Eyewitness The Newsletter of the Department of

notes from the chair FALL/WInter 2011 #18 Mass. Eye and Ear and Schepens Eye Research Institute Unite Forces ushing new boundaries that propel vision research forward is a hallmark of our department Pand, in June, led us to fulfill an exciting and historical agreement with the announcement that the Boards of two of our esteemed affiliates - Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and Schepens Eye Research Institute (Schepens) – have agreed to join forces. This powerful new alliance creates the largest and most dynamic basic and clinical ophthalmology research enterprise in the world, uniting a passionately dedicated team of nearly 100 full-time HMS investigators and clinician scientists whose talents and expertise span a full spectrum of eye diseases and scientific disciplines. Both institutions will operate under the direction of Mass. Eye and Ear’s Board of Directors, while Schepens will retain its name and continue as a non-profit research center. Joan W. Miller, MD Chief and Chair continues on page 4

Schepens in the Mass. Eye and Ear Family ass. Eye and Ear has long enjoyed a close Mcollaboration with nearby Schepens Eye Research Institute (Schepens), a leading eye research organization. In June 2011, Schepens and Mass. Eye and Ear officially combined forces to create the world’s largest and most robust basic and clinical ophthalmology research enterprise. Nearly 100 full-time investigators and clinician scientists form a full spectrum of ophthalmic talent and resources dedicated to accelerating bench-to-bedside discoveries. Schepens triumvirate leadership team (l to r): , MD, MPH, MSc, History of Schepens Eye Research Institute Patricia D’Amore, MD, MBA, Eliezer (Eli) Peli, MSc, OD In the late 1940s, as a researcher in the Howe Laboratory was later renamed the Schepens Eye Research Institute of Ophthalmology at Mass. Eye and Ear, Charles L. to honor its influential founder and to better reflect the Schepens, MD, recognized the need for a dedicated eye diversity of its expanding research programs; in 1991, it research organization. In 1950, he established the became formally affiliated with Harvard Medical School. Foundation, which consisted of a handful of researchers continues on page 3 working out of a modest Boston tenement. The foundation “Life is a chain. Our bodies fail and eventually have to rest for a very long time, but our work lives on through our family, colleagues and friends.” -Charles L. Schepens, MD In the Spotlight Schepens in the MEEI family, continued from cover Today, in a cutting-edge facility just a short walk from the moving scientific discoveries into the clinic so patients benefit main campuses of Mass. Eye and Ear and Massachusetts directly,” he says. “We are working beyond ‘collaboration’ in General Hospital, Schepens researchers advance the the usual sense. The union of Schepens and Mass. Eye and Ear understanding of eye disease and facilitate the transfer of is a significant inroad to bridging the gap between research and scientific knowledge into clinical use. Since its inception, clinical application.” Schepens has trained over 600 postdoctoral fellows and 500 Today, Schepens is structured into four distinct Centers of eye surgeons, and has produced nearly 5,000 scientific papers Excellence to streamline the transfer of scientific knowledge and books on the eye. to clinical application. The outstanding scientific work carried Schepens Leadership out in these centers is now merging with ongoing basic, In 1993, J. Wayne Streilein, MD, joined Schepens Eye translational and clinical investigations in the Department Research Institute as the DeWalt and Marie Ankeny Director of Ophthalmology’s Centers of Excellence in AMD, cornea, of Research. He became President in 1995, and was responsible and diabetic eye disease, which were launched in for the Institute’s substantial growth in size and impact. 2010. After Dr. Streilein’s sudden passing in 2004, microbiologist The Mobility Enhancement and Rehabilitation Centeraims to Michael Gilmore, PhD was recruited as President and Ankeny improve eyesight in visually impaired patients. Researchers are developing Director of Research. Dr. Gilmore led the Institute for five novel and innovative techniques to enhance vision—and thus quality of years before joining the Howe Laboratory at Mass. Eye and life—for people with various forms of vision loss, including strabismus, amblyopia, age-related (AMD), and hemianopia. Ear to focus on research. In 2009, Kenneth Fischer, MBA, was This center is directed by Dr. Peli, a worldwide authority in low vision named President and Chief Operating Officer. Co-Directors who has developed innovative clinical techniques and a variety of low In this issue: of Research Patricia A. D’Amore, PhD, MBA, Reza Dana, vision aids. He is