UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN W.K. KELLOGG EYE CENTER
VISION
2 014 ANNUAL REPORT
TEAMWORK INTEGRITY INNOVATION CARING
A Vision for the Future University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center Annual Report 2014
2
Chair’s Perspective 2
Shaping the future of eye care and vision science
Vision Regeneration and Restoration 4
Restoring sight with gene therapy
6
Could a new kind of stem cell repair damage to the retina?
8 Kellogg is first in the nation to perform new “Bionic Eye” surgery
Research and Advances in Patient Care 10 A couple gives back to support eye cancer research 11 Ocular oncology team is finding new ways to advance patient care 14 More treatment trials to come in our new clinical research center
6
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18 Using telemedicine to screen premature newborns
18
21
For patient appointments,
19 Solving mysteries in neuro ophthalmology
please call 734.763.8122.
20 Rapid drug testing in diabetes eye research
online under “Patient Care”
Clinic phone numbers are at www.kellogg.umich.edu
21 A grateful patient establishes fund for others with thyroid eye disease
Education and Global Ophthalmology 23 Advising on resident training in Ethiopia 24 Projects by our Kellogg residents
Vision Needs Victors 31 Kellogg supporters kick off new campaign to fight eye disease 32 Meet our Campaign Leadership Council
Front cover: Outer circle, clockwise from top: Alan Robin, M.D., and Sanduk Ruit, M.D.; Danielle Thesiger; an image of stem cells from the lab of Rajesh Rao, M.D.; Hakan Demirci, M.D., and Marilyn and Richard Witham; Brenda Bohnsack, M.D., Ph.D.; and Shivani Gupta, M.D., M.P.H. Inner circle, clockwise from top: Roland Chen, Ph.D., Steven Archer, M.D., Maria Woodward, M.D., and Wayne Cornblath, M.D. *This report covers the period July 1, 2013, through June 30, 2014
Front row: Shahzad Mian, M.D., Paul Lee, M.D., J.D., Denise John, M.D. back row: Alan Sugar, M.D., Thomas Gardner, M.D., M.S., Michael Smith-Wheelock, M.D., Raymond Douglas, M.D., Ph.D.
The Chair’s Perspective
Shaping the future of eye care and vision science Dear Friends,
New York, to build on recent discoveries in stem cell therapy for neural and retinal disease. Clinical trials are a little farther off,
2
We live in amazing times. Collaboration with leading scientists
but we see great promise in the use of stem cells—perhaps by
at Michigan and around the world— combined with breath-
using newly discovered dormant cells that reside in the retina—
taking new technology and discoveries— is creating hope for
to regenerate damaged cells that cause vision loss.
many who never expected the possibility of a treatment or cure
for their vision loss during their lifetimes. Our Kellogg faculty
privilege of performing the first four implants in the United
and staff are using their expertise, dedication, and teamwork
States of the Argus II retinal prosthesis, or “bionic eye,” in
to move these methods of treatment forward so that they can
patients blinded from retinitis pigmentosa, resulting in the par-
improve the lives of our patients.
tial restoration of their visual function. As two of our patients
featured in this report observed, successful use of the bionic
In this report, you will read about plans to launch a gene
A team of Kellogg surgeons, clinicians, and staff had the
therapy trial in London and Ann Arbor for patients with a
eye requires extensive preparation and training with a team of
retinal disease affecting children that eventually causes blindness
specialists. These surgeries could not have happened without
in young adults. Our researchers are also collaborating with
the effort of our Retinal Dystrophy team, coupled with the hard
the co-founders of the Neural Stem Cell Institute in Rensselaer,
work and perseverance of our patients and their families.
university of michigan kellogg eye center
At Kellogg, collaboration between clinical and research
faculty plays an important role in the development of our approaches to treating grave and complex diseases such as ocular cancer. Together, researchers at Michigan and other institutions are investigating personalized treatment for eye cancer, the role of stem cells in ocular melanomas, and the use of thermal energy to destroy cancer cells. Our new Ocular Oncology Tumor Board brings specialists from multiple disciplines together to provide the most informed care for our patients.
When we work with partners from other leading insti-
tutions to make the best use of technological advances, our patients and their families benefit. An exciting collaborative initiative involves our faculty working with experts from Duke University, Oregon’s Casey Eye Institute, and Beaumont Hospital. Building on our experience with telemedicine, and with support from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, we have the opportunity to ensure that premature babies at risk of developing visual loss are appropriately evaluated.
“Collaboration with leading scientists at Michigan and around the world— combined with breathtaking new technology and discoveries—is creating hope for many who never expected the possibility of a treatment or cure for their
”
vision loss during their lifetimes. —Paul P. Lee, M.D., J.D.
A renewed collaboration with the University of Michigan’s
College of Engineering is enabling our faculty to design tools specific to their surgical, training, and patient care needs. An intelligent eye simulator for surgery, a smart walking cane, and surgical tools for children’s eye surgery are just a few of the prototypes in development, thanks to the joint efforts with our engineering partners. We also report on the success of several innovations developed previously that have now been patented.
Looking ahead Please join us for these events and more.
Advances in ophthalmology can be hastened and shared by
working with experts from around our interconnected world.
May 29, 2015
We have invited pioneers in the field to be “Scholars in Resi-
Paul R. Lichter, M.D., will be honored as
dence” for our Center for International Ophthalmology. Our faculty also teach and consult with colleagues in other countries. As part of a larger Ethiopia-focused initiative at Michigan, two
the F. Bruce Fralick Lecturer at our 87th Annual Spring Conference
of our faculty are discussing with the Ethiopian government and ophthalmologists there how best to shape future residency
September 11, 2015
education. Our goal is to pursue projects that build meaningful,
21st Fall Reunion, with a celebration of
enduring relationships that benefit patients wherever they live.
Teamwork and innovation are critical in our endeavors and
the 30th anniversary of the W.K. Kellogg
successes. With all of the promising advances in vision care
Eye Center and the inauguration of the
and vision research, we at Kellogg and throughout the ophthal-
Qais A. Farjo, M.D., Memorial Lecture
mology profession are in an enviable position. Working together with our many friends and colleagues, all of us have the opportunity to shape the future of eye care and vision science.
2017 Bicentennial Celebration of the University of Michigan, founded in 1817
Paul P. Lee, M.D., J.D. F. Bruce Fralick Professor and Chair, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Director, W.K. Kellogg Eye Center Innovation in vision
3
Restoring sight with gene therapy A new clinical trial could be launched in London and Ann Arbor In 2008, the first successful gene therapy for retinal degeneration was announced. The therapy was not only safe and effective, but after receiving treatment, severely-affected patients had improved night vision, and some could see letters several inches
John Heckenlively, M.D., Debra Thompson, Ph.D., and Robin Ali, Ph.D., hope to launch gene therapy trials within 18 months.
high. All the patients in this and in a second trial suffered from an inherited eye disease called Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA), which begins early in life and leads to blindness, usually in young adulthood. For both patients and scientists the results
demonstrated the remarkable promise of gene therapy for
copy of the gene in an effort to stop progression of the disease
eye disease.
and restore sight. As in the earlier trials, a “normal” copy of
RPE65 will be injected in patients’ eyes, but this time via an
One of the two clinical trials was led by Robin R. Ali,
In gene therapy, a faulty gene is replaced with a working
Ph.D., who directs the Department of Genetics at University
improved vector—the mechanism that delivers the new gene
College London and Moorfields Eye Hospital. He is known
to the eye. “We always want to do better,” says Dr. Ali. “This
worldwide for his pioneering work in gene therapy and stem cell
vector was manufactured to be more potent than that from
research. Now Dr. Ali has been appointed a visiting professor at
the first trial, and we are expecting greater effectiveness.” The
the U-M Kellogg Eye Center, where he is working with longtime
Kellogg arm of the trial could launch in about 18 months.
colleagues and senior faculty John R. Heckenlively, M.D., and
Debra A. Thompson, Ph.D., to expand the reach of gene therapy
another form of LCA with Dr. Thompson, whose research on
Dr. Ali is also investigating gene therapy treatment for
for patients with inherited eye disease.
“Most retinal dystrophies— con-
the molecular mechanisms underlying
“My patients always ask what’s new in research
retinal degenerations has contributed to
families — are currently untreatable,”
and when treatments are coming to help them.
genes. The two scientists are evaluating
says Dr. Ali. “Through this new collabo-
At last I can tell them that the first gene therapy
whether gene replacement therapy to
our particular areas of expertise together
trials in Michigan are beginning now, and start-
mouse model of the disease, an essential
to bring forward the most promising
up dates for many others are on the calendar.”
step before testing the therapy in pa-
—John R. Heckenlively, M.D.
will then need to win approval from the
ditions that are passed down within
ration, we have the opportunity to bring
therapies for clinical trials.”
For the next phase, Dr. Ali will join
forces with Dr. Heckenlively, the Paul R.
4
the discovery of several disease-causing
replace the RDH12 gene is effective in a
tients. Preclinical trials showing promise Food and Drug Administration.
Lichter Professor of Ophthalmic Genetics and director of
Kellogg’s Retinal Dystrophy Clinic, and a world expert in
retinal dystrophies, Kellogg is well positioned to expand the
inherited eye diseases and autoimmune disorders of the retina.
use of gene therapy. For years, Kellogg retina specialists have
Dr. Heckenlively’s research has focused on the underlying
recorded genetic profiles of patients with inherited eye disease,
genetic causes and mechanisms of his patients’ diseases. “My
confident that one day gene-specific treatments would emerge
patients always ask what’s new in research and when treatments
for their conditions. These patients will be among the first in line
are coming to help them,” he says. “At last I can tell them that
for treatment, some for the upcoming trial for individuals with
the first gene therapy trials in Michigan are beginning now, and
LCA, others for future trials that target diseases arising from
start-up dates for many others are on the calendar.”
other known genetic mutations.
university of michigan kellogg eye center
With its history of basic science and clinical research in
Delivery technology could eventually be applied to complex diseases like AMD
Please visit www.kellogg.umich.edu/research/atp You’ll meet the scientists who are working to advance
Leber congenital amaurosis is a severe degenerative disease,
gene therapy and other promising treatment strategies.
but it affects only 1 in 50,000 individuals. Dr. Ali explains
Many members of the team also see patients in our
that understanding the delivery platform technology for rare diseases, which tend to involve a smaller number of faulty genes, may lead to advances for more complex diseases. “If we can show that one mode of gene therapy works for treating
Retinal Dystrophy Clinic, providing genetic counseling, testing, and management of inherited eye disease. For patient appointments, please call 734.763.2280.
retinal degeneration— and we gain approval for it to be used as a treatment— the same principles and technologies can be applied for treating many other disorders, including those like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that are caused by multiple genes.”
In addition, gene therapy vectors could be used to deliver
medications in a more effective manner. Many patients with the
148,325
wet form of AMD receive injections to control damaged blood vessels, usually every 4 to 6 weeks. But, when the same drugs were delivered by a vector in preclinical trials, a single treatment appeared to be as effective and longer lasting than the monthly injections— a huge benefit for patients who travel to a clinic for monthly injections.
What is Gene Therapy?
patient visits
at kellogg in FY 2014
for therapy. The idea is that the working gene will restore normal function to those cells and thus help to keep the cells
In gene replacement therapy, the goal is to identify a defec-
alive. Therefore, patients in early stages of disease devel-
tive gene that causes disease and then deliver a working or
opment, where some cells still remain, are most likely to
“normal” copy of the damaged gene into the patient’s cells.
experience the greatest potential benefit.
For retinal diseases, this means delivering genetic material directly into the patient’s eyes. The most common delivery
Patients with retinal dystrophies, such as RP and LCA, are
method is by engineering a virus, where the virus’s own
especially promising candidates for gene therapy for several
genes are removed and replaced with the human gene to be
reasons. Compared to other organs, the eye is very acces-
delivered. The engineered virus is now rendered harmless
sible, thereby simplifying the delivery of gene therapy and
and is referred to as a gene therapy vector.
evaluation of its effectiveness. In addition, scientists have identified many of the gene mutations that cause inherited
For gene therapy to be effective, at least some of the
retinal diseases and are studying them in order to develop
affected cells must be intact so that they can be targeted
effective treatments. Innovation in vision
5
new stem cell discoveries point to treatment Could a new kind of stem cell repair damage to the retina? A newly found source of stem cells at the back of the human eye could lead to a new generation of treatments for blinding retinal diseases. The stunning discovery was reported in 2012 by Sally Temple, Ph.D., and Jeffrey Stern, M.D., Ph.D., internationally known for their work in stem cell research and co-founders of the Neural Stem Cell Institute in Rensselaer, New York.
Rajesh C. Rao, M.D., assistant professor, is among the
Kellogg Eye Center scientists who are collaborating with these pioneering researchers to tap the tremendous potential of stem
Rajesh Rao, M.D., Sally Temple, Ph.D., and Jeffrey Stern, M.D., Ph.D., are studying new sources of stem cells.
cell-based therapies for eye disease. Dr. Rao, who is also a clinician and surgeon, won an Audacious Research Award from the National Eye Institute last year for his proposal on reprogramming cells both outside and inside the retina to
many of the steps required to convert other types of stem
replace damaged cells.
cells into retinal cells. And we will be better able to control
negative effects, such as overproduction of cells, which some-
Drs. Temple and Stern discovered the new source of adult
stem cells in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), a layer of
times create tumors.”
cells outside the retina. These cells are dormant inside the eye,
but once extracted they activate and behave as stem cells,
great potential for repairing damage to the retina. “The im-
The research team observes that RPE stem cells have proved safety of our tissue-specific RPE stem
capable of making stable, healthy RPE cells.
“The discovery that the eye retains
cell allows transplantation of progenitor cells
a previously unrecognized source
rather than mature, fully differentiated progeny,”
the gradual death of retinal cells.
of stem cells throughout life opens
cells have not yet committed to a specific func-
up new avenues for stimulating
tion—have the greatest capacity for retinal
retinal repair.”
preclinical experiments.”
A source of healthy cells would go a long
way toward cures for diseases like age-related macular degeneration, which is the result of “We have evidence that these RPE stem
cells exist in 90-year-old individuals and even in those with age-related macular degeneration,” says Dr. Temple. “The discovery that the eye retains a previously unrecognized
—Sally Temple, Ph.D.
source of stem cells throughout life opens up
repair, a finding that has been confirmed in our Dr. Stern adds that the collaborative teamwork will accelerate therapeutic development. “Working closely with Dr. Rao and others at
new avenues for stimulating retinal repair.”
the Kellogg Eye Center, we are preparing to initiate laying the
groundwork for a clinical trial of RPE stem cell therapy for
Dr. Rao notes that the discovery of adult stem cells will
make the complex task of developing treatments occur more quickly. “Working with adult RPE cells allows us to eliminate
6
explains Dr. Stern. “Progenitor states—where
university of michigan kellogg eye center
patients with macular degeneration.”
Another success story: Generating photorecep-
a major challenge, and we are some years away from our first
tors from stem cells and making them connect
clinical trial,” he says. “Nonetheless, there’s a lot of excitement
In a related collaboration, Dr. Rao is working on stem
eye disease.”
cell techniques with visiting professor Robin R. Ali, Ph.D.,
professor of human molecular genetics and director of the
applying his knowledge of epigenetics—the study of factors
and optimism around stem cell therapy as the path to curing Dr. Rao will join Dr. Ali in fine-tuning the process, that affect gene expression.
Department of Genetics at University College London and Moorfields Eye Hospital.
“Do these new cells express the
right genes at the right time and
Dr. Ali has gained international recogni-
tion for his many “firsts” in stem cell and gene therapies, including his role in leading the first
silence the right genes at the right
successful transplant of photoreceptor cells
time so that they can consistently
grown “in a dish” from embryonic stem cells. Even more significantly, when transplanted in the degenerating retinas of mice, the new cells integrated into the retina, an essential process
new cells express the right genes at the right time and silence the right genes at the right time so that they can consistently integrate into the retina?” “Our overriding goal,” says Dr. Rao, “is
integrate into the retina?”
to better understand the epigenetics underlying
—Rajesh Rao, M.D.
to determine the right time to transplant them.
for restoring sight.
A key question for Dr. Rao is: “Do these
Despite his success, Dr. Ali observes that achieving effective
cell transplantation therapy is more complicated than one might
these stem cell-derived photoreceptors in order This is another key step on the way to treatment
for retinal degenerations, including forms of childhood blindness as well as age-related macular degeneration.”
imagine. “The survival rate of transplanted stem cells remains
What are stem cells?
eye are “protected” from the immune system, and thus less likely to reject stem-cell derived transplants. In addition,
Stem cells have two distinctive characteristics: they are
through stem cell technologies, scientists could create human
unspecialized cells that can divide and create more of
eye tissue “in the dish,” to be used for testing the safety and
themselves; and they can develop into specific types of cells,
efficacy of new compounds and approved drugs—before a
such as skin, bone, or retina cells, a process called “dif-
clinical trial is launched.
ferentiation.” In some organs, stem cells continue to renew themselves to repair damaged tissue, although the human retina does not appear to have that capability. Stem cell-based therapies are built on the concept that scientists can coax stem cells to become the specialized cells needed to replace damaged cells in a particular organ. The process from discovery to treatment is complex. Vision researchers have an advantage in that some parts of the
Innovation in vision
7
first “bionic eye” surgery in the nation
The team that brought the bionic eye to Kellogg: back row, Kari Branham, M.S., C.G.C., Naheed Khan, Ph.D., Thiran Jayasundera, M.D., David Zacks, M.D., Ph.D. front row: Uday Patel, Second Sight, and patient Roger Pontz.
One patient’s phone call sets the plan in motion, and four “first” surgeries follow
to see shapes and forms to help them navigate in their homes and identify the outlines of friends and family members. They will not see details of a face, but they can perceive flashes of light that help them track the person’s movements or see the outline of doorways and sidewalks. For patients who have been
When Roger Pontz learned that the Argus II retinal prosthesis had been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, he called the Kellogg Eye Center, where he had been diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) when he was a teenager. Mr. Pontz, now 55, was blind from the inherited disease that causes gradual loss of side and central vision, and eventually blindness. The disease has no treatment, and like many affected by RP, Mr. Pontz followed the news for any new research developments.
The Argus II retinal prosthesis, developed by Second Sight
Medical Products Inc., of Sylmar, California, allows individuals
8
university of michigan kellogg eye center
blind for many years, the device is close to a miracle.
Kellogg’s genetic counselor Kari E. Branham, M.S., C.G.C.,
took the call from Mr. Pontz, and, along with retina surgeons Thiran Jayasundera, M.D., and David N. Zacks, M.D., Ph.D., catalyzed a team that put Kellogg on track to perform the first four procedures in the country since FDA approval. “Kellogg’s Retinal Dystrophy clinic had all that was needed and more: excellent counseling services, electrophysiological testing, occupational therapy, and skilled surgeons,” says Dr. Jayasundera. “Institutional support was also essential for an endeavor of this scale, and very quickly our leaders offered total support.”
What is the Argus II “Bionic Eye?” A tiny sheet of electrodes is surgically implanted on the retina. After surgery, patients are fitted with glasses equipped with a camera that captures images and converts them to electrical pulses. The pulses are transmitted wirelessly to the Argus implant, stimulating the retina’s remaining cells and enabling the brain to perceive patterns of light. When patients learn to interpret these patterns, they can regain some visual function. Linda Schulte, the first patient to receive the Argus II, with her husband Jim
More calls came in once Kellogg was named a center of
The device is not turned on until patients have recovered
excellence for the Argus II in 2013. Linda Schulte, age 66, of
from surgery. Then they work with electrophysiologist Naheed
Ottawa, Ohio, who started to show signs of RP in her 20s,
W. Khan, Ph.D., who monitors the system to be sure the elec-
learned about the device on the Foundation Fighting Blindness
trodes on the retina are activated. Dr. Khan watches while
website. Mrs. Schulte and Mr. Pontz had surgery in January and
patients identify stripes or spots moving across a computer
both have made tremendous progress in using the Argus system,
screen, and she adjusts the intensity and brightness to provide
often called the “bionic eye.”
the best visual function for each individual.
Mrs. Schulte’s first revelation was seeing her grandson
play basketball. His high contrast shirt— black with a white stripe — helped her follow his outline across the court. Later she experienced another thrilling moment. “I saw the ocean waves again. It was awesome,” she said. “But the biggest thing is to see my grandchildren. I see them— not in the way you do — but I see them in my way.”
Mr. Pontz has made similar progress.
He is glad to be done with the frustration of bumping into walls at home, and he is ecstatic that he can now see his grandson streak across the room. “He’s two years old
Howson, OTR/L, who leads them in exercises like identifying
“These patients have been told repeatedly there is nothing that can be done for them. Now when an individual is given a diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa, for the first time we can
shapes against a contrasting background, part of the process of reawakening the visual pathways of individuals who have been blind for years. The experience is moving for doctors and patients alike. “It’s a joy to be able to give vision— even rudimentary vision—back to patients who have been without it for such a long time,” says Dr.
offer hope.”
Jayasundera. “For them to see shapes and
—David N. Zacks, M.D., Ph.D.
their homes—this all has a huge impact
and he’s fast,” says Mr. Pontz.
The patients then begin occupational therapy with Ashley
Two more patients have had surgery at Kellogg, and, as
make out objects to help them around on their lives.” Dr. Zacks adds that it is always difficult to tell a patient
of this writing, two more surgeries are scheduled in the next
he or she has a blinding disease. “These patients have been told
month. Second Sight reports that to date 10 patients nation-
repeatedly there is nothing that can be done for them. Now
wide, including Kellogg’s four, have had the bionic eye implant.
when an individual is given a diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa,
for the first time we can offer hope.”
“The process requires great determination,” says Ms.
Branham, who is both patient counselor and site manager.
Mr. Pontz has spoken about his experience at several
“Patients must meet certain physical criteria, and we spend
professional meetings. As he describes the gains he has made,
time talking about their expectations and their willingness
it is clear he is a man of incredible determination. “I always said
to return to Ann Arbor for several weeks of testing and
I would see again— I didn’t know how or when it would be,”
training.”
he says. “But it’s finally happening, and it’s happening now.”
The surgery takes four to five hours. But, according to
Dr. Zacks, “The really hard work starts after the surgery. It’s the patient who has to undergo the training and visual rehabilitation, essentially retraining their brains to interpret the new images.”
To learn more about the retinal prosthesis, please call the Retinal Dystrophy Clinic at 734.763.2280 or email retina-implant@umich.edu Innovation in vision
9
Couple gives back to advance research in ocular oncology Their personal experience at the Kellogg Eye Center makes this gift even more meaningful To express their tremendous gratitude for the medical treatment Marilyn Witham, of Muskegon, Michigan, has received Hakan Demirci, M.D., with Marilyn and Richard Witham
at the U-M Kellogg Eye Center, Mrs. Witham and her husband Richard Witham have given a generous gift to the Eye Center to support research in ocular oncology.
“We believe in the work that Kellogg is doing,” says
Three years ago, Mrs. Witham developed radiation
Mr. Witham, a semi-retired business owner and entrepreneur.
retinopathy, a common complication of the plaque treatment,
“The outcome for Marilyn was so good that we wanted to
which caused decreased vision in her left eye. “It wasn’t the ocu-
give back. When you see the research being done at this
lar melanoma that was the problem,” says Mr. Witham. “It was
institution, how can you not want to be a part of it?” Mr.
the radiation therapy that caused swelling of the optic nerve.”
Witham also serves on the Kellogg Eye Center Campaign
Leadership Council.
associate professor and director of ocular oncology at Kellogg,
Mrs. Witham began a series of laser treatments and injections
Mrs. Witham’s care at the Eye Center began eight years
ago, after a routine eye exam by her local ophthalmologist
Under the care of ocular oncologist Hakan Demirci, M.D.,
that restored the vision in her left eye. Last year, Mrs. Witham lost all sight in her left eye due
revealed that a freckle in her left eye— called a choroidal nevus,
to progressive damage to the optic nerve.
or pigmented growth inside the eye—he’d been observing for over 22 years had increased in size. A referral to the Eye Center for comprehensive examination and testing followed. Nearly one year later, after close monitoring, Mrs. Witham learned that the freckle had changed into a malignant tumor (ocular melanoma) that required surgery.
