A new dry eye disease (DED)-focused medical nonprofit is looking to bridge the gap between research and real-world care for eyecare professionals (ECPs) across the Western Hemisphere.
Let’s take it from the top.
The Dry Eye Society of the Americas (DESA) was recently founded and launched by a group of dry eye specialists—including Rolando Toyos, MD, an ophthalmologist and dry eye specialist.
More about Dr. Toyos: As the founder and medical director of Toyos Clinic—an eye and aesthetics clinic with locations in Tennessee, Mississippi, and New York City (NYC)—he is also credited with inventing intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy for dry eye.
- To note: The FDA-approved “Toyos Protocol” is reported to be the only peer-reviewed IPL protocol for dry eye.
And DESA?
Headquartered in NYC, the nonprofit seeks to advance education, research, and clinical care for DED.
Its goals involve elevating DED “as a recognized subspecialty” and giving ECPs “the tools, training, and community support they need,” according to Dr. Toyos.
So how do they plan to do this?
To establish DED’s status as a subspecialty, DESA wants to bring together healthcare and research professionals in collaborative meetings.
How: By hosting open, international forums to encourage “bold ideas and speed proven advances into practice,” according to Dr. Toros.
- “Above all, we’re here to support the clinicians on the front lines caring for DED patients every day.”
Next: Let’s talk membership.
DESA membership is currently free and open to clinicians, researchers, and industry leaders.
To date, the organization has a reported 200+ members and growing—with the majority comprising optometrists and ophthalmologists.
- Head over to the DESA website to apply.
What’s on the agenda moving forward?
First up: Dr. Toyos shared that DESA is in the process of establishing its inaugural Board of Directors, with plans to announce its members in December.
And down the road: The nonprofit is gearing up to host its first conference in NYC.
What do we know about the event so far?
While the conference is very much still in the planning stages, save the date for July 11, 2026.
The expectation: “Dynamic conversations and expert panels diving into the latest in dry eye diagnosis, treatment, and research,” Dr. Toyos shared.
- As for registration: That will open next month.
Nice! And in the meantime … where can I learn more about DESA?
Reach out to the organization directly.