October 21, 2025 — A new medical nonprofit is uniting eye care professionals across the Western Hemisphere to advance the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of one of the fastest-growing ocular conditions worldwide: dry eye disease.
The Dry Eye Society of the Americas (DESA), founded by Dr. Rolando Toyos, a globally renowned ophthalmologist and one of the world's leading dry eye specialists, is dedicated to fostering education, research, and clinical innovation in Dry Eye Disease (DED). DESA aims to bridge the gap between research and real-world clinical care.
“Our goal is to elevate dry eye disease as a recognized subspecialty and to empower eye care professionals with the tools, training, and community support they need,” said Dr. Toyos. “We’re building a collaborative network where clinicians, researchers, and industry leaders can exchange ideas, accelerate innovation, and advocate for patients affected by DED.”
DESA’s mission includes:
-
Enhancing education and awareness of DED through international conferences and collaborative meetings.
-
Establishing dry eye as a formal subspecialty, supporting fellowships for optometrists and ophthalmologists dedicated to DED research and patient care.
-
Fostering open international forums to promote innovative research and accelerate proven advancements in DED treatment.
-
Supporting healthcare professionals who manage DED on the frontlines of clinical practice.
“Dry eye disease affects millions globally, yet remains underdiagnosed and undertreated,” said Dr. Toyos. “By working together across regions and disciplines, we can push the field forward, improve patient outcomes, and ensure DED receives the attention it deserves.”
For more information about the Dry Eye Society of the Americas, upcoming initiatives, and membership opportunities, visit https://dryeyesocietyamerica.
About Dry Eye Society of the Americas
The Dry Eye Society of the Americas (DESA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing education, research, and clinical excellence in the diagnosis and treatment of Dry Eye Disease (DED). Representing a collaborative network of ophthalmologists, optometrists, and researchers, DESA works to elevate DED as a recognized subspecialty in eye care. Through professional education, scientific exchange, and international collaboration, DESA strives to improve patient outcomes and accelerate innovation in the field of ocular surface health.