Prompt treatment was provided by retina
specialist Grant M. Comer, M.D., M.S., the Edward T. and Ellen K. Dryer Career Development Professor, who treated Mrs. Witham with plaque radiation therapy, the most com-
“The outcome for Marilyn was
“It hasn’t changed my life that much,” she
so good that we wanted to give
night.” A voracious reader, Mrs. Witham
back. When you see the research
continues to devour two to three books a week on her Kindle, enlarging the typeface
being done at this institution,
for clarity. She comes to Kellogg for regu-
how can you not want to be a
months.
part of it?”
ful that Marilyn is cancer free,” says Mr.
lar checkups with Dr. Demirci every three “Most importantly, we are very grateWitham. The couple, married 56 years, have
—Richard Witham
two adult sons and six grandchildren. They divide their time between a home in Mus-
mon type of therapy for ocular melanoma.
10
explains. “I drive during the day, but not at
The therapy uses radioactive seeds attached to a disk (called a
kegon, family and friends, travel, and a vacation home with a
plaque) that is placed directly on the wall of the eye where the
vineyard in the Leelanau Penninsula.
tumor is located and remains until the tumor is destroyed. Five
days later, Dr. Comer removed the plaque and Mrs. Witham
and Mrs. Witham,” says Dr. Demirci. “With this gift, we are
resumed her normal life. For the next four years, she enjoyed
working on research that might one day significantly improve
excellent vision in her left eye.
the lives of patients with eye tumors like Mrs. Witham.”
university of michigan kellogg eye center
“We very much appreciate the generous support of Mr.
Kellogg Eye Center trains and inspires new generations in ocular oncology In 2014, thirdyear resident Andrew Stacey, M.D., M.S., traveled to Siena, Italy to explore European approaches
Hakan Demirci, M.D., is director of Kellogg’s ocular oncology program.
to the manage-
expanding Collaborations in Ocular Oncology Partnering with top institutions to provide better care When patients with eye tumors come to the Kellogg Eye Center, they find help from a compassionate staff and an exceptionally broad range of specialists. Patients also have access to specialists across the University of Michigan Health System, including oncologists at U-M’s renowned Comprehensive Cancer Center. Meanwhile, the Kellogg Ocular Oncology team is collaborating with scientists throughout the Health System and at other top institutions in the United States to develop advanced treatments for eye cancers.
“Our ocular oncology program provides a level of expertise available in only
a few centers across the nation,” says Hakan Demirci, M.D., associate professor and director of ocular oncology. “We are fortunate to have such a rich collaborative environment that draws on the
ment of retinoblastoma, a malignant tumor of the retina and the most common eye cancer in children. Retinoblastoma affects one in every 18,000 births, with an estimated 200 to 300 cases diagnosed in the United States each year. The disease most often occurs in children younger than five years.
The University of Siena Hospital is
one of the largest primary retinoblastoma referral centers in Europe. While there, Dr. Stacey joined forces with Doris Hadjistilianou, M.D., one of the first physicians to use intra-arterial chemotherapy— a newer therapy that delivers medication directly to the tumor via a catheter placed in the artery that feeds the eye.
“In Siena, physicians use two chemo-
therapeutics — melphalan and topotecan,”
clinical and scientific expertise at the
“We are fortunate to have such a rich
says Dr. Stacey. “I worked with Dr.
Kellogg Eye Center, the greater U-M
collaborative environment that draws
mine if this combination of chemothera-
Health System, and partnering institu-
Hadjistilianou reviewing data to deter-
tions across the country.”
on the clinical and scientific expertise
pies works better than other drugs used
at the Kellogg Eye Center, the greater
treatment has resulted in excellent out-
To advance Kellogg’s commit-
ment to comprehensive patient care, oculoplastic section leader Christine
U-M Health System, and partnering
C. Nelson, M.D., the Bartley R. Frueh,
institutions across the country.”
M.D. and Frueh Family Collegiate Professor in Eye Plastics and Orbital
—Hakan Demirci, M.D.
Surgery, led the creation of the Eye Center’s Tumor Board. The Board is made up of specialists in retina, oculoplastics,
in centers around the world.” The new comes in most patients while reducing systemic side effects. Dr. Stacey’s travel and research were supported by a Michigan Ophthalmology Trainee Career Development Award.
cornea, and radiation oncology who gather weekly to discuss therapies and closely monitor the cases of its eye cancer patients. “By bringing the brightest minds in ophthalmology and related specialties to the table, we can solve the challenges of complex eye cancers,” says Dr. Demirci. “At Kellogg, we have one common goal, which is to find ways to provide better care to our patients.” Innovation in vision
11
Collaborations in Ocular Oncology
Arul Chinnaiyan, M.D., Ph.D.
Personalized medicine for treating ocular cancers
of stem cells in the development of choroidal melanomas—the
Building on advances in DNA
sequencing technologies, U-M
nationally known for their stem cell discoveries, are investigat-
scientists see new possibilities
ing the cellular origin of choroidal melanomas that arise when
for developing personalized
dormant stem cells are activated and grow in an uncontrolled
medicine for cancer treatment.
manner. Specifically, they are studying melanomas obtained by
Arul M. Chinnaiyan, M.D.,
Dr. Demirci using a unique set of stem cell markers available
most common intraocular tumor in which malignant cells are found in the part of the eye called the uvea. “We have a great need for therapies to more effectively control tumor metastases and preserve vision,” says Dr. Stern. Drs. Stern and Temple, co-founders of the NSCI and inter-
Ph.D., founding director of the Michigan Center for Transla-
at the NSCI.
tional Pathology and widely recognized for his breakthrough
discoveries in cancer genomics, is leading the effort.
the potential to greatly refine understanding of, and guide
therapeutic approach toward choroidal melanomas,” says
Dr. Demirci and his colleagues are collaborating with
“Analysis to determine the type of stem cells present has
Dr. Chinnaiyan, the S.P. Hicks Endowed Professor of Pathology,
Dr. Stern. “Our collaboration with Kellogg has enabled exciting
to investigate how these sequencing technologies could be used
new directions for understanding the origin of ocular tumors,
to develop personalized medicine for patients with eye cancers.
providing the foundation for rational strategies to improve
Several patients with tumors originating in the eye have been
treatment options.”
referred to a new study, directed by Dr. Chinnaiyan, called the
Smart phone technologies for early diagnosis of ocular cancers in children
Michigan Oncology Sequencing Study.
“We are working on the challenges of obtaining high-
quality biopsy samples from patients with ocular tumors,” says Dr. Chinnaiyan. “These types of tumors are poorly understood and we believe that comprehensive sequence analysis may help us understand how these tumors form, as well as suggest potential targeted therapies for individual patients.”
Elliot Soloway, Ph.D., professor, U-M School of Education and ColElliot Soloway, Ph.D.
lege of Engineering, and Arthur F. Thurnau Professor, together with Dr. Demirci and third-year resident
Andrew Stacey, M.D., M.S., are developing a smart phone app that can take pictures of a child’s eye to help physicians detect leukocoria, or white pupillary reflex, an abnormal white reflection from the retina of the eye that appears in photos taken with a flash. The condition occurs with several eye diseases, including the eye cancer, retinoblastoma. Jeffrey Stern, M.D., Ph.D.
Sally Temple, Ph.D.
“With our app, a prototype of which has been developed
by undergraduates in the Computer Science Department at the
Understanding the role of stem cells in the development of ocular cancers
U-M College of Engineering, screening for white pupillary
Dr. Demirci and colleagues have joined forces with Jeffrey
the child to an ophthalmologist. This app has the potential to
Stern, M.D., Ph.D., director of translational research, and
advance eye cancer detection, especially in retinoblastoma in
Sally Temple, Ph.D., scientific director, Neural Stem Cell Insti-
children.” The app is expected to be on the market within
tute (NSCI), Rensselaer, New York, to better understand the role
the year.
reflex will be as simple as—‘Click a Picture,’ ‘Send the Picture to Kellogg’ for initial screening,” says Dr. Soloway. “If the app detects a problem, the physician will urge the parent to bring
Jeffrey Sundstrom, M.D., Ph.D.
New treatment strategies for patients with complications from radiation
Resident investigates new treatments for children with retinoblastoma
Radiation retinopathy is a
a long-standing
Second-year resident, Stephen J. Smith, M.D., has interest in retino-
common complication of
blastoma —work-
radiation exposure during
ing to advance
treatment for ocular cancers. Dr. Demirci and colleagues have
the treatment of
collaborated with Jeffrey M. Sundstrom, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor, Penn State Hershey Eye Center, to better understand this complication. “The current treatment for radiation retinopathy involves injections of various medications into the vitreous, based on our knowledge of other diseases such as diabetic retinopathy,” says Dr. Sundstrom. “Our work seeks to identify molecular changes in the vitreous (the jelly-like substance inside the eye) associated with specific anatomical and functional changes during radiation retinopathy. We are currently applying these methods to samples Dr. Demirci acquires in the clinic from patients with radiation retinopathy in an effort to identify more specific targets for the treatment of this complication.”
Prem Vaishnava, Ph.D.
resistant tumors following intra-arterial chemotherapy. “When patients fail intra-arterial chemotherapy and other local therapies, the most frequent reason is the presence of retinoblastoma cells in the vitreous, or fluid inside the eye,” says Dr. Smith. He explains that tumor cells may detach from the primary retinal mass, forming smaller tumors, called vitreous seeds. These seeds are resistant to most forms of treatment since they exist in the avascular vitreous
Using thermal energy to eliminate side effects in eye cancer therapies
environment.
Dr. Demirci and colleagues are
vitreous seeds, resulting in less frequent
working with Prem Vaishnava,
need to remove the eye. Our goal is to
Ph.D., professor of physics,
determine an ideal agent, or combination
Kettering University, Flint,
of agents, to deliver directly into the vitre-
Michigan, to find new treatment
ous for patients with treatment-resistant
modalities for cancers inside the eye. “Our collaborative and in-
“Delivering medication directly to the
vitreous cavity via intravitreal injection is theoretically the most effective means of treating vitreous seeds,” says Dr. Smith. “Recent studies suggest that this method of treatment is very successful in killing
retinoblastoma.”
novative research involves treatment of ocular malignancies using thermal energy. Unlike chemotherapy and radiation, our approach has no side effects,” says Dr. Vaishnava. “It has long been known that tumor cells are more sensitive to heat than normal human cells. Raising temperatures to 42°C to 45°C causes death of cancer cells, while normal cells can survive these temperatures. Our preliminary results have shown that after being exposed to three minutes of thermal energy, 90 percent of the cancer cells were killed.”
To make an appointment with our Ocular Oncology specialists, please call 734.763.5874 Referring Physicians can call M-LINE at 800.962.3555
During a visit to the Eye Center, Danielle Thesiger undergoes testing by clinical research coordinator Munira Hussain, M.S., CCRP.
More Trials and More Treatment for Eye Disease When Danielle Thesiger was in middle school, she started to
differing levels of time and intensity. Dr. Mian and his team are
experience changes in her vision, including blurriness, light sen-
studying which level of treatment is most effective in strengthen-
sitivity, glare, and irritation. Her parents brought her to Kellogg
ing these corneal fibers and slowing the progression of kerato-
to see cornea specialist Shahzad I. Mian, M.D., who diagnosed
conus and corneal ectasia (a condition similar to keratoconus,
her problem as keratoconus, a condition causing the cornea—
although it occurs after refractive surgery).
the front window of the eye— to be distorted and shaped like
a cone. Keratoconus tends to progress in the second and third
U.S. and can only be offered to patients through research studies
The crosslinking procedure has not been approved in the
decades of life and the earlier it can be treated, the better the outcome.
While Ms. Thesiger’s Kellogg team man-
at one of several sites around the country.
“Since the trial, the progression of
participants.
aged her condition for several years—with
my disease seems to have slowed
specialty contact lenses, for the most part—
substantially and now I can do things
halt the progression of keratoconus, but
vision test required for her driver’s license. In
like drive at night more confidently.”
phase of the disease, crosslinking may not
search of new treatment options, she came
—Danielle Thesiger
she felt a sense of urgency when she failed the
across a study on corneal collagen crosslink-
The procedure is believed to slow or not reverse it. Thus, if patients are at a stable be of value. Ms. Thesiger, now 18 and in her first year
ing. When Kellogg started to enroll patients in the study in sum-
of college in Washington, D.C., is grateful to have access to the
mer 2013, Ms. Thesiger was one of the first to volunteer.
treatment. “Since the trial, the progression of my disease seems
to have slowed substantially and now I can do things like drive
The cornea contains tiny fibers of protein called collagen
and these fibers help hold the cornea in place and keep it from
14
The study has an enrollment goal of 4,000
at night more confidently,” says Ms. Thesiger.
distorting. Treatment involves removing the front layer of the
cornea and administering an eyedrop of riboflavin (vitamin
opening of the new Kellogg Clinical Research Center (KCRC) in
B2), which helps the cornea absorb ultraviolet light and stiffen.
the summer of 2015. The $2.6M KCRC, which is funded by the
Once the drops are in, ultraviolet light is delivered to the eye at
U-M Medical School, will include more than 5,100 square feet
university of michigan kellogg eye center
Kellogg plans to offer more clinical trials like this with the
of dedicated space for clinical trials, with rooms for patient ex-
The study, which began in spring 2014, has enrolled some
amination and testing, and offices for clinical trial coordinators
68 participants at sites in the United States and Australia. Par-
and faculty. The space will be adaptable to changing needs and
ticipation in the study is over a two-year period and the implant
is available for collaborations within Kellogg and other depart-
remains in the eye indefinitely. In studies to date, more than
ments on campus.
200 patients have been treated with the implant; safety data and
Grant M. Comer, M.D., M.S., the Edward T. and Ellen K. Dryer Career Development Professor in Ophthalmology and
follow-up information are available for up to 30 months postimplantation.
Visual Sciences, will lead KCRC in establishing an infrastructure for clinical trials to help faculty navigate federal and university
A new study aims
regulations and adhere to guidelines for safe and effective trials.
for a personalized
“A center like this — with dedicated space and staff—is
approach to glau-
unique among academic eye institutions,” says Dr. Comer.
coma treatment
“We have learned a great deal from planning and building a state-of-the-future clinical research center, and we are eager to
While there is no cure
share with others what we’ve discovered along the way.”
for glaucoma, it can be controlled by treating and
Evaluating a new
lowering eye pressure.
treatment for Mac-
Sayoko Moroi, M.D., Ph.D.
Tel, a degenerative retinal disease
Unfortunately, a critical barrier to providing ef-
fective treatments is the inability to predict how a patient’s eye pressure will respond to medication. Instead, physicians use a
Grant Comer, M.D., M.S.
Macular telangiectasia
trial-and-error approach to evaluate glaucoma medications, a
(MacTel) is a degenerative
method that most would agree is inefficient.
condition of the macula,
the small area in the retina
study to address this issue by focusing on how glaucoma drugs
that is responsible for
affect the physiology of eye pressure. The study’s goal is to
central vision. It comes in
improve glaucoma outcomes by identifying biomarkers to help
Professor Sayoko E. Moroi, M.D., Ph.D., is leading a
two forms: type 1, which is congenital and typically affects just
determine the risk for glaucoma, rate of disease progression,
one eye; and type 2, which is acquired— mostly in middle-aged
nonresponders to treatment, and significant fluctuations in eye
or older patients— and affects both eyes. While MacTel does not
pressure. Over the course of eight visits to Kellogg, patients will
usually cause total blindness, over the course of 10 to 20 years it
undergo non-invasive tests to measure eye pressure, eye fluid
commonly causes the loss of central vision, which is needed for
production, eye fluid drainage, and blood pressure in eye veins.
reading and driving.
Three conditions will be compared: baseline without glaucoma
treatment, and treatment with each of the two major glaucoma
Currently, there is no approved treatment for MacTel but
a study, led by Grant M. Comer, M.D., M.S., assistant profes-
drug classes.
sor of ophthalmology and visual sciences, and sponsored by the
Lowy Medical Research Institute, Inc. (Australia) and Neuro-
treatment from a practice of ‘trial-and-error’ to one of ‘personal-
tech USA, Inc., is looking at whether an experimental implant
ized medicine,’” says Dr. Moroi. “We are discovering the genetic
containing ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) is an effective
signatures of eye pressure and response to glaucoma medication.
treatment for MacTel, type 2.
In the next research phase, we will determine whether or not
these genetic signatures will allow us to predict ‘responders’
CNTF is a small molecule that may keep some nerve cells
in the eye healthy. The implant, called NT-501, is a small cap-
“Our research volunteers are helping us to shift current
and ‘non-responders’ to glaucoma medication treatment.”
sule of cells that is surgically placed inside the eye to allow the release of CNTF directly to the retina.
Kellogg is the coordinating center for the study, which is
funded by an R01 grant from the National Eye Institute.
“We are proud to be one of just a few research sites in the
world offering this novel device to individuals suffering from
The first patient was enrolled in July 2012 and the study will
this disease,” says Dr. Comer. “We hope this device proves to
end in January 2016. Learn more about these clinical trials at
be an effective treatment for MacTel, type 2.”
www.kellogg.umich.edu/research Innovation in vision
15
Albert Shih, Ph.D., and Roland Chen, Ph.D., examine a 3D model of the human eye socket.
Kellogg teams with U-M College of Engineering to bring ideas to life When Paul P. Lee, M.D., J.D., the F. Bruce Fralick Professor
and his cohort of engineering students working closely with
and Chair of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, arrived at
Kellogg’s faculty to advance state-of-the-art patient care.”
Kellogg, he met with Albert Shih, Ph.D., professor of mechanical
engineering and biomedical engineering, to rekindle connections
simulator for cataract surgery. When he came to Kellogg to
between Kellogg and the University of Michigan College of
present his idea, faculty members responded enthusiastically
Dr. Chen’s first project involved the development of a
Engineering (CoE). A prior collaboration between the Eye Center and the college produced
with ideas of their own. Dr. Chen, who has since
“If you can’t convert innova-
received a joint appointment at Kellogg as a
ized LASIK surgery. Dr. Shih tapped Roland K.
tions into reality, an idea
about 10 projects with Kellogg faculty.
Chen, Ph.D., research investigator in the CoE’s
remains just an idea.”
—Albert Shih, Ph.D.
of engineering students, to help faculty develop
IntraLase, the bladeless laser that has revolution-
Department of Mechanical Engineering, to lead this new era of collaboration.
“Dr. Lee is a visionary leader who under-
Dr. Chen says his role is to find the right
people, whether engineering colleagues or groups projects. “When we form the optimum team of
stands the benefits of having an engineer on faculty at Kellogg,”
ophthalmologists and engineers, we have the opportunity to
says Dr. Shih. “If you can’t convert innovations into reality, an
create devices that will truly help people.”
idea remains just an idea. It’s a great advantage to have Dr. Chen
16
research investigator, is presently managing
university of michigan kellogg eye center
Shahzad Mian, M.D., and Roland Chen, Ph.D., have developed an intelligent model eye simulator for surgical trainees.
Sensors at the top of the “smart” walking cane
Examples of Kellogg’s current projects with Mechanical Engineering Simulators for training Kellogg's Shahzad I. Mian, M.D., is working with Dr. Chen to develop an intelligent model eye simulator, allowing trainees to practice surgical skills before seeing patients. As the trainee probes eye tissue, this model provides useful tactile feedback that current visual simulators have not yet perfected. In addition, warnings sound when unnecessary tissue damage occurs.
Alon Kahana, M.D., Ph.D., and Dr. Chen are teaming up to The wheel of the “smart” walking cane
develop modeling of the human eye socket using 3D printing
Low vision device that will help locate buttons on an appliance or ATM
to facilitate surgical planning and education. A 3D model will allow physicians to assess changes in the orbit that occur in diseases like thyroid eye disease.
cause uveitis-glaucoma-hyphema (UGH) syndrome. UGH is an unusual cause of visual loss that can be a complication of
New surgical instruments
cataract extraction or IOL implantation.
Monte A. Del Monte, M.D., is working with Dr. Chen on two surgical devices— a suction duction device and a superior
Assistive devices
oblique tendon tucker. The development of the suction duc-
Dr. Chen and his engineering students have worked with
tion device will allow for comfortable manipulation of the eye
Kellogg’s Low Vision faculty—Sherry H. Day, O.D., Ashley
to test the range and ease of eye muscle movement, as well as
Howson, M.S., OTR/L, and Donna M. Wicker, O.D.— to
to quantitatively measure eye muscle strength. Modifying the
develop a “smart” walking cane that features multiple sensors
size and design of the second device, which is used in a surgical
to detect obstacles, slippery surfaces, and sudden drop-offs
procedure to strengthen the eye muscle in patients with strabis-
(like stairs). These groups are also working on a device that will
mus and double vision caused by palsy, will improve its overall
help those with low vision locate buttons or keys to more easily
function, especially during surgery on children.
operate appliances and ATMs.
Dr. Kahana and Dr. Chen are developing a new lacrimal
Christine C. Nelson, M.D., and Dr. Chen are developing a
stent that would maintain an opening while also allowing for
wearable self-blinking device for patients who can’t open, close,
drainage from the tear drainage system. Current stents block
or blink their eyes. Patients who suffer from ptosis, or drooping
the system while providing the stenting function.
eyelids, nerve palsies, birth defects, eye injuries, or ocular cancer
could benefit from this device.
Sayoko E. Moroi, M.D., Ph.D., is working with Dr. Chen
on a prototype disposable, non-reflective bent cannula (small tube-like device for injecting or extracting fluids or air) for the endoscopy-guided removal of intraocular lenses (IOLs) that
See page 30 for results of other collaborations with the CoE.
Innovation in vision
17
Maria Woodward, M.D., director of Kellogg’s telemedicine program, with Michael Trese, M.D., and Cagri Besirli, M.D., Ph.D.
Steven Archer, M.D., along with his colleague, Dr. Cagri Besirli, will read retinal images to provide screening of newborns for ROP in remote locations where this service would otherwise not be available.
Using telemedicine to screen premature newborns Premature babies are at risk for retinopathy of prematurity
premature babies via telemedicine to diagnose ROP. “Using tele-
(ROP), a condition in which abnormal blood vessels and scar
medicine to identify babies who require specialty care for ROP
tissue grow over the retina. The incidence of this vision-robbing
could also help reduce inequities in ophthalmic care for children
disease is steadily increasing, as more extremely low-birth-
whose families live far from major medical centers, retinal spe-
weight babies are surviving due to advances in medical technolo-
cialists, or pediatric ophthalmologists,” says Dr. Besirli.
gies and therapies.
ocular indirect ophthalmoscopy, a technique that provides an
Unfortunately, screening for ROP is challenging because
many hospitals do not have children’s eye specialists on staff
in-depth view of the retina through a dilated pupil—such testing
or nearby. It’s an even larger public health problem in develop-
is often “time-intensive and physiologically stressful to infants,”
ing countries where neonatal care has improved but ophthalmic
says Dr. Besirli. “Added to this, documenting this screening
expertise in pediatric eye disease is lacking. A new telemedicine
requires the physician to draw exam findings of retinal vessel
program will allow physicians to send images to
“If we can increase the number
abnormalities on paper or in electronic medical
U-M Kellogg Eye Center, where such expertise
of newborns screened through
of the retina captures all the details and can be
exists.
telemedicine, physicians can
stored permanently in electronic medical records
a leading cause of childhood blindness through-
begin treatment early enough
exams. Retinal photos also allow parents of pre-
out the world due to inadequacies in screening
to prevent vision loss.”
mature babies to visualize the problem and be an
be interpreted at larger medical centers, like the
“Retinopathy of prematurity continues to be
and diagnosis,” says pediatric retina specialist Cagri G. Besirli, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor
records from memory. Whereas, taking a photo
for an accurate comparison with subsequent
active participant in the care of their children.”
—Cagri Besirli, M.D., Ph.D.
of ophthalmology and visual sciences. “If we can
Dr. Besirli explains that the larger goal is to incorporate automated tools, such as software
increase the number of newborns screened through telemedicine,
that analyzes vascular dilation to identify babies who need
physicians can begin treatment early enough to prevent vision
treatment, map retinal anatomy, and improve grading of disease
loss. With a more efficient system, we may also see savings in
severity. “We want to create a safety net for patients, doctors,
physician time and costs to health care systems and society.”
and hospitals for ROP care, and give infants a better chance for
prompt treatment and a lifetime of good vision.”
Dr. Besirli has partnered with Kellogg pediatric ophthalmol-
ogist Steven M. Archer, M.D., epidemiologist David C. Musch,
Ph.D., M.P.H., and Michael T. Trese, M.D., chief of pediatric
tion grant awarded to the Kellogg Eye Center to address inequi-
and adult vitreoretinal surgery at William Beaumont Hospital in
ties in children’s eye care.
