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The Cornea Research Foundation of America has established fiscal sponsorship of Working Vision
INDIANAPOLIS - September 2009. The Cornea Research Foundation of America has established fiscal sponsorship of Working Vision, a new nonprofit charitable organization focused on reducing the incidence of work-related eye injuries in developing nations by distributing new and slightly used safety eyewear to workers. Donations of safety eyewear come from students finishing high school and college chemistry classes, the U.S. industrial sector, and eyewear manufacturers; a distribution center is being piloted in Kathmandu, Nepal.
Before becoming a medical student at New York University School of Medicine, Grant Moore was a summer intern at the Cornea Research Foundation of America. At the CRFA, Grant learned the impact that vision improvement has on people’s lives and became inspired to reduce the rate of preventable eye injuries in developing nations. Following introductions from Dr. Francis Price, the Foundation’s President, Grant contacted two significant doctors working in Nepal, Dr. Ruit, the visionary leader of Kathmandu’s Tilganga Eye Centre (TEC) and Geoff Tabin, M.D., founder of the Himalyan Cataract Project.
In the summer of 2008, Grant traveled to Nepal where he worked as a research intern at TEC. While working at TEC, Grant was astonished by the number of patients he saw with work-related eye injuries. He soon learned that, unlike the United States, which has OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Association), most developing countries lack solid government-mandated occupational safety standards. Inspired by the work of Dr. Ruit and Dr. Tabin, Grant designed a survey to better understand the causes and severity of the work-related eye injuries presenting to Tilganga and also to gauge patients’ interest in safety eyewear use. He returned to America inspired and encouraged to pursue his charitable mission.
Thus far, Grant has received help from two sources: The Fred Hollows Foundation in Australia has helped Working Vision develop and distribute Grant’s survey at eye centers in several Southeast Asian countries. The Cornea Research Foundation of America has agreed to provide fiscal sponsorship for Working Vision, including data management and statistical analysis to document outcomes. Additional companies and universities have come forward to collect and donate protective eyewear for the charitable project. For more information please visit: http://www.workingvision.org
Dr. Francis Price, Jr. Recognized by the New England Ophthalmological Society
INDIANAPOLIS, September 25, 2009. In the John Hancock Hall of the Back Bay Event Center in Boston, Massachusetts, Dr. Price was recognized as a guest of honor of the Society at its 726th meeting. During the meeting, Dr. Price gave a presentation on the new corneal transplant procedures known as DSEK, DMEK or DMAEK. Later, he was gifted with a beautiful sterling silver replica of a “Liberty Bowl” originally designed in 1768 by silversmith, Paul Revere. Copies of these bowls are now referred to as “Revere Bowls” and are used by the Society to show appreciation for the contributions of honored guests chosen to present at their annual scientific program.
Indianapolis-based Cornea Research Foundation of America announces inaugural Torchbearer Award winner
Spain’s Dr. Jorge Alió receives recognition for development of non-invasive method to treat glare and halos post laser surgery
INDIANAPOLIS—Sept. 12, 2009—The Cornea Research Foundation of America, an Indianapolis-based non-profit organization with the mission to give people back the use of their eyes, announces today it has selected the first recipient of the Torchbearer Award, Dr. Jorge Alió of Alicante, Spain. The award was presented during last week’s European Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery Conference in Barcelona, Spain.
The annual award recognizes individuals whose lifetime service and commitment to the field of vision care has helped light the way for others. It was developed by CRFA Founder Dr. Francis W. Price, Jr., M.D. to recognize dedicated ophthalmic research physicians throughout the world.
About Dr. Jorge Alió
Dr. Alio is professor and chairman of ophthalmology at Miguel Hernández University in Alicante, Spain. In cooperation with this institution, he created the Institute of Ophthalmology of Alicante and the Jorge Alió Foundation for the Prevention of Blindness. Due to its advanced technology and high level of patient care, the Institute is considered one of the most important eye care centers worldwide focused in the private sector.
He is being recognized for development of the technique using Yag laser treatments to eliminate epithelial ingrowth after Lasik. Epithelial cells rarely grow into the interface between the Lasik flap and underlying stromal bed after primary procedures. However, after re-treatments, where Lasik flaps are lifted and replaced, epithelial ingrowth can occur in up to 5 to 10 percent of cases. Dr. Alió’s innovative treatment creates a dramatic improvement in this condition. Previously flaps had to be re-lifted to remove the cells. The epithelial ingrowth could recur after its removal, and in some cases the Lasik flaps would require suturing down to prevent the epithelial cells from returning. Now with the use of the YAG laser, there are no more flap lifts or sutures to correct this condition providing better outcomes and more comfortable treatments for patients.
