Orthokeratologist.org has launched the Ortho-k Pioneers Award to recognize individuals who have contributed to the development and advancement of orthokeratology, marking the modality's 70th anniversary in 2026. The new award will be presented as part of the organization's annual Orthkars | Golden Eyeball Awards, which recognize contributions to the field of orthokeratology.

Awards are being launched in the UK and Ireland, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and India, and the winners from each country will enter an additional round that will decide the World Orthokeratologist of the Year, according to the organization. An anonymous judging panel will identify people and businesses they recommend for judging. A nomination form will also be rolled out toward the end of the year in which individuals can nominate themselves or others. Main awardees will receive trophies and others will receive certificates and digital access to be shared in practices and websites.

To accompany the anniversary, orthokeratologist.org has published a 10-part series on the history of orthokeratology, authored by cofounder Jaimin Patel. The series examines early developments in the field and will serve as the foundation for additional profiles of innovators from around the world. Topics include practitioners who developed their own orthokeratology lenses in the 1970s, the introduction of corneal topography, early adopters of the modality, and developments in rigid gas permeable lens materials.

“The Ortho-k Pioneers Award, as part of our annual ‘Orthkars | Golden Eyeball Awards,’ is a fitting way to not only celebrate the original trailblazers and those who boldly followed in their footsteps, but to showcase the current pioneers who sit on the leading edge of ortho-k innovation,” said Deven Lakhani, orthokeratologist and cofounder of orthokeratologist.org, in a press release.

Additional information about the anniversary initiative and the Ortho-k Pioneers Award is available at orthokeratologist.org.