2016 ANNUAL REPORT Sandra Blackwood, Editor Photos: Sandra Blackwood Larry Donoso, MD, Phd Design: Robert T

2016 A n n ua l Report of the IRRF

1720 University Boulevard Birmingham, Alabama 35233 Sandra Blackwood, MPA, Executive Director Telephone: (205) 325-8103 Email: [email protected]

www.irrfonline.org contents Eivor and Alston Callahan, MD, Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology The International Retinal Research Foundation (IRRF) has announced plans to endow a Chair in Ophthalmology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) to honor its Founder and Eivor and Alston Callahan, MD, Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology ��3 longtime leader, Dr. Alston Callahan and his wife, Eivor. Along with son, Dr. Michael Callahan, Oncotarget—Improved cell metabolism prolongs photoreceptor survival upon retina- Loris Rich, and Dr. Charles Kelman, Dr. Callahan pigmented epithelium loss in the sodium iodate induced model of geographic atrophy ��4 founded the Birmingham-based Foundation to further research that will someday provide a cure for Dowling-Werblin Symposium: Half a Century of Retina Research; Neural Circuitry, blinding eye diseases such as macular degeneration. The IRRF is the culmination of his long career in eye Retinal Disorders and Restoration of Vision ��5 healthcare, which began during World War II, when Callahan performed reconstructive eye surgery and SupportSight SM Program—Linking patients, caregivers and families affected by became a pioneer in the field of ophthalmic plastic diseases of the retina with the most up-to-date information and knowledge ��6 surgery. Callahan served as the first chairman of the UAB Experimental Eye Research—Astrocyte structural reactivity and plasticity in models Department of Ophthalmology and in 1963, founded of retinal detachment ��7 the Eye Foundation Hospital, the first facility in Alabama dedicated to the care and treatment of IRRF Award Recipients—2016 ��8 the eye. UAB purchased the Hospital in 1997 and renamed it the Callahan Eye Foundation Hospital. Strong Partnerships Produce Increased Research Funding ��11 Today, the Hospital is known around campus as, The Callahan. The Callahan Chair will also honor his wife, Chart—The International Retinal Research Foundation Grants, 1998–Present ��12 Eivor, who supplied the support and strength that was needed for such accomplishments. The endowed UAB Connections ��14 chair will allow UAB to recruit a faculty member who is an expert in retina to pursue his or her 2016 Lasker Awards �� 16 research at UAB.

The Lasker/IRRF Initiative for Innovation in Vision Science Amblyopia: Challenges and Opportunities �� 18