Dr. Alió is a member of 26 scientific societies and holds executive committee positions in the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, the International Society for Refractive Surgery of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the International Ocular Inflammation Society and the European Association for Vision and Eye Research.
The Cornea Research Foundation of America is a 501 © (3) not-for-profit educational organization that depends on donations, grants, and planned gifts to conduct research and publish findings. The organization was founded by Dr. Francis Price, Jr., M.D., in 1988 with a mission to establish a world center for corneal research and medical education specializing in corneal disease, corneal transplantation and intraocular lens surgery. In 2009, the Foundation established fiscal sponsorship of Working Vision, a non-profit nonprofit charitable organization formed to reduce the incidence of work-related eye injuries in developing nations by distributing new and lightly used safety eyewear to workers.
Since its inception, the Foundation has been led by Dr. Price and his passion for innovation and lifelong learning. Today the Foundation houses the largest data base of corneal transplant information in the Western hemisphere, has participated in over 80 clinical and investigational studies, and published over 100 papers and manuscripts. The Foundation hosts medical education seminars regularly for physicians and publishes a newsletter for patients to share developments in ophthalmology. For more information visit http://www.Cornea.org.
Cornea Research Foundation of America announces fiscal support for new Working Vision global non-profit designed to reduce the number of preventable industrial eye injuries worldwide
United States educational institutions, industrial corporations and eyewear manufacturers invited to participate in mission via donations of lightly used safety eyewear
INDIANAPOLIS-Aug. 25, 2009-The Cornea Research Foundation of America, an Indianapolis-based organization with the mission to give people back the use of their eyes, announces today it has established fiscal sponsorship of Working Vision, a new nonprofit charitable organization formed to reduce the incidence of work-related eye injuries in developing nations by distributing new and slightly used safety eyewear to workers.
The organization is asking for support through partnerships via cash donation or donations of safety goggles from students finishing high school and college chemistry classes, professionals in the U.S. industrial sector and eyewear manufacturers. For more information or to become a partner please visit http://www.WorkingVision.org or contact Grant Moore (.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)).
About Working Vision
Working Vision was established by medical student Grant Moore, who was an intern at CRFA in 2007. During his intern experience, he embraced the organization’s mission and became inspired to reduce the rate of preventable eye injuries in developing nations.
Dr. Francis Price, the Foundation’s president, introduced Moore to two doctors working in Nepal to learn more about the topic and global issue: Dr. Ruit, the leader of Kathmandu’s Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology, and Geoff Tabin, M.D., founder of the Himalyan Cataract Project.
In the summer of 2008, Moore traveled to Nepal, where he worked as a research intern with Dr. Ruit. He was astonished by the number of patients he saw with work-related eye injuries. He soon learned that, unlike the United States, which has OSHA regulations, most developing countries lack solid government-mandated occupational safety standards. “Workers living below the poverty line in these countries are not very likely to purchase safety equipment if it is a choice between safety eyewear and food or even education for their children,” says Moore.
Inspired by the work of Dr. Ruit and Dr. Tabin, Moore designed a survey, which is currently being conducted, to better understand the causes and severity of the work-related eye injuries of patients visiting the Tilganga. He returned to America inspired and encouraged to pursue his charitable mission and founded Working Vision.
To date Working Vision has received collaborative support from:
- The Fred Hollows Foundation in Australia helped Working Vision develop and distribute the survey at eye centers in several Southeast Asian countries.
- The Cornea Research Foundation of America has agreed to provide fiscal sponsorship for Working Vision, including data management and statistical analysis to document outcomes.
- Additional companies and universities have come forward to collect and donate protective eyewear for the charitable project. For more information please visit: http://www.workingvision.com.
The Cornea Research Foundation of America is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit educational organization that depends on donations, grants, and planned gifts to conduct research and publish findings. The organization was founded by Dr. Francis Price, Jr., M.D., in 1988 with a mission to establish a world center for corneal research and medical education specializing in corneal disease, corneal transplantation and intraocular lens surgery. The Foundation houses the largest data base of corneal transplant information in the Western hemisphere.