Professor of Ophthalmology at HMS, and continues to MD, MPH, MSc, and Eli Peli, OD, MSc, form the Institute’s provide specialized patient care as Director of the Vision Rehabilitation Notes from the Chair...... Cover triumvirate research directorate. Service at New England Medical Center Hospital in Boston. At Schepens, in addition to being Co-Director of Research, Dr. Peli is Schepens in the The new partnership between Schepens and Mass. Eye and Senior Scientist and Moakley Scholar in Aging Eye Research. Mass. Eye and Ear Family...... Cover Joseph F. Rizzo III, MD Ear follows years of intermittent discussions. “I believe that one of the main reasons this unification became a reality is the The Center for Corneal & External Eye Disease Researchfocuses Joseph F. Rizzo III, MD on multiple conditions that affect the cornea, such as dry eye disease, Promoted to Professor Joseph F. Rizzo III, MD Promoted emphasis and efforts that Dr. Miller has put into organizing corneal dystrophies, infections, and injuries. Dr. Dana, a leading of Ophthalmology...... 2 the HMS Department of Ophthalmology into one coherent expert in corneal inflammation and ocular surface , directs this unit,” says Dr. Peli. “This strong effort to shift away from the center, which has helped develop numerous pharmacological treatments Annual Meeting & to Professor of Ophthalmology ‘us’ and ‘them’ mindset over the last few years has made it and innovative therapeutic methods. Dr. Dana is Professor and Claes Alumni Reunion Highlights...... 6 oseph F. Rizzo III, MD was recently promoted to Professor of Ophthalmology possible for all involved to move ahead with greater trust and H. Dohlman Chair in Ophthalmology at HMS, and Vice Chair at Harvard Medical School. Dually trained and board-certified in Expanded Vitroretinal Course J comfort.” Dr. D’Amore is similarly enthusiastic about the of Academic Programs of the Department of Ophthalmology. He is Attracts Capacity Crowd...... 9 Ophthalmology and Neurology, Dr. Rizzo is Director of the Neuro- joining of forces—particularly in terms of advancing the field Associate Chief of Ophthalmology and Director of Cornea and Refractive Surgery at Mass. Eye and Ear. At Schepens, Dr. Dana is Co-Director of Ophthalmology Service at Mass. Eye and Ear, and was Director of the Center for of ophthalmology on multiple levels. “I am very excited about Department Releases Innovative Visual Rehabilitation at the Boston Veterans Affairs from 2001 – 2011. Research, Senior Scientist, and the W. Clement Stone Scholar. Frontiers Report...... 9 the alliance between Schepens and Mass. Eye and Ear,” says Dr. Rizzo is also Founder and Co-Director of the Boston Retinal Implant Project, Dr. D’Amore. “It is certain to lead to important breakthroughs Center for Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Research HMS Welcomes a multidisciplinary and international research collaboration that is developing in our understanding and treatment of eye disease.” brings together outstanding scientists, engineers, and clinicians to Class of 2014...... 10 technologies to improve the quality-of-life for visually-impaired patients. decipher the mechanisms of AMD, a leading cause of vision loss that Bridging the Gap Between Research is becoming more and more prevalent with the aging population. The A native of New Orleans, Dr. Rizzo received his undergraduate and medical training Alumni Giving Society...... 12 and Clinical Application Center of Excellence for AMD Research is led by Dr. D’Amore, an at Louisiana State University. Following an internship at the University of California internationally recognized expert of vascular growth and development. The Abelson Family Medical Center (Los Angeles), Dr. Rizzo completed a neurology residency at Tufts Scientific endeavors at Schepens span all levels of research— Dr. D’Amore’s studies have helped form the foundations of vascular- Fellowship in Cornea...... 12 University/New England Medical Center and then an ophthalmology residency from basic science to clinical testing—and often intertwine targeting therapies, and also uncovered important physiological roles with ongoing investigations at Mass. Eye and Ear. “The of vascular growth factors—yielding crucial insight into the safe News from All Over...... 13 at Boston University. He completed a clinical fellowship in neuro-ophthalmology at Mass. Eye and Ear under his clinical mentor, Dr. Simmons Lessell. Dr. Rizzo research at the two institutions has always been highly use of antiangiogenic therapies.Dr. D’Amore holds professorships in Save the Dates...... 