The IRRF Board of Directors �� 19

2 IRRF ANNUAL REPORT IRRF ANNUAL REPORT 3 Access the publication

Dr. Claudio Punzo (middle) and his staff. Marina Zieger is pictured far left. Dowling-Werblin Symposium: to delay the degeneration of nutrient Oncotarget deprived PRs once RPE cells die. Here we Half a Century of Retina Research; Improved cell metabolism prolongs photoreceptor survival show that cell-autonomous activation of upon retina-pigmented epithelium loss in the sodium iodate the key regulator of cell metabolism, the Neural Circuitry, Retinal Disorders induced model of geographic atrophy, Marina Zieger and kinase mammalian target of rapamycin Claudio Punzo, Department of Ophthalmology and complex 1 (mTOR1), delays PR death in and Restoration of Vision Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts the sodium iodate induced model of RPE Along with other leading vision because it is anatomically separate set of intracellular recordings of Medical Center, Worcester, MA. This study was con- atrophy. Consistent with this finding loss of research foundations, the Interna- from the rest of the brain and it can light responses from all known ducted with IRRF support. mTORC1 in cones accelerates cone death as tional Retinal Research Foundation be readily stimulated by its natural types of retinal neuron, and for the cones fail to balance demand with supply. (IRRF) provided sponsorship for input – light. Our understanding on Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) first time, defined the receptive the Dowling-Werblin Symposium anatomical and functional neural is characterized by malfunction and loss of Interestingly, promoting rod survival does field properties of these cells. that presented highlights of the circuitry of the retina far exceeds retinal-pigmented epithelium (RPE) cells. not promote cone survival in this model of They discovered the ON-center/ progress in retinal circuit analysis our knowledge of any other parts Because the RPE transfers nutrients from the RPE atrophy as both, rods and cones suffer OFF surround and OFF-center/ since 1969, its implications to neural of the brain, and the tremendous choriocapillaris to photoreceptor (PR), PRs are from a sick and dying RPE. The findings ON-surround bipolar cells, information processing in the brain, success of functional analysis of affected as well. Geographic atrophy (GA) is suggest that activation of metabolic genes which initiate the ON and OFF its application to retinal dysfunc- retinal circuitry during the past an advanced form of AMD characterized by downstream of mTORC1 can serve as a channels and the center-surround tion and diseases, and how it helps 4-5 decades was inaugurated by severe vision impairment due to RPE loss over strategy to prolong PR survival when RPE antagonistic receptive fields that are to develop prosthesis and other the landmark papers in 1969: large areas. Currently, there is no treatment cells malfunction or die. found to be the fundamental units methods to restore vision. Organization of Retina of the for spatial information processing To read this paper in its entirety, please follow the link:: www.impactjournals.com/oncotarget/index. One of the optimal goals of brain Mudpuppy, Necturus maculosus php?journal=oncotarget&page=article&op=view&path%5B%5D=7330&path%5B%5D=20985 research is to understand how I: Synaptic Structure John E. in retinal ganglion cells, LGN neuronal networks respond to Dowling and Frank S. Werblin, J. and cortical neurons. They also signals from the environment, Neurophysiology, 32, 315-338, 1969; found that the output synapses of and how individual neurons and Organization of Retina of the interneurons in the outer and inner about the cover photo synapses process information Mudpuppy, Necturus maculosus, retina (horizontal cells and amacrine elicited by natural stimuli of the II: Intracellular Recording, Frank cells) mediate surround responses of Retinal flat mount of mouse 4 weeks post sodium iodate injection showing in red outside world. The retina is part of S. Werblin and John E. Dowling, J. bipolar organizational plan for all surviving cones after loss of retinal-pigmented epithelium. The radial extent of retinal- the brain as it embryonically derives Neurophysiology, 32, 315-338, 1969. vertebrate retinas and has served as pigmented epithelium damage can be inferred from the area the dark pigmented from the neural tube. It is also the In these papers, Werblin and the guidebook for retinal network epithelium cells cover. Cones are identified by cone arrestin positive signal in red. (See most accessible part of the brain Dowling made the first complete analysis until now. related paper, “Oncotaget” above.) IRRF ANNUAL REPORT 5 Claudio Punzo, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Ophthalmology & Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) SupportSight SM Drs. Geoffrey Lewis and Steven Fisher and Gabriel Luna, BA, Research Specialist with the Program Neuroscience Research Institute. Experimental ABSTRACT: Although retinal neurodegenerative conditions such as age-related Linking patients, Eye Research macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, and retinal detachment have different etiologies and patho- Astrocyte structural logical characteristics, they also have many responses in common at the caregivers and reactivity and plasticity in cellular level, including neural and glial remodeling. Structural changes models of retinal detachment, in Müller cells, the large radial glia of the retina in retinal disease and injury have been well described, that of the retinal astrocytes remains families affected Gabriel Luna, Patrick W. less so. Using modern imaging technology to describe the structural Keeley, Benjamin E. Reese, remodeling of retinal astrocytes after retinal detachment is the focus of Kenneth A Linberg, this paper. We present both a review of critical literature as well as novel by diseases of the Geoffrey P. Lewis, Steven work focusing on the responses of astrocytes following rhegmatogenous Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile, and serous retinal detachment. The mouse presents a convenient Alabama. These seminars, conducted by K. Fisher. Neuroscience model system in which to study astrocyte reactivity since the Müller cell retina with the the Macula Vision Research Foundation Research Institute, response is muted in comparison to other species thereby allowing better (MVRF), a Pennsylvania based non-profit University of California, visualization of the astrocytes. We also show data from rat, cat, squirrel, organization, were open to the public and and human retina demonstrating similarities and differences across most up-to-date led by local retina specialists, low vision Santa Barbara; Center for species. Our data from immunolabeling and dye-filling experiments experts, other healthcare professionals Bio-image Informatics, demonstrate previously undescribed morphological characteristics of and vision scientists. University of California, normal astrocytes and changes induced by detachment. Astrocytes not information and Focusing on the latest information on only upregulate GFAP, but structurally remodel, becoming increasingly Santa Barbara. (March 2016) advancements in treatment of AMD, irregular in appearance, and often penetrating deep into neural retina. these programs also provided practical This study was conducted with Understanding these responses, their consequences, and what drives knowledge. strategies to enable the participants to live IRRF support – Geoffrey Lewis them may prove to be an important component in improving visual more comfortably and to maintain their outcome in a variety of therapeutic situations. Our data further supports Over four days in March 2016, the International and Steven Fisher. physical and emotional well-being. The the concept that astrocytes are important players in the retina’s overall Retinal Research Foundation partnered with MVRF has been providing these seminars response to injury and disease. the EyeSight Foundation of Alabama to for over 15 years to more than 40,000 To access this article: bring free SupportSightSM Seminars on age- participants. Overall, 262 individuals http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.exer.2016.03.027http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.exer.2016.03.027 related macular degeneration to Huntsville, attended from Alabama. Access this article