Royal Oak, Michigan, to study ways to read retinal photos of 18
While the current standard of screening for ROP is bin-
university of michigan kellogg eye center
This initiative is part of a multi-year W.K. Kellogg Founda-
Kellogg neuroophthalmologist solves mystery Patient is diagnosed and successfully treated in just four days— after five months of unexplained illness Wayne Cornblath, M.D., must often look “beyond the eyes” for the correct diagnosis.
When Amy Jo Gray, of Bay City, Michigan, arrived at the Kellogg Eye Center last summer, she had already been through a five-month odyssey of illness. Although Ms. Gray had been
of her skin lesions and a CT scan to examine lung tissue. He
evaluated locally by a number of physicians, no diagnosis had
also referred Ms. Gray to U-M pulmonary specialist Ryan J.
been made and her illness remained a mystery.
Hadley, M.D., who agreed that her symptoms were consistent
with sarcoidosis.
In early winter, Ms. Gray began to experience headaches
accompanied by swollen lymph nodes. In the months that fol-
lowed, she developed double vision and a host of associated
for sarcoidosis. “The skin lesions provided us with a way to get
symptoms, including fatigue, weight loss, shortness of breath,
a diagnosis easily and quickly, sparing Ms. Gray more invasive
loss of sense of taste, and, eventually, patches of skin lesions on
testing,” says Dr. Cornblath. “From this diagnosis, we were able
her legs.
In the meantime, Ms. Gray’s skin biopsy came back positive
to start Ms. Gray on a regimen of corticoste-
“In the course of four days, Ms. Gray
roids—the standard treatment for sarcoidosis.
was diagnosed and successfully
In the course of four days, Ms. Gray was
continued to baffle her doctors. During her
treated— all with excellent resolution
excellent resolution of her symptoms.”
evaluation, Ms. Gray underwent MRI testing,
of her symptoms.”
With no resolution in sight, Ms. Gray
drove two hours to the U-M emergency room hoping to find answers to the questions that
which revealed subtle abnormalities in an area near the right cavernous sinus, a large collec-
diagnosed and successfully treated—all with Although there is no cure for sarcoidosis, most individuals respond well and remain in
—Wayne Cornblath, M.D.
remission with moderate treatment. “I had become very frustrated with my
tion of thin-walled veins in the head. Given these abnormalities, and her prominent symptom of double
situation and was beginning to lose hope,” says Ms. Gray.
vision, Ms. Gray was referred to Kellogg neuro-ophthalmologist
“I am thankful for the doctors at the Kellogg Eye Center, and
Wayne T. Cornblath, M.D., professor of ophthalmology and
throughout the U-M Health System, who came together to find
visual sciences and of neurology.
a diagnosis.”
“We examined Ms. Gray and found that her sixth cranial
nerve was not functioning properly. We wanted to find out why this was happening to a 44-year-old woman,” says Dr. Cornblath. “After talking with Ms. Gray about her other symptoms, we looked at the skin lesions on her legs and realized there had to be some kind of systemic process going on. It was clear that we had to expand our focus beyond the eyes.”
Dr. Cornblath’s presumptive diagnosis was sarcoidosis, a
relatively uncommon condition which results in the growth of inflammatory cells in different parts of the body— most commonly the lungs, eyes, lymph nodes, and skin. To confirm the diagnosis, Dr. Cornblath arranged that day for Ms. Gray to see U-M dermatologist Frank Wang, M.D., for a biopsy on one
Urgent Appointments for Our Referrers Kellogg’s Neuro-Ophthalmology Clinic has reserved urgent appointment slots for referring physicians who wish to schedule new patient appointments with one of our four neuro-ophthalmologists. To schedule an urgent appointment, coordinate a patient transfer, request a physician-to-physician consultation, or inquire about clinical services, please contact M-LINE at 1.800.962.3555. Innovation in vision
19
Rapid Testing of New Treatments for Diabetic Retinopathy Targeting the destructive processes of a blinding eye disease Kellogg scientists are using a unique model to accelerate testing of new treatments for diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes that often causes vision loss and even blindness. To David Antonetti, Ph.D., and Steven Abcouwer, Ph.D., are working toward treatments for diabetes-related eye disease.
better target potential treatments, they are investigating the multiple ways the disease damages the retina: through inflammation, death of neurons, leaky blood vessels, and adhesion of immune cells to blood vessels.
interaction between the vasculature and the invading inflamma-
tory immune cells. “This is one of the areas that we are espe-
“There is an urgent need for new treatments that target
these destructive processes,” says Steven F. Abcouwer, Ph.D.,
cially keen to study,” says Dr. Abcouwer.
associate professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences.
“Diabetic retinopathy progresses very slowly over the course
use the model to investigate the process following injury to the
of years in diabetic patients (and over many months in diabetic
retina known as the reparative phase. “It’s just like you hit your
rodent models), so preclinical testing of potential new treatments
hand with a hammer,” says Dr. Abcouwer. “You have swelling
for diabetic retinopathy is excruciatingly slow.”
and the injury goes through a process. After a while the swelling
In the months ahead, Drs. Abcouwer and Antonetti will
To address such challenges, Dr. Abcouwer,
goes down—maybe not back to normal—but
together with David A. Antonetti, Ph.D., profes-
“The idea is that we can conduct
sor of ophthalmology and visual sciences, have
these rapid tests, learn, adjust
repaired.”
called “retinal ischemia reperfusion injury” in
quickly, and then go on to do
the retina resolves injury and inflammation,
rodents. Through programmed injury to the
longer-term tests.”
and how the vasculature tightens to re-form a
—David Antonetti, Ph.D.
in the retina, and our model allows us to do
built a series of tests— using a surrogate model
retina, the model recapitulates many of the important destructive processes that take place
The team is using the model to test a wide range of drugs
In their studies, the team will look at how
barrier. “This hasn’t really been studied much
in diabetic retinopathy.
all the damage that can be repaired has been
that,” says Dr. Abcouwer. “We’re hoping that if we can figure this out, we can also learn how to target the
with the goal of learning which formulations are most effective
leaky blood vessels that cause vision problems in patients with
at protecting neurons from dying, the retinal vasculature from
diabetic retinopathy.”
becoming leaky, and controlling inflammation— all processes
that occur in the disease.
clinicians, including Kellogg retinal specialist and associate chair
of research, Thomas W. Gardner, M.D., M.S., to move their
“We like this model because we can study such processes
Ultimately, Drs. Abcouwer and Antonetti plan to work with
in an accelerated fashion with experiments taking two days
research forward in developing improved treatments for patients
rather than six months. The idea is that we can conduct these
with diabetic retinopathy.
rapid tests, learn, adjust quickly, and then go on to longer-term tests,” says Dr. Antonetti.
These studies are funded by both public and private grants,
including the National Institutes of Health, JDRF, and Novo
The model also allows the team to look at parts of the
processes that take place in diabetic eye disease, such as the
20
university of michigan kellogg eye center
Nordisk.
Grateful patient establishes fund to help others in need Thyroid eye disease takes its toll and many need surgery to resume their lives A generous and grateful patient, who received treatment for
Thyroid eye surgeons: Raymond Douglas, M.D., Ph.D., Shivani Gupta, M.D., M.P.H., and Alon Kahana, M.D., Ph.D.
thyroid eye disease (TED) at the Kellogg Eye Center, was moved by the stories of other patients—their daily struggles in facing the physical and emotional challenges of the disease, as well as the financial burden they incurred for treatment and travel.
duced to Kellogg by oculoplastic surgeon Alon Kahana, M.D.,
The individual has made an anonymous gift of $1.5 million
Among other advances is a 3-D navigation system, intro-
to create a new fund, called TED Care, for patient support
Ph.D. The system is described as stereotactic, which refers to
and research to advance understanding of the disease. His wish
precise positioning in three-dimensional space. “These new-
is that others can experience the same excellent care that he
generation stereotactic navigational systems allow surgeons
received, and his gift has already inspired others to contribute
to visualize deep orbital anatomy in three dimensions during
to the fund, including a donation from a longtime supporter,
orbital decompression surgery, commonly performed for thyroid
the Bell Charitable Foundation.
“As our donor knows well, TED
presents multiple physical and emotional
eye disease,” says Dr. Kahana, the Helmut
“In making this exceptional gift, our
challenges to our patients. Once the most
donor noted that he benefited from our
pronounced symptoms of TED have subsid-
attention to his personal wishes as much
ed, our patients want to get back to feeling like the person they were before the onset
as from our surgical skills. He wants to
of the disease,” says oculoplastics surgeon
be sure that every patient experiences
Raymond S. Douglas, M.D., Ph.D., director of Kellogg’s Thyroid Eye Disease Center.
the same individualized care.”
“We are grateful for this gift, which will
—Raymond Douglas, M.D., Ph.D.
allow many more patients to have recon-
F. Stern Career Development Professor. “Despite the initial learning curve, navigated orbital surgery is safer and faster, and provides for excellent outcomes through smaller incisions. Given the proximity of the eye, brain and other vital structures, it appears that stereotactic deep orbital surgery could become the new standard of care.” These advanced systems are another mark of the customized approach provided by the Kellogg surgical team. “Our care for
structive surgery to help them move forward with their lives.”
patients is personalized because the disease strikes each person
in very different ways,” says Shivani Gupta, M.D., who assisted
Individuals with TED can experience symptoms that are
painful and affect their appearance—bulging eyes, the well
Dr. Douglas on the donor’s surgeries. “We always assess the
known “thyroid stare,” and redness and swelling of the eyelids.
severity of the disease, the impact of the disease for each patient,
Blurred or double vision can also occur. When symptoms finally
and the patient’s wishes,” she says.
subside, these patients are likely to need orbital decompression
surgery to remove scarring or fatty tissue that has accumulated
benefited from our attention to his personal wishes as much as
in the eye’s orbit.
from our surgical skills,” says Dr. Douglas. “He wants to be sure
that every patient experiences the same individualized care.”
Such patients are now benefitting from advances in surgery,
“In making this exceptional gift, our donor noted that he
in particular, the minimally invasive surgeries practiced at the Kellogg Eye Center. Dr. Douglas, a leader in the field who has
Patients who wish to apply for TED Care support may call
modified standard surgical practice for TED, says that today his
734.615.1472 or email UM-ThyroidEyeDisease@med.umich.
patients require 1 to 2 surgeries as compared to 4 to 8 proce-
edu. To make an appointment, please call 734.764.5106.
dures just a few years ago. Innovation in vision
21
Joseph Kolars, M.D., Paul Lee, M.D., J.D., Geoffrey Tabin, M.D., Sanduk Ruit, M.D., Kaz Soong, M.D., and Jonathan Trobe, M.D., at Kellogg’s second International Night for medical students.
Forging New Relationships in Global Ophthalmology The Kellogg Eye Center for International Ophthalmology was established to facilitate international clinical and research activities. Through the Center, Kellogg faculty have traveled the world and hosted international scholars, with the goal of furthering the field of ophthalmology.
22
Renowned Nepali eye surgeon, Sanduk Ruit,
ophthalmic personnel to Kathmandu and to Salt Lake City,
M.D., talks to medical students about the
Utah for training in all aspects of eye care. Geoffrey C. Tabin,
globalization of health
M.D., co-founder of HCP and director of international ophthal-
Sanduk Ruit, M.D., the Nepali eye surgeon whose small-incision
works with Dr. Ruit to bring mobile units and surgical camps
cataract procedure has restored sight for hundreds of thousands
to Nepal’s underserved rural areas to provide high quality, cost-
of people in the developing world, presented the keynote address
effective cataract surgery.
at Kellogg’s second annual International Night, a symposium to
highlight international opportunities for medical students and
the mission of the Himalayan Cataract Project and Tilganga
ophthalmology trainees. The Kellogg Eye Center for Interna-
Institute of Ophthalmology,” says Dr. Ruit. “I have always
tional Ophthalmology and U-M Global REACH co-hosted the
believed that we should share both problems and solutions
event in September.
across borders. What I saw at Kellogg—from its leadership to
faculty to staff—was an enthusiasm and energy to collaborate
Among his many international honors, Dr. Ruit has
mology at the University of Utah’s John A. Moran Eye Center,
“My visit to Kellogg has been extremely important to
received the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2006, Asia’s version
and to build partnerships throughout the world. We are very
of the Nobel Prize; Thailand’s Prince Mahidol Award in 2007;
keen to do that also.”
and Reader’s Digest Asian of the Year in 2007.
global medicine to future physicians. “It is my hope that I can
Dr. Ruit is also co-founder of the Himalayan Cataract
Dr. Ruit emphasized the increasingly important role of
Project (HCP) and executive director of the Tilganga Institute
inspire and encourage undergrads, medical students, and oph-
of Ophthalmology in Kathmandu, Nepal, which works to
thalmology trainees to spend some part of their career on the
eradicate preventable and curable blindness through high-
other side of the world,” he said. “Borders are disappearing
quality ophthalmic care, education, and the establishment of
and the world is really becoming one. We have to be a part
a world-class eye care infrastructure. The HCP also brings
of the globalization of health. There’s no other choice.”
university of michigan kellogg eye center
Dr. Geoffrey Tabin, who attended Kellogg’s International
symposium, joined faculty for a discussion on Kellogg’s presence in Ethiopia. In his dual roles with HCP and Moran, Dr. Tabin has a great deal of experience developing international training programs, including a resident training program in Nepal. “Ethiopia has one of the highest rates of blindness in the world. As Kellogg extends its initiatives in international outreach, it has the opportunity to combat blindness by helping build one of the best ophthalmology training centers in all of Africa,” says Dr. Tabin.
Kellogg strengthens collaborative research Monte Del Monte, M.D., and Jonathan Greene, M.D., explore Ethiopia with Elias Hailu, M.D., corneal transplant surgeon at St. Paul’s Medical College, during their visit.
Kellogg faculty travel to Ethiopia to help establish resident training program With only 100 ophthalmologists in Ethiopia available to serve a population of 94 million, the country is in dire need of new training programs. Two Kellogg physicians are advising an Ethiopian medical school on building a residency training program. In August 2014, Monte A. Del Monte, M.D., the Skillman Professor of Pediatric Ophthalmology, and Jonathan B. Greene, M.D., assistant professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences, visited officials at the St. Paul Hospital Millennium Medical College in Addis Ababa.
Drs. Del Monte and Greene toured facilities— the medical
college and two private ophthalmology clinics where residents will be trained— to assess space and equipment needs. They also met with college officials to discuss the structure needed
venture with National Taiwan University The academic interactions between Kellogg and National Taiwan University (NTU) date back to 1985, when Yu-Chih Hou, M.D., professor and senior cornea specialist at NTU, completed a research fellowship at Kellogg with Julia E. Richards, Ph.D., Harold F. Falls Collegiate Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. Kellogg and NTU have exchanged fellows and professors since then.
In 2013, the U-M Health System and NTU signed a memo-
randum of understanding establishing formal collaborative ties in ophthalmology under which several exchanges have occurred.
“Vitreoretinal surgeon Chung-May Yang, M.D., Chair
of the Department of Ophthalmology at NTU, has affirmed a strong interest in collaborative research in retinal dystrophy and diabetic retinopathy,” says H. Kaz Soong, M.D., professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences.
Two medical students from NTU completed a one-month
ophthalmology rotation at Kellogg in April 2014, and two more students are scheduled to come for training next year.
for a strong residency program, advising on how to choose a residency director, establish teaching faculty, and institute a selection and evaluation process for residents.
Approximately 15 U-M Medical School departments have
collaborative projects underway in Ethiopia, most of which were brokered by Ethiopia native Senait Fisseha, M.D., J.D., associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology. Kellogg will look to these departments for guidance as it helps St. Paul proceed with its program.
While Ethiopia benefits from the services and training of
volunteer eye surgeons, including the HCP, it has only three ophthalmology resident training programs. Because of this need for ophthalmologists, the medical college plans to begin its four-year residency training program in 2015, starting with four residents. “Our purpose isn’t to establish Kellogg in Ethiopia,” says Dr. Greene. “It’s to advise and assist those at St. Paul as they build
Stephanie Chu, M.D., from National Taiwan University Hospital, with Donna Wicker, O.D., in the Low Vision Technology Center
their own home-grown program.” Innovation in vision
23
Kellogg resident creates new intraocular power source
When second-year resident Kevin Tozer, M.D., was looking at residency programs, he had just one prerequisite. With an undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering, Dr. Tozer wanted a program that would support his dual interests in ophthalmology and engineering.
“There aren’t many institutions in the country that feature
a top ophthalmology program and a top engineering program,” says Dr. Tozer. “During my residency interview, I was pleased to learn about the collaborations already in the works between the U-M’s Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and College of Engineering.”
It didn’t take long for Dr. Tozer to become immersed in
an entrepreneurial collaboration. Taking advantage of Michigan’s collaborative culture, he quickly partnered with Katsuo Kurabayashi, M.S., Ph.D., professor of mechanical engineering,
Second-year resident Kevin Tozer, M.D.
and electrical engineering and computer science, to develop an intraocular power source for ophthalmic monitors and other devices. The devices would be driven by the kinetic energy of
drawbacks. Batteries need replacement, solar devices are placed
eye movements.
in areas of the eye that don’t receive much light, and wireless de-
vices require patients to wear inconvenient external equipment.
The average eye tallies 173,000 saccades— or eye move-
ments — per day at speeds ranging from 10 to 300 degrees per second and lasting between 20 to 100 milliseconds. The eye
To develop their concept, Drs. Tozer and Kurabayashi sponsored a multidisciplinary team of junior and senior undergraduate engineering students who chose this
also moves when the neck, torso, or legs
“During my residency interview, I was
project as their senior design thesis. Using
almost in constant motion. A device that
pleased to learn about the collaborations
become electrically charged through friction,
could harvest even a small percentage of
already in the works between the U-M’s
move, and, when rapid eye movements during sleep are factored in, the eye is
this kinetic energy could provide a renew-
they created a prototype that is currently in development.
able and safe supply of electricity for
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual
implanted ophthalmic devices.
Sciences and College of Engineering.”
device could significantly advance “smart”
—Kevin Tozer, M.D.
mizing invasive surgeries and increasing
The future of ophthalmic biotechnol-
ogy is in implantable electronic devices that could restore vision and monitor diseases
24
the triboelectric effect in which materials
Drs. Tozer and Kurabayashi believe the intraocular implant technology by minifunctionality. A powered intraocular lens
like diabetes, glaucoma, and uveitis. But current devices lack
(IOL) could be used to provide electricity to a broad range of
a safe, reliable, and constant supply of electricity. Instead, they
implanted devices, including an intraocular glucose monitor,
rely on battery, solar, or wireless power, which have notable
intraocular pressure monitor, or accommodating IOLs.
university of michigan kellogg eye center
residents and fellows Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Kellogg leads the way in measuring and improving quality of patient care For more than 10 years, Kellogg has
Our residents and fellows are the future leaders in ophthalmology and
measured surgi-
visual sciences. After training, most residents go on to fellowships at other
cal performance and treatment
major institutions, and our fellows pursue their subspecialties in private
outcomes to help
practice or at academic medical centers. See where our 2014 graduating
evaluate and
residents and fellows are now.
improve patient care. Partnering with the University of
Graduating Residents Nicholas D. Chinskey, M.D., fellow, Retina Institute, St. Louis, Missouri Abigail T. Fahim, M.D., Ph.D., Graduate Chief Resident and comprehensive ophthalmologist, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan Ryan J. Fante, M.D., comprehensive ophthalmology, Sansum Clinic, Santa Barbara, California Denise S. Kim, M.D., fellow in oculoplastics, Emory Eye Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia Crandall E. Peeler, M.D., fellow in neuroophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts Patricia A. Ple-plakon, M.D., fellow in cornea, Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor University, Houston, Texas Ira H. Schachar, M.Sc., M.D., fellow in retina, Byers Eye Institute, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
Graduating Fellows Alexandra Apkarian, M.D., pediatric ophthalmologist, Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit Medical Center Detroit, Michigan Surbhi Bansal, M.D., assistant professor in glaucoma, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
Dane Breker, M.D., specialist in neuroophthalmology, Sanford Health, Fargo, North Dakota Michael Bullard, M.D., pediatric ophthalmologist, Utah Eye Centers, Salt Lake City, Utah Angela Elam, M.D., glaucoma specialist, Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan Joshua Grant, M.D., retina specialist, Millman-Derr Center for Eye Care, Rochester Hills, Michigan Chirag Gupta, M.D., cornea specialist, Beaumont Health System, Southfield, Michigan Lauren Harris, M.D., teaches at the University of Tennessee and is a cornea specialist at University Eye Surgeons, PC, Knoxville, Tennessee Nieraj Jain, M.D., fellow in ophthalmic genetics, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon. He will then join Emory Eye Center, Emory University, as a retina specialist Allison N. McCoy, M.D., Ph.D., Oculoplastics Rashmi Verma, MS Ophth., consultant in neuro-ophthalmology and pediatric ophthalmology, Shroff Eye Centre, New Delhi, India
Michigan Health System (UMHS) Quality and Safety group, Kellogg collects and publishes this data on the UMHS web site. The goal is to measure and improve quality of care for all patients treated for eye disease, including retinal detachment, cataracts, and strabismus—and for those who have had corneal transplants, as well as glaucoma, retinal, refractive, and oculoplastic surgery.
“We are publishing a paper that
compares the way we measure quality with other academic institutions in the United States and internationally,” says glaucoma specialist Jennifer S. Weizer, M.D. “There are only a handful of programs that are this extensive and have the depth and quality of our program.”
Another way that Dr. Weizer is work-
ing to improve patient care is by developing and utilizing a new surgery checklist for ophthalmologists in the operating room to follow before, during, and after surgery. “This checklist will ensure that all surgery protocols are performed in a uniform and safe manner. To date, there are no published guidelines for safety checks in eye surgery, so this is a novel and necessary program to make eye surgery safer for our patients,” she says.
You can review the data at www.uofm health.org/quality-safety/ ophthalmology. Innovation in vision
25
Meet Kellogg’s New Faculty Abigail T. Fahim, M.D., Ph.D., clinical lecturer, has joined the faculty of the Comprehensive Ophthalmology and Cataract Surgery section and sees patients in Kellogg’s Ann Arbor office. Dr. Fahim earned a Ph.D. in human genetics from the University of Michigan and a medical degree from the Baylor College of Medicine. She completed a postdoctoral research fellowship at the School of Public Health at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston before coming to Kellogg for her residency, which she completed in 2014. In addition to seeing patients, Dr. Fahim serves as the residency program’s graduate chief resident. Cherie A. Farkash, O.D., clinical instructor, has joined the faculty of the Contact Lens, Low Vision and Visual Rehabilitation section, and sees patients at the University Hospital Inpatient Consult suite. Dr. Farkash earned a doctor of optometry degree from the Pennsylvania College of Optometry of Salus University. She then did postdoctoral training—completing a residency in primary care optometry and a fellowship in neuro-ophthalmic disease—at the Eye Institute at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry of Salus University. Shivani Gupta, M.D., M.P.H., assistant professor, has joined the faculty of the Eye Plastic, Orbital and Facial Cosmetic Surgery section, and sees patients in Kellogg’s Ann Arbor and Northville offices. Dr. Gupta completed a master of public health degree from the University of Michigan and earned a medical degree from the Ohio State University. She completed her residency at the Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary at the University of Illinois at Chicago and returned to U-M to complete a fellowship in eye plastic, orbital and facial cosmetic surgery at Kellogg. Zvi A. Kresch, M.D., clinical instructor, has joined the faculty of the Comprehensive Ophthalmology and Cataract Surgery section, and sees patients in Kellogg’s Ann Arbor office. Dr. Kresch earned a medical degree at Wayne State University and completed a residency at the West Virginia University Eye Institute. He then completed a uveitis and ocular immunology fellowship at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, as well as an international ophthalmology fellowship through the Himalayan Cataract Project with visits to Nepal, India, Ethiopia, and Ghana.
26
university of michigan kellogg eye center
Shreya S. Prabhu, M.D., M.P.H., clinical lecturer, has joined the faculty of the Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus section and sees patients in Kellogg’s Ann Arbor, Canton, and Northville offices. Dr. Prabhu earned a master of public health and a medical degree from Boston University. She came to Kellogg and completed a residency and fellowship in pediatric ophthalmology and adult strabismus. Before returning to Kellogg, Dr. Prabhu was a clinical assistant professor at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. Robin D. Ross, M.D., clinical instructor, has joined the faculty of the Retina and Uveitis section and continues to see patients in the Grand Blanc office, which Kellogg recently acquired (see page 28). Dr. Ross earned her medical degree from the Weill Cornell University Medical College and completed her residency at the University of Iowa. While completing a vitreoretinal fellowship at Associated Retinal Consultants in Royal Oak, Dr. Ross was a recipient of the prestigious Heed Fellowship. Dr. Ross is currently enrolled in the Master of Public Health program at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. Her research interests focus on eye care access for underserved communities locally and globally. Mariah A. Sand, M.D., clinical instructor, has joined the faculty of the Glaucoma, Cataract, and Anterior Segment Disease section and sees patients in Kellogg’s Ann Arbor, Brighton, and Northville offices. Dr. Sand earned a medical degree from the Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. She completed a residency at Case Western Reserve University and a fellowship in cornea and glaucoma from Indiana University. Sara L. Weidmayer, O.D., FAAO, clinical instructor, has joined the faculty of the Contact Lens, Low Vision and Visual Rehabilitation section and sees patients at the VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System. Dr. Weidmayer earned a doctor of optometry from the Michigan College of Optometry in Big Rapids, Michigan, and completed a residency in ocular disease at the Battle Creek VA Medical Center.
