About Us
History of the Foundation In Timelines
About the Foundation
As a 501(c)3 not for profit founded in 1988, the Cornea Research Foundation of America, is an internationally known research and educational organization, dedicated to the preservation and restoration of vision and known for conducting clinical studies to evaluate new drugs, lasers, devices and treatments. We measure our success based on four pillars: Research, Innovation, Service to Humanity, and Education, summarized in the acronym RISE. Our goal is to continually find new and better ways to give people back the use of their eyes so they can attend school, make a living, and support their family. We share our findings through frequent presentations, publications and medical education courses so that patients throughout the world can benefit from our findings.
Most Notable Accomplishments
Research Overview
Each year approximately 42,000 people in the United States need a cornea transplant in order to see clearly. We have compiled the largest cornea transplant database in North America. This ongoing effort allows us to continually improve cornea transplant techniques and show which provide the best results. In addition, we identify the primary reasons transplants fail and find ways to make transplants last longer. Recently we have helped pioneer a safer, small incision transplant technique, known as endothelial keratoplasty, that has revolutionized corneal transplantation.
We also evaluate cutting edge techniques to treat a wide range of vision problems, such as cataracts, glaucoma, near-sightedness, and other eye conditions.
2011 We have initiated a study to unlock the mystery of why cornea transplants that have been doing well sometimes rapidly deteriorate and fail. This will help us find improved ways to extend cornea transplant survival.
We are evaluating the best ways to prepare and implant ultra-thin corneal transplants. Our goal is to help as many transplant recipients as possible recover 20/20 vision and to minimize the risk that a patient’s immune system will reject the donor tissue.
2010 We initiated a nationwide survey of 5,000 participants to assess satisfaction, quality of life and complications associated with two popular vision correction methods, LASIK and contact lenses. This study is expected to identify whether LASIK or contact lens use offers the greatest consumer satisfaction level with the fewest problems. The outcomes may be helpful to individuals who are deciding whether or not to use contact lenses or have LASIK surgery.
2009 We embarked on a study of a “light adjustable lens” that can be fine-tuned with light after implantation for adjustment in order to optimize vision in patients who have had cataract surgery. This study is ongoing.
2008 Two studies were initiated to investigate corneal collagen cross linking as a possible strengthening treatment for patients with weakened corneas. Young adults in their prime working years are the age group at highest risk for developing a weakened cornea, which can lead to debilitating vision loss. The study treatment is designed to help prolong the life of one’s own cornea, thus reducing the need for a possible cornea transplant. This study is ongoing.
2007 The Veriflex lens was introduced in a study for the treatment of extreme near-sightedness. The Veriflex lens is a foldable lens that can be placed through a small incision in the front part of the eye to provide distance vision while retaining the natural lens for near vision in young adults. This study is ongoing.
A cultured cell study was initiated to investigate the methods to multiply stem cells from a single donor cornea to offer potential relief for the world-wide shortage of corneal transplant tissue. This study is ongoing.
2005 Dr. Price performed the first transplants in the world that utilized a laser to create interlocking incisions. This technique allows transplant incisions to heal faster and stronger. Our pioneering effort led to a technique that is now performed around the world.
2004 We collaborated on the evaluation of a “blue blocker” intraocular lens that filters high-energy blue and ultraviolet light to help protect the retina after cataract surgery. This study led to approval of this lens for use throughout the United States.
2003 We participated in studies that resulted in approval of a new medication to reduce pain and inflammation associated with eye surgery and a new eye drop, commonly known as Pataday, that can be used just once a day to eliminate red, itchy eyes associated with allergies.
2002 We embarked on a study of an artificial iris implant designed to restore vision to patients with a missing or damaged iris, the colored part of the eye that regulates the amount of light entering the eye. This device is available to patients on a compassionate use basis.
1998 We were among the first to participate in clinical trials of a new surgical treatment for glaucoma using a wick to promote fluid drainage and reduce pressure inside the eye. This study led to approval of this device for treatment of glaucoma, a condition that affects more than four millions Americans.
1996 We initiated a laser vision correction study of 450 patients and submitted data to the FDA to help determine the safety of performing LASIK on both eyes at the same time. Having vision surgically corrected in both eyes on the same day with LASIK is now common practice.
1991 We were approved as the first and only Indiana site to test a new excimer laser, the laser used for LASIK to correct near-sightedness, farsightedness and astigmatism. This treatment proved effective and over ten million people have now had laser vision correction.
1988 Founded as a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit foundation, we developed a cornea transplant database to gather information that will help improve outcomes for transplant recipients.
Education Overview
More than 500 doctors representing 47 U.S. States and 23 foreign countries, and many major universities, have been trained in the Endothelial Keratoplasty (EK) corneal transplant technique through the Advanced Cornea Courses since 2002. In large part due to this dissemination of knowledge and our teaching efforts, the Eye Bank Association of America reported a tenfold increase in the number of EK grafts, from 1,400 in 2005 to over 14,000 in 2007. Additionally, we initiated a Foundation Fellow program in 2010, where doctors from around the world come to study for a one year period to learn these new techniques.
We have published more than 150 peer-reviewed articles, providing eye care professionals with new information and treatment options for their patients. These papers have covered such topics as: standard full-thickness corneal transplants, laser-assisted transplants, new small incision transplants, special techniques and devices for high-risk cataract patients and complications from cataract surgery, artificial iris implants, lenses to correct extreme near-sightedness, and laser refractive surgery.
2010 Drs. Francis and Marianne Price produced a book providing practical advice about best practices in treatment of cornea and external eye diseases.
2009 Published the first surgical textbook on the DSEK cornea transplant procedure co-authored by Drs. Francis and Marianne Price.
We initiated sponsorship of Working Vision (http://www.workingvision.org), a fledgling charitable organization devoted to reducing the incidence of preventable work-related eye injuries by providing eye safety education and distributing new and slightly used safety eyewear to workers in developing nations.
We hosted the first collaborative forum on “The Future of Vision Health Awareness in Indiana” with other vision-related Indiana non-profit organizations.
2005 Dr. Mathias Zirm of Austria, the grandson of the surgeon who performed the first successful human corneal transplant in 1905, visited Indianapolis to learn endothelial keratoplasty from Dr. Francis Price.
2002 We initiated Advanced Cornea Courses to teach surgeons to perform new small-incision cornea transplant surgery, known as endothelial keratoplasty.
1997 http://Www.cornea.org was established to serve as a resource to those seeking information on the latest advancements in cornea transplant surgery and other vision restoration procedures.
We initiated a Focus on Education seminar, an annual full-day continuing medical education event to update optometrists on new techniques and current best practices in eye care.
1991 The first Visionary newsletter was published to bring research updates to supporters and transplant recipients.
