Jose M. Benitez-del-Castillo, MD, Spain, Liliana Nobrega Cordeiro, MD, Brazil, Bridgitte Shen Lee, OD, USA, Francois Piuze, OD, Canada, Melissa Toyos, MD, USA, Judith Portorreál, MD, Dominican Republic, Luca Gauldi, MD, Italy, Cristián Cartes, MD, Chile, Edward Jaccoma, MD, USA, Luca Vigo, MD, Italy, Hiten Prajapati, OD, USA, Kristen Brown, OD, USA, Lindsey Harris, OD, USA, Julie Loffredi, Patient Advocate, USA, Rod Solar, Healthcare Marketing, UK, Lina Preciado, MD, Mexico, Amanda Cardwell Carones, MPH, Italy, Anoud Alsaati, MD, Saudia Arabia, Katherine Mastrota, OD, USA, Monica Alves, MD, PhD, Brazil, Mary Phelps, Patient Counselor, USA.

Whether through free membership, a donation, or a sponsorship partnership, your support plays a vital role in advancing DESA’s mission. Consider attending the 2026 Conference in New York City this July.

Note: Contributions to DESA may be tax-deductible as permitted by law.

DESA is committed to transparency, accountability, and mission-driven stewardship of all funds. Every contribution helps move the field forward and improves quality of life for those affected by dry eye disease.