Since its inception, the Foundation has been led by Dr. Price and his passion for innovation and lifelong learning. To date, CRFA has participated in over 80 clinical and investigational studies and published over 100 papers and manuscripts. The Foundation hosts medical education seminars regularly for physicians and publishes a newsletter for patients to share developments in ophthalmology.
Cornea Research Foundation of America partners with the National Keratoconus Foundation to present a FREE educational seminar that will bring 100 people to Indianapolis in August
INDIANAPOLIS—July 22, 2009—The Cornea Research Foundation of America, an Indianapolis-based non-profit organization with the mission to give people back the use of their eyes, announces today it is partnering with the National Keratoconus Foundation to present an educational seminar on Saturday, August 29 that will bring approximately 100 people from throughout the United States to Indianapolis.
“Keratoconus is frightening because it strikes at a young age and can progress quickly,” says Marianne Price, executive director of the Cornea Research Foundation of America. “We have partnered with the National Keratoconus Foundation co-sponsoring this seminar to educate patients and family members about the latest research studies and findings on keratoconus. This will serve to empower people affected to seek the best care for themselves and enhance their quality of life. We also are encouraging participants to establish a patient support group so they can connect regularly.“
When: Saturday, August 29, 2009 from 8 a.m. to noon
Where: Ritz Charles Event Center
12156 North Meridian Street
Carmel, IN 46032
What: Updates on Keratoconus, including speakers and patient panel
Cost: Free. Registration is required.
Register: Contact the Cornea Research Foundation of America (317) 814-2993
About Keratoconus
Keratoconus is a non-inflammatory eye condition in which the normally round dome-shaped cornea progressively thins causing a cone-like bulge to develop. The result in the early stages is significant visual impairment with nearsightedness and astigmatism. The condition is estimated to occur in one of every 2,000 people. It is usually diagnosed in young people at puberty or in their late teens. While researchers do not yet know what causes keratoconus, eye rubbing causes it to progress.
Presently keratoconus is treated through eyeglasses, hard contact lenses, and a newer treatment, INTACS plastic rings inserted into the mid layer of the cornea to flatten it, changing the shape and location of the cone. In 15 to 20 percent of the cases, cornea transplant surgery is necessary.
The Cornea Research Foundation of America is one of nine sites currently participating in a new clinical research investigation in the United States to study the benefits of corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) in subjects with progressive keratoconus and corneal ectasia after prior refractive surgery. These studies are the first in the United States. They are designed to assess the safety and effectiveness of CXL for slowing the progression of both of these conditions.
The Cornea Research Foundation of America is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit educational organization that depends on donations, grants, and planned gifts to conduct research and publish findings. The organization was founded by Dr. Francis Price, Jr., M.D., in 1988 with a mission to establish a world center for corneal research and medical education specializing in corneal disease, corneal transplantation and intraocular lens surgery. The Foundation houses the largest data base of corneal transplant information in the Western hemisphere.
Since its inception, the Foundation has been led by Dr. Price and his passion for innovation and lifelong learning. To date, CRFA has participated in over 80 clinical and investigational studies and published over 120 papers and manuscripts. The Foundation hosts medical education seminars regularly for physicians and publishes a newsletter for patients to share developments in ophthalmology.
Cornea Research Foundation of America Announces new FDA study to evaluate the Light Adjustable Lens for cataract patients
Foundation will enroll and study 20 central Indiana patients for three years
INDIANAPOLIS—April 12, 2009—The Cornea Research Foundation of America, a not-for-profit organization with the mission to give people back the use of their eyes, announces today it is one of four United States locations participating in a new clinical research study on the light adjustable lens for cataract patients. The Foundation will enroll 20 central Indiana cataract patients and study the effectiveness of the lens over a period of three years.
The Foundation enrolled its first patient last week, a 68 year-old woman who lives in Indianapolis. Cataract patients interested in finding out more about the process or enrolling can contact Dr. Kathy Kelley at the Cornea Research Foundation, 317-814-2859.
About the light adjustable lens
More than three million cataract surgeries are performed each year in the United States with 70 percent of patients requiring glasses for optimal distance vision post surgery. This is caused by a variety of factors, such as wound healing changes, inaccuracies in pre-operative measurements or preexisting corneal astigmatism.
The light-adjustable lens, developed by Calhoun Vision, allows for vision correction after the eye has healed from the cataract surgery. This is done by directing a beam of painless ultraviolet light into the eye and onto the lens for about 90 seconds. This process allows for excellent distance vision without the need for glasses.
