3 minute read
The Wadhams' Gift Aims to Save Children’s Sight
Congenital eye disorders are the leading cause of childhood blindness worldwide. Saving vision requires a prompt diagnosis and complex treatment. But without access to care, too many kids lose their sight.
W.K. Kellogg Eye Center donors Timothy and Laurie Wadhams wanted to help save kids’ vision. “I experienced challenges with my eyesight at an early age, and with successful treatment, was able to overcome them,” says Mr. Wadhams. “Laurie and I want to help ensure that treatments exist for all of the diseases that threaten vision.”
The Wadhams’ recent $5 million gift to the Kellogg Eye Center is poised to transform children’s eye care. By establishing the Wadhams Family Center for Children’s Vision—a programmatic center housed in the pediatric ophthalmology clinic—the Wadhams hope to save and restore children’s sight through leading-edge, multidisciplinary care.
Lev Prasov, M.D., Ph.D., assistant professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences and of human genetics, will lead the center. His expertise in pediatric eye disease genetics is improving outcomes. “Not only has the Wadhams’ generosity supported cutting-edge research like mine, but their latest gift will help kids with congenital eye disorders get the care needed to save their sight.”
“The W.K Kellogg Eye Center is one of the nation’s few academic institutions that provides children with world-class care across all subspecialties, which means we can treat and advance research for even the most rare and complex diseases,” says Shahzad I. Mian, M.D., F. Bruce Fralick Professor of Ophthalmology and chair of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences.
The Wadhams previously endowed the Wadhams Family Foundation Children’s Vision Fund, part of the Paul R. Lichter, M.D., M.S. Vision Research Discovery Fund. Dr. Lichter, past department chair of ophthalmology and visual sciences, founding director of the Kellogg Eye Center, and currently professor emeritus (active) said, “The Wadhams’ visionary investments have already contributed to scientific discovery. Their latest gift will make a life-changing difference for children facing vision loss.”
Paul Lee, M.D., J.D., executive director, U-M Medical Group, senior associate dean, Clinical Affairs, and professor of ophthalmology and visual sciences, agrees, saying, “This investment by the Wadhams toward our shared goal of eliminating childhood vision loss will accelerate remarkable collaborations in research and care. Our fantastic faculty and teams at the Kellogg Eye Center work side-by-side with colleagues from across the University of Michigan campus and around the world.”
The Wadhams’ latest gift brings their giving to the Kellogg Eye Center to over $6.5 million, or nearly $17 million when combined with their giving across Michigan Medicine and the University of Michigan. Former Masco Chief Executive Officer Timothy Wadhams and his wife, Laurie, reside in Ann Arbor. Masco is the one of the world’s largest manufacturers of home improvement and building products.
To support our efforts, visit Wadhams Family Children’s Vision Fund to make your gift!