20 complementary,” explains Dr. D’Amore. “This unification ophthalmology and pathology at HMS, and serves as Vice Chair of Basic joined the faculty of the HMS Department of Ophthalmology in 1986. He Research in the Department of Ophthalmology. Co-Director of Research received his first grant support in the late 1980s under the Physician-Scientist grant will catalyze new and existing collaborations.” Dr. Peli agrees Published three times a year: at Schepens, Dr. D’Amore is also Senior Scientist and Ankeny Scholar of program administered by the National Institutes of Health during which time he that the collaborative efforts between the two institutions Joan W. Miller, MD, Editor Retinal Molecular Biology. worked in the laboratory of Richard Masland, Ph.D., then at the Massachusetts were beneficial long before the official unification, which sets Suzanne Ward, Publications Manager The Minda de Gunzburg Center for Ocular Regeneration forms an General Hospital. Dr. Rizzo succeeded Dr. Simmons Lessell as Director of Neuro- the stage for future gains. “I am very optimistic that we will Wendy Chao, PhD, Editorial Consultant see many more benefits in the coming years,” says Dr. Peli, arena for developing revolutionary methods to regenerate eye tissues. Ophthalmology at Mass. Eye and Ear in 2005. Michael Young, PhD, HMS Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and “when the distinctions completely disappear and the strength Dr. Rizzo is actively engaged as a leader in training and academic events on a regular a leading expert in tissue and stem cell transplantation, leads the effort of the new organization takes effect.” For Dr. Dana, who holds to develop regenerative therapies for various diseases, including AMD, basis. He is the Program Director of the Mass. Eye and Ear Neuro-Ophthalmology directorships at both Schepens and Mass. Eye and Ear, this glaucoma, corneal disease, and ocular cancer.Studies led by Dr. Young fellowship, and is directly responsible for training fellows, residents, and medical unification solidifies the “seamless process between the two during the past five years have significantly advanced the understanding students in his specialty. He regularly delivers lectures on diverse ophthalmic issues, institutions” that he has worked to develop. “Combined, we of tissue and stem cell transplantation in the retina—particularly continues on page 5 represent the world’s largest group of scientists dedicated to in terms of graft survival and the formation of functional neural connections after transplantation. n 2 Eyewitness fall/winter 2011 #18 3 Joseph F. Rizzo, continued from page 2 Uniting the efforts of these two remarkable he founded The Retina Foundation (later re-named The and directs the neuro-ophthalmology section of the Lancaster institutions is vital to our continuing mission Schepens Eye Research Institute) to promote intensive Course, which is the oldest and largest training course in of excellence. In this regard, the work being investigations of retinal disorders and diseases. Among the nation for ophthalmologists. He also developed and carried out by faculty at both Mass. Eye and his innumerable accomplishments, he is credited with directs the biennial Neuro-Ophthalmology Fall Festival, Ear and Schepens will “stay the course,” further establishing the subspecialty of retina within ophthalmology a unique one-and-a-half day symposium that exemplifies enhanced by a stronger, more collaborative and, at Mass. Eye and Ear, with creating the world’s first the art of traditional, case-based diagnostic formulations environment; with our combined resources retina service where he served as Director until 1972. He to provide a comprehensive overview on the diagnosis and we’ve realized significant logistical and became Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology, Emeritus at management of common or medically-significant neuro- technological gains, which will facilitate our HMS in 1978. Dr. Schepens passed away in 2006. ophthalmic disorders. This year, Dr. Rizzo became the investigative work. I am also confident that Director of the Alumni Weekend for the HMS Department Collectively, the body of investigative work by Mass. Eye this powerful new union will help to invigorate of Ophthalmology, overlaying his role as co-chair of the and Ear and Schepens faculty has served as the linchpin our recruitment efforts by attracting the department’s Annual Meeting since 2008. The combined for countless scientific breakthroughs in ocular disease. best and brightest scientists and world-class inaugural event was highly successful, drawing 240 attendees, Both institutions share a long held belief that integrating researchers to our department. Finally, in this including 90 alumni. era of fluctuating funding, I anticipate that education, research and clinical practice is essential to a more robust department will bolster our advancing the field of ophthalmology. Since their inception, Dr. Rizzo’s decades-long mission has focused on improving Rajesh Rao, MD (HMS resident, class of 2011), Dong Feng Chen, MD, PhD (Schepens) and ability to attract