6 IRRF ANNUAL REPORT IRRF ANNUAL REPORT 7 2016 Loris and 2016 Alston David Rich Callahan, MD Postdoctoral Postdoctoral Scholar Scholar Recipient Recipient Saumil S. Sethna, PhD Norimitsu Ban, MD University of Maryland, School of Medicine Washington University Department of Project Title: Ophthalmology CIB2 in the retina: cell types, function and molecular mechanism. Project Title: Baltimore, Maryland Cholesterol Homeostasis in Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Dr. Sethna joined the lab of Zubair St. Louis, Missouri M. Ahmed, PhD, in the Department Dr. Ban received his M.D. degree of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck from Keio University School of Surgery at the University of Maryland Medicine, Tokyo, Japan in 2005. He in March 2015, working as a research then joined the graduate program fellow. The main focus of research in at the prestigious Keio University Dr. Ahmed’s lab is Usher syndrome, an Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, autosomal recessively inherited disorder and completed his PhD in Cell Biology characterized by deaf-blindness. in 2014. His graduate research has In 2012, Dr. Ahmed’s lab reported been published in several high-impact mutation in Cib2 (an encoded peer-reviewed publications including calcium-binding regulatory protein Experimental Gerontology, Experimental that interacts with DNA-dependent Diabetes Research and the Journal of protein kinase catalytic subunits Neuroscience. Under the mentorship and is involved in photoreceptor of Rajendra Apte, PhD, Director of cell maintenance), causing Usher Translational Research at Washington syndrome type I in humans. Since that University, Dr. Ban is using his time, Dr. Sethna has presented data experience to conduct molecular revealing that Cib2 knockout mice have research, as well as translate discoveries progressive loss of retinal function, into the clinical realm as part of his and pathophysiology in the retinal vitreoretinal practice. pigment epithelium (RPE), including “I have no doubt that Norimitsu defects in phagocytosis. From this, Dr. will excel as a clinician scientist, who Sethna hypothesized that loss of Cib2 in addition to his clinical expertise, leads to RPE Ca++ (calcium) imbalance will provide the bridge to translate that perturbs OS (outer segment) fundamental discovery from the bench phagocytosis, RPE pathology and PR to the bedside,” said Dr. Apte. (photoreceptor) functional defects.

