Message From the Chair: Lighting the Flames of Innovation

It takes just one person with a spark to light the flames of innovation. Here at the John A. Moran Eye Center, we have quite a few of them.

I could not be more pleased to share the new services and initiatives launched by our talented physicians and researchers in 2021. I know they will improve the lives of so many patients who look to the Moran Eye Center for hope, understanding, and treatment.

We have added an ocular oncology service, led by Dr. Eric Hansen, which allows Moran to provide care in all ophthalmic subspecialties. We also began an initiative to share data on the excellent outcomes our caregivers provide to patients. Moran joins Harvard University and Cleveland Clinic in publishing this type of data, both in print and on a new website.

On the research side, we have created the Alan S. Crandall Center for Glaucoma Innovation. There couldn’t be a more fitting effort named after the late Dr. Crandall since the center will work toward better diagnostics, safer and more effective therapies and surgical devices, a deeper understanding of glaucoma and its genetics, and expanded access to care. World-renowned cataract and glaucoma surgeon and surgical device innovator Dr. Ike Ahmed, who completed glaucoma training with Dr. Crandall at Moran, directs this new center. In 2022, he will begin practicing at Moran part-time, offering his celebrated surgical skills right here in Utah.

Our researchers also are shaking up the field with major publications. Ning Tian, PhD, caused quite a stir when he discovered a new type of neuron in the retina. And the Sharon Eccles Steele Center for Translational Medicine (SCTM) is sharing the years of groundbreaking research behind its potential new therapy for agerelated macular degeneration.

The Global Outreach Division is completing its first statewide needs assessment to guide the continued expansion of local outreach. The newly formed Alan S. Crandall Endowment in Global Outreach for Patient Care, Teaching, and Training will also support the humanitarian work that was so dear to Alan.

Please enjoy Focus 2022. I hope reading it sparks innovation for you, too.

Sincerely,

Randall J Olson, MD

Distinguished Professor and Chair, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah CEO, John A. Moran Eye Center

Randall J Olson, MD.