critical research funding from distinguished Mass. Eye and Ear and Schepens faculty have the diagnostic and treatment methods for neuro-ophthalmic Taimur Malik, MD (Schepens postdoctoral fellow) share a laugh in the Chen lab at Schepens. government and industry sources. trained and mentored generations of clinician scientists and visual disorders. He evaluates roughly 40 percent of all researchers, and made enormous contributions to the annals patients referred to the Neuro-Ophthalmology Service at Notes from the Chair, continued from cover A shared spirit of purpose, of ophthalmic literature. Their work and teachings have Mass. Eye and Ear, and collaborates closely with neurologists history and innovation A multi-benefit partnership inspired generations of ophthalmologists and scientists who, at Massachusetts General Hospital to deliver high-quality Beyond the intrinsic benefits of their collaboration, today, continue to pass on their knowledge in classrooms, care for patients with visual disorders. He conducts clinical I am thrilled that this long-anticipated and unprecedented Mass. Eye and Ear and Schepens share a collegial spirit labs and patient care settings all around the globe. research on a variety of disorders that impact vision, partnership has come to fruition. I firmly believe it’s a of purpose, innovation and success that dates to their particularly diseases of the retina and optic nerve. win-win for both affiliates, our department and, ultimately, inception. In 1824, Drs. Edward Reynolds and John Jeffries will bring tremendous benefits to people worldwide. Both Today, Mass. Eye and Ear brings its outstanding Dr. Rizzo founded Boston Retinal Implant Project (BRIP) in established the Boston Eye Infirmary (later re-named the Mass. Eye and Ear and Schepens, world-class in their 1988 to develop a retinal prosthesis for patients with acquired Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary) as a charitable eye research programs in retina, glaucoma, own right, are tightly unified in their global mission to blindness. As part of the program, Dr. Rizzo leads a team of clinic, “to alleviate suffering of less fortunate brethren,” and genetics to the partnership, as well as eradicate blinding diseases and mitigate vision impairment. physicians, scientists, and engineers who have been dedicated and as a teaching center. In its 180-year history, Mass. its uncompromising success in translating Historically, they share a natural synergy that pairs their to developing advanced technologies to build implantable Eye and Ear faculty have pioneered numerous tools and complementary areas of expertise and technology, and laboratory discoveries into clinical triumphs. and non-implantable devices to provide visual input to blind techniques and made countless scientific discoveries that have often pooled people and resources to conduct critical Schepens, in turn, offers an arsenal of expertise patients, especially those who have retinitis pigmentosa and have shaped the foundations of ophthalmology - from laboratory and clinical investigations. They also share a age-related macular degeneration. Hoping to take advantage isolating the genes that cause retinoblastoma and one and contributions in ocular surface disease, decades-long tradition of research excellence and success; of the surviving nerve cells in these patients, the retinal form of retinitis pigmentosa, to pioneering therapies for immunology, stem cell therapies, regeneration, their combined basic and clinical investigations, for prosthesis being developed by Dr. Rizzo’s team will transmit treating intraocular melanoma and neovascular age-related and mobility rehabilitation. example, led to a major a revolution in treating age-related visual information to the brain by electrically stimulating macular degeneration. Mass. Eye and Ear also established macular degeneration, as well as laid the groundwork for retinal neurons that survive the degenerative process that the first ophthalmic pathology laboratory in the U.S. developing current techniques used to treat corneal clarity causes blindness. The implant will be driven by a pair of (David Glendenning Cogan Laboratory), the first endowed Pursuing a 21st century mission and visual acuity in patients. These efforts alone have led to “Smart Glasses”, which contain a small camera that captures ophthalmic research unit (The Howe Laboratory), better eye health, saved sight and improved the quality of This remarkable milestone is the latest in a series of vital details of the visual scene. A small wearable electronic and the world’s first organized cornea subspecialty life for millions of people worldwide. HMS affiliate partnerships and department initiatives in component will process the visual scene and wirelessly and structured fellowship program (pioneered by recent years. These