8 IRRF ANNUAL REPORT IRRF ANNUAL REPORT 9 2016 Charles Strong Partnerships D. Kelman Produce Increased Postdoctoral Research Funding The IRRF continues its support of Foundation Award — that are offered than ever. Today’s young researchers multi-partner alliances that increase and administered by FFS. These face many funding challenges and Scholar our funding capabilities for young important funding opportunities it is imperative they are given every scientists who are developing their allow recipients to compete for larger, support vehicle available. independent research projects. New multi-year grants from the NIH or The 2016 awardees are Kinga M. Recipient York-based Fight For Sight (FFS), and other governmental private sources. Bujakowska, PhD, Harvard Medical the IRRF have combined resources to The IRRF and FFS share a School, Massachusetts Eye and Ear; Sushil Dubey, PhD provide two Grants-in-Aid awards — commitment to early-career scientists and Yannis M. Paulus, MD, Kellogg University of Kentucky, Chandler The International Retinal Research making this alliance more important Eye Center, University of Michigan. Medical Center Project Title: Epigenetic regulation of autophagy by histone deacetylases in retinal pigment epithelium. Lexington, Kentucky Yannis M. Paulus, MD Kinga M. Bujakowska, PhD Dr. Dubey attended Madurai Kamaraj University of Michigan, Kellogg Eye Center Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Eye and Ear University in Madurai, India, where he received Dr. Paulus graduated from Stanford University After earning her PhD in Molecular Genetics, University a Master in Science degree and later completed School of Medicine in 2009, followed by an College London, Dr. Bujakowska continued her training a fellowship and received his PhD from Aravind Internship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer with a postgraduate diploma, Research Transfer and Medical Research Foundation, also in India. Dr. Center, 2010; Ophthalmology residency at Biomedical Innovation, at the University of Paris VI, Dubey’s current focus is to attain experience Stanford University School of Medicine, 2013; France. Dr. Bujakowska’s research focuses on the genetics in the emerging field of epigenetics, while and a vitreoretinal surgical fellowship at Wilmer of inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs). In the past, supporting his interest in ocular biology. He Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University in her research has focused on the disease mechanism of a is investigating the epigenetic regulation and 2015. Dr. Paulus’s clinical practice specializes in dominant form of retinitis pigmentosa (RP), caused by transcriptional repression mediated through retina and uveitis, with research interests in the mutations in the splicing factor gene PRPF31. During histone deacetylases in aging retina and age- development of novel retinal imaging systems her postdoctoral fellowships at the Institute de la Vision related macular degeneration (AMD). and therapeutic techniques and technologies, in Paris and Massachusetts Eye and Ear, she contributed The groundwork for the proposed research including photoacoustic imaging, molecular to the discovery and characterization of five new disease was laid by identifying the altered expression of imaging, restorative retinal laser therapy, and genes, and discovered that mutations in IFT172 lead to histone deacetylases in advanced dry AMD. Dr. surgical techniques. The goal of his research is isolated RP and Bardet Biedl syndrome. She has also Dubey’s preliminary data indicates the role of to allow physicians in real time to determine participated in the development of genetic testing of these altered regulators in autophagy in retinal cellular markers for earlier diagnosis, improved patients with IRDs. pigment epithelium. He feels his background treatment monitoring and more individualized Dr. Bujakowska is currently working to discover further in the field of ocular genetics and epigenetics, precision medicine tailored to each patient’s genetic causes of IRDs, and plans to develop tools to coupled with vast experimental skills, will prove unique molecular markers. study the functional implications of mutations in the to be an asset for the present research project. new candidate disease genes and participate in the The proposed project aims to open translational development of therapies for these diseases. avenues to advance dry AMD therapeutics while exploring the role of this epigenetic phenomenon in the aging retina.

