NANOS AWARDS

Pilot Research Grant Program

NANOS recognizes the need to stimulate investigator-initiated research programs in Neuro-Ophthalmology. The NANOS Pilot Research Grant Program provides a one-year, non-renewable source of funding to help principal investigators generate preliminary data that will lead to additional funding from other national agencies or foundations. Priority is given towards research that will provide preliminary data for future substantial grant applications. In this spirit, new or innovative projects will be supported but should have a sound medical/scientific justification. A scientific panel will review the applications, and the final award will be subject to approval by the NANOS Board.

Dr. Ivy Dreizin Leadership Development Grant

NANOS recognizes the need to stimulate leadership development in diverse members of its community. The Dr. Ivy Dreizin Leadership Development Grant provides a one-time, non-renewable source of funding to support leadership development for a NANOS member. Candidates at all stages of their careers are encouraged to apply. We particularly welcome applications from those in their mid-careers, to accelerate career advancement. Priority will be given to those who have been actively involved in the Women in Neuro-Ophthalmology Committee and NANOS. Nominees and alternates will be proposed by the Women in Neuro-Ophthalmology Steering Committee, subject to approval by the NANOS Board of Directors. Click here for specific award details.

2026 Recipient: Leanne Stunkel, MD

Thomas & Susan Carlow Young Investigator Award

This award was established to encourage and recognize basic or clinical research in neuro-ophthalmology by a NANOS candidate or active member. The originality, scientific merit and neuro-ophthalmic interest of a developing investigator’s total body of work combined with a representative new research manuscript will be considered as criteria to determine the award recipient. The award is selected by the Research Committee during the Annual Meeting and need not be given annually. It is not open to NANOS Fellows.

Best Abstract Awards

This award recognizes outstanding poster or platform presentations across fellows, residents, and medical students.

J. Lawton Smith Award

This award is named in honor of Dr. Smith’s unique and seminal contributions as a clinical neuro-ophthalmologist and as the founding editor of the journal. All original contributions published in the JNO from the calendar year preceding the NANOS Annual Meeting are automatically considered.

2026 Recipients: Ray, Hetal J.; Smolar, Avital Lily Okrent; Dattilo, Michael; Bouthour, Walid; Berman, Gabriele; Peragallo, Jason H.; Kedar, Sachin; Pendley, Andrew M.; Greene, James G.; Keadey, Matthew T.; Wright, David W.; Bruce, Beau B.; Newman, Nancy J.; Biousse, Valerie
Title of Article: "The Increasing Burden of Emergency Department and Inpatient Consultations for Papilledema"

Thomas Carlow Distinguished Service Award

This award is NANOS's highest honor. The award is given at the discretion of the Executive Board to those who have provided a sustained and substantial service to the North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society. It is named after, and honors, the NANOS Founder, Thomas Carlow, who contributed an immeasurable amount of his time and energy founding and then nurturing NANOS.

2026 Recipient: Andrew Lee, MD

Eligibility: NANOS Members and NANOS Volunteers with a track record of sustained exemplary service to NANOS
Recognized at the NANOS Annual Meeting
View Past Thomas Carlow Distinguished Service Award Recipients

Merit Award

The NANOS Merit Award recognizes members who have made extraordinary contributions of time, energy, and resources for the betterment of the organization. Learn more about the award.

2026 Recipients: Barbara Yates; Sangeeta Khanna

Eligibility: NANOS Members and Volunteers who have provided exceptional service to NANOS (By member nominations)
Timeline: Nominations open in the fall
View Past NANOS Merit Award Recipients

Daniel M. Jacobson Memorial Lecture Award

The Jacobson Lecture honors the memory and legacy of our colleague Daniel M. Jacobson, MD (1956-2003).  Dan was an outstanding teacher and brilliant clinician with an inquiring mind. Learn more about the award.

2026 Recipient: Valerie Biousse, MD

Eligibility:  A NANOS Fellow member or International Fellow member in good standing
Timeline: The Jacobson Lecture Selection subcommittee makes a recommendation to the NANOS Executive Board for approval by January of calendar year preceding the lecture. 
View past Daniel M. Jacobson Memorial Lecture Award Recipients

William F. Hoyt Lecture at the AAO Annual Meeting

Launched in 2001, the William F. Hoyt Lecture, the only named lecture in neuro-ophthalmology at the AAO Annual Meeting, takes place during the symposia co-sponsored by the North American Neuro-Ophthalmological Society (NANOS) at the Academy's Annual Meeting (AAO).

2026 Recipient: Michael Wall, MD 
Presentation: "What Have We Learned from the Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Treatment Trial?"

Eligibility: A Fellow or International Fellow of NANOS in good standing
Timeline: The Hoyt Lecture Selection subcommittee makes a recommendation to the NANOS Executive Board for approval by January of calendar year preceding the lecture.
View Past William F. Hoyt Lecture at the AAO Annual Meeting Recipients
AAO reference link

Neuro-Ophthalmology Champion Award

The Neuro-Ophthalmology Champion Award recognizes non-Neuro-Ophthalmologists who have contributed to the mission of NANOS and go above and beyond to advance the field of Neuro-Ophthalmology via research, clinical, patient advocacy or other work that have benefited NANOS and its members.

2022 Recipient: Lissa Poincenot, MBA

Eligibility: Non-Neuro-Ophthalmologists contributing to NANOS mission
Timeline: N/A
Click here to view all Neuro-Ophthalmology Champion Award recipients.