changes, including our new alliance, transmit the images to the implant, which will then issue Claes H. Dohlman, MD, PhD). Today, Mass. Eye and Ear brings its outstanding research continue to transform how we do business in every aspect patterns of electrical pulses to the retina. The “Smart Glasses” programs in retina, glaucoma, and genetics to the A brilliant ophthalmic surgeon, scientist and dedicated of our mission; and, ultimately enable us to deliver the best, can also be used independent of the implant to provide visual partnership, as well as its uncompromising success in educator, Schepens Eye Research Institute founder, most accessible care to our patients. In tandem with these information to patients with any form of blindness. Special translating laboratory discoveries into clinical triumphs. Charles L. Schepens, is lauded as the “Father of Modern changes, the department’s new Ocular Genomics Institute, innovations to the implantable component include an Schepens, in turn, offers an arsenal of expertise and Retinal Surgery,” and responsible for developing numerous directed by Eric Pierce, MD, PhD, a clinician, teacher, and ultra-low power design and a geometric architecture contributions in ocular surface disease, immunology, stem technological and surgical innovations. As a research world-leading scientist in retinal degenerative research, will that minimizes that amount of hardware that is placed into cell therapies, regeneration, and mobility rehabilitation. fellow at Moorsfield Eye Hospital in London, Dr. Schepens pursue a vigorous effort to bring the exciting possibilities of the eye. Together, their scientifically rich and diverse partnership built the first binocular indirect ophthalmoscope, a “personalized medicine” to a 21st century reality. Thanks to brings our fight against blindness to an unprecedented level Dr. Rizzo has also been awarded three awards for excellence medical instrument that eventually revolutionized fundus modern genomics and powerful new computing technologies, - one that is primed to deepen collaborations among our as a teacher during his tenure at Mass. Eye and Ear. n examination and the practice of ophthalmology worldwide. delivering highly targeted care to patients based on their scientists, accelerate bench-to-bedside discoveries and bring While a research fellow at Mass. Eye and Ear, Dr. Schepens unique genetic makeup is a now a question of “when” rather the most advanced care to patients. It will also foster pioneered surgical techniques for treating detached , than “if.” Our department is aggressively positioned at this professional development by creating a broader educational including scleral buckling and the open sky vitrectomy; his critical gateway and well-prepared with the best people, platform for resident and fellowship training. devices and surgical techniques boosted the success rates technology and resources to make a significant impact on n of retinal reattachment from 40 to 90 percent. In 1950, what promises to be a revolution in healthcare delivery.

4 Eyewitness fall/winter 2011 #18 5 Annual Meeting/ Alumni Reunion

mediate retinal detachment-induced photoreceptor necrosis B. Thomas Hutchinson, MD Receives 2011 HMS Annual and compensate for inhibition of apoptosis.” In 2012, the HMS Distinguished Alumni Dr. Gragoudas will be offering two, $5,000 awards for the Professional Achievement Award Meeting and Alumni best clinical and the best basic/translational research papers. Dr. Hutchinson completed his MD, Reunion Delivers a Annual Meeting and Alumni Reunion Highlights residency, and research and clinical The following day, Dr. Miller kicked off the Annual Meeting fellowships (Howe Laboratory, glaucoma) High Impact Weekend with a synopsis of department activities that recapped an at Harvard Medical School and the extraordinary year of activity, accomplishments and growth. HMS/Mass. Eye and Ear Department of ecord attendance, inspiring lectures, and a dynamic From the unification of Mass. Eye and Ear and Schepens Ophthalmology. For many years he was new format created a palpable sense of excitement Eye Research Institute to the launch of the new Ocular Rand enthusiasm during the HMS Department of Genomics Institute, directed by Eric Pierce, MD, PhD who the director of the Harvard Postgraduate Ophthalmology’s 2011 Graduation and Annual Meeting & is working with Janey Wiggs, MD, PhD. Dr. Miller outlined Course in Ophthalmology and for 10 years Alumni Reunion three-day weekend. More than 240 faculty, the incredible array of innovation and collaboration that was an assistant chief editor of the AMA alumni and trainees took part in the expanded 3-day event, continues to build momentum across the HMS campus, as Archives of Ophthalmology. For four-plus which featured a new, integrated format combining scientific well as how these initiatives