Sarah K. Wood, O.D., M.S., FAAO, clinical instructor, has joined the faculty of the Contact Lens, Low Vision and Visual Rehabilitation section and sees patients in Kellogg’s Ann Arbor office. Dr. Wood earned a doctor of optometry from the Indiana University School of Optometry. She completed a residency in ocular disease and vision rehabilitation at the Kansas City VA Medical Center. In 2010, Dr. Wood earned a master of science in vision science from the New England College of Optometry. During her master’s program, she also completed a research fellowship with a focus on glaucoma and diabetes at the Boston VA Medical Center.
To request an appointment with our new clinicians, please call 734.763.8122. Referring physicians can reach these clinicians through M-LINE at 800.962.3555.
Collaborating Faculty Robin R. Ali, Ph.D., internationally known for his gene and cell-based therapy research, has joined Kellogg as a visiting professor. A professor of human molecular genetics, Dr. Ali directs the Department of Genetics at the University College London Institute of Ophthalmology, where he led one of the world’s first clinical trials of gene therapy for retinal dystrophy, and was also the first in the field to show that it is possible to repair the retina of mice by transplanting light-sensitive photoreceptor cells derived from embryonic stem cells. In addition to mentoring new faculty, trainees, and research staff in gene and cell therapy techniques, Dr. Ali is collaborating with Kellogg faculty on research of retinal degenerations and inherited ocular diseases. He is also working to bring promising research forward into clinical trials, with the goal of developing new therapies for patients with retinal diseases. Roland K. Chen, Ph.D., has joined the Kellogg faculty as a research investigator. Dr. Chen holds a joint appointment with the U-M College of Engineering, also as a research investigator, serving in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. He earned both a bachelor of science and a master of science in mechanical engineering from National Taiwan University in Taipei, Taiwan. Dr. Chen then earned a Ph.D. and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in mechanical engineering from the U-M College of Engineering. He is working with Kellogg faculty to develop new tools for eye surgery, teaching, and patient care (see page 16).
Alan L. Robin, M.D., has joined Kellogg as an adjunct professor and is the first scholarin-residence for the Center for International Ophthalmology. Dr. Robin is an accomplished glaucoma specialist and currently serves as a professor of ophthalmology at the University of Maryland, and an associate professor of ophthalmology and international health at Johns Hopkins University. He is known for building relationships with institutions in other countries and is currently working with Kellogg to further its global initiatives. Specifically, Dr. Robin is working with Kellogg faculty to develop research, academic, and educational activities in India and Nepal. Jeffrey M. Sundstrom, M.D., Ph.D., has joined Kellogg as an adjunct assistant professor. Dr. Sundstrom obtained an M.D., Ph.D. from the Penn State College of Medicine. He holds a Ph.D. in cellular and molecular biology, with his thesis focused on understanding the mechanisms of VEGF-induced permeability in diabetic retinopathy. He completed his residency at the Penn State Hershey Medical Center and his medical retina fellowship at Kellogg. Dr. Sundstrom has recently optimized methods to analyze the human vitreous proteome as a biomarker for retinal disease and is now applying this approach to better understand the pathology underlying age-related macular degeneration. A major emphasis of his appointment is the application of this technology to various ocular diseases. Sally Temple, Ph.D., co-founder and scientific director at the Neural Stem Cell Institute in Rensselaer, New York, is collaborating with Kellogg faculty on the development of stemcell-based therapies for ophthalmic disease. Dr. Temple, an adjunct professor at Kellogg, is known for her pioneering work in the field of stem cell research, focusing on how neural stem cells alter their developmental potential over time to generate diverse cell types. Her studies have identified cellular markers and signaling molecules that are involved in cell maintenance and differentiation.
Research Consultant Jeffrey Stern, M.D., Ph.D., co-founder and director of translational research at the Neural Stem Cell Institute in Rensselaer, New York, is working with Kellogg faculty to develop stem-cell-based therapies for ophthalmic disease. Dr. Stern’s research focuses on stem cell applications for macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and other diseases of the retina and central nervous system.
Innovation in vision
27
Kellogg gains retina practice in Grand Blanc The acquisition of a retina practice in
The Kellogg team in Northville: Susan Thoms, M.D., Maria Woodward, M.D., Elizabeth Du, M.D., Michael Lipson, O.D., Shivani Gupta, M.D., M.P.H., Mariah Sand, M.D., and Shreya Prabhu, M.D.
Grand Blanc and the move of the Livonia office to the new University of Michigan Northville Health Center will allow Kellogg to serve the growing vision needs of two communities. During the fourth quarter of 2014, Robin Ross, M.D.
Kellogg acquired the Retina Vitreous
U-M Northville Health Center opens
Center in Grand Blanc, Michigan, a
practice owned by Robin D. Ross, M.D. The practice, centered
In July 2014, Kellogg’s Livonia office moved down the road
in Genesee County, is a beautiful state-of-the-art facility within
to the Northville Health Center. Northville has 100,000 square
easy access of US-23 and I-75. “My passion has always been in
feet of clinical and diagnostic space and includes more than 40
public health and figuring out how to provide access to the best
primary and specialty care services for adults and children, in-
quality eye care for my patients,” says Dr. Ross. “By joining
cluding ophthalmology. Kellogg’s clinic is located on the second
Kellogg, my patients will have access to specialists, as well as
floor of the facility and features 12 exam rooms, a treatment
more clinical and research support, which will make a tremen-
room, and visual field testing and OCT capabilities.
dous difference in their lives.”
lead the Northville office. “We are thrilled to bring state-of-the-
Though primarily a retina practice, the center’s four eye
Comprehensive ophthalmologist Elizabeth Du, M.D., will
doctors also treat patients with other eye problems. Kellogg
art technology and a talented group of ophthalmic specialists to
physicians who will see patients in Grand Blanc include retina
Northville and the communities in western Wayne County,” says
specialist Grant M. Comer, M.D., M.S., cornea specialist
Dr. Du. “With the expanded space, we’re able to add pediatric,
Christopher T. Hood, M.D., and glaucoma specialist Sayoko
glaucoma, cornea, and oculoplastics services to our comprehen-
E. Moroi, M.D., Ph.D.
sive and contact lens services so that we can offer complete care for our patients.”
Locations
Dr. Du is joined by oculoplastics specialist Shivani Gupta,
M.D., M.P.H., optometrist Michael J. Lipson, O.D., pediatric
U-M Kellogg Eye Center
ophthalmologist Shreya S. Prabhu, M.D., glaucoma specialist
Ann Arbor
734.763.8122
S. Thoms, M.D., cornea specialist Maria A. Woodward, M.D.,
Briarwood
734.647.9000
Brighton
810.227.2357
Canton
734.844.5400
Chelsea
734.475.1321
Grand Blanc
810.694.6933
Milford
248.684.7337
Northville
248.305.4400
Ypsilanti
734.615.0788
Mariah A. Sand, M.D., comprehensive ophthalmologist Susan and six ophthalmic technicians.
7,214 Surgical
Procedures at Kellogg in FY 2014
28
university of michigan kellogg eye center
Kellogg Faculty Awarded Grants to Support Innovative Research
David A. Antonetti, Ph.D., professor of ophthalmology and
visual sciences and molecular and integrative physiology, has been awarded a National Institutes of Health R01 grant for his project, Discovering Novel Atypical PKC Inhibitors as in vivo Chemical Probes. Macular edema (ME), swelling in the back of the eye, develops when blood vessels in the retina leak fluid. ME contributes to many of the leading causes of blindness in the United States, including diabetes, age-related macular degeneration, and uveitis. Through his grant, Dr. Antonetti will collaborate with experts in medicinal chemistry, structural biologists, and cellular and molecular physiologists to develop compounds that help control the leakiness of blood vessels and, thus, preserve sight in those suffering from diseases related to ME. Cagri G. Besirli, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor, has received the Research to Prevent Blindness Career Development Award for his project, Stress-Induced Neuroprotection in the Retina. The loss of photoreceptors is a common event in many retinal disorders and the primary cause of irreversible vision loss. Injury to photoreceptors often occurs when they are separated from the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), the retina’s layer of cells that regulate and nourish photoreceptors. This separation results in severe disruption of the normal retinal function and eventual death, or apoptosis, of photoreceptors. Dr. Besirli seeks to understand the relationship between pro-apoptotic and pro-survival factors that regulate photoreceptor apoptosis. His ultimate goal, with the support of this award, is to develop pharmacologic and biologic neuroprotective agents to enhance the survival of photoreceptors. Alon Kahana, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor, has received the Research to Prevent Blindness Physician-Scientist Award for his project, Neuronal Remodeling in Strabismus. Binocular vision requires the intricate control of eye movement by six pairs of extraocular muscles (EOMs). Both congenital and acquired strabismus cause misaligned binocular vision, which can lead to amblyopia (lazy eye) or diplopia (double vision), conditions that affect 5 to 10 percent of the U.S. population. The current standard of care—strabismus surgery—focuses on the mechanical forces exerted by EOMs on the eye; but surgical failures, which are common, are often attributed to non-adaptive changes in the neural circuits that control eye movements.
Through his award, Dr. Kahana plans to use zebrafish, which have eye structures similar to mammals, to develop an experimental model that will facilitate a mechanistic understanding of how neural circuits adapt in the context of strabismus and EOM surgery, and identify novel therapies that will enhance outcomes and improve vision. Rajesh C. Rao, M.D., assistant professor, has received the Research to Prevent Blindness Career Development Award for his project, Sustaining Early-Born Retinal Neuron Potency from Stem Cells: An Epigenetic Approach. Some of the most common causes of irreversible blindness are diseases associated with the death of early-born retinal neurons (EB-RNs), the first retinal neurons to emerge in embryonic development. Retinal neurons (RNs) obtained from retina-specific stem cells allow for more efficient and safer stem cell treatment, but maintaining in vitro early-born neural potency in stem cell culture — a required step for clinical therapy—poses a significant challenge. As retinal stem cells are expanded to generate enough cell numbers for therapy, they lose their ability to produce EB-RNs, such as cone photoreceptors and retinal ganglion cells, and instead generate late-born cell types, such as Müller glia (support cells for the retinal neurons) and rod photoreceptors. With this award, Dr. Rao and his team seek to understand this process and to develop a method to reliably generate EB-RNs throughout the in vitro process for clinical therapy. This could eventually help patients with neurodegenerative diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, cone retinal dystrophies, glaucoma, and even ALS and Parkinson’s disease.
$13.6M Research
funding in FY 2014
Innovation in vision
29
Joshua Stein, M.D., M.S.
Thiran Jayasundera, M.D.
Patents Filed for inventions by Kellogg faculty Personalized Modeling and Forecasting of Glaucoma
Method for the Automated Measurement of Changes in
Progression
Retinal, Retinal Pigment Epithelial, or Choroidal Disease
Faculty Inventors: Joshua Stein, M.D., M.S.,
Faculty Inventors: Thiran Jayasundera, M.D.,
Mariel Lavieri, Ph.D., Mark Van Oyen, Ph.D.,
Victor Elner, M.D., Ph.D.
David Musch, Ph.D., M.P.H.
The choroid and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) layers
Patients with glaucoma require frequent visits to their doctors
play important roles in nourishing the retina. Damage to cells
for testing to determine whether the disease is stable or getting
in these layers can lead to vision loss and blindness. This utility
worse and thus requires a change in treatment. While the ideal
patent describes a method of automatically measuring changes
frequency of testing can vary quite a bit from one patient to
in disease occurring in the retina and in these two critical layers.
another, the timing is critical because if the patient is not tested
Health providers and researchers can use the data to track
frequently enough, glaucoma can progress, resulting in irrevers-
the progression of the disease for individual patients. Images
ible vision loss.
of the retina, called fundus photos, are selected and processed
such that the quality, contrast, and gain of each of the images
Dr. Stein and colleagues have filed a utility patent for a
novel computer modeling system that forecasts the progression
is similar. The images are then compared based on specific
of the disease for each patient and makes personalized recom-
disease metrics; indicators of disease change can be displayed
mendations of the ideal timing of future visits and testing to
on a computing device.
monitor for worsening of disease. The algorithm for the model is based on data collected each time the patient has standard tests for glaucoma, such as visual field testing and measurement of intraocular pressure; the forecasts are updated each time
30
Systems and Methods for Diagnosing Inherited Retinal Degenerations
another test is performed. It also draws on data from popula-
Faculty Inventors: Thiran Jayasundera, M.D.,
tions of individuals with glaucoma, but the unique feature is
Naheed Khan, Ph.D., Matthew Johnson-Roberson, Ph.D.
the personalized prediction for each patient. The model was vali-
Inherited retinal diseases are difficult to diagnose, even for
dated by testing it against data on disease progression from large
retina specialists. This utility patent describes a system to help
clinical trials. The researchers found that the model was able to
health care providers narrow the range of possible inherited
detect glaucoma progression quicker and more efficiently than
diseases and causative genes. For each patient, the system
standard yearly testing schedules.
generates a profile of features that differ from those of a healthy
patient. The profiles can be compared to a database containing
The forecasting model may be especially useful to assist eye
doctors in caring for patients with glaucoma in communities
known mutations for retinal diseases. The system generates
where glaucoma specialists are not readily available, and it can
a ranked list of diagnoses suggested by the matches between
be applied to other chronic conditions like diabetes and high
the patient’s features and a larger group of patients with known
blood pressure.
genetic diagnoses.
university of michigan kellogg eye center
Vision Needs Victors
Supporters Kick Off New Campaign to Fight Eye Disease Our friends and alumni gathered with others who support the
Invent New Models of Care and Education
University of Michigan Health System at the Discovery Ball on
We will develop a model for academic ophthalmology depart-
April 26. The event marked the launch of the Health System’s
ments of the future. Our innovative approaches will create
portion of the Victors for Michigan campaign, a dedicated
healthier communities and educate tomorrow’s leaders.
effort to expand philanthropic partnerships. The W.K. Kellogg Eye Center has set a goal to raise $50 million through gifts of
“As a top-ranked eye center, we have a local, national, and glob-
all sizes. Such a transformational investment in vision care,
al impact on improving the lives of those facing vision disease,”
research, and education would enable us to:
says Paul P. Lee, M.D., J.D., F. Bruce Fralick Professor and Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Accelerate Breakthrough Discovery
and Director of the W.K. Kellogg Eye Center. “By becoming a
We have the opportunity to advance gene therapies, stem cell
part of our team, individuals and families can help us realize the
therapies, pharmaceutical therapies, biomedical engineering
full potential of what is possible. Working together, we will be
and more — all to save sight.
unstoppable.”
Invest in Visionary Leaders
To learn more about giving and naming opportunities, to
As we recruit and retain the most highly regarded vision innova-
support our efforts, or to tell us about your personal mission,
tors in the world, their collective impact will be unsurpassed.
please contact our development team at 734-763-0874.
Create Revolutionary Environments
Visit us at www.kellogg.umich.edu/giving
We will invest in spaces and equipment that foster new research and clinical programs and enhance patients’ experiences.
Sara Conn with her husband, Eric, a member of Kellogg’s Campaign Leadership Council
Kellogg supporters Bill and Gina Keough
Kellogg’s Associate Chair for Research Thomas Gardner, M.D., with his wife, Maureen
Alumni Advisory Board Chair W. Scott Wilkinson, M.D., and his wife, Jill Innovation in vision
31
Leading the way Volunteers Play Key Role in Campaign As Victors for Michigan hits its full stride, several advocates for advancing vision research, care, and education have joined to form a Kellogg Eye Center Campaign Leadership Council. We are
grateful that they will lend their business and medical expertise—as well as their passion for progress—to our fundraising efforts and assist us in reaching our goals.
Richard A. Manoogian is Chairman Emeritus of Masco Corporation, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of home improvement and building products. He has been with Masco since 1958. He is a Director of Business Leaders for Michigan (formerly Detroit Renaissance) and Invest Detroit. Active in numerous civic, cultural and educational organizations, he is a member of the Henry Ford Board of Trustees, the Smithsonian Archives of American Art Board of Trustees, the Fine Arts Committee of the United States Department of State, the Armenian General Benevolent Union Central Board, and the Economic Club of Detroit. He is Chairman Emeritus of the Detroit Institute of Arts Board of Directors. Mr. Manoogian is Chairman of the Alex and Marie Manoogian Foundation and President and Treasurer of the Richard and Jane Manoogian Foundation. He serves on the Mackinac Island State Park Commission and is a member of the Yale Alumni Association, the American Federation of Arts, American Association of Museums, and Museum Trustee Association. Mr. Manoogian holds a bachelor of arts degree in economics from Yale University.
International, the Anderson Group, TriMas Corporation, HealthMedia, and Fluid Products. Mr. Beard earned a master’s degree in international economics from the University of Detroit as well as a bachelor’s degree and an M.B.A. in finance from Miami University. In addition to his work with the Kellogg Eye Center, he is involved with a variety of community organizations, including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Miami University Farmer School of Business, and the Ramona Park Association.
Grant H. Beard is chairman and chief executive officer of Wolverine Advanced Materials, a Dearborn, Michigan-based supplier of rubber-coated metal materials serving automotive and industrial markets globally. He is also an executive operating partner to Wynnchurch Capital and serves on the board of directors of T.A. Systems, JTM Foods, Advanced Energy Industries, and BGB Properties, LLC. His previous positions include executive posts at Constar 32
university of michigan kellogg eye center
Eric F. Conn is an information technology process consultant for Volkswagen Group of America Inc. He began his career in the automotive industry at the retail level, growing up working in his family’s car dealerships in Bangor, Maine. His positions at automotive, information technology, and consulting firms have always focused on integrating people, processes, and information technology. Many of the projects he has delivered required research to define the customer value derived from an experience in order to unlock and quantify the true value of a good or service— a critical component to effective marketing. This experience, along with his knowledge of social media and mobile communications, will benefit the Kellogg Eye Center as new growth programs and initiatives are shared with patients and supporters. Mr. Conn has a bachelor’s degree in business administration, with a dual major in automotive marketing and business management, from Northwood University. He also earned a master of business administration at Syracuse University. Mr. Conn resides in Bloomfield Hills with his wife, Sara, who has been a patient at the Kellogg Eye Center for more than 40 years. They are both eager to help support growth and research activities any way they can.
Richard A. Garfinkel, M.D., practices with Retina Group of Washington, a 26-physician practice with 14 offices in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. He is a clinical assistant professor at Georgetown University Hospital and has served as principal investigator in many national multicenter clinical trials. He has published numerous articles and has received awards from the American Society of Retinal Specialists and the American Academy of Ophthalmology. He was named by Washingtonian Magazine as a “Top Doctor” and was also recognized as a “Best Doctor in America.” Dr. Garfinkel is a graduate of the honors program at the University of Michigan, where he earned his bachelor of science degree. He earned his medical degree at New York University School of Medicine and completed his residency and was chief resident at the Kellogg Eye Center. He completed a fellowship in vitreoretinal diseases at the Wayne State University School of Medicine and the William Beaumont Hospital. In Memoriam October 30, 1928 – November 22, 2014 Carleton H. Griffin, J.D., served as a professor of accounting for 10 years in the School of Business Administration at the University of Michigan. In 1995, after retiring from active faculty status, he was named professor emeritus. Recognized as an outstanding teacher and faculty advisor, Professor Griffin received the Student Award for Teaching Excellence in the business administration program, a highly regarded, student-selected award. Previously, he served in various executive roles at Touche Ross and Company, which is now part of Deloitte and Touche, an international financial services firm. His positions included National Tax Director, National Director of Operations, Regional Partner, Senior Partner, and Chairman of the Board. Professor Griffin earned a bachelor of business administration, a master of business administration, and a juris doctorate degree, all at the University of Michigan. We are grateful for the opportunity to have worked with Mr. Griffin and for his strong and steady presence on the Leadership Council. He was a thoughtful advisor and a good friend to all of us at the Kellogg Eye Center. He will be missed. Richard F. Gutow, M.D., is a retired ophthalmologist and collector of contemporary art and glass as well as antique marine chronometers and wristwatches. He practiced as a retinal surgeon for 13 years with RetinaVitreous Associates of Nashville, Tennessee. He served on the faculty of the University of Michigan Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences from 1968 until 1981, where he was Director of the Retinal Service from 1979 until 1981. Dr. Gutow also served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps at Fitzsimons Army Hospital in Denver, Colorado. During his career, he taught courses for the American Academy of Ophthalmology and examined for the American Board
of Ophthalmology. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the University Musical Society. A native of Flint, Michigan, Dr. Gutow earned his bachelor’s degree in English at Dartmouth College, where he was elected Phi Beta Kappa. He received his medical degree and a master’s degree in science from the University of Michigan. He completed an internship at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City and a residency in ophthalmology at the University of Michigan Medical Center. Leonard G. (Larry) Miller was a founding partner of Molmec, Inc., a major supplier of molded plastic components for the automotive industry and one of the first to use robots in the injection molding manufacturing process. Mr. Miller was active in the industry and was a frequent speaker at technical conferences. He was on the board of the Detroit chapter of the Society of Plastic Engineers, where he helped to develop educational courses in plastics. He also served on advisory committees at Eastern Michigan University and Ferris State University. Taking an early interest in the new field of plastics when he entered college, Mr. Miller was awarded one of the first degrees in materials engineering from the University of Michigan. He earned a bachelor of science in engineering degree in materials and a master of science degree in high polymers from the University of Michigan College of Engineering. Richard N. Witham is a semi-retired entrepreneur, car enthusiast, and vineyard operator. With over 40 years of experience serving the plastics, electronics and medical device industries, he has enjoyed success starting, purchasing, growing, and selling companies. Mr. Witham is the former owner/president of Michigan Spring Company, Engineered Plastics Corporation, Automated Industrial Motion, Rimar Development, and Motion Dynamics. He was also Executive Vice President at Hines Corporation. Mr. Witham served as a board member, member of the Personnel Committee, Vice Chair and Chair of Hackley Health Systems. He also served as the Chairman of Lakeshore Health Ventures. He is past president of national and state trade associations in the spring industry and has been an active volunteer as a Rotarian since 1970. He invented a non-invasive medical device and holds the patent on that instrument. Mr. Witham is a graduate of Michigan State University and Harvard’s executive supply chain management program.
The Kellogg Eye Center Campaign Leadership Council: Richard A. Manoogian, Honorary Chair Leonard G. Miller Grant H. Beard Richard N. Witham Eric F. Conn Richard A. Garfinkel, M.D.
