Rudrani “Rani” Banik, MD.
During Healthy Vision Month in May, The Eye Summit 2026 served as a global resource for both patients and healthcare providers through a unique five-day virtual experience held from May 11–15. The summit focused on providing science-based methods for preventing the loss of sight and enhancing the health of both the eyes and brain for eyecare professionals and patients alike. The virtual event welcomed healthcare professionals, caregivers, and individuals with eye concerns—essentially anyone interested in vision protection, according to summit organizers.
Hosted by Rudrani “Rani” Banik, MD, a board-certified neuro-ophthalmologist and integrative eye health specialist, The Eye Summit 2026 convened more than 20 experts across ophthalmology, optometry, neurology and integrative medicine. This year’s program, expected to draw 30,000 people, was built on the success of the 2025 inaugural event which drew more than 26,000 participants from 84 countries, including over 10,000 healthcare professionals. Each summit day was themed and featured four to five pre-recorded expert interviews that shared information about preventing vision loss, including strategies for macular degeneration, dry eye, glaucoma and brain health.
“Much of vision loss is preventable or treatable when detected early,” said Dr. Banik, associate professor of ophthalmology at Mount Sinai, author, and host of The Eye-Q Podcast. “The goal of The Eye Summit is to provide clear, evidence-based information that helps people recognize early changes and take appropriate action to protect their vision.”
Preventing Vision Loss
This year’s program addressed early signs of vision loss, how to prevent vision loss, and practical strategies to protect your vision as you age, alongside advances in clinical care and lifestyle medicine. The event featured a dual-track format designed for both the public and healthcare professionals, including ophthalmologists, optometrists, neurologists, primary care providers, nutritionists and health coaches.
Neda Gioia, OD, CNS, FMCP, FOWNS.
“The Eye Summit is unique because it brings together leading experts across multi-disciplines of optometry, ophthalmology, neurology, nutrition, and integrative medicine accessible to both healthcare professionals and the public,” said Neda Gioia, OD, CNS, FMCP, FOWNS, a founder of Integrative Vision, a concierge optometry practice in Shrewsbury, N.J., integrating eyecare with functional medicine and nutrition to support vision and whole-body health. “Few educational platforms offer this expertise while focusing on practical strategies people can use to protect vision and support healthy aging. I was honored to participate because the mission of The Eye Summit aligns closely with my passion for prevention and patient empowerment.”
Participants had access to expert-led, pre-recorded sessions and live panel discussions focused on prevention, early detection and practical strategies for maintaining long-term vision and brain health. Participants learned about the prevention of dry eye, cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration, as well as the latest technologies in eyecare that support vision.
“Understanding vision health starts with patient education and awareness,” said Janelle Davison, OD, founder and clinical director of Brilliant Eyes Vision Center in Smyrna, Ga. who spoke at The Eye Summit about dry eye, the importance of eyelid hygiene and the critical role eyelid health plays in managing ocular surface disease. “Platforms created by physicians show that collaborative care is the key to stronger patient-physician relationships and better patient outcomes.”
Janelle Davison, OD.
For Patients and Practitioners
According to Dr. Davison, The Eye Summit stood out for being a free, virtual event that served both patients and healthcare practitioners and fostered a collaborative environment for integrated patient care, bringing optometrists and ophthalmologists together to collectively improve patient awareness.
The program also covered the role of nutrition and lifestyle in protecting vision, integrative strategies like photobiomodulation, acupuncture, supplements, and mindfulness, and provided guidance on which questions to ask an eye doctor during an exam.
“Every topic covered was important and meaningful in educating patients and raising awareness about the importance of eye health,” noted Dr. Davison. “I was especially excited to see attention given to integrative approaches such as nutritional supplementation, photobiomodulation and acupuncture.”