10 IRRF ANNUAL REPORT IRRF ANNUAL REPORT 11 The International Retinal Research Foundation Grants 1998 – Present Radboud University Medica, l Center $99,249 Wright State University, $199,500 Baylor College of Medicine, $729,416 Washington University, $477,348 Research to Prevent Blindness $250,,0 00 Case School of Medicine, $299,451 Yale University, $295,000

Vanderbilt University , $983,105 Columbia University , $200,000 Cornell University , $334,500 University of Western Sydney, $200,000 AA, O $250,000 Duke University, $325,520 Various Institutions, Erasmus Medical Center, $276,787 University of Utah, $195,500 $886,432 Fight for Sight, $448,300

University of Texas-Galveston, $400,000 Georgia Health & Science University, University of Tennessee, $889,500 $100,000 Indiana University, $557,100 University of Schleswig- Institute of France, $94,000 Holstein, $100,000 Kasindo Eye Clinic, $76,938 University of Rio de Janeiro, $124,034

University of Pisa, $150,900

University of Pennsylvania, $557,000 Lasker Foundation $3,708,262 University of Oklahoma, $100,000 University of Michigan, $135,000 University of Alabama University of Miami, $100,000 at Birmingham $3,006,192 University of Massachusetts, $196,135 University of Kentucky, $405,610 University of Iowa, $430,700 Massachusetts Eye & Ear Inﬁrmary, $93,812 University of Chicago, $99,835 Northeast Ohio University , $200,000 University of California-Santa Barbara, $167,100 St. Jude's Hospital, $100,000 University of California-San Diego, $99,995 The Jackson Laboratory, $302,425 TuftsM edical Center, $200,000 University of California-Irvine, $99,494 , University of California-Davis, $400,000 University of Arizona $200,000 Grand Total All Years $18,019,054 University of California-Berkley, $100,000 Various Institutions Include all grants less than $75,000 12 IRRF ANNUAL REPORT IRRF ANNUAL REPORT 13 UAB 1 Connections No one disputes the importance of scientific research into the causes and cures of the diseases that plague our society, however in focusing on these aspects of the prob- lem, the needs of those who are afflicted are sometimes overlooked. During 2016, the IRRF supported a unique program that provides an urgently needed service not traditionally offered to patients with vision diseases. UAB Connections (University of Alabama at Birmingham), 2 3 is an expert-led health-education support group for patients with various eye conditions, including retinal specific diseases. Through this clinical service, UAB Connections helps patients and their families beyond medical and surgical treatment by providing skills to help them cope with the ongoing challenges of living with a vision impairment. The support group meets monthly at the Callahan Eye Hospital to hear from experts in the fields of Ophthalmology, low vision and rehabilitation during a structured discussion-based presentation. Addition- 4 5 ally, patients, as well as their families, are engaged through monthly activities within the community that promote recre- ational and social interaction to prevent isolation, depression and withdrawal following vision loss. One such activity funded by IRRF, and in part by the UAB Vision Sciences Research Center (VSRC), is ‘Dinner in the Dark,’ a dining experience at Rojo Restaurant that offers enhanced sensitivity and understanding toward those with impaired vision. In a controlled setting via simulation goggles, 1 Yoga instructor, Caitlin Justice, facilitated an adapted yoga class for the UAB ophthalmologists and optometrists, residents, and tech- Connections members and their guests. Exercises included chair stretches, as well nicians, along with friends and families of the Connections as modified sitting and standing poses. The health benefits of physical activity member group, briefly experienced what it is like to live with and the value of engaging regular, low-impact exercises to increase overall a vision impairment. Sandra Blackwood, IRRF Executive Di- well-being were explained. 2 UAB Connections and the Campus Recreation Center partnered to offer rector, and Charlotte Bowers, IRRF Director of Operations, two Beep Kickball tournaments. Sighted students, low vision Veterans, and attended the event to get a firsthand understanding for how an UAB Connections support group members participated in an adapted game of everyday activity as eating can become a challenge. “It was very kickball, in which the ball contains a beeper and the kicker and team members intimidating and a little scary at first,” remarked Blackwood. are blindfolded to simulate total blindness. 3 MAKEbhm hosted Connections group members to their ceramic studio for a “Until you become more confident, you are totally at the mercy hands-on clay throwing and pottery painting class. Group members were able to of someone else, and that can be hard to accept.” create their own piece of pottery under the direction of the studio owner. Raised Another aim of UAB Connections, is to provide communi- patterns on the pre-fired cups served as a wonderful tactile guide for those who ty education outreach efforts on retinal and other eye diseas- were painting and the pottery wheel allowed group members to try their hand at a novel craft. es. Education efforts are conducted to inform UAB residents/ 4 Support group members tested out their abilities during a group painting doctoral students, physicians, technicians, community leaders class at Sips ‘n Strokes. Each individual was allowed to choose from a variety and the general public on what it is like to live with a vision of designs and then received guidanace from the instructor about how to choose impairment and how to adapt. contrasting colors and use bold outlines to make the painting more aesthetically pleasing to visually impaired viewers. For more information on UAB Connections, contact Molly 5 S. Blackwood, IRRF; Bernard Dib, MD, UAB ophthalmology resident; Cox at [email protected] or (205) 488-0778. Molly Cox, UAB Connections Facilitator.