David H. Grossman (not pictured)
Richard F. Gutow, M.D. Innovation in vision
33
With gratitude for donor support Annual Honor Roll of Donors With heartfelt thanks to donors who made gifts from July 1, 2013, through June 30, 2014. Included in this listing are contributors whose donations are part of multi-year pledges. $1,000,000 and above Edward Berger Trust Ralph M. Fox Estate Roger W. Kittendorf, TTEE W.K. Kellogg Foundation
$500,000 to $999,999 The Carls Foundation
$100,000 to $499,999 American Diabetes Association, Inc. Grant and Susan Beard BrightFocus Foundation Foundation Fighting Blindness HOCO Limited Jerome Jacobson Foundation Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Carolyn R. and Paul R. Lichter Lowy Medical Research Institute Research to Prevent Blindness THE RDH12 Fund for Sight William & Ella Owens Medical Research Foundation
$50,000 to $99,999 American Health Assistance Foundation Anonymous Donor (1) Edward Mallinckrodt, Jr. Foundation The Harry A. and Margaret D. Towsley Foundation Susan J. Lane Richard and Jane Manoogian Midwest Eye Banks and Transplantation Center James and Nancy Ravin Timothy and Laurie G. Wadhams
$10,000 to $49,999 Anonymous Donor (1) F. Ross and Laura Jean Birkhill Family Foundation Michael and Joanne Bisson Mary Boyers Trust Thomas W. Breakey Sandra and David Detrisac Dow Chemical Company Foundation Ted A. Gardner Family Foundation M. and H. Ghandour Glaucoma Research Foundation Frances and David H. Grossman Richard and Susan Gutow Adam S. Hassan William M. Keough Al and Colette Kessel Paul and Jennifer Lee John J. Mayes Harry B. McGee
July 1, 2013 — June 30, 2014
Larry G. Miller Bruce and Roberta Oliver Michael Pachtman Philip J. Lo Presti Estate Mickey and Karen Shapiro Mildred E. Swanson Foundation Gerald M. Trocchio The Honorable Nancy C. Wheeler Richard N. and Marilyn K. Witham
$5,000 to $9,999 Anonymous Donors (3) Cynthia L. and Jason M. Burgett, M.D. Margaret Campbell Mr. and Mrs. Eric F. Conn Scott M. Corin and Nina Blumenthal Jane and Irwin Deister, Jr. Gary and Kay Feaster Jean and H. Halladay Flynn Richard and Lisa Garfinkel Sunir J. Garg, M.D., and Stella Luo, M.D. The George Fund Tarek S. Hassan and Diana M. Gomez Hassan Ronald Kurtz and Jennifer Simpson Corey A. and Nancy J. Miller Edward R. and Jane A. Schulak W. Scott and Jill Wilkinson
$1,000 to $4,999 Anonymous Donor (1) Gerald and Gloria Abrams Amjad Z. Ahmad, M.D.
“Philanthropic donations afford researchers the opportunity to pursue cutting-edge and innovative projects. The personal interest and motivation of our donors inspires us to continue our work in developing treatments and cures for blinding eye diseases.” Brenda L. Bohnsack, M.D., Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
34
university of michigan kellogg eye center
With gratitude for donor support Steven and Carol Archer Betty Baier and Mark Kesson Suzanne and Roger Baker Anne S. Benninghoff Anne and Terry J. Bergstrom Lana L. Berry Eleanor Brownell Michael J. Bueche, M.D. Keith D. and Cheryl Carter Mark and Janet Cichowski Mark and Judith Cohen Claude and Frances Coleman Mr. Frank and Dr. Theresa Cooney Mary S. Cox Michael and Dolores Czerniak Rosemarie DeLand Mary Hunter Dobson J. McGregor and Christine Dodds Barbara A. Dunn Magdalen Skuba Edwards Michael and Elizabeth Eichler Meelad A. Ellis Hal and Donna Estry Tom and Maureen Grace Gardner Larry and Mary Gerbens Mr. and Mrs. Waleed K. Gosaynie Joanne R. Gradowski Daniel and Norma Green Roz Greenspon Robert and Teresa Grosserode Fawzia Hanna Theodore and Naomi Harrison David S. Hemmings, M.D. Millicent Higgins, M.D. Barry and Mary Ann Hoffman Robert O. and Carolyn S. Hoffman James and Kathy Holmes Walter L. and Barbara J. Hungerford Dr. and Mrs. James D. Izer Professor Judy M. Judd Mr. Leslie Kahn and Ms. Irene Watcher Nancy and Jeffrey Kahn, M.D. Michael A. and Kim M. Kipp Ms. Germaine LaBerge Linferd G. and Kathleen V. Linabery Richard G. and Joan W. Loeff William W. Love James Albert Maraldo Walter J. McCarthy Volunteer Leadership Program of the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan Joel and Susan Mindel Dean and Lynn Mitchell Ken and Pat Musson
John P. and Ginger G. Myers Harry and Leeta Nistel Ann Novak-Krajcik and Joseph Krajcik, M.D. Paragon Vision Sciences, Inc. Pam W. Parrish Rex F. and Laura M. Patterson Michael Petersen and Elizabeth Binasio Donald and Debra Puro Mark and Kimberly Phelan Jeffrey A. Pike Scott M. Pinter, M.D. Hans H. and Virginia A. Rae Professor Venkat N. Reddy Rebecca W. Rogers David W. Schmidt, M.D. Dr. and Mrs. Gregory L. Skuta Mark and Romana Solent Alan and Gail Sugar Triford Foundation Richard L. and Kay E. Watnick Lee S. and Stephen T. Webster John and Carol Weigel George C. and Cindy Whitaker Alfred and Carol Wick Joan E. Young Jeffrey M. and Kate G. Zink
$500 to $999 Anonymous Donors (2) Roger D. Arnett Everton and Saundrett Arrindell Mrs. Jennie Biggs Duane and Jean Bingel James and Jacqueline Bowen Richard and Enid Carlin J. R. and Elaine J. Carson Dr. William S. Clifford Michael and Janice Culbert William and Carol Cutler Dolores D. Daudt Gloria P. and William E. Dean, Jr. Roland and Louise W. DeMartin Roberta DeMott-Friberg David J. Disser John S. Dunn Deborah Eadie Michael Fetters and Sayoko Moroi Harry C. Gibson, M.D. Kathryn G. Gray Geza L. and Elizabeth F. Gyorey Jane Hakken William P. and Ann Marie K. Haney Sharon A. Fox
July 1, 2013 — June 30, 2014
“The impact of philanthropy cannot be overstated because it enables our faculty to make the key discoveries that drive new diagnostic and treatment approaches. Some gifts support broad areas, such as pediatrics, whereas others support individual researchers. A new approach is the Paul R. Lichter, M.D., Vision Research Discovery Fund, which helps new research ideas ‘hatch’ into reality. Ultimately, all gifts improve the quality of life of persons who seek help at the Kellogg Eye Center.” Thomas W. Gardner, M.D., M.S. Associate Chair for Research, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Professor, Molecular & Integrative Physiology Healthy Eyes Taubman Scholar
Innovation in vision
35
With gratitude for donor support
“The advancements we have made are in no small measure due to the support we receive from patients as well as their families and friends. As we strive to develop effective treatments and cures for blinding retina diseases, we rely on that support to get promising early-stage projects off the ground and ensure that we have the right staff and equipment in place for success.”
John R. Heckenlively, M.D. Paul R. Lichter Professor of Ophthalmic Genetics Director, Center for Retinal and Macular Degeneration
Margaret M. and James E. Hughes Charles A. Hutton David A. and Patricia D. Johnson Daniel and Rose Kachnowski Kalijarvi, Chuzi, Newman & Fitch, P.C. James G. and Carolyn Knaggs Marqueta D. Landis Professor Emeritus Myra A. Larson Richard Alan Lewis and Patricia N. Lewis John and Suzanne Ley N. Kent and Helen Linton Mark and Carol Loessel Frode and Marilyn Maaseidvaag Judge Joe B. McDade and Mrs. Mary W. McDade Betsy and Ken Nisbet Allen and Kathy Pearce Keith and Janet Lee Perkins Pizza House Ann Arbor Iva Jean Roe Jonathan and Robin Rowe Perry and Faith Schechtman Donald and Jane Schriver Ted and Mary Ann Simon Jay H. and Mary Margaret Smith James P. and Dorothy Symons Susan and David Thoms Ronald E. Warwar Dr. and Mrs. Keith M. Williams Dr. John Fennig and Dr. Martha M. Wright Jung and Chiung Yao Wu
$100 to $499 Ronald and Cynthia Abejuro Ann T. Alexander Joshua B. Albertson and Roslyn M. Stahl Dr. Krista Anderson James Balcom Lawrence A. Barnes Richard Barnes Harold S. and Roberta Barron Lois Bereza Dr. and Mrs. Werner G. Bergen Jean W. Berkley Rhoda L. and Roger M. Berkowitz William and Patricia Berlin Steven and Patricia Biernat Garry N. Binegar, M.D. Samir D. and Mona H. Binno Michael and Clarita Bishel Pat Bitonti Steven F. Bolling and Cheryl L. Huey 36
university of michigan kellogg eye center
July 1, 2013 — June 30, 2014
Myrtle B. Bonem Stephen and Danielle Boorstein Frances R. Bosel Daniel L. Braden William and Julie Bromley Henry J. and Jean L. Brown Margaret Brown Frederick G. and Marion F. Burgett Wilbur and Carolyn Burkett Burroughs Corporation Dr. Melissa A. Cadnapaphornchai Norman and Maureen Campbell Lawrence G. Campbell Maureen L. Campbell Trust The Honorable Donna Campbell Claudette J. Casello Dr. L. Ross Chambers William D. and Marilyn R. Chandler David C. and Sherry S. Chang Deborah Childs Hideki and Tomomi Chuman Marilyn L. Citron Clayton & McKervey, P.C. David C. Beck and Shirley A. CoeBeck Alice S. Cohen James and Madeline Conover Sharon L. Cope Patrick and Laura Coppens Mr. and Mrs. Faris Cosmo Ellen L. Coulthard Katherine and Ralph Crew MargaretAnn Cross and James Van Fleteren Dr. Lyubica Dabich Michael P. and Sharon A. Darga Dart Bank James E. Davies Rebecca S. Davis Prof. William and Virginia Dawson Homer and Cecelia Deaton Basil and Mervat Denno James R. Devine Gayle D. Dickerson Dr. M. Kenneth and Arvene Dickstein Paul and Marlene Dodge Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth R. Dornbrook Dow Corning Corporation Blake and Melba Doyle Deborah A. Drous George Evans Michael and Janice Fanola Blanche J. Felice Bryn A. and Suzanne M. Fick John T. and Anita R. Flanagan Esther M. Floyd
With gratitude for donor support Michael T. Fontana and Darlene Ford-Fontana Professor Emeritus Ilene H. Forsyth and Mr. Karl V. Hauser Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth A. Fox Randee and Paul Freedman Molly and Jonathan Fuller Gianfranco Gabbianelli Gala & Associates, Inc. Patricia M. Gardner Janice Gault and James F. Vander, M.D. GE Foundation Richard and Jacqueline Gilbert Gold Standard Transportation, Inc. Google Travel Richard L. Greer Lawrence and Carol Gregory Norman Grigsby Mr. and Mrs. Michael P. Gusho/ Betty K. Gusho Dr. and Mrs. Froncie A. Gutman Steven and Iris Haak Peggy Hall Kenneth Haller Sheree Hanlin Charlotte Hanson Dr. Andrew J. Hanzlik and Ms. Margaret Osemlak-Hanzlik Noriko and Dr. Ken Hashimoto Jeff L. and M. Catherine Hauptman James K. and Louise V. Henahan Mark and Mary Hetrick Ruth Heyn, M.D. Tom S. Hill Peter J. Hirth
Richard and Jane Hiss Peter and Karla Hitchcock Timothy J. and Laurie G. Hilligoss Home Appliance Mart, Inc. Mary M. Howrey Bret A. and Laura A. Hughes Steven L. and Barbara J. Huls Carlos E. Hurches Huron Valley Physicians Association Illinois Tool Works Inc. Richard and Anne Jackson Gerald C. and Gail E. Jacobson Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth B. Johnson S. Preston and Dr. Betty B. Jones Artie M. Jones Kelly Price and Laura Judge George H. and Jo A. Jury Dr. Alon and Heidi Kahana Ariane Kaplan and Adam Stein Jill Taft Kaufman Charlene and Leo Kay Rosemary S. Kaye Janice Kenna Kiwanis Club-Ann Arbor Foundation, Inc. Donald L. Klopcic, Sr. Dr. William L. Knapp Thomas C. and Mary J. Knight Sam and Marilyn Krimm Susan and James Krucki Gerald and Dorothy Kurtz Marc Lancaster Marie Lane Dave H. and Peggy Lee Gary Lelli and Kelly Bottger Jeanne M. Lerchen
July 1, 2013 — June 30, 2014
Dr. Helios T. Leung and Ms. Sue Su Seymour and Betty Lichter Christine C. Nelson and Willis C. Lillard Sherry L. Lindahl Dennis T. and Susan M. Lindstrom Michael and Judy Lipson Hugh Logan Thomas Longworth and Carol Cramer Dr. A. Letitia Loveless Lonnie and Melissa Loy Nancy E. and James E. MacVicar, M.D. Richard and Barbara Mannis Marvin and Shirley Markgraff Joseph A. and Catherine Masters Michael H. and Pamela M. Mazor Tina and O J. Mazzoni, Jr. Lloyd and Helen McKee Robert J. and Margery R. Mesler Donald and Diane Meitz Herbert R. and Carolyn M. Metzger Susan J. Meyer William and Caroline Michaluk Elaine J. Mickelson Glenn D. and Nancy C. Miller James E. and Anne M. Miller Jack and Carmen Miller David Miller Myrna and Newell Miller Helen L. Mitchell Mitzuyan Financial Services Richard and Margaret Moehl Ms. Marlene M. Moleski John and Linda Morrison Robert and Marilyn Mossman
“As grateful patients, Joanne and Katherine Rackham chose to benefit in the future others who have corneal problems. Their legacy will allow us to establish new programs and enhance current research and treatments, specifically for corneal dystrophies, corneal transplantation, and stem cell therapies.” Alan Sugar, M.D. Vice Chair Professor, Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Innovation in vision
37
With gratitude for donor support Richard G. Mosteller Padmaja R. and Konda B. Mouli, M.D. William J. Mundus Alphonsus C. Murphy Gordon and Vernie Nethercut Dr. Paul L. Olson and Mrs. MaryClare Denk Olson Mohammad and Elizabeth Othman Mark E. and Barbara C. Overland Edmund and Elaine Palmer Marilyn Papandrea Carol M. Paull Joseph and Betty Pavka Donald and Dorothy Peterson James and Nancy Pflasterer Linda M. Podojil Rebecca and Eric Priebe Wallace G. and Barbara J. Prince Patricia Putz Christine Quinn Drs. Douglas and Leslie Quint Ronald and Janice Raade Mr. and Mrs. Walter F. Redmond Ann M. Reed Robert O. and Alice M. Reisig Charles S. Remenar Rita and Robert Reske Ann M. Rice Doreen M. Richards Jean and Robert Richardson, Jr. Barbara and Art Rocco David A. Rogers
Richard Z. and Edie W. Rosenfeld Rennie and Michael Roth Thomas J. Rownd James and Joan Rucker Rojan and Bhagya Samudrala Albert and Renee Sanker Stephen J. and Kim R. Saxe Donald R. and Barbara Scavarda Helen F. Schaper Carl and Veronica Schiele Charles Schmitter and Allyn Ravitz Willard and Judith Schneider Eileen and William Schott Marc Alan Schwartz Gary M. Schwartz and Cindy L. Shaffran Mr. Joseph A. Sesi and Dr. Yvonne T. Sesi Hanan Shamoun David and Elvera Shappirio Michael S. Shlenker Rolf Sletten Sue-Ellen Smith Vaughn and Margie Snook SRSNAM Ventures Carol L. Standardi John and Alexandra Starr Scion Steel Virginia E. Stein Stockbridge Lions Club Peter and Louisa Stoll Dale D. Stordahl
“Money from a donor can make a big difference in a research project—jump-starting a project with pilot data needed for a grant application or letting a researcher move ahead with a timely set of experiments to follow up on a breakthrough finding.”
38
Julia E. Richards, Ph.D. Harold F. Falls Collegiate Professor of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Professor of Epidemiology
university of michigan kellogg eye center
July 1, 2013 — June 30, 2014
Joel Sugar and Anita Gerber Alan and Lori Summer Mr. and Mrs. Gerald P. Sweet Wesley Szpunar Michele Tameris-Cook Edward and Karen Tenner Edward Thornhill A. Richard Tischler Hani and Raya Tobia Thomas M. Tschirhart Professor Nelly S. Ullman John and Patricia Ulrich Yea-Yuan B. Van Egeren Andrew Vine and Caroline Blane Ms. Susan Wabeke Arthur and Shirley Wade David R. Wagner William K. Wallach Wayne County Association Order of the Eastern Star Christian and Ella Weber Carolyn J. Weigle Rolf K. and Helen L. Wohnus Richard L. Wresche Ford L. Wright Michael B. and Kathleen M. Yang Prof. Emer. York-Peng E. Yao and Mrs. Cynthia C. Yao Linda M. Youell David and Kathleen Zmyslowski
With gratitude for donor support
July 1, 2013 — June 30, 2014
In Memory Of
In Honor Of
The Kellogg Eye Center is honored
The following individuals were
Bequests and Other Planned Gifts
to have received gifts in memory
honored through gifts to the
It is with deep gratitude that we
of the following individuals:
Kellogg Eye Center:
recognize the following individuals
Rosemary Baldwin Rose Banotai Elizabeth S. Brown Mr. Norman Campbell Henry and Edna Case Ruth F. Clarke Richard I. Costantini Morton S. Cox Jr., M.D. Michael V. Czerniak Roland DeMartin Jane Griffith Elliott Qais A. Farjo, M.D. F. Bruce Fralick, M.D. Bartley Frueh, M.D. Ernest Godek Jerome B. Grossman Roy Hall Bob Karoub Stevan Kaufman James Malachi LaBerge, M.D. Lea Lefkowitz Susan Lichter Marvin Joe McKenney Dr. Agnes C. McMenemy Robert J. Mesler, Jr. May Morgan Ruth Newman Mary Patricia “Pat” O’Connor Patty Pianko Richard Priebe Alvira M. Reddy Carl D. Roe William C. Rogers Pesach Rosen Anna Selinas Beatrice Seltzer Julianna Simon Richard Sloan Marguerite W. Sullivan Lillian E. Taylor Kenneth Thomas David VerLee, M.D. Ione Brown Watts
Aubrey Terry J. Bergstrom, M.D., Professor Emeritus Terry J. Bergstrom, M.D., Professor Emeritus and Michael Roth, M.D. Kevin Biernat T. Cingolani Grant M. Comer, M.D., M.S. Leo "Rocky" Stone Raymond S. Douglas, M.D., Ph.D. and Christine C. Nelson, M.D. Susan G. Elner, M.D. and Sayoko E. Moroi, M.D., Ph.D. Victor M. Elner, M.D., Ph.D. Victor M. Elner, M.D., Ph.D. and Paul R. Lichter, M.D. The 4th Floor OR Nurses David & Fran Grossman's anniversary Mary Grover John R. Heckenlively, M.D. Miss Ida Lucy Iacobucci K. Thiran Jayasundera, M.D. Mark W. Johnson, M.D. Mark W. Johnson, M.D., and Paul P. Lee, M.D., J.D. Roger W. Kittendorf Paul R. Lichter, M.D. Paul R. Lichter, M.D., and Carol Standardi, R.N. Paul R. Lichter, M.D., and David N. Zacks, M.D., Ph.D. Michael J. Lipson, O.D. Roger F. Meyer, M.D. Shahzad I. Mian, M.D. Mark Milazzo Christine C. Nelson, M.D. Gregory L. Skuta, M.D. Michael Smith-Wheelock, M.D. H. Kaz Soong, M.D. Alan Sugar, M.D. Jonathan D. Trobe, M.D. Clare Van Fleteren Andrew K. Vine, M.D. Jennifer S. Weizer M.D. Rebecca A. Wu, M.D., and David N. Zacks, M.D., Ph.D. Charlotte Zabell
for making the Kellogg Eye Center a part of their estate plans: Frank J. and Helga Arnold Nancy Bender Anne S. Benninghoff Rhoda L. and Roger M. Berkowitz Robert D. Biggs, M.D. Dr. Robert W. Browne John Allan Cicala Mrs. Andrea Clark Mr. and Mrs. Eric F. Conn Jacqueline A. Forrest Helen A. (Poorbaugh) Freedman Larry and Mary Gerbens Conrad L. Giles Ed and Sue Gorney Ida Lucy Iacobucci William M. Keough Mrs. Harry Krashen Edward and Duffy Ladenberger Carolyn R. and Paul R. Lichter Harry and Eva McGee Marvin Joseph and Beverly McKenney Bruce L. and Roberta Oliver Alvin Perkiss Sally J. Pryce Joanne A. Rackham Katherine M. Rackham Alice and Ronald Shankland E.H. Newel and Rosemary Smith Russell A. Stephens and Phyllis A. Capogna June Stover James B. Thompson and Mary Ann Brandt David and Jayne VerLee
Only those who gave their permission are included above. The Kellogg Eye Center greatly values our donors, and we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the honor roll. Please call us at 734.763.3542 if you note any errors.
