About the Scholarship
At Paragon BioTeck, Inc., we strive to provide innovative, therapeutic solutions for optimal eye health, but also to recognize those who have achieved similar goals. When I embarked on my career in the ophthalmic industry years ago, I became captivated with the substantive work of ophthalmologists Paul S. Koch, MD and Robert E. Kellan, MD. Both doctors have achieved incredible success as cataract and implant surgeons; their respective tenures in the ophthalmic industry have been marked by numerous innovations in surgical techniques and technologies. During the time I have known these gentlemen, I have had the opportunity to see how their pursuits have influenced and advanced the ophthalmic profession, and moreover, elevated patient care. I invite you to get a sense of why they are two of the most prolific and distinguished ophthalmologists in the field.
– Patrick Witham, President & CEO
Paul S. Koch, MD
Dr. Paul S. Koch is the co-founder and Medical Director of Koch Eye Associates, a Claris Vision Company. He is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in cataract, lens and refractive surgery. He has been named to the Ophthalmology Times lists of the Top 100 Ophthalmologists and Top 15 Cataract Surgeons in North America, respectively, and cited in each issue of the Best Doctors in America. Dr. Koch is the recipient of several accolades including the Mericos H. Whittier Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award, American Academy of Ophthalmology’s Honor Award, David Kelman Foundation’s Golden Hands Award, Cataract and Refractive Surgery Today’s Nordan Award, Hoffer Award (two-time recipient), International Film Festival of the American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery Award (four-time recipient) and is expected to receive the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s Senior Achievement Award in 2015.
Dr. Koch has written textbooks on cataract and corneal refractive surgery, all of which have become the standard reading materials for domestic and international residency programs. He is one of the first refractive surgeons in America, among the first phakic lens implant surgeons and one of the first surgeons to use accommodating lens implants to correct presbyopia. More recently, Dr. Koch has worked to develop new ways to treat glaucoma permanently and efficaciously without eyedrops. He is the Chief Medical Editor Emeritus for Ophthalmology Management Magazine.
Robert E. Kellan, MD
Dr. Robert E. Kellan is a board-certified ophthalmologist specializing in cataract and lens implant surgery. He was selected as one of Boston’s Top Doctors by Boston Magazine and has been cited in Best Doctors in America. He has made several contributions to the field of ophthalmology, designing instruments manufactured by the American Surgical Instrument Corporation, Storz Instrument Company, Visitec Company, Medical Sterile Products, and Optical Micro Systems. He is the inventor of the Tetraflex Accomodative IOL, Tetraform Phakic IOL and the Omnifocal Accomodative IOL.
Dr. Kellan has written several articles published in peer-reviewed journals and contributed content to industry publications including Ophthalmology Times, Review of Ophthalmology, EyeWorld and Ocular Surgery News.
We now call upon future ophthalmologists to become part of an emerging group of ophthalmic leaders and to continue the legacy of these industry giants.
2019 Scholar
Mohima Sanyal
I am deeply honored and grateful to receive the Koch Kellan Scholarship. It means so much to be recognized by luminaries in this field – Drs. Koch and Kellan as well as Paragon BioTeck – for my dedication to the field of ophthalmology and to providing excellent, equitable medical care to all. As an ophthalmology trainee and public health advocate, I look forward to continuing to collaborate with these leaders to mitigate vision care disparities in both local and global communities.
-Mohima Sanyal
Request More Information
Interested in becoming our next Koch Kellan Scholar? The 2020 cycle will open this November 2019. Fill out the form to be notified when the application goes live.