14 IRRF ANNUAL REPORT IRRF ANNUAL REPORT 15 2016 Lasker Awards September 2016 The Albert and Mary Lasker Awards continue to be an integral component of the IRRF’s collaboration with the Albert and Mary Lasker Foundation. These Awards provide support to outstanding scientists in the medical The 2016 Albert Lasker Basic Medical Research Award The 2016 Lasker-DeBakey Clinical Medical Research Award 2016 Lasker-Koshland Award for honored three physician-scientists for their discovery was presented to Ralf F. W. Bartenschlager, Charles M. Rice and Special Achievement in Medical field by recognizing the contributions of the pathway by which cells from human and Michael J. Sofia for developing a system to study the replication Science honored Bruce M. Alberts for made through major advances in the most animals sense and adapt to changes in oxygen of the virus that causes hepatitis C and used this system to his fundamental discoveries in DNA availability – a process essential for survival. revolutionize the treatment of this chronic, often lethal disease. replication and protein biochemistry; for understanding, diagnosis, treatment and visionary leadership in directing national prevention of human disease. Along with and international scientific this support, the two Foundations have organizations to better people’s lives; established the Lasker/IRRF Initiative and for passionate for Innovation in Vision Science. For dedication to improving education more information about the Awards in science and Program, and to learn about the Lasker/ mathematics.. IRRF Initiative for Innovation in William G. Kaelin Jr. Peter J. Ratcliffe Gregg L. Semenza Ralf F. W. Charles M. Rice Michael J. Sofia Bruce M. Alberts Visions Science, please go to: www. Dana-Farber Cancer University of Oxford, Johns Hopkins Bartenschlager Rockefeller University Arbutus Biopharma University of California, Institute, Harvard Francis Crick Institute University, School of Heidelberg University San Francisco laskerfoundation.org. Medical School Medicine