Innovation in vision
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Faculty honors and recognition
Steven F. Abcouwer, Ph.D. Editorial Board, American Journal of Physiology, Endocrinology and Metabolism Editorial Board, Journal of Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology Grant Review Committee, American Diabetes Association Grant Review Committee, Singapore National Medical Research Council David A. Antonetti, Ph.D. Study Section, Diseases and Pathophysiology of the Visual System, National Institutes of Health Steven M. Archer, M.D. Best Doctors in America Castle Connolly Top Doctors BCSC Section 6 Faculty, American Academy of Ophthalmology Cagri G. Besirli, M.D., Ph.D. Research to Prevent Blindness Career Development Award Grant Reviewer, European Research Council, Synergy Jill E. Bixler, M.D. Best Doctors in America César A. Briceño, M.D. Member, American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Grant M. Comer, M.D., M.S. Best Doctors in America Co-Director, Scientific Program, Michigan Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons Annual Meeting Theresa M. Cooney, M.D. Board Member, Michigan Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons Delegate, Michigan State Medical Society Wayne T. Cornblath, M.D. Best Doctors in America Reviewer, Current Eye Research Reviewer, JAMA Ophthalmology Scientific Abstract Reviewer, American Academy of Neurology
July 1, 2013 — June 30, 2014
Monte A. Del Monte, M.D. America’s Top Doctors Castle Connolly Top Doctors Elected Honorary Member, American Association of Certified Orthoptists for Lifetime Service to American Orthoptists Lifetime Achievement Award, American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Consultant, International Affairs Committee, American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Cystaran Medical Advisory Board, Sigma Tau Pharmaceuticals/ Orphan Drug Member and Grant Reviewer, Scientific Advisory Committee, Knight’s Templar Eye Research Foundation 11th Nagamani Dharmapuri Endowed Lecture, Sankara Nethralaya, and Madras City Ophthalmological Association, Chennai 19th Arthur Stickle, M.D., Lecture in Pediatric Ophthalmology, Department of Ophthalmology, Washington University School of Medicine Hakan Demirci, M.D. Best Doctors in America. Raymond S. Douglas, M.D., Ph.D. Best Doctors in America American Academy of Ophthalmology Achievement Award Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology Achievement Award Member, American Ophthalmological Society Susan G. Elner, M.D. Best Doctors in America Member, American Ophthalmological Society Member, Retina Society Fellow, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology Victor M. Elner, M.D., Ph.D. Best Doctors in America Castle Connolly Top Doctors Fellow, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology Jerome I. Finkelstein, M.D., FACS Best Doctors in America Patrice E. Fort, Ph.D. Grant, Biomedical Innovation, French National Research Agency Academic Editor, Ophthalmology Research: An International Journal Editorial Board, Journal of Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology Early Career Reviewer, Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health Study Section Member, National Institutes of Health
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university of michigan kellogg eye center
Faculty honors and recognition
Bruce A. Furr, CO, Ph.D. Board of Directors, American Association of Certified Orthoptists Board of Directors, American Orthoptic Journal Christopher Gappy, M.D. Board Member, Michigan Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons Delegate, Michigan State Medical Society Thomas W. Gardner, M.D., M.S. Best Doctors in America Associate Editor, Acta Ophthalmologica Associate Editor, Diabetes Fellow, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology Grant Reviewer, Diabetes Complications Consortium, T1D Exchange Biobank Scientific Review Committee Scientific Review Committee, Diabetic Retinopathy Clinical Research Network Robert G. Miller Memorial Lecture, Department of Ophthalmology, Northwestern University School of Medicine John R. Heckenlively, M.D. Best Doctors in America Editorial Board, Documenta Ophthalmologica Associate Editor, EYE Editorial Board, EYE Grant Reviewer, California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) Grant Reviewer, Fight for Sight Grant Reviewer, INSERM Grant Reviewer, Research to Prevent Blindness Bret A. Hughes, Ph.D. Special Emphasis Panel, ZEY1-VSN (03) NEI Center Core Applications (P30s), National Institutes of Health Special Emphasis Panel, ZEY1 VSN (02) NEI Career Development and Pathways to Independence Grant Applications (K99s), National Institutes of Health Fellow, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology Mark W. Johnson, M.D. Best Doctors in America Editorial Board, American Journal of Ophthalmology Editorial Board, Retina Editorial Board, Retinal Physician Elected Vice-President, The Retina Society Gary W. Abrams Lecture, Kresge Eye Institute, Wayne State University L. Edward Perraut Lecture, Washington Retina Symposium
July 1, 2013 — June 30, 2014
Alon Kahana, M.D., Ph.D. Best Doctors in America Castle Connolly Top Doctors Alliance for Vision Research Award American Academy of Ophthalmology Achievement Award Research to Prevent Blindness Physician-Scientist Award Editorial Board, Basic and Clinical Science Course, Section 2: Fundamentals, AAO Publications Editorial Board, Ocular Surgery News Editorial Board, Oculoplastic Surgery Section Member, International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies Paul P. Lee, M.D., J.D. Best Doctors in America Castle Connolly Top Doctors Editorial Board, JAMA-Ophthalmology David L. Epstein, MD, MMM Lecture, Duke University Dong H. Shin, M.D., Ph.D., Lecture in Glaucoma and Ophthalmology Research, Kresge Eye Institute Joseph H. Bowlds, M.D., Lecture in Ophthalmology, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine Advisory Board, Hoskins Center for Patient Safety and Quality, Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology Board of Governors, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology Foundation Board of Directors, American Board of Ophthalmology Consultant, Centers for Disease Control Paul R. Lichter, M.D., FACS Best Doctors in America Castle Connolly Top Doctors University of Michigan Medical Center Alumni Society Distinguished Achievement Award Associate Editor, American Journal of Ophthalmology Board of Directors, Foundation of the International Council of Ophthalmology Michael J. Lipson, O.D., FAAO Advisory Board, Gas Permeable Lens Institute Treasurer, Scleral Lens Education Society
Innovation in vision
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Faculty honors and recognition
July 1, 2013 — June 30, 2014
Shahzad I. Mian, M.D. Best Doctors in America Associate Editor, Current Opinion in Ophthalmology Editorial Board, Cornea Journal Board of Directors, Cornea Society Councilor, Cornea Program Committee, American Academy of Ophthalmology Medical Director, Michigan Eye-Bank Policy and Position Review Committee Chair, Accreditation Board, Eye Bank Association of America Member, Ophthalmology Leadership Advocacy Group Program Director’s Council, Association of University Professors in Ophthalmology Residency Review Committee, Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education
David C. Musch, Ph.D., M.P.H. (cont) Review Committee, Prevent Blindness Joanne Angle Investigator Award Scientific Reviewer, Health and Medical Research Fund, Research Grants Council, Food and Health Bureau, Government of the Hong Kong SAR, People’s Republic of China Scientific Reviewer, National Medical Research Council, Government of Singapore Fellow, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology
Sayoko E. Moroi, M.D., Ph.D. Best Doctors in America 2013 Guide to America’s Top Ophthalmologists Director, Bio-banking surgical specimens and clinical data Advocacy Work Group, Advocacy and Public Outreach, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology Glaucoma Panel-Member, Preferred Practice Pattern Committee, American Academy of Ophthalmology Steering Member, International Eye Committee
Howard R. Petty, Ph.D. Review Group, ZRG1-BCMB-A51R Transformative Research Awards, National Institutes of Health Special Emphasis Panel, ZRG1-BDCW-L02M Brain Disorders and Clinical Neuroscience, National Institutes of Health
David C. Musch, Ph.D., M.P.H. Gold Fellow Award, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology Secretariat Award, American Academy of Ophthalmology Editorial Board, Eye and Vision Editorial Board, JAMA Ophthalmology Editorial Board, Retina Advisory Group, Cochrane Collaboration Eyes and Vision Group US Project Chair, Data and Safety Monitoring Committee, Corneal Preservation Time Study, National Institutes of Health Chair, Data and Safety Monitoring Committee, Sirolimus Treatment of Geographic AMD, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, and Santen, Inc. Chair, Data and Safety Monitoring Committee, Study of Comparative Treatments for Retinal Vein Occlusion 2 (SCORE2), National Institutes of Health Chair, Data Monitoring Oversight Committee, Telemedicine Approaches to Evaluating Acute-phase ROP (eROP), National Institutes of Health Grant Application Reviewer, Special Emphasis Panel, National Institutes of Health Ophthalmic Technology Assessment Committee, American Academy of Ophthalmology Preferred Practice Patterns Committee, American Academy of Ophthalmology
Rajesh C. Rao, M.D. Research to Prevent Blindness Career Development Award
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university of michigan kellogg eye center
Christine C. Nelson, M.D., FACS Best Doctors in America Paula Anne Newman-Casey, M.D., M.S. American Glaucoma Society Mentoring for Advancement of Physician-Scientists Award
Donald G. Puro, M.D., Ph.D. Best Doctors in America Fellow, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology
Julia E. Richards, Ph.D. Editorial Board, G3: Genes/Genomics/Genetics Glaucoma Human Collaboration Consortium (NEIGHBOR Consortium), National Eye Institute Scientific Advisory Board, The Glaucoma Foundation Fellow, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology Roni M. Shtein, M.D., M.S. Best Doctors in America Grant Reviewer, American Institute of Biological Sciences and US-Israel Binational Science Foundation Medical Advisory Board, Eye Bank Association of America Medical Director, Michigan Eye-Bank Member and Methodologist, Ophthalmic Technology Assessment Committee, Cornea/Anterior Segment, American Academy of Ophthalmology Methodologist, Refractive Management/Intervention, American Academy of Ophthalmology Michael W. Smith-Wheelock, M.D. Best Doctors in America
Faculty honors and recognition
July 1, 2013 — June 30, 2014
H. Kaz Soong, M.D. Best Doctors in America Assistant Editor, Cornea
Kwoon Y. Wong, Ph.D. Grant Reviewer, French Foundation for Medical Research (Fondation pour la Recherche MĂŠdicale)
Joshua D. Stein, M.D., M.S. Best Doctors in America American Academy of Ophthalmology Achievement Award Editorial Advisory Board, Ophthalmology Times American Glaucoma Society Board of Directors Health Care Policy/Reimbursement Committee Advocacy Day Planning Committee Membership Committee Research Committee Grant Reviewer Committee Member, Preferred Practice Panel, American Academy of Ophthalmology IRIS Registry Work Group, American Academy of Ophthalmology Strategic Planning Working Group, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology Elected Member, American Ophthalmological Society
Maria A. Woodward, M.D. Research Committee, Midwest Eye-Banks Dongli Yang, M.D., Ph.D. Editorial Board, Austin Journal of Clinical Ophthalmology David N. Zacks, M.D., Ph.D. Best Doctors in America Editorial Board, Current Eye Research Appointed Chair, Research Award Committee, Retina Society Annual Meeting Credentials Committee, Retina Society Annual Meeting Participant, Beckman Initiative for Macular Research Neuroprotection Panel, Beckman Institute Retina/Vitreous Knowledge Base Panel, American Academy of Ophthalmology
Resident Awards Alan Sugar, M.D. Best Doctors in America Editor-in-Chief, Cornea Editorial Board, Ophthalmology Chair, Paton Award Committee, Eye Bank Association of America Medical Advisory Board, Eye Bank Association of America Research Committee, Eye Bank Association of America Axel Hansen M.D., Distinguished Lecturer, National Medical Association Debra A. Thompson, Ph.D. Elizabeth Anderson Award for Macular Degeneration Research, Bright Focus Foundation Executive Editor, Experimental Eye Research Fellow, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology Jonathan D. Trobe, M.D. Best Doctors in America Secretariat Award, American Academy of Ophthalmology Joshua P. Vrabec, M.D. Best Doctors in America Jennifer S. Weizer, M.D. Best Doctors in America Resident Education Committee, American Academy Ophthalmology Registry Measure Development Workgroup, American Academy of Ophthalmology
Our residents receive numerous awards for their research and presentations. They are also eligible for the Michigan Ophthalmology Trainee Career Development Award (MOTCDA), which provides support for resident research. To date, six residents have been awarded MOTCDA grants. Abigail Fahim, M.D., Ph.D. X-Chromosome Inactivation Ratios and Variable Expressivity in Heterozygotic Female Carriers of RPGR Mutations Ryan Fante, M.D. Vitreous Cytokine and Chemokine Profile in Macular Edema Secondary to Diabetes and Central Retinal Vein Occlusion Monica Michelotti, M.D. Royal Bolton Hospital, Great Britain Comparison of Safety Initiatives, Quality Assurance, and Training Programs in Two Healthcare Systems Crandall Peeler, M.D. Lumbini Eye Hospital, Nepal Accuracy and Utility of the 3nethra Fundus and Anterior Segment Camera Ira Schachar, MSc, M.D. Laser Retinectomy for the Treatment of Glaucoma Andrew Stacey, M.S., M.D. Retinoblastoma Referral Center, Siena, Italy Assessing the Role of Topotecan as an Adjunct Chemotherapeutic Agent in Selective Ophthalmic Artery Chemotherapy for Children with Retinoblastoma
Innovation in vision
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Faculty publications
Abcouwer SF. Angiogenic factors and cytokines in diabetic retinopathy. J Clin Cell Immunol. 2013;Suppl 1(11). Abcouwer SF, Gardner TW. Diabetic retinopathy: loss of neuroretinal adaptation to the diabetic metabolic environment. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2014 Apr;1311:174-90. Abcouwer SF, Lin CM, Shanmugam S, Muthusamy A, Barber AJ, Antonetti DA. Minocycline prevents retinal inflammation and vascular permeability following ischemiareperfusion injury. J Neuroinflammation. 2013 Dec;10(1):149. Airik R, Slaats GG, Guo Z, Weiss AC, Khan N, Ghosh A, Hurd TW, Bekker-Jensen S, Schrøder JM, Elledge SJ, Andersen JS, Kispert A, Castelli M, Boletta A, Giles RH, Hildebrandt F. Renalretinal ciliopathy gene sdccag8 regulates DNA damage response signaling. J Am Soc Nephrol. Epub 2014 Apr 10. Apkarian AO, Hervey-Jumper SL, Trobe JD. Cerebrospinal fluid leak presenting as oculorrhea after blunt orbitocranial trauma. J Neuroophthalmol. Epub 2014 Apr 15. Argento A, Kim W, Rozsa FW, DeBolt KL, Zikanova S, Richards JR. Shear behavior of bovine scleral tissue. J Biomech Eng. 2014 Jul;136(7). Epub 2014 May 22. Badiyan SN, Rao RC, Apicelli AJ, Acharya S, Verma V, Garsa AA, Dewees T, Speirs` CK, Garcia-Ramirez J, Esthappan J, Grigsby PW, Harbour JW. Outcomes of iodine-125 plaque brachytherapy for uveal melanoma with intraoperative ultrasonography and supplemental transpupillary thermotherapy. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2014 Mar;88(4):801-5. Bakri SJ, Moshfeghi DM, Francom S, Rundle AC, Reshef DS, Lee PP, Schaeffer C, Rubio RG, Lai P. Intraocular pressure in eyes receiving monthly ranibizumab in two pivotal age-related macular degeneration clinical trials. Ophthalmology. 2014 May;121(5):1102-8.
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July 1, 2013 — June 30, 2014
Besirli CG, Johnson MW. Immunogammopathy maculopathy associated with Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia is refractory to conventional interventions for macular edema. Retinal Cases Brief Reports. 2013;7:319-24.
Chen H, Mester T, Raychaudhuri N, Kauh CY, Gupta S, Smith TJ, Douglas RS. Teprotumumab, an IGF-1R blocking monoclonal antibody inhibits TSH and IGF-1 action in fibrocytes. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2014 May 30;jc20141580.
Bingham CM, Harris MA, Vidor IA, Rosen CL, Linberg JV, Marentette LJ, Elner VM, Sivak-Callcott JA. Transcranial orbital decompression for progressive compressive optic neuropathy after 3-wall decompression in severe Graves' orbitopathy. Ophthal Plast Reconstr Surg. 2014 May-Jun;30(3):215-8.
Cheng CY, Schache M, Ikram MK, Young TL, Guggenheim JA, Vitart V, Macgregor S, et al. Nine loci for ocular axial length identified through genome-wide association studies, including shared loci with refractive error. Am J Hum Genet. 2013 Aug;93(2):264-77. [Mian SI, Soong HK, Sugar A – Collaborators]
Bowne SJ, Sullivan LS, Avery CE, Sasser EM, Roorda A, Duncan JL, Wheaton DH, Birch DG, Branham KE, Heckenlively JR, Sieving PA, Daiger SP. Mutations in the small nuclear riboprotein 200 kDa gene (SNRNP200) cause 1.6% of autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa. Mol Vis. 2013 Nov;19:2407-17.
Chinskey ND, Besirli CG, Zacks DN. Retinal cell death and current strategies in retinal neuroprotection. Curr Opin Ophthalmol. 2014 May;25(3):228-33.
Branham K. Genetics in ophthalmology. Insight. 2014;39(2):5-9:quiz 10. Branham K, Yashar BM. Providing comprehensive genetic-based ophthalmic care. Clin Genet. 2013 Aug;84(2):183-9. Briceno CA, Gupta S, Douglas RS. Advances in the management of thyroid eye disease. Int Ophthalmol Clin. 2013 Summer;53(3):93-101. Brown JC, Goldstein JE, Chan TL, Massof R, Ramulu P; Low Vision Research Network Study Group. Characterizing functional complaints in patients seeking outpatient low-vision services in the United States. Ophthalmology. 2014 Aug;121(8):1655-62. Epub 2014 Apr 24. [Day SH, Wicker DM – Collaborators] Chan TL, Goldstein JE, Massof RW; Low Vision Research Network Study Group. Comparison of clinician-predicted to measured low vision outcomes. Optom Vis Sci. 2013 Aug;90(8):77687. [Day SH, Wicker DM – Collaborators] Chaudhary N, Griauzde J, Gemmete JJ, Pandey AS, Trobe JD. Issues in the diagnosis and management of the papilledema shunt. J Neuroophthalmol. Epub 2014 Apr 15.
university of michigan kellogg eye center
Chinskey ND, Johnson MW. Treatment of subretinal fluid associated with dome-shaped macula. Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2013 Nov;44(6):593-5. Chinskey ND, Zheng QD, Zacks DN. Control of photoreceptor autophagy after retinal detachment: the switch from survival to death. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2014 Feb;55(2):68895. Choudhry N, Rao RC. Valsalva retinopathy. N Engl J Med. 2014 Feb;370(8):e13. Cia D, Simonutti M, Fort PE, Doly M, Rendon A. Slight alteration of the electroretinogram in mice lacking dystrophin dp71. Ophthalmic Res. 2014 May;51(4):196-203. Clark A, Zhu A, Petty HR. Titanium-doped cerium oxide nanoparticles protect cells from hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis. J Nanopart Res. 2013 Dec 1;15(12):2126. Danis R, McLaughlin M, Tolentino M, Staurenghi G, Ye L, Xu CF, Kim R, Johnson MW. Pazopanib eye drops: a randomised trial in neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Br J Ophthalmol. 2014 Feb;98(2):172-8.
Faculty publications
Demirci H, Christanson MD. Eyelid angiosarcoma: a case report and review of the literature. Middle East Afr J Ophthalmol. 2013 Jul-Sep;20(3):259-62. Demirci H, Reed D, Elner VM. Tissue-based microarray expression of genes predictive of metastasis in uveal melanoma and differentially expressed in metastatic uveal melanoma. J Ophthalmic Vis Res. 2013 Oct;8(4):303-7. Douglas RS, Mester T, Ginter A, Kim D. Thyrotropin receptor and CD40 mediate interleukin-8 expression in fibrocytes: implications for thyroid associated ophthalmopathy (an American Ophthalmological Society thesis). T Am Ophthal Soc. Epub 2014 May. Elam AR, Lee PP. High-risk populations for vision loss and eye care underutilization: a review of the literature and ideas on moving forward. Surv Ophthalmol. 2013 Jul-Aug;58(4):348-58. Fahim AT, Khan NW, Johnson MW. Acute panretinal structural and functional abnormalities after intravitreous ocriplasmin injection. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2014 Apr;132(4):484-6.
July 1, 2013 — June 30, 2014
Fernando R, Lu Y, Atkins SJ, Mester T, Branham K, Smith TJ. Expression of thyrotropin receptor, thyroglobulin, sodium-iodide symporter, and thyroperoxidase by fibrocytes depends on AIRE. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2014 Jul;99(7):E1236-44. Epub 2014 Apr 7. Fernando R, Vonberg A, Atkins SJ, Pietropaolo S, Pietropaolo M, Smith TJ. Human fibrocytes express multiple antigens associated with autoimmune endocrine diseases. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2014 May;99(5):E796-803. Fort PE, Losiewicz MK, Pennathur S, Jefferson LS, Kimball SR, Abcouwer SF, Gardner TW. mTORC1-independent reduction of retinal protein synthesis in type 1 diabetes. Diabetes. 2014 Sep;63(9):3077-90. Epub 2014 Apr 16. Galvan JA, LeBoyer RM, Michelotti M, DelMonte MA, Elner VM, Mian SI. Mosaic chromosome 18q partial deletion syndrome with bilateral full-thickness corneal disease: surgical intervention and histopathology. Ophthal Genetics. Epub 2013 Sep 11.
Hagstrom SA, Ying GS, Pauer GJ, Sturgill-Short GM, Huang J, Maguire MG, Martin DF; Comparison of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treatments Trials (CATT) Research Group. VEGFA and VEGFR2 gene polymorphisms and response to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy. Comparison of age-related macular degeneration treatments trials (CATT). JAMA Ophthalmol. 2014;132:521-7. [Johnson MW – Collaborator]. Haller T, Furr BA. Fresnel prism use among orthoptists. Am Orthopt J. 2014;64:1-5. Heise EA, Marozas LM, Grafton SA, Green KM, Kirwin SJ, Fort PE. Strain-independent increases of crystallin proteins in the retina of type 1 diabetic rats. PLoS One. 2013 Dec;8(12):e82520. Hollman KW, Shtein RM, Tripathy S, Kim K. Using an ultrasound elasticity microscope to map three-dimensional strain in a porcine cornea. Ultrasound Med Biol. 2013 Aug;39(8):1451-9.
Gillespie BW, Musch DC, Niziol L, Janz NK. Estimating minimally important differences for two vision specific quality of life measures. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2014 Jun;55(7):4206-12.
Hood CT, Soong HK. Prone positioning to facilitate graft adherence in the late postoperative period after Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty. Cornea. 2014 Jun;33(6):628-9.
Grabe HM, McKean EL, Eggenberger ER, Trobe JD. Persistent diplopia and superior oblique muscle dysfunction following dissection of the orbital periosteum in cranial base surgery. Br J Ophthalmol. 2013 Oct;97(10):1330-2.
Hood CT, Woodward MA, Bullard ML, Shtein RM. Influence of preoperative donor tissue characteristics on graft dislocation rate after Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty. Cornea. 2013 Dec;32(12):1527-30.
Fante RJ, Gardner TW, Sundstrom JM. Current and future management of diabetic retinopathy: a personalized evidence-based approach. Diabetes Manag (Lond). 2013 Nov 1;3(6): 481-94.
Gramage E, Li J, Hitchcock P. The expression and function of midkine in the vertebrate retina. Br J Pharmacol. 2014 Feb;171(4):91323.
Hutton D, Newman-Casey PA, Tavag M, Zacks D, Stein J. Switching to less expensive blindness drug could save Medicare part B $18 billion over a ten-year period. Health Aff (Millwood). 2014 Jun;33(6):931-9.
Fante RJ, Trobe JD. Images in Clinical Medicine. Bilateral corneal abrasions from airbag deployment. N Engl J Med. 2014 Jun;370(26):e40.
Greene JB, Jeng BH, Fintelmann RE, Margolis TP. Oral azithromycin for the treatment of meibomitis. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2014 Jan;132(1):121-2.
Fahim AT, Khan NW, Zahid S, Schachar IH, Branham K, Kohl S, Wissinger B, Elner VM, Heckenlively JR, Jayasundera T. Diagnostic fundus autofluorescence patterns in achromatopsia. Am J Ophthalmol. 2013 Dec;156(6):1211-9.
Jain N, Johnson MW. Pathogenesis and treatment of maculopathy associated with cavitary optic disc anomalies. Am J Ophthalmol. Epub 2014 Jun 14.
Innovation in vision
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Faculty publications
Jiang H, Stem MS, Finkelstein JI. Branch retinal artery occlusion following radiation therapy to the head and neck: a case report. BMC Ophthalmol. 2013 Nov;13:66. Kahana A, Elner VM. The meaning of diagnoses in orbital disease. Ophthal Plast Reconstr Surg. 2013 Sep;29(5):347-8. Kahana A, Worden FP, Elner VM. Vismodegib as eye-sparing adjuvant treatment for orbital basal cell carcinoma. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2013 Oct;131(10):1364-6. Kang JH, Loomis SJ, Yaspan BL, Bailey JC, Weinreb RN, Lee RK, Lichter PR...Moroi SE... Richards JE, Hauser MA, Haines JL, Wiggs JL, Pasquale LR. Vascular tone pathway polymorphisms in relation to primary open-angle glaucoma. Eye (Lond). 2014 Jun;28(6):662-71. Kauh CY, Nelson CC. Diagnosis and management of orbital mucormycosis. EyeNet. 2014 Jun;18(6):37-9. Khatib N, Polk T, Johnson MW. Diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Retina. Epub 2014 Apr 29. Kothary PC, Lee P, Al-Khersan H, Zuker L, Del Monte MA. L-ascorbic acid may protect against oxidative damage in hRPE cells by stimulating intracellular erythropoietin activity. Adv Med Biol. 2014;74:115-24. Larkin KL, Saboo US, Comer GM, Forooghian F, Mackensen F, Merrill P, Sen HN, Singh A, Essex RW, Lake S, Lim LL, Vasconcelos-Santos DV, Foster CS, Wilson DJ, Smith JR. Use of intravitreal rituximab for treatment of vitreoretinal lymphoma. Br J Ophthalmol. 2014 Jan;98(1):99-103. Lass JH, Benetz BA, Gal RL, Kollman C, Raghinaru D, Dontchev M, Mannis MJ, Holland EJ, Chow C, McCoy K, Price FW, Jr., Sugar A, Verdier DD, Beck RW. Donor age and factors related to endothelial cell loss 10 years after penetrating keratoplasty: specular microscopy ancillary study. Ophthalmology. 2013 Dec;120(12):2428-35.
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July 1, 2013 — June 30, 2014
Li B, Smith TJ. Divergent expression of IL-1 receptor antagonists in CD34+ fibrocytes and orbital fibroblasts in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy: contribution of fibrocytes to orbital inflammation. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2013 Jul;98(7):2783-90.
Malkin AG, Goldstein JE, Perlmutter MS, Massof RW; Low Vision Research Network Study Group. Responsiveness of the EQ-5D to the effects of low vision rehabilitation. Optom Vis Sci. 2013 Aug;90(8):799-805. [Day SH, Wicker DM – Collaborators]
Li B, Smith TJ. Regulation of IL-1 receptor antagonist by TSH in fibrocytes and orbital fibroblasts. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2014 Apr;99(4):E625-33.
Mannis MJ, Holland EJ, Gal RL, Dontchev M, Kollman C, Raghinaru D, Dunn SP, Schultze RL, Verdier DD, Lass JH, Raber IM, Sugar J, Gorovoy MS, Sugar A, Stulting RD, Montoya MM, Penta JG, Benetz BA, Beck RW. The effect of donor age on penetrating keratoplasty for endothelial disease: graft survival after 10 years in the Cornea Donor Study. Ophthalmology. 2013 Dec;120(12):2419-27.
