Awards & Designations--Cornea Research Foundation of America
Our awards are listed under the respective names of Dr. Francis Price (Board Chair & Founder) and Dr. Marianne Price (Executive Director).
The Cornea Research Foundation of America (CRFA) was honored at the 2026 Hawaiian Eye meeting when the Philip M. Corboy Memorial Award and Lecture—traditionally presented to a single individual—was awarded jointly for only the second time since 1986 to Francis W. Price, Jr., MD, and Marianne Price, PhD, MBA. Established in memory of the former president of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, this award recognizes significant contributions that advance the field and improve patient care.
As part of the lecture, we were invited to speak briefly about CRFA’s work, highlighting its founding in 1988 to address an unmet need in tracking corneal transplant outcomes. We summarized CRFA’s role in refining endothelial keratoplasty techniques, documenting improved outcomes through rigorous data collection, and training hundreds of corneal surgeons worldwide—efforts that helped establish DMEK as the gold standard for treating corneal endothelial dysfunction.
We are deeply honored by this recognition since helping people see is at the heart of everything we do and it highlights the importance of a recent broader shift in the field—interdisciplinary collaboration to address complex vision challenges and other health conditions.
About the Conference
Hawaiian Eye is one of ophthalmology’s
most respected conferences, serving as a forum where emerging science gains visibility, best practices are debated, collaborations are formed, and innovation moves from research into application. Each year, more than 700 comprehensive ophthalmologists, 230+ retina specialists, 125+ office administrators, 100+ nurses and technicians, and industry innovators from around the world come together to exchange ideas and move eye care forward. It is one of the field’s most valuable opportunities to build relationships and exchange ideas. CRFA uses this time to network directly with other leading researchers, engage with manufacturers and innovators, and participate in the conversations that help shape the future of patient care.
Each day is filled with high-impact lectures, case studies, surgical insights, and updates across subspecialties where even the most seasoned practictioners find immense value. Exhibit opportunties inform attendees about the latest medication and technology updates, allowing attendees to touch, test, and discuss next-generation diagnostics, lenses, lasers, and treatments. Because of the setting and timing just after the busy holidays, the atmosphere is calm and focused—uniquely suited for learning, meaningful connection, a bit of respite, and renewed energy for the year ahead.
Moving Science Forward
For decades, ophthalmology advanced through deep specialization and silos. Today, many conditions can benefit from a more collaborative and innovative approach. This model and partnership has long-guided CRFA’s work, resulting in significant advancements in patient care, particularly through our contributions to endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK and DMEK).
While this moment is personally meaningful, it truly belongs to the broader CRFA community—our fellow researchers, collaborators, board members, and especially our donors and study participants. Every advancement we share is made possible only because of the commitment of friends like you.
On behalf of the Cornea Research Foundation of America, thank you for believing in this work and joining us in this recognition. Advancing vision care has always been a collaborative effort—and we are grateful to be part of that shared mission.
Other Past Awards:
Awards--Dr. Francis Price
2026 Eye Mission of the Pacific Corboy Award
2025 R. Townley Paton award, Eye Bank Association of America
2023 Serve Indiana Lifetime Achievement Award
2022 ASCRS Charles D. Kelman Innovator's Award
2017 Thomas C. Hasbrook Award from Bosma Enterprises
2016 Life Achievement Honor Award - American Academy of Ophthalmology
2015 Celebrating Catholic School Values Community Service Award
2014 Asia Cornea Society Medalist
2011 Barraquer Award for significant contributions in refractive surgery
2011 SantaCaterina d’Oro da Siena for excellence in medical research
2009 Senior Achievement Award, American Academy of Ophthalmology
2008 Health Care Heroes award, Indianapolis Business Journal
2007 Albert D. Frost Memorial Lectureship from the Ohio State University Havener Eye Institute
2007 Melvin Jones Fellow from The Lions International Foundation
2006 Silver Recognition Award from the Indiana Academy of Ophthalmology
2006 Person of Vision from Prevent Blindness Indiana
2006 Vision Award from the Corneal Dystrophy Foundation
2006 Indiana Hero from Indiana Pacers
Awards--Dr. Marianne Price
2026 Eye Mission of the Pacific Corboy Award
2025 R. Townley Paton award, Eye Bank Association of America
2016 Senior Achievement Award, American Academy of Ophthalmology
2015 Celebrating Catholic School Values Community Service Award
2014 Indianapolis Business Journal Health Care Heroes - Advancement in Health Care Winner
2011 Santa Caterina d’Oro award for excellence in medical research
2010 Achievement Award, American Academy of Ophthalmology
2008 WFYI Speaking of Women’s Health Honoree
2007 Melvin Jones Fellow Award, Lions International Foundation
2006 Vision Award, The Corneal Dystrophy Foundation
2003 Dr. Pao-lo Yu Award, Department of Medical & Molecular Genetics, IU School of Medicine
2002 Chancellor’s Scholar, Indiana University/Purdue University
1996 Fellowship, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
1974 Valedictorian, University of Notre Dame
The Foundation is committed to transparency and is a GuideStar Exchange Gold Participant and has met all 20 standards of charity accountability from the Better business Bureau and is a seal holder.