“The ability to fine-tune the lens after the healing process is complete is a truly revolutionary and gives us an extra edge in our mission provide each and every patient with the best possible vision,” said Marianne Price, executive director of the Cornea Research Foundation of America.
The Cornea Research Foundation of America is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit educational organization that depends on donations, grants, and planned gifts to conduct research and publish findings. The organization was founded by Dr. Francis Price, Jr., M.D., in 1988 with a mission to establish a world center for corneal research and medical education specializing in corneal disease, corneal transplantation and intraocular lens surgery. The Foundation houses the largest data base of corneal transplant information in the Western hemisphere.
Since its inception, the Foundation has been led by Dr. Price and his passion for innovation and lifelong learning. To date, CRFA has participated in over 80 clinical and investigational studies and published over 100 papers and manuscripts. The Foundation hosts medical education seminars regularly for physicians and publishes a newsletter for patients to share developments in ophthalmology.
Indianapolis Medical Professionals Author First-Ever Text On Innovative Sutureless Cornea Transplant Surgery
Royalties to benefit Cornea Research Foundation of America and further research for procedure advancement
INDIANAPOLIS—Feb. 10, 2009—Francis W. Price, Jr. M.D., president of Price Vision Group, along with Marianne Price, Ph.D., executive director of the Cornea Research Foundation of America, have co-authored the first-ever text for medical professionals on a pioneering cornea transplant procedure that is sutureless while offering a quicker recuperation, stronger post-operative eye and excellent clinical results.
All royalty proceeds from the sale of the text will benefit the Cornea Research Foundation of America’s study of the groundbreaking technique. The text and accompanying DVD with 20 videos demonstrating various aspects of the surgical procedure costs $115.00 and is available through Slack Publications.
About the Text - DSEK: What You Need to Know About Endothelial Keratoplasty provides a comprehensive background of EK, where it is today, and where it is headed in the future. Francis W. Price, MD, who was the first to complete DSEK in the United States, along with Marianne Price, Ph.D., have designed this text with a special emphasis on how to perform surgeries, along with preventing and managing complications. In addition, a diverse group of contributing authors provides a wide array of insights and tips for better patient outcomes.
Features in the book include:
- Current applications of DSEK and DSAEK and tips from some of the more than 500 surgeons trained by Dr. Francis Price;
- Information how to perform DMEK, the newest iteration of EK, including a step by step technique and post operative management;
- Detailed discussion of air management for EK surgeries and how to avoid unintended consequences;
- Special techniques for smaller Asian Eye;
- Three patient interviews that illustrate key advantages over older techniques from the patient’s perspective.
About Endothelial Keratoplasty
The adult cornea is only about 1/2 millimeter thick and is comprised of 3 distinct layers, with the innermost endothelial cell layer pumping water from the cornea to keep it clear. If damaged or diseased, this cell layer cannot regenerate; as vision worsens, a transplant becomes necessary. The DSEK procedure is revolutionizing cornea transplants. Eye Bank Association of America statistics from the past three years illustrate a 10-fold increase in use of the procedure, and show that it has become the surgery of choice for treatment of endothelial problems among ophthalmologists performing corneal transplants.
Instead of replacing the entire full-thickness of the cornea and stitching the transplant to anchor it, as occurs in traditional transplants, surgeons performing DSEK replace only the single damaged layer of endothelial cells. For those patients who are eligible, the procedure offers significant advantages:
- No post-operative stitches around the cornea which usually require healing that takes over a year before removal.
- Patients who receive the EK procedure heal and recover vision within three to six months, and some even recover 20/20 vision within a few weeks.
- The small incision used with DSEK leaves the eye much stronger and more resistant to injury, and patients can return to normal activities much sooner.
- DSEK can be performed with anesthesia eye drops, instead of requiring a shot near the eye or general anesthesia, which is much safer for the patient.
Just as modern cataract surgery is a huge improvement over older techniques, when patients were bed-ridden for days, DSEK represents an amazing improvement in ease and speed of recovery for transplant patients, compared with older techniques.
Expert Source: Dr. Marianne Price, executive director of the Cornea Research Foundation of America. Dr. Price is a sought after speaker and published author, a member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, the American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery, and Ophthalmic Women Leaders. Dr. Price holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering science from the University of Notre Dame and both an MBA in finance and a doctorate in medical and molecular genetics from Indiana University.