Li B, Smith TJ. PI3K/AKT pathway mediates induction of IL-1RA by TSH in fibrocytes: modulation by PTEN. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Epub 2014 May 19. Li L, Khan N, Hurd T, Ghosh AK, Cheng C, Molday R, Heckenlively JR, Swaroop A, Khanna H. Ablation of the X-linked retinitis pigmentosa 2 (Rp2) gene in mice results in opsin mislocalization and photoreceptor degeneration. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2013 Jul;54(7):5403-11. Liu Y, Hauser MA, Akafo SK...Moroi SE... Richards JE, et al. Investigation of known genetic risk factors for primary open-angle glaucoma in two populations of African ancestry. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2013 Sep;54(9):6248-54. Loomis SJ, Kang JH, Weinreb RN...Moroi SE... Richards JE, et al. Association of CAV1/CAV2 genomic variants with primary open-angle glaucoma overall and by gender and pattern of visual field loss. Ophthalmology. 2014 Feb;121(2):508-16. Mackay DS, Dev Borman A, Sui R...Heckenlively JR, Branham K, et al. Screening of a large cohort of Leber congenital amaurosis and retinitis pigmentosa patients identifies novel LCA5 mutations and new genotype-phenotype correlations. Hum Mutat. 2013 Nov;34(11):1537-46. Maher CO, Garton HJ, Al-Holou WN, Trobe JD, Muraszko KM, Jackson EM. Management of subdural hygromas associated with arachnoid cysts. J Neurosurg Pediatr. 2013 Nov;12(5):434-43.
university of michigan kellogg eye center
Maranhao B, Biswas P, Duncan JL, Branham KE, Silva GA, Naeem MA, Khan SN, Riazuddin S, Hejtmancik JF, Heckenlively JR, Riazuddin SA, Lee PL, Ayyagari R. ExomeSuite: whole exome sequence variant filtering tool for rapid identification of putative disease causing SNVs/indels. Genomics. 2014 FebMar;103(2-3):169-76. Marozas LM, Fort PE. Diabetic retinopathy— update on prevention techniques, present therapies, and new leads. US Ophthalmic Rev. 2014;7(1):54-8. McCoy AN, Kim DS, Gillespie EF, Atkins SJ, Smith TJ, Douglas RS. Rituximab (Rituxan) therapy for severe thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy diminishes IGF-1R(+) T cells. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2014 Jul;99(7):E1294-9. Epub 2014 Mar 26. Momont AC, Stein JD, Lee PP, Weizer JS. Simultaneous placement of 2 glaucoma drainage devices for uncontrolled glaucoma. Can J Ophthalmol. 2014 Apr;49(2):205-9. Musch DC. Evidence for including lutein and zeaxanthin in oral supplements for age-related macular degeneration. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2014 Feb;132(2):139-41.
Faculty publications
Musch DC, Gillespie BW, Palmberg PF, Spaeth G, Niziol LM, Lichter PR. Visual field improvement in the Collaborative Initial Glaucoma Treatment Study. Am J Ophthalmol. 2014 Jul;158(1):96104.e2. Epub 2014 Apr 12. Muthusamy A, Lin CM, Shanmugam S, Lindner HM, Abcouwer SF, Antonetti DA. Ischemia-reperfusion injury induces occludin phosphorylation/ubiquitination and retinal vascular permeability in a VEGFR-2-dependent manner. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab. 2014 Mar;34(3):522-31. Nahomi RB, Palmer A, Green KM, Fort PE, Nagaraj RH. Pro-inflammatory cytokines downregulate Hsp27 and cause apoptosis of human retinal capillary endothelial cells. Biochim Biophys Acta. 2014 Feb;1842(2):164-74. Nair KS, Abel ED, Adler SG, Dyck PJ, Gardner TW, Haskins KM, Hotamisligil G, Jensen MD, Krook A, Mandarino LJ, Mitchell BD, Pessin JE, Sowers JR, Sussel L, Wareham N, Vella A. Time to look back and to look forward. Diabetes. 2014 Apr;63(4):1169-70.
July 1, 2013 — June 30, 2014
Oliver VF, Franchina M, Jaffe AE, Branham KE, Othman M, Heckenlively JR, Swaroop A, Campochiaro B, Vote BJ, Craig JE, Saffery R, Mackey DA, Qian J, Zack DJ, Hewitt AW, Merbs SL. Hypomethylation of the IL17RC promoter in peripheral blood leukocytes is not a hallmark of age-related macular degeneration. Cell Rep. 2013 Dec;5(6):1527-35. Ong SS, Sanka K, Mettu PS, Brosnan TM, Stinnett SS, Lee PP, Challa P. Resident compliance with the American Academy of Ophthalmology preferred practice pattern guidelines for primary open-angle glaucoma. Ophthalmology. 2013 Dec;120(12):2462-9. Osadebe LU, Li Y, Damon IK, Reynolds MG, Muyombwe A, Gappy C. Ocular molluscum contagiosum atypical clinical presentation. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 2014 Jun;33(6):668.
Newman-Casey PA, Stem M, Talwar N, Musch DC, Besirli CG, Stein JD. Risk factors associated with developing branch retinal vein occlusion among enrollees in a United States managed care plan. Ophthalmology. Epub 2014 Jun 19.
Ozel AB, Moroi SE, Reed DM, Nika M, Schmidt CM, Akbari S, Scott K, Rozsa F, Pawar H, Musch DC, Lichter PR, Gaasterland D, Branham K, Gilbert J, Garnai SJ, Chen W, Othman M, Heckenlively J, Swaroop A, Abecasis G, Friedman DS, Zack D, Ashley-Koch A, Ulmer M, Kang JH, Liu Y, Yaspan BL, Haines J, Allingham RR, Hauser MA, Pasquale L, Wiggs J, Richards JE, Li JZ. Genome-wide association study and meta-analysis of intraocular pressure. Hum Genet. 2014 Jan;133(1):41-57.
Newman-Casey PA, Talwar N, Nan B, Musch DC, Pasquale LR, Stein JD. The potential association between postmenopausal hormone use and primary open-angle glaucoma. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2014 Mar;132(3):298-303.
Parra-Colin PD, Barrientos-Gutierrez T, Mian SI. Axial length's role in intraocular lens power calculation error in X-linked megalocornea: a case-series analysis. Ophthalmic Genet. 2014 Sep;35(3):180-3. Epub 2013 Sep 3.
Nika M, Blachley TS, Edwards P, Lee PP, Stein JD. Regular examinations for toxic maculopathy in long-term chloroquine or hydroxychloroquine users. JAMA Ophthalmol. Epub 2014 Jun 26.
Pasquale LR, Loomis SJ, Weinreb RN… Lichter PR…Moroi SE…Richards JE, et al. Estrogen pathway polymorphisms in relation to primary open angle glaucoma: an analysis accounting for gender from the United States. Mol Vis. 2013 Jul;19:1471-81. Peeler CE, Dhakhwa K, Mian SI, Blachley T, Patel S, Musch DC, Woodward MA. Telemedicine for corneal disease in rural Nepal. J Telemed Telecare. 2014 Jun;20(5):263-6.
Peron T, Shtein RM, Titus MS, Woodward MA. Tissue processing for ultra-thin Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty. Int J Eye Bank. 2014 Mar;2(1). Ple-Plakon PA, Shtein RM, Musch DC, Blachley T, Saponara F, Woodward MA. Tissue characteristics and reported adverse events after corneal transplantation. Cornea. Epub 2013 Aug 22. Rao RC, Choudhry N, Apte RS. Regression of iris neovascularisation secondary to diabetic retinopathy with subconjunctival anti-VEGF therapy. Lancet. 2014 Feb;2(2):182. Rao RC, Gragoudas ES. Choroidal metastases from EML4-ALK-positive non-small-cell lung adenocarcinoma. J Clin Oncol. Epub 2014 Apr 14. Rao RC, Zacks DN. Cell and gene therapy. Dev Ophthalmol. 2014;53:167-77. Ratnapriya R, Zhan X, Fariss RN, Branham KE…Heckenlively JR, et al. Rare and common variants in extracellular matrix gene Fibrillin 2 (FBN2) are associated with macular degeneration. Hum Mol Genet. Epub 2014 Jun 4. Raychaudhuri N, Fernando R, Smith TJ. Thyrotropin regulates IL-6 expression in CD34 fibrocytes: clear delineation of its cAMP-independent actions. PLoS One. 2013 Sep;8(9):e75100. Rootman DB, Kim MJ, Aldave AJ, Douglas R, Hwang C, Goldberg R. Ocular surface, fornix, and eyelid rehabilitation in Boston type I keratoprosthesis patients with mucous membrane disease. Ophthal Plast Reconstr Surg. Epub 2014 Jun 6. Rusu IM, Mrejen S, Engelbert M, Gallego-Pinazo R, Ober M, Johnson MW, Leys A, Yannuzzi LA. Immunogammopathies and acquired vitelliform detachments: a report of four cases. Am J Ophthalmol. 2014 Mar;157(3):648-57.
Innovation in vision
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Faculty publications
Samie M, Wang X, Zhang X‌Zolov SN, et al. A TRP channel in the lysosome regulates large particle phagocytosis via focal exocytosis. Dev Cell. 2013 Sep;26(5):511-24. Sarraf D, Rahimy E, Fawzi AA, Sohn E, Barbazetto I, Zacks DN, Mittra RA, Klancnik JM, Mrejen S, Goldberg NR, Beardsley R, Sorenson JA, Freund KB. Paracentral acute middle maculopathy: a new variant of acute macular neuroretinopathy associated with retinal capillary ischemia. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2013 Oct;131(10): 1275-87. Schell GJ, Lavieri MS, Helm JE, Liu X, Musch DC, Van Oyen MP, Stein JD. Using filtered forecasting techniques to determine personalized monitoring schedules for patients with open-angle glaucoma. Ophthalmology. 2014 Aug;121(8):1539-46. Epub 2014 Apr 4. Schell GJ, Lavieri MS, Stein JD, Musch DC. Filtering data from the Collaborative Initial Glaucoma Treatment Study for improved identification of glaucoma progression. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak. 2013 Dec;13:137. Schneider EW, Elner SG, van Kuijk FJ, Goldberg N, Lieberman RM, Eliott D, Johnson MW. Chronic retinal necrosis: cytomegalovirus necrotizing retinitis associated with panretinal vasculopathy in non-HIV patients. Retina. 2013 Oct;33(9):1791-9. Schneider EW, Johnson MW. Repair of primary noncomplex rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. US Ophthalmic Review. 2013;6(2):135-43. Schneider EW, Johnson MW. Reply to: Comment on cytomegalovirus necrotizing retinitis. Retina. Apr;34(4):e8-9. Schneider EW, Mruthyunjaya P, Talwar N, Harris Nwanyanwu K, Nan B, Stein JD. Reduced fluorescein angiography and fundus photography use in the management of neovascular macular degeneration and macular edema over the past decade. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2014 Jan;55(1):542-9.
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July 1, 2013 — June 30, 2014
Scott IU, Jackson GR, Quillen DA, Larsen M, Klein R, Liao J, Holfort S, Munch IC, Gardner TW. Effect of doxycycline vs. placebo on retinal function and diabetic retinopathy progression in patients with severe nonproliferative or nonhigh-risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2014 May;132(5):535-43. Scoville BA, De Lott LB, Trobe JD, Mueller BA. Ethambutol optic neuropathy in a hemodialysis patient receiving a guideline-recommended dose. J Neuroophthalmol. 2013 Dec;33(4): 421-3. Shan SJ, Douglas RS. The pathophysiology of thyroid eye disease. J Neuroophthalmol. 2014 Jun;34(2):177-85. Shtein RM, Hussain MT, Cooney TM, Elner VM, Hood CT. Effect of tamsulosin on iris vasculature and morphology. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2014 May;40(5):793-8. Shtein RM, Lee PP. Qualitative analysis of web-based refractive surgery information sessions. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2014 Jan;40(1):159-61. Simo R, Sundstrom JM, Antonetti DA. Ocular anti-VEGF therapy for diabetic retinopathy: the role of VEGF in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. Diabetes Care. 2014 Apr;37(4):893-9. Smith TJ. Advances in understanding autoimmune pituitary disease: standardized methods for autoantibody detection. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2014 May;99(5):1589-92. Stacey A, McKean EL, Trobe JD. Morning rounds: the case of a narrow escape. EyeNet. 2013 Dec:47-9. Stafford BK, Park SJ, Wong KY, Demb JB. Developmental changes in NMDA receptor subunit composition at ON and OFF bipolar cell synapses onto direction-selective retinal ganglion cells. J Neurosci. 2014 Jan;34(5):1942-8.
university of michigan kellogg eye center
Stein JD, Blachley TS, Musch DC. Identification of persons with incident ocular diseases using health care claims databases. Am J Ophthalmol. 2013 Dec;156(6):1169-75. Stein JD, Lum F, Lee PP, Rich WL 3rd, Coleman AL. Use of health care claims data to study patients with ophthalmologic conditions. Ophthalmology. 2014 May;121(5):1134-41. Stein JD, Newman-Casey PA, Mrinalini T, Lee PP, Hutton DW. Cost-effectiveness of bevacizumab and ranibizumab for newly diagnosed neovascular macular degeneration (an American Ophthalmological Society thesis). Trans Am Ophthalmol Soc. 2013 Sep;111:56-69. Stein JD, Newman-Casey PA, Mrinalini T, Lee PP, Hutton DW. Cost-effectiveness of bevacizumab and ranibizumab for newly diagnosed neovascular macular degeneration. Ophthalmology. 2014 Apr;121(4):936-45. Stem MS, Fahim A, Trobe JD, Parmar HA, Ibrahim M. Lateral geniculate lesions causing reversible blindness in a pre-eclamptic patient with a variant of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome. J Neuroophthalmol. Epub 2014 Apr 15. Stem MS, Gardner TW. Neurodegeneration in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic implications. Curr Med Chem. 2013 Sep;20(26): 3241-50. Stem MS, Hussain M, Lentz S, Raval N, Gardner TW, Pop-Busui R, Shtein RM. Differential reduction in corneal nerve fiber length in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus. J Diab Comp. Epub 2014 Jun 17. Sugar A. Faster and Better. Cornea. 2013 Nov;32(11):1413. Sugar A.; Editorial Board of Cornea Re: Chen et al.: Publication times, impact factors, and advance online publication in ophthalmology journals (Ophthalmology 2013;120:1697701). Ophthalmology. 2014 Jun;121(6):e29.
Faculty publications
Tari SR, Youssif M, Samson CM, Harris R, Lin CM, Kompella U, Antonetti DA, Barile GR. Polychromatic angiography for the assessment of VEGF-induced BRB dysfunction in the rabbit retina. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2013 Aug;54(8):5550-8. Wang C, Zhan X, Bragg-Gresham J, Kang HM, Stambolian D, Chew EY, Branham KE, Heckenlively J, Fulton R, Wilson RK, Mardis ER, Lin X, Swaroop A, Zollner S, Abecasis GR. Ancestry estimation and control of population stratification for sequence-based association studies. Nat Genet. 2014 Apr;46(4):409-15.
July 1, 2013 — June 30, 2014
Wu RA, Grand P, Trobe JD. Diagnosis and management of ophthalmic emergencies in the hospital. Hosp Med Clin. July 2014;3: e409-e29. Yang D, Chen J. The P2X7 receptor in AMD. Austin J Clin Ophthalmol. 2014;1(3):9. Yao J, Jia L, Shelby SJ, Ganios AM, Feathers K, Thompson DA, Zacks DN. Circadian and noncircadian modulation of autophagy in photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2014 Apr;55(5):3237-46.
Wang F, Wang H, Tuan HF…Branham KE, Heckenlively JR, et al. Next generation sequencing-based molecular diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa: identification of a novel genotypephenotype correlation and clinical refinements. Hum Genet. 2014 Mar;133(3):331-45.
Zahid S, Khan N, Branham K, Othman M, Karoukis AJ, Sharma N, Moncrief A, Mahmood MN, Sieving PA, Swaroop A, Heckenlively JR, Jayasundera T. Phenotypic conservation in patients with X-linked retinitis pigmentosa caused by RPGR mutations. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2013 Aug;131(8):1016-25.
Wang X, Wang H, Sun V…Heckenlively JR, et al. Comprehensive molecular diagnosis of 179 Leber congenital amaurosis and juvenile retinitis pigmentosa patients by targeted next generation sequencing. J Med Genet. 2013 Oct;50(10):674-88.
Zahid S, Peeler C, Khan N, Davis J, Mahmood M, Heckenlively JR, Jayasundera T. Digital quantification of Goldmann visual fields (GVFs) as a means for genotype-phenotype comparisons and detection of progression in retinal degenerations. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2014;801:131-7.
Wang Y, Smith TJ. Current concepts in the molecular pathogenesis of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2014 Mar;55(3):1735-48.
Zhan X, Larson DE, Wang C… Branham KE… Heckenlively JR, et al. Identification of a rare coding variant in complement 3 associated with age-related macular degeneration. Nat Genet. 2013 Nov;45(11):1375-9.
Weizer JS, Brosnan TM, McCallum RM, Velazquez MS, Lee PP. Development of a quality improvement program in a department of ophthalmology. Br J Ophthalmol. 2013 Dec;97(12):1549-53.
Zhang L, Hood CT, Vrabec JP, Cullen AL, Parrish EA, Moroi SE. Mechanisms for in-the-bag uveitis-glaucoma-hyphema syndrome. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2014 Mar;40(3):490-2.
Zhang X, Beckles GL, Chou CF, Saaddine JB, Wilson MR, Lee PP, Parvathy N, Ryskulova A, Geiss LS. Socioeconomic disparity in use of eye care services among US adults with agerelated eye diseases: National Health Interview Survey, 2002 and 2008. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2013 Sep;131(9):1198-206. Zhang X, Hughes BA. KCNQ and KCNE potassium channel subunit expression in bovine retinal pigment epithelium. Exp Eye Res. 2013 Nov;116:424-32. Zhang X, Igo RP, Jr., Foundran JR, Mootha VV, Oliva M, Hammersmith K, Sugar A, Lass JH, Iyengar SK. Association of smoking and other risk factors with Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy severity and corneal thickness. Invest Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2013 Aug;54(8): 5829-35. Zhang XJ, Jhanji V, Leung CK, Li EY, Liu Y, Zheng C, Musch DC, Chang DF, Liang YB, Lam DS. Barriers for poor cataract surgery uptake among patients with operable cataract in a program of outreach screening and low-cost surgery in rural China. Ophthalmic Epidemiol. 2014 Jun;21(3):153-60. Zhao X, Stafford BK, Godin AL, King WM, Wong KY. Photoresponse diversity among the five types of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells. J Physiol. 2014 Apr;592:1619-36. Zinnanti WJ, Lazovic J, Housman C, Antonetti DA, Koeller DM, Connor JR, Steinman L. Mechanism of metabolic stroke and spontaneous cerebral hemorrhage in glutaric aciduria type I. Acta Neuropathol Commun. 2014 Jan;2(1):13.
Woodward MA, Titus MS, Shtein RM. Effect of microkeratome pass on tissue processing for Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty. Cornea. 2014 May;33(5):507-9.
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49
External grants and Funding
July 1, 2013 — June 30, 2014
Faculty Name
P roject T itle
Source
S. Abcouwer, Ph.D.
Bone Marrow Neuropathy Drives Diabetic Retinopathy; multi-PI Regulation of Retinal Cell Death in Diabetes; multi-PI Role of Interferon-gamma in the Retinal Neuroinflammatory Control of Innate Inflammatory Responses in the Retina; multi-PI Testing the Role of A3AR in Diabetic Retinopathy Pathologies CCL2 Trap for Diabetic Retinopathy; multi-PI
NIH NIH ADA BrightFocus Foundation JDRF Novo Nordisk
D. Antonetti, Ph.D. Mechanisms of Retinal Vascular Permeability in Diabetes The Retinal Microenvironment in Diabetic Retinopathy Subcontract with Northwestern University Discovering Novel Atypical PKC Inhibitors as in vivo Chemical Probes Structural Studies of Tight Junction Proteins, Subcontract with Pennsylvania State University Targeting aPKC as a Therapy for Diabetic Retinopathy PolyChromatic Angiography for Grading Retinal Vascular Leakage CCL2 Trap for Diabetic Retinopathy; multi-PI Jules and Doris Stein RPB Professorship
NIH NIH
C. Besirli, M.D., Ph.D. Neuroprotection in Pediatric Retinal Detachment Career Development Award B. Bohnsack, M.D., Ph.D. Regulation of Ocular Neural Crest and Its Implications in Congenital Eye Diseases Zebrafish Model of Primary Congenital Glaucoma: Understanding CYP1B1 Regulation of Eye Development Career Development Award
NIH RPB
G. Comer, M.D., M.S. Treatment for Central-Involved Diabetic Macular Edema in Eyes, Coordinating Center: Jaeb Center for Health Research Structural and Functional Relationships of the Retina in Diabetic Macular Edema A Natural History Study of Macular Telangiectasia— The MacTel Study A Phase 2 Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor (CNTF) for Macular Telangiectasia Type 2 (MacTel)
NIH/Clinical Trial
M. Del Monte, M.D. A 3-month, Multi-Center, Double-Masked Safety and Efficacy Study of Travoprost Ophthalmic Solution, 0.004% Compared to Timolol (0.5% or 0.25%) in Pediatric Glaucoma Patient
Alcon Laboratories, Inc.
NIH NIH JDRF JDRF Novo Nordisk RPB
NIH Edward Mallinckrodt Jr. Foundation RPB
JDRF LMRI/Clinical Trial LMRI/Clinical Trial
R. Douglas, M.D., Ph.D. Role of CD40+ Fibrocytes in Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy NIH A Multicenter, Double-Masked, Placebo-Controlled, Efficacy and Safety Study River Vision LLC of RV001, an Insulin-like Growth Factor-1Receptor (IGF-1R) Antagonist Antibody (fully human), Administered Every 3 Weeks (Q3W) by Intravenous (IV) Infusion in Patients Suffering from Active Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) Lew R. Wasserman Merit Award RPB S. Elner, M.D. Multicenter Uveitis Steroid Treatment (MUST) Trial Coordinating Center: Johns Hopkins University Intravitreal Injections of DE-109 for the Treatment of Active, Non-Infectious Uveitis
NIH/Clinical Trial Santen Pharmaceutical
P. Fort, Ph.D., M.S. Progressive Impact of Diabetes on Retinal Neuroprotection by α-Crystallins NIH Characterization of Crystallin Proteins Expression in Human Retina: Effect Midwest Eye-Banks of Diabetes
50
university of michigan kellogg eye center
External grants and Funding
July 1, 2013 — June 30, 2014
Faculty Name
P roject T itle
Source
P. Gage, Ph.D.
Pitx 2: Molecular Mechanisms in Eye Development and Disease An Inducible and Rapid Model of Glaucoma in Mice New Mouse Models of Human CHARGE Syndrome
NIH BrightFocus Foundation Midwest Eye-Banks
T. Gardner, M.D., M.S.
Metabolic Reprogramming in Diabetic Complications; multi-PI Michigan Vision Clinician-Scientist Development Program; multi-PI Regulation of Retinal Cell Death in Diabetes; multi-PI Genes in Diabetic Retinopathy, Coordinating Center: Jaeb Prompt Panretinal Photocoagulation (Protocol S), Coordinating Center: Jaeb Evaluation of Retinal Sensory Neuropathy A Diabetic Retinopathy Risk of Progression Calculator The Novo Nordisk Diabetic Complications Scientific Challenge Physician-Scientist Award
NIH NIH NIH NIH/Clinical Trial NIH/Clinical Trial JDRF Midwest Eye-Banks Novo Nordisk RPB
J. Heckenlively, M.D. Investigation of Autoimmune Anti-Retinal Antibodies in Diabetes NIH Center for the Study of Retinal Degenerative Diseases FFB Clinical Evaluation of Individuals with X-linked Retinoschisis (XLRS) FFB and Applied Genetic Technologies Corp. X-Chromosome Inactivation Ratios and Variable Expressivity in Heterozygotic The Juliette Retinitis Pigmentosa Female Carriers of RPGR Mutations Award for Abigail Fahim, M.D., Ph.D. (RP) Foundation A Phase II Multiple Site, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Oral Valproic NNRI Acid for Retinitis Pigmentosa P. Hitchcock, Ph.D.
Neuronal Development, Injury and Repair in Retina Vision Research Training Program NRSA Postdoctoral Fellowship for Scott Taylor, Ph.D.
NIH NIH NIH
B. Hughes, Ph.D.
Core Center for Vision Research (five core modules) Ion Conductances in the Retinal Pigment Epithelium
NIH NIH
K.T. Jayasundera, M.D. Quantification of Macular Autofluorescence in Dry Age-Related Alliance for Vision Research Macular Degeneration Quantification of Changes in Macular Autofluorescence in Dry Age-Related Fight for Sight Macular Degeneration Novel Quantification Methods for Fundus Flavoprotein Fluorescence Midwest Eye-Banks and Lipofuscin Fluorescence to Detect Progression in Stargardt Disease A. Kahana, M.D., Ph.D. A Zebrafish Model of Extraocular Muscle Regeneration Investigating the Roles of Retinoic Acid and Thyroid Hormone in the Pathogenesis of Thyroid Eye Disease Regulation of Extraocular Muscle Response to Injury by Autophagy and Extracellular Matrix Remodeling, Possible Targets for Therapy Physician-Scientist Award
NIH Alliance for Vision Research
P. Lee, M.D., J.D.
Michigan Vision Clinician-Scientist Development Program; multi-PI Vision Health Initiative - IPA with CDC Unrestricted Grant Child Vision Care Fund
NIH NIH RPB W.K. Kellogg Foundation
M. Lipson, O.D.
Overnight Corneal Reshaping - Quality of Life (OCRQL) Survey Instrument
Bausch & Lomb, Inc.
