Empowering the next generation of ophthalmic thought leaders through mentorship, training, and real-world leadership opportunities

Application Deadline: September 1st, 2026

Apply now!

The RWO Leadership Launchpad is a structured, multi-year career development program designed for ophthalmologists ready to step into thought leadership, mentorship, and the broader professional arena

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

  • Build advanced leadership skills relevant to academic and clinical ophthalmology

  • Expand professional networks with current and emerging ophthalmic leaders

  • Gain experience presenting at high-profile conferences such as AAO

  • Contribute to publications and thought leadership within the field

  • Build meaningful 1:1 relationships with established mentors in the specialty

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY

  • Ophthalmologists from PGY-3 through the first five years of practice.

  • Interest in one or more subspecialty areas: anterior segment, posterior segment, or comprehensive ophthalmology

  • Commitment to attending live and virtual program sessions

  • Openness to 1:1 coaching and mentorship activities

  • Desire to contribute to thought leadership (presentations, publications, or similar)

PROGRAM ELEMENTS

  • Mentorship & Coaching: Participants are paired with established ophthalmic leaders for formal 1:1 mentorship and individual coaching sessions

  • Live & Virtual Sessions: The program includes two virtual sessions and participation at AAO 2026, providing both remote and in-person learning and networking experiences

  • Thought Leadership Opportunities: Participants engage in presentations, publishing opportunities, and other activities that establish and amplify their professional voice within ophthalmology

3-Year Program Overview

The Leadership Launchpad journey is structured over three years, with each phase designed to build on the previous one — strengthening participants' skills, visibility, and leadership capabilities through a three yearly session (two virtual and one in-person at a major meeting).

Year 1 focuses on speaker training, practice skills, and adaptive mentorship through modules, feedback, and resources that help participants build confidence, strengthen their presence, and begin stepping into leadership

Year 2 adds writing, speaking opportunities with RWO and industry partners, and coaching in soft skills and practice development.

Year 3 builds on the first two years with more advanced opportunities, including clinical trial work and additional leadership roles.

Program Tracks

  • Provides retina specialists with tailored training and mentorship aligned with their subspecialty needs. This includes retina-specific case discussions, publication support, and opportunities to participate in industry and academic collaborations. The curriculum will follow the same 3-year structure while integrating retina-relevant applications and leaders.

  • Focuses on the evolving needs of cornea, cataract, and refractive surgeons. Participants will gain access to tools and mentorship that refine their clinical, academic, and industry-related contributions, with special emphasis on communication, surgical education, and professional growth in the anterior segment space.

Ready to take the next step in your leadership journey?

The Leadership Launchpad program accepts a limited number of applicants each year. Apply today and be part of a driven community of young ophthalmologists shaping the future of eye care.

Apply now!