- TFOS Ambassadors
Mexico
Denise Loya-Garcîa
Dr. Denise Loya-García, MD, PhD, is a clinician-scientist and educator in ophthalmology whose career bridges advanced corneal surgery, ocular surface research, and the development of innovative strategies in visual sciences. Based at the Instituto de Oftalmología Fundación Conde de Valenciana in Mexico City, she currently serves as Head of the Eye Bank Transplant Program of one site and Associate Professor of Ophthalmology in the Department of Cornea and Refractive Surgery. Her professional journey reflects a deep commitment to excellence in patient care, education, and scientific advancement, with an impact that extends across Latin America and international ophthalmic communities.
Dr. Loya-García earned her Medical Doctor degree from the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara. She completed her Residency in Ophthalmology at the Instituto de Oftalmología Fundación Conde de Valenciana, affiliated with the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), one of the most recognized training centers in the region. Pursuing subspecialty training, she completed a Fellowship in Cornea, Refractive Surgery, and External Diseases at the Instituto de Oftalmología y Ciencias Visuales, Tecnológico de Monterrey, including an international rotation in corneal surgery at the Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). Dr. Loya-García further advanced her academic expertise with a PhD in Clinical Sciences from the Tecnológico de Monterrey, where her research focused on translational approaches in ocular surface disease and regenerative therapies.
She has held key leadership roles across major ophthalmic institutions and associations. She serves as Committee member for the Young Ophthalmologists at the Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology (PAAO), part of the board of the Mexican Association of Eye and Ocular Tissue Banks, the Mexican Center of Cornea and Refractive Surgery and she also serves on the board of the Mexican Chapter of ARVO (MARVO), contributing to the advancement of vision research and scientific collaboration in Latin America. An engaged academician, Dr. Loya-García serves as Tutor and Co-Tutor in the PhD in Clinical Sciences program at Tecnológico de Monterrey and as Undergraduate Professor in its Department of Basic Medical Sciences. She is recognized for her mentorship of young researchers and ophthalmologists, fostering scientific curiosity, evidence-based medicine, and ethical clinical practice. Her educational contributions are matched by a robust research output with authorships of peer-reviewed scientific publications in international journals and book chapters. Her dedication to scientific advancement has earned her some distinctions, including the Arno Habicht Award for Scientific Research (PARD, PAAO) and the ARVO Foundation Early Career Clinician-Scientist Research Award.
A multilingual professional fluent in Spanish, English, and French, Dr. Loya-García actively participates in multiple international societies, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), Cornea Society, Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA), and Women in Ophthalmology (WIO). Her professional philosophy integrates rigorous science with compassionate care, advocating for innovation in corneal transplantation and ocular surface disease, patient-centered education, and equitable access to advanced ophthalmic care.
