More than 600 physicians, research professionals, and industry partners gathered in Dallas this spring for the 5th Annual RCA Research National Meeting. Guided by this year’s theme, Blazing New Trails, the meeting brought together the RCA Research community for three days of learning, collaboration, innovation, and connection. More than 40 physicians and 15 industry sponsors participated in the event, helping make it one of the largest and most impactful meetings to date.
The meeting opened with an inspiring keynote from Dr. Margaret Chang (Retina Consultants Medical Group), who reflected on her clinical trial experience and the profound impact research has on advancing patient care and innovation. Dr. John Thordsen (North Carolina Retina Associates) followed with personal reflections on leadership, purpose, and growth, reminding attendees that meaningful progress is often achieved through unexpected paths. The meeting concluded with an interactive Clinical Trials Jeopardy session led by Dr. Joel Pearlman (Retina Consultants Medical Group), reinforcing key learnings from throughout the event.
Celebrating Research Excellence
A highlight of the meeting was recognizing the individuals and teams whose dedication continues to advance research excellence across the RCA network.
2026 RCA National Research Award Recipients
- RCA Quality Award: April Stockman, Mid-Atlantic Retina Specialists
- RCA Most Outstanding Teammate: Robert Smith, RCA Research
- RCA Collaboration Award: Associated Vitreoretinal and Uveitis Consultants
- RealTime Navigator Award: Rina Odina, California Retina Consultants
- Mentorship Award: Ashley Parent, Retina Group of New England
- RCA Outstanding Achievement in Research: Ann Nwosah, RCA Research
Physician Leadership and Collaboration
The meeting featured contributions from more than 40 RCA physicians who participated as speakers, panelists, moderators, and breakout session leaders. Their expertise and willingness to share insights helped foster meaningful discussions around clinical research operations, innovation, patient engagement, and emerging opportunities across the network. The strong physician participation continues to be a defining strength of the RCA Research National Meeting and reflects the collaborative spirit that drives research excellence across RCA.
Looking Ahead
Several key themes emerged throughout the meeting, including stronger alignment across RCA Research sites, enhanced onboarding and training opportunities, increased collaboration between clinic and research teams, and expanded sharing of best practices across the network. Over the coming months, these discussions will be translated into site-level action plans, process improvements, and new collaborative initiatives designed to strengthen research performance and patient access to clinical trials.
Get Involved with RCA Research
The Clinic Collaboration Initiative remains an important opportunity to strengthen communication and operational alignment between clinic teams, research teams, and the RCA Referral Center while supporting patient referrals and clinical trial engagement across locations. Eligible full-time research employees may qualify for incentive opportunities of up to $1,500 through the program. For questions, contact Rebecca Kyte at rkyte@retinaconsultantsofamerica.com.
Help Shape Next Year’s Meeting!
We would love to hear your ideas for the 2027 national meeting tagline! Past taglines include:
- “Symphony of RCA” in 2023
- “A Monumental Future” in 2024
- “Aspiring to New Heights” in 2025
- “Blazing New Trails” in 2026
Thank you to everyone who attended, presented, sponsored, and contributed to another successful National Meeting. Together, we are continuing to blaze new trails in collaboration, clinical research, and the future of retina care.
Watch the 2026 National Meeting recap video here