16 IRRF ANNUAL REPORT IRRF ANNUAL REPORT 17 The IRRF Board of Directors

Michael A. Callahan, MD, John S. Parker, MD, V. Hugo Marx, III, has served as President since 2004 and serves as Vice President while serves as Treasurer and has been a gives generously of his time. Since 1998, devoting himself to private member of the IRRF Board since Dr. Callahan has held a faculty position ophthalmology practice and 2004. Mr. Marx operates several Access this publication as Professor of Ophthalmology in the teaching responsibilities in the UAB corporations, which represent various Department of Ophthalmology at the Department of Ophthalmology where industries, including health care, The Lasker/IRRF Initiative for Innovation in Vision Science Amblyopia: University of Alabama at Birmingham he trains ophthalmology residents investment banking and venture (UAB), and teaches the intricate surgical and donates time and expertise capital. Through his numerous procedures of phacoemulsification and caring for indigent patients. Dr. businesses, Mr. Marx has provided Challenges and Opportunities intraocular lens insertion. In addition, Parker has served as Director of the charitable donations as medical The Lasker/IRRF Initiative for Innovation in a disorder that results in varying degrees Dr. Callahan lectures on ophthalmic Corneal Service and as Director of the supplies, food and support items Vision Science is a ten-year collaboration, of monocular, or occasionally binocular, plastic surgery. Dr. Callahan is also very Residency Training Program in the used in multiple, extreme emergency launched in July 2008, between the Albert vision impairment, mainly in children; if involved in providing ophthalmic care in UAB Department of Ophthalmology. situations in and outside the U.S. and Mary Lasker Foundation (Lasker) not successfully treated, it can lead to the U.S. and countries worldwide, where and the International Retinal Research permanent vision impairment for life. Its medical care is not readily available. Foundation (IRRF). The Initiative was etiology and a precise definition have designed to identify knowledge gaps in long defied science’s best efforts, but we vision research and propose innovative do know that risk factors for amblyopia strategies to accelerate the discovery of include strabismus (crossed eyes), sight-saving treatments and methods to anisometropia (asymmetric eye focus), and prevent diseases of the eye, especially deprivation (lens or lid defects). Amblyopia retinal degenerative diseases, using novel affects 1 – 3% of the population, though scientific, engineering and technological estimates vary widely because diagnostic approaches. and screening tools may not always be In late 2014, the Initiative’s Joint Advisory sufficiently comprehensive or available to Board decided that recent scientific all populations. How and when to treat Paul S. Sternberg, Jr., M.D., Larry A. Donoso, M.D., PhD., J.D., advances provided a compelling amblyopia remains an ongoing challenge, serves as Director of Research Funding for serves as Director of Research Education and heads opportunity to examine the scientific and even whether innovative technologies the Foundation in addition to his many other up the Scholar Award program at the Foundation. challenges in the field of amblyopia and can restore improved visual function in responsibilities at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Dr. Donoso has over four decades of bench and to propose new approaches and novel patients who were not treated when young Tennessee, where he is Associate Dean for Clinical clinical research experience, which adds an important treatments for this condition. Amblyopia is remains an open question. Affairs and Assistant Vice Chancellor for Adult Health component to the combined talents of the IRRF Affairs at the Vanderbilt School of Medicine. Dr. Board of Directors. Holding degrees in chemistry, Sternberg also serves as professor and chairman of the experimental biology, biochemistry/biology, medicine, Department of Ophthalmology and the Vanderbilt Eye and law, allowed Dr. Donoso to serve as Scientific Institute. With a special interest in age-related macular Director when the Foundation was newly formed and degeneration, Dr. Sternberg oversees a cell biology and has been a steadfast member of the board for 15 years. biochemistry laboratory that carries out studies into 18 IRRF ANNUAL REPORT IRRF ANNUAL REPORT 19 the causes of the disease. NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #671 BIRMINGHAM, AL 1720 University Boulevard Birmingham, AL 35233 www.irrfonline.org

The IRRF 2016 ANNUAL REPORT Sandra Blackwood, Editor Photos: Sandra Blackwood Larry Donoso, MD, PhD Design: Robert T. Weathers Become a benefactor How You Can Help… Today’s scientists play a crucial role in the universal struggle against debilitating eye diseases, but they need financial funding to facilitate and sustain their efforts. Since 1998, the IRRF has granted more than $18 million in support of scientific investigations targeting all structures of the human eye, with emphasis on finding the causes, prevention and cure of degenerative diseases. If you would like to help with this challenge, please send your tax deductible contribution to: The International Retinal Research Foundation, Inc. Attn.: Sandra Blackwood, MPA, Executive Director 1720 University Boulevard Birmingham, AL 35233 www.irrfonline.org