Internationally renowned ophthalmic surgeon Sheraz M. Daya, Founder and Medical Director of Centre for Sight has been awarded the 2026 Life Achievement Honor Award by the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), recognising his longstanding contribution to the advancement of eye care and the lives of patients.
The prestigious accolade recognises ophthalmologists who have demonstrated sustained commitment to the profession through education, leadership, committee service and participation in the Academy. The AAO has named Mr Daya on its 2026 recipients, marking another milestone in a career spanning more than four decades.
The honour comes as Centre for Sight celebrates its 30th anniversary. Founded by Mr Daya in 1996, the specialist eye care organisation has become internationally recognised for its work in advanced cataract surgery, laser vision correction, corneal transplantation and complex ophthalmic treatment.
A pioneer in refractive surgery, Mr Daya introduced LASIK laser eye surgery to the UK in 1994, helping to establish new standards in vision correction. He has performed more than 30,000 cataract procedures and has been instrumental in developing and introducing surgical techniques and instruments now used by ophthalmologists internationally.
His career has combined clinical practice with research, innovation and education. After training and practising in the United States, he returned to the UK to lead the Corneoplastic Unit and Eye Bank at Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead, where he helped develop an international reputation for corneal surgery. His pioneering work in corneal and stem cell treatments includes helping to restore the sight of acid attack survivor Katie Piper.
Mr Daya has published extensively, taught surgeons around the world and contributed to professional societies and specialist medical journals. His previous accolades include the American Academy of Ophthalmology Achievement Award and Senior Achievement Award, as well as the International Society of Refractive Surgery Lifetime Achievement Award.
Sheraz Daya, Founder and Medical Director of Centre for Sight, said: “To receive this recognition from the American Academy of Ophthalmology is an enormous honour, particularly because the Academy has played such an important role throughout my professional life. Ophthalmology has changed beyond recognition during my career, but the purpose of our work remains the same: to improve the quality of people’s lives through better vision.
“I have been fortunate to work alongside extraordinary colleagues, researchers and surgeons across the world. Innovation is never the achievement of one person alone, and I see this award as recognition of the shared commitment to advancing treatment, challenging established thinking and achieving the best possible outcomes for patients.”
Over three decades, Centre for Sight has continued to invest in new technologies, research and tailored patient care, bringing together specialist teams across its centres in East Grinstead, Surrey and London. The organisation’s focus remains on combining surgical advances with rigorous clinical standards and personalised treatment.
Mr Daya added: “As Centre for Sight marks its 30th anniversary, this award is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on how far eye care has progressed. But it is also a reminder of how much more we can achieve through research, collaboration and a relentless focus on patients.”
For more information, visit: www.centreforsight.com.