Alliance for Vision Research RPB
Innovation in vision
51
External grants and Funding Faculty Name
July 1, 2013 — June 30, 2014
P roject T itle
Source
S. Mian, M.D. Ocular Findings after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Treatment of Ocular Graft-versus-Host Disease (GVHD) with Topical Loteprednol Etabonate 0.5% Eye Bank Preparation of Donor Tissue for Descemet’s Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty Tissue Processing Techniques for Ultra-Thin Descemet’s Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty, Award for Maria Woodward, M.D.
Alliance for Vision Research Bausch & Lomb, Inc.
S. Moroi, M.D., Ph.D. Aqueous Humor Dynamic Components that Determine Intraocular Pressure Variance
NIH
D. Musch, Ph.D., M.P.H. Clinical and Quality of Life Insights on Glaucoma from Analyses of CIGTS Data Factors Predictive of Rapid Visual Field Loss in Early Glaucoma, Subcontract with Washington University Statins to Prevent Glaucoma Trial (STOP Glaucoma Trial) Planning Grant; multi-PI Lew R. Wasserman Award
NIH NIH
P. Newman-Casey, M.D., M.S. Adherence to Glaucoma Medications
American Glaucoma Society
H. Pawar, Ph.D.
Alliance for Vision Research
Defining the Anatomical Mechanism of Canaloplasty Angle Surgery
Midwest Eye-Banks Midwest Eye-Banks
NIH RPB
H. Petty, Ph.D. Evaluating the Toxicity of Novel Anti-Tumor Nanoparticles in Animals Alliance for Vision Research Mechanistic Studies of a New Light-Activated Nanoparticle for Alliance for Vision Research Managing Ocular Cancer Pilot Studies on the Anti-Tumor Capacity of Novel Catalytic Nanoparticles Elsa U. Pardee Foundation D. Puro, M.D., Ph.D.
Retinovascular Pathophysiology: Focus on Proliferative Retinopathy Retinopathy of Prematurity: A New Experimental Approach
NIH Alliance for Vision Research
J. Richards, Ph.D. A Study of Ocular Aging Midwest Eye-Banks Mechanics of Intraocular Pressure Increase Associated with NSF Genetic Factors; multi-PI Senior Scientific Investigator Award RPB
52
R. Shtein, M.D., M.S. Neovascularization Patterns in Corneal Graft Rejection Trends in Utilization of Endothelial and Penetrating Keratoplasty for Treatment of Corneal Endothelial Disease In vivo Effects of Antiglaucomatous Prostaglandin Therapy on Immune Cells, Epithelium, and Nerves of the Ocular Surface: A Laser in-vivo Confocal Microscopy Study
NIH Alliance for Vision Research
T. Smith, M.D.
NIH NIH NIH RPB
Immunoglobulin Activation of Fibroblasts Regulation of Retroocular Connective Tissue Functional Diversity of Orbital Fibroblasts Physician-Scientist Award
university of michigan kellogg eye center
MEEI
External grants and Funding Faculty Name
July 1, 2013 — June 30, 2014
P roject T itle
Source
J. Stein, M.D., M.S. Association between Cataract Surgery and Progression of Diabetic Retinopathy NIH Statins to Prevent Glaucoma Trial (STOP Glaucoma Trial) NIH A Dynamic, Personalized Glaucoma Monitoring Decision Support Glaucoma Research Foundation Model Enabled by an Extension of Kalman Filtering Theory Assessment of the Relation between Medications that Alter InnateImmunity MEEI and Glaucoma Forecasting and Control Methodology for Monitoring and Management NSF of Chronic Diseases Physician-Scientist Award RPB A. Sugar, M.D.
Corneal Preservation Time Study, Coordinating Center: Jaeb
NIH/Clinical Trial
D. Thompson, Ph.D.
Control of Innate Inflammatory Responses in the Retina; multi-PI Center for the Study of Retinal Degenerative Diseases Gene-Replacement Therapy for XLRP Due to RPGR Mutations Gene-Replacement Therapy for RDH12 Mutations
BrightFocus Foundation FFB FFB RDH12 Fund for Sight
K. Wong, Ph.D. Physiology of Intrinsically Photosensitive Rentinal Ganglion Cells Ameliorating the Condition of the Blind through Melanopsin Neural Circuits and Synapses for Early Visual Processing Functional Characterization of Developmental Changes in NMDA Receptor Subunit Composition of Retinal Ganglion Cells Career Development Award
NIH Alliance for Vision Research US Department of Defense-Army Midwest Eye-Banks
M. Woodward, M.D.
NIH
Telemedicine For Anterior Eye Diseases
D. Zacks, M.D., Ph.D. Autophagy and Control of Photoreceptor Apoptosis Feasibility Study of ONL-101 for Photoreceptor Neuroprotection Prevention of Photoreceptor Cell Death with Intravitreal Fas-receptor Antagonist, Subcontract with ONL Therapeutics, PI: Jeffrey Jamison, Ph.D. Autophagy and Age-Related Macular Degeneration Center for the Study of Retinal Degenerative Diseases Sybil B. Harrington Special Scholar Award
RPB
NIH NIH
Beckman Foundation FFB RPB
Source Abbreviations ADA ...... American Diabetes Association
NIH ....... National Institutes of Health
FFB ....... Foundation Fighting Blindness
NNRI ..... National Neurovision Research Institute
JDRF ..... Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International
NSF ....... National Science Foundation
MEEI ..... Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
RPB ....... Research to Prevent Blindness
Innovation in vision
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Educating the next generation of ophthalmologists and vision scientists Graduate Chief Resident
3rd Year Residents
Abigail Fahim, M.D., Ph.D. Lecturer, Comprehensive Ophthal mology and Cataract Surgery M.D. Baylor University Ph.D. University of Michigan
Courtney Kauh, M.D., M.S. M.S. Ohio State University M.D. University of Toledo
1st Year Residents
Mehnaz Khan, M.D., M.S. M.S. Johns Hopkins University M.D. Vanderbilt University
Daniel Albertus, M.D. M.D. University of Michigan
Lee Kiang, M.D., Ph.D. M.D. Weill Cornell Medical College Ph.D. Rockefeller University
Karen Christopher, M.D. M.D. University of Colorado School of Medicine
Matthew Manry, M.D. M.D. University of South Florida
Daniel Kasprick, M.D. M.D. University of Michigan Krista Stewart, M.D. M.D. University of Wisconsin Madison School of Medicine Marius Tijunelis, M.D., M.B.A. M.D. Rush Medical College M.B.A. Haas Business School, University of California, Berkeley Sophia Wang, M.D. M.D. University of California, San Francisco Thomas Wubben, M.D., Ph.D. M.D. University of Illinois at Chicago Ph.D. University of Illinois at Chicago 2nd Year Residents David DeMill, M.D. M.D. University of Utah Neil Farbman, J.D., M.D. J.D. Harvard University M.D. University of Pennsylvania Michelle Kron-Gray, M.D., Ph.D. M.D. University of Michigan Ph.D. University of Michigan Stephen Smith, M.D. M.D. Mayo Medical School Maxwell Stem, M.D. M.D. Pennsylvania State University Kevin Tozer, M.D. M.D. University of Southern California Grace Wang, M.D., Ph.D. M.D. Johns Hopkins University Ph.D. Johns Hopkins University
54
Monica Michelotti, M.D. M.D. University of Michigan Melisa Nika, M.D. M.D. University of Michigan Andrew Stacey, M.S., M.D. M.S. Brigham Young University M.D. Ohio State University Clinical Fellows Victoria Addis, M.D. Glaucoma, Cataract and Anterior Segment Disease M.D. Jefferson Medical College Residency Washington Hospital Center, Georgetown University Sejal Amin, M.D. Cornea and External Disease, Cataract and Refractive Surgery M.D. University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine Residency Mayo Clinic Lulu Bursztyn, M.D. Neuro-Ophthalmology M.D. Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario Residency Western University in London, Ontario Catherine Choi, M.D. Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus M.D. University of Florida College of Medicine Residency University of Florida Steven Cohen, M.D. Vitreo-Retinal Surgical (2nd year) M.D. University of Missouri Kansas City Residency University of Texas Health Science Center
university of michigan kellogg eye center
Marina Eisenberg, M.D. Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus M.D. Wayne State University School of Medicine Residency University Hospitals Case Medical Center Devon Ghodasra, M.D. Vitreo-Retinal Surgical M.D. Medical College of Georgia Residency University of Pennsylvania Shannon Joseph, M.D. Eye Plastic, Orbital and Facial Cosmetic Surgery M.D. Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Residency Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University Kristopher Kowal, M.D. Neuro-Ophthalmology M.D. University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta Residency University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Andrew Lewis, M.D. Glaucoma, Cataract and Anterior Segment Disease M.D. Ohio State University College of Medicine Residency San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium Stephen Odaibo, M.D. Medical Retinal M.D. Duke University School of Medicine Residency Howard University Hospital
Research Fellows Kyle Carver, Ph.D. Ph.D. Wake Forest University Lisheng Chen, Ph.D. Ph.D. Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China Andrew Chervenak, Ph.D. Ph.D. University of Michigan Travis D’Cruz, Ph.D. Ph.D. Pennsylvania State University Mónica Díaz-Coránguez, Ph.D. Ph.D. National Autonomous University of Mexico, Mexico City, Mexico Jennifer Dulle, Ph.D. Ph.D. Washington University Allan Pieroni Goncalves, M.D., Ph.D. M.D. University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil Ph.D. University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil Prathiba Jayaguru, Ph.D. Ph.D. University of Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India Ryohsuke Kohmoto, M.D. M.D. Osaka Medical College, Osaka, Japan Jason Miller, M.D., Ph.D. M.D. University of California, San Francisco Ph.D. University of California, San Francisco Weston Pack, Ph.D. Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley
Dolly Padovani-Claudio, M.D., Ph.D. Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus M.D., Ph.D. Case Western Reserve University Residency University of Michigan
Aaron Reifler Ph.D. Ph.D. University of Michigan
Fatemeh Rajaii, M.D., Ph.D. Eye Plastic, Orbital and Facial Cosmetic Surgery (2nd year) M.D., Ph.D. Johns Hopkins University Residency Johns Hopkins University
Shameka Shelby, Ph.D. Ph.D. University of Michigan
Daniel Sand, M.D. Cornea and External Disease, Cataract and Refractive Surgery M.D. Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine Residency Doheny Eye Institute, University of Southern California
Alfonso Saera Vila, Ph.D. Ph.D. University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
Scott Taylor, Ph.D. Ph.D. Florida Institute of Technology Dong Wei, Ph.D. Ph.D. National University of Singapore, Singapore Xiwu Zhao, Ph.D. Ph.D. Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
Faculty of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences – 2014
Paul J. Grenier, O.D. Contact Lens, Low Vision and Visual Rehabilitation Shivani Gupta, M.D, M.P.H. Eye Plastic, Orbital and Facial Cosmetic Surgery John R. Heckenlively, M.D. Retina and Uveitis
Leadership Paul P. Lee, M.D., J.D. Chair Alan Sugar, M.D. Vice Chair Michael W. Smith-Wheelock, M.D. Associate Chair for Clinical Affairs Shahzad I. Mian, M.D. Associate Chair for Education Thomas W. Gardner, M.D., M.S. Associate Chair for Research Raymond S. Douglas, M.D., Ph.D. Director of Strategic Planning Denise A. John, M.D., FRCSC Chief of Ophthalmology, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare Systems
Section leaders Jill E. Bixler, M.D. Comprehensive Ophthalmology and Cataract Surgery Donna M. Wicker, O.D., FAAO Contact Lens, Low Vision and Visual Rehabilitation H. Kaz Soong, M.D. Cornea and External Disease, Cataract and Refractive Surgery Christine C. Nelson, M.D., FACS Eye Plastic, Orbital and Facial Cosmetic Surgery Sayoko E. Moroi, M.D., Ph.D. Glaucoma, Cataract and Anterior Segment Disease Jonathan D. Trobe, M.D. Neuro-Ophthalmology Monte A. Del Monte, M.D. Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus Mark W. Johnson, M.D. Retina and Uveitis Adrienne L. West, M.D. At large Comprehensive Ophthalmology and Cataract Surgery
Faculty Steven F. Abcouwer, Ph.D. Vision Research David A. Antonetti, Ph.D. Vision Research Steven M. Archer, M.D. Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus Cagri G. Besirli, M.D., Ph.D. Retina and Uveitis Brenda L. Bohnsack, M.D., Ph.D. Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus Kari E. Branham, M.S., C.G.C. Genetic Counseling
César A. Briceño, M.D. Eye Plastic, Orbital and Facial Cosmetic Surgery Grant M. Comer, M.D., M.S. Retina and Uveitis Theresa M. Cooney, M.D. Cornea and External Disease, Cataract and Refractive Surgery Wayne T. Cornblath, M.D. Neuro-Ophthalmology Sherry H. Day, O.D., FAAO Contact Lens, Low Vision and Visual Rehabilitation Lindsey B. De Lott, M.D. Neuro-Ophthalmology Karen S. DeLoss, O.D., FAAO Contact Lens, Low Vision and Visual Rehabilitation Hakan Demirci, M.D. Orbital and Ocular Oncology Courtney A. Dewey, O.D. Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus Elizabeth Du, M.D. Comprehensive Ophthalmology and Cataract Surgery Susan G. Elner, M.D. Retina and Uveitis Victor M. Elner, M.D., Ph.D. Eye Plastic, Orbital and Facial Cosmetic Surgery Abigail T. Fahim, M.D., Ph.D. Comprehensive Ophthalmology and Cataract Surgery Cherie A. Farkash, O.D. Contact Lens, Low Vision and Visual Rehabilitation Jerome I. Finkelstein, M.D., FACS Comprehensive Ophthalmology and Cataract Surgery Patrice E. Fort, Ph.D., M.S. Vision Research Carlton J. Foster, O.D. Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus Bruce A. Furr, C.O., Ph.D. Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus Philip J. Gage, Ph.D. Vision Research Christopher Gappy, M.D. Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus Hilary M. Grabe, M.D. Neuro-Ophthalmology Daniel G. Green, Ph.D. Vision Research Jonathan B. Greene, M.D. Cornea and External Disease, Cataract and Refractive Surgery
Peter F. Hitchcock, Ph.D. Vision Research Christopher T. Hood, M.D. Cornea and External Disease, Cataract and Refractive Surgery Bret A. Hughes, Ph.D. Vision Research Ida L. Iacobucci, C.O. Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus Diane M. Jacobi, O.D. Contact Lens, Low Vision and Visual Rehabilitation K. Thiran Jayasundera, M.D., FRCSC Retina and Uveitis Vanitha I. Jeyaraj, M.D. Comprehensive Ophthalmology and Cataract Surgery Alon Kahana, M.D., Ph.D. Eye Plastic, Orbital and Facial Cosmetic Surgery Ariane D. Kaplan, M.D. Comprehensive Ophthalmology and Cataract Surgery Harjeet Kaur, M.D., FRCS(I) Comprehensive Ophthalmology and Cataract Surgery Naheed W. Khan, Ph.D. Vision Research Jennifer A. Kozak, M.D. Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus Zvi A. Kresch, M.D. Comprehensive Ophthalmology and Cataract Surgery Amy L. Lagina, O.D. Contact Lens, Low Vision and Visual Rehabilitation Helios T. Leung, Ph.D., O.D., FAAO Contact Lens, Low Vision and Visual Rehabilitation Paul R. Lichter, M.D., FACS Glaucoma, Cataract and Anterior Segment Disease Cheng-mao Lin, Ph.D. Vision Research Michael J. Lipson, O.D., FAAO Contact Lens, Low Vision and Visual Rehabilitation Xuwen Liu, M.D., Ph.D. Research Investigator David C. Musch, Ph.D., M.P.H. Vision Research Arivalagan Muthusamy, Ph.D. Research Investigator Paula Anne Newman-Casey, M.D., M.S. Glaucoma, Cataract and Anterior Segment Disease Gale A. Oren, M.I.L.S. Library
Hemant S. Pawar, Ph.D. Vision Research Howard R. Petty, Ph.D. Vision Research Shreya S. Prabhu, M.D. Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus Donald G. Puro, M.D., Ph.D. Comprehensive Ophthalmology and Cataract Surgery Rajesh C. Rao, M.D. Retina and Uveitis Julia E. Richards, Ph.D. Vision Research Frank W. Rozsa, Ph.D. Research Investigator Mariah A. Sand, M.D. Glaucoma, Cataract and Anterior Segment Disease Gary S. Sandall, M.D., FACS Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus Anjali Shah, M.D. Retina and Uveitis Roni M. Shtein, M.D., M.S. Cornea and External Disease, Cataract and Refractive Surgery Terry J. Smith, M.D. Eye Plastic, Orbital and Facial Cosmetic Surgery Endocrinology Joshua D. Stein, M.D., M.S. Glaucoma, Cataract and Anterior Segment Disease Bradley W. Taylor, O.D., M.P.H. Contact Lens, Low Vision and Visual Rehabilitation Debra A. Thompson, Ph.D. Vision Research Susan S. Thoms, M.D. Comprehensive Ophthalmology and Cataract Surgery Joshua P. Vrabec, M.D. Comprehensive Ophthalmology and Cataract Surgery Sara L. Weidmayer, O.D., FAAO Contact Lens, Low Vision and Visual Rehabilitation Jennifer S. Weizer, M.D. Glaucoma, Cataract and Anterior Segment Disease Kwoon Y. Wong, Ph.D. Vision Research Sarah K. Wood, O.D., M.S., FAAO Contact Lens, Low Vision and Visual Rehabilitation Maria A. Woodward, M.D. Cornea and External Disease, Cataract and Refractive Surgery Rebecca A. Wu, M.D. Comprehensive Ophthalmology and Cataract Surgery Dongli Yang, M.D., Ph.D. Research Investigator David N. Zacks, M.D., Ph.D. Retina and Uveitis Sergey N. Zolov, Ph.D. Research Investigator
W.K. Kellogg Eye Center Faculty, Fellows, and Residents 2014
All of us at the Kellogg Eye Center are committed to improving lives through curing, preventing, and treating eye disease. Faculty of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences First row (left to right): Matthew Bullard, M.D., Chirag Gupta, M.D., Alexandra Apkarian, M.D., Michael Smith-Wheelock, M.D., Alan Sugar, M.D., Paul Lee, M.D., J.D., Shahzad Mian, M.D., Thomas Gardner, M.D., M.S., Joshua Grant, M.D., Nieraj Jain, M.D., David DeMill, M.D., Allison McCoy, M.D., Ph.D. Second row (left to right): Steven Cohen, M.D., Rashmi Verma, M.S. Ophth., Jennifer Kozak, M.D., Patricia Ple-plakon, M.D., Harjeet Kaur, M.D., Neil Farbman, M.D., J.D., Vanitha Jeyaraj, M.D., Paul Lichter, M.D., Helios Leung, O.D., Ph.D., Adrienne West, M.D., Alon Kahana, M.D., Ph.D., Sayoko Moroi, M.D., Ph.D., K. Thiran Jayasundera, M.D., John Heckenlively, M.D., Naheed Khan, Ph.D., Stephen Smith, M.D., Courtney Kauh, M.D., M.S., Fatemeh Rajaii, M.D., Ph.D., Dolly Padovani-Claudio, M.D., Ph.D. Third row (left to right): Lauren Harris, M.D., Lee Kiang, M.D., Ph.D., Monica Michelotti, M.D., Christine Nelson, M.D., Anjali Shah, M.D., H. Kaz Soong, M.D., Sherry Day, O.D., Hilary Grabe, M.D., Carlton Foster, O.D., Kari Branham, M.S., David Musch, Ph.D., M.P.H., Robin Ali, Ph.D., Raymond Douglas, M.D., Ph.D., Lindsey De Lott, M.D., Wayne Cornblath, M.D., Matthew Manry, M.D., Dane Breker, M.D., Maxwell Stem, M.D. Fourth row (left to right): Surbhi Bansal, M.D., Mehnaz Khan, M.D., M.S., Denise Kim, M.D., Sara Weidmayer, O.D., Peter Hitchcock, Ph.D., Kwoon Wong, Ph.D., Hakan Demirci, M.D., Dongli Yang, M.D., Ph.D., Ariane Kaplan, M.D., Paula Anne Newman-Casey, M.D., M.S., Brenda Bohnsack, M.D., Ph.D., Rebecca Wu, M.D., Diane Jacobi, O.D., Victor Elner, M.D., Ph.D., Roni Shtein, M.D., M.S., Theresa Cooney, M.D., Blake Fausett, M.D., Ph.D., Terry Smith, M.D., César A. Briceño, M.D., Joshua Stein, M.D., M.S., Abigail Fahim, M.D., Ph.D., Ira Schachar, M.D. Fifth row (left to right): Angela Elam, M.D., Crandall Peeler, M.D., Michelle Kron-Gray, M.D., Ph.D., Monte Del Monte, M.D., Elizabeth Du, M.D., Amy Lagina, O.D., Bradley Taylor, O.D., M.P.H., Christopher Gappy, M.D., Donald Puro, M.D., Ph.D., Grant Comer, M.D., M.S., Philip Gage, Ph.D., Howard Petty, Ph.D., Cheng-mao Lin, Ph.D., Hemant Pawar, Ph.D., Patrice Fort, Ph.D., M.S., Bret Hughes, Ph.D., Bruce Furr, C.O., Ph.D., Paul Grenier, O.D., Grace Wang, M.D., Ph.D. Sixth row (left to right): Ryan Fante, M.D., Cagri Besirli, M.D., Ph.D., Steven Abcouwer, Ph.D., Debra Thompson, Ph.D., Jill Bixler, M.D., Denise John, M.D., Susan Elner, M.D., Linda Zhang, M.D., Mark Johnson, M.D., Jonathan Greene, M.D., Jerome Finkelstein, M.D., Steven Archer, M.D., Joshua Vrabec, M.D., Gary Sandall, M.D., Christopher Hood, M.D., Gale Oren, M.I.L.S., Sarah Wood, O.D., M.S., Courtney Dewey, O.D., Kevin Tozer, M.D., Nicholas Chinskey, M.D., Andrew Stacey, M.D., M.S.
Our guiding principles are teamwork, caring, innovation, and integrity.
Executive Officers of the University of Michigan Health System Michael M.E. Johns, M.D. Interim Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs T. Anthony Denton, J.D., M.H.A. Acting Chief Executive Officer, U-M Hospitals and Health Centers James O. Woolliscroft, M.D. Dean, U-M Medical School The Regents of the University of Michigan Michael J. Behm, Mark J. Bernstein, Laurence B. Deitch, Shauna Ryder Diggs, Denise Ilitch, Andrea Fischer Newman, Andrew C. Richner, Katherine E. White, Mark S. Schlissel (ex officio) Editor: Betsy Nisbet Writers: Aimee Bergquist, Barbara Sefton Editorial Assistant: Lisa Burkhart Design and Art Direction: David Murrel Photographers: Eric Bronson, Daryl Marshke, Scott Soderberg, Austin Thomason, Michigan Photography; Lin Goings, U-M Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences; Adrian Wylie, J. Adrian Wylie Photography
FOR PATIENT APPOINTMENTS, PLEASE CALL 734.763.8122 For additional copies, please contact us: University of Michigan Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences W.K. Kellogg Eye Center 1000 Wall Street Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105 734.763.4660 • www.kellogg.umich.edu
University of Michigan W.K. Kellogg Eye Center Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences 1000 Wall Street Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Thank you for giving me hope. A teenager sent an email to us after hearing about Roger Pontz, who received one of the first retinal prostheses in the nation— often called the bionic eye. Mr. Pontz, who was blind from retinitis pigmentosa, can now see shapes and forms to help him navigate in his home and identify his grandson and other family members. Hello. I am a 15 year-old high school student. My grandma has been blind ever since she lost her eyesight to retinal detachment. I heard about Roger on the news and all I could do was cry. I have been telling my grandma that she will see before her life is over. I promised her. Learning about something this amazing makes my promise feel more real. I know it will probably be impossible for you to make her see or for you to even get this message, but I just wanted to thank you so very much for giving me hope, and for giving hope to many others. I want you and the entire team to know that I love you guys and what you are doing. I am so grateful for brilliant and determined people like you. You have changed so many people’s lives, especially mine.
Roger Pontz is surrounded by Kellogg’s “bionic” surgical and clinical team: Kari Branham, M.S., C.G.C., Naheed Khan, Ph.D., K. Thiran Jayasundera, M.D., David Zacks, M.D., Ph.D. On far left: Uday Patel, Second Sight.