are positioning the department decades, he has maintained an active exchange with networking events and social activities. HMS to be the leading ophthalmic center of excellence in the 21st role in the teaching of medical students, Ophthalmology chair, Joan W. Miller, MD, noted that the century. The meeting segued to an informative program 90+ alumni in attendance flavored the meeting with a strong residents and fellows in ophthalmology. John Irvine, MD, 2011 Mariana Mead Lecturer of presentations – orchestrated by Joseph Rizzo III, MD, sense of collegial spirit. “One of our goals this year was to Director of Alumni and Professor of Ophthalmology at encourage strong alumni attendance and participation,” said HMS - that covered the latest advancements in clinical and Dr. Miller. “Reconnecting with alumni added an exciting for the American Academy of Ophthalmology and has research topics in the fields of glaucoma, retina, cornea new dimension to the meeting and makes one appreciate been a board member of the Pan American Association of and rehabilitation. that the strength of the department is not just who we are Ophthalmology. In addition to his other educational efforts today but the cumulative experience, wisdom and dedication in ophthalmology for trainees and practitioners, Dr. Irvine B. Thomas Hutchinson, MD, Associate Clinical Professor of every trainee and faculty member who has passed currently meets weekly with first and second year medical of Ophthalmology at HMS and a consulting editor for the through our doors. It’s also a great students as a group mentor in Harvard Medical School Health Newsletter, presented the opportunity to bring our alumni up a core medical school course, Distinguished Alumni Award lecture. Dr. Hutchinson spoke to speed on department plans and Reconnecting with alumni...makes Professionalism and the Practice on “Protecting the Public (and your!) Interest,” and detailed how he has successfully managed malpractice risk while programs so we are top of mind for “one appreciate that the strength of of Medicine, and is Director of spreading the word and increasing Continuing Medical Education protecting both his patients and his practice. Drawing from support.” the department is not just who we are at Doheny, where he participates a half-century of experience, he outlined proven practice today but the cumulative experience, in CME courses in the U.S guidelines that are based on three basic tenets: live and Graduation Ceremonies wisdom and dedication of every and abroad. His outstanding practice according to the Hippocratic Oath, deliver quality Traditional Department of professional contributions have eye care, and protect the public interest. Ophthalmology graduation trainee and faculty member who has earned him both an Achievement continues on page 8 ceremonies were held on June 16, passed through our doors. Award and a Secretariat Award and preceded meeting activities. —Joan” W. Miller, MD from the American Academy Dr. Joan Miller presents the HMS Distinguished Alumni Graduates and their friends and of Ophthalmology. Graduates Professional Achievement Award to B. Thomas Hutchinson, MD. families were treated to the tenth and faculty on hand thoroughly annual Frederick A. Jakobiec Lecture in Ophthalmology enjoyed his lecture on “Connections.” given by HMS alumnus, John A. Irvine, MD. He is past president of the American Dr. Irvine is currently the A. Ray Irvine Chair in Clinical Graduation ceremonies were wrapped up with teaching Academy of Ophthalmology and currently Ophthalmology at the University of Southern California recognitions awarded to Matthew Gardiner, MD, director the chair of the Advisory Board of the of Mass. Eye and Ear’s Emergency Department, who was (USC) and Chief of Ophthalmology at USC University Foundation of the American Academy of voted by residents as Teacher of the Year. Fellow of the Year, Hospital. He is also Director of the Cornea Service and Ophthalmology, the Academy’s public also by resident vote, was awarded to cornea fellow, Kristen Vice Chair for Clinical Affairs for the USC Ophthalmology service foundation. He is the recipient Department. Hawthorne, MD. This year’s ceremonies also marked two new firsts. The department graduated its first Optometric of numerous awards, including the A dedicated educator who has trained hundreds of Resident with a certificate presented to Benjamin Klibanoff, Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award medical students, residents, fellows and community OD. Another graduation first was the presentation of the and Distinguished Service Award. He has ophthalmologists, Dr. Irvine’s many teaching and service 2011 Gragoudas Prize for the best retinal paper published endowed two lectureships, one at Harvard activities reflect the academic and leadership spirit of the by a Mass. Eye and Ear trