The award acknowledges his contributions to science, clinical practice, and education in the field of keratoconus, a degenerative corneal condition primarily impacting young individuals and potentially leading to gradual vision impairment.
Jorge Alió joins the world elite of ophthalmology. The specialist from Alicante was awarded the Gold Medal of the International Keratoconus Society during the World Keratoconus Congress 2026, held from April 16 to 18 in Florence.
The award recognizes his scientific, clinical and teaching career in the study of keratoconus, a degenerative pathology of the cornea that mainly affects young people and can cause a progressive loss of vision.
During the congress, Alió delivered the Gold Medal Lecture entitled Vision, Shape and Volume in Keratoconus Evolution, where he presented a new disease classification system based on technological innovation.
“Receiving this important recognition is a great honor and, above all, an incentive to continue researching and developing solutions that improve the visual quality of our patients,” the specialist noted.
During his presentation, the ophthalmologist focused on the evolution of the clinical approach to keratoconus, highlighting the transition toward personalized medicine models. In this context, he emphasized the importance of adapting treatments to each stage of the disease by combining techniques such as corneal cross-linking, therapeutic refractive surgery, or the use of intraocular lenses in advanced cases.
Alió also emphasized the key role of early diagnosis, supported by increasingly advanced tools that allow the pathology to be detected in its initial stages and its progression to be slowed.
“Keratoconus should no longer be seen as a condition with a single treatment,” he stated. “Today we talk about innovation and personalized surgery.”
This distinction reinforces his position as one of the leading international experts in anterior segment surgery. The specialist, founder of Vissum Miranza, was previously recognized in The Ophthalmologist Power List 2025 as one of the world's most influential ophthalmologists in refractive and cataract surgery.
The award also highlights the international reach of Spanish research in visual health and consolidates the role of centers like Alicante in the development of new solutions in eye surgery.
Background
Professor Jorge L. Alió y Sanz is a world-renowned Spanish ophthalmologist and researcher recognized as one of the most influential figures in his field. He currently serves as the Professor and Chairman of Ophthalmology at the Miguel Hernández University of Elche in Alicante, Spain.
Medical Expertise & Innovation
With over 40 years of experience, Dr. Alió has performed more than 55,000 surgeries and is a global pioneer in corneal and lens-based refractive surgery.
Refractive Surgery Pioneer: He was the first to introduce excimer laser refractive surgery in Spain.
Research Leadership: He has authored over 835 peer-reviewed papers and nearly 100 books. His research interests include multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs), corneal regeneration surgery, and the creation of modern keratopigmentation techniques.
Clinical Institutions: He founded Vissum Grupo Miranza, a network of clinics specializing in anterior segment pathologies, and the Jorge Alió Foundation for the Prevention of Blindness.
Academic Background Education: Earned his medical degree and doctorate from the Complutense University of Madrid. Fellowships: He holds degrees as a Fellow of the European Board of Ophthalmology (FEBO) and the World College of Refractive Surgeons (FWCRS).
Awards and Global Rankings
Dr. Alió is consistently ranked as a top international expert in fields like cataract surgery, LASIK, and intraocular lenses.
The Ophthalmologist Power List: Frequently recognized as one of the 100 most influential ophthalmologists worldwide, ranking as high as 7th most influential in cataract and refractive surgery in 2025.
Prestigious Medals: He has received over 103 awards, including the Binkhorst Medal (ESCRS), the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), and the Barraquer Award.
Expertscape Rankings: Holds the top international reference spot for refractive surgery, cornea, and anterior segment expertise.
Academic and Humanitarian Contributions
Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Alió is dedicated to education and global eye health:
Online Education: Created the first online course in refractive surgery at Miguel Hernández University.
International Aid: Through his foundation, he launched project "Vision Nouadhibou" to establish the first eye hospital in Mauritania.
Art and Vision: He organizes the "Miradas" Painting Competition, using art to raise public awareness about blindness prevention.