CARY, NC — October 27, 2025 — Ophthalmic World Leaders (OWL), an organization dedicated to promoting and developing diverse leadership to advance ophthalmic innovation and patient care, is proud to announce the appointment of Renee Bovelle, MD as its new President. OWL also welcomes three new members to its Board: Kevin M. Douglas, MD (Medical Director, Eye Care – Retina, AbbVie), Maaza Martin (Senior Director, Global Strategic Marketing, Tarsus), and Cynthia Matossian, MD, FACS (Founder, Matossian Eye Associates).

Welcoming OWL’s New President

Dr. Bovelle is the Owner & Medical Director of Envision Eye and Laser in Maryland and serves as Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at Howard University. A board-certified ophthalmologist trained at Wellesley, UCLA, Yale, and LSU Eye Center, she combines clinical excellence with expertise in advanced technologies and healthcare cybersecurity. In addition to her academic appointments at Howard University Hospital, Ross University, and the University of Maryland, she is deeply involved in medical education and policy development. Dr Bovelle is widely recognized for her commitment to mentorship, collaboration and clinical excellence.

“I am thrilled to be the first MD President of Ophthalmic World Leaders,” said Dr. Bovelle. “I look forward to continuing to raise awareness within the MD and OD communities of all that OWL has to offer — and to increase collaboration between industry and physicians.”

With this leadership transition, OWL thanks outgoing President Nivine Woods for her service as she passes the baton to Dr. Bovelle. Woods stated, “Serving as OWL President has been an honor and a privilege and I am proud of the growth in leadership, community, and impact we’ve seen across our organization. I have deep confidence as I pass the gavel to Dr. Bovelle. I know she will carry OWL forward with the same passion, spirit, and bold vision that have always defined us.”

New Board Members

OWL welcomes three distinguished leaders to its 2025 Board of Directors. These new board members were appointed for their commitment to eyecare and their wealth of experience in innovation, collaboration, clinical leadership, and global business strategy across the ophthalmic ecosystem.

• Kevin M. Douglas, MD

Kevin Douglas, MD, is a seasoned biopharmaceutical executive with nearly 20 years of experience in U.S. and global markets. His career includes key roles at Sanofi-Aventis, UCB, and AbbVie, where he contributed to major therapeutic launches in gastroenterology, rheumatology, and ophthalmology. Now serving as Medical Director and Retina Lead for U.S. Medical Affairs Eye Care at Allergan/AbbVie, Kevin has led pivotal clinical studies and product launches. Throughout his career, he has remained dedicated to advancing innovative therapies for complex medical conditions.

• Maáza Martin – Senior Director, Global Strategic Marketing, Tarsus

Maáza is a respected commercial leader with over 20 years in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industry, including more than a decade in eye care. She currently serves as Senior Director of Global Strategic Marketing at Tarsus, where she drives global expansion, launch strategy, and long-term planning for multiple pipeline programs. A key early member of Tarsus, she led the successful U.S. launch of the first FDA-approved treatment for Demodex blepharitis. Her prior experience includes leadership roles at Avanir, Allergan (now AbbVie), Genentech, and IMS Health, where she helped advance several first-in-class therapies and eye care innovations.

• Cynthia Matossian, MD, FACS

Dr. Matossian is an accomplished ophthalmologist and industry leader, serving as Chief Medical Officer for both Visiox and Freya Ophthalmics, where she helps advance innovative ophthalmic therapeutics and novel drug delivery platforms. She is also the CEO of GPOphtho, a group purchasing organization for ophthalmology practices. In addition, she serves as Chief Medical Advisor for Bruder Health-Hilco and sits on the Medical Advisory Board of LacriSciences. A committed advocate for clinical excellence and education, she co-founded and currently leads the American College of Eye Technicians as its President.

Picture: Dr Renee Bovelle & Nivine Woods at the hand-over of the OWL presidency.

About Ophthalmic World Leaders (OWL)

Founded in 2003, OWL is the preeminent nonprofit organization promoting and developing diverse leadership to advance ophthalmic innovation and patient care. OWL provides professional and personal development and creates opportunities for collaboration across the entire ophthalmic industry. The last three years have seen more sustained efforts to expand the organization’s mission and vision into optometry and in Europe. Learn more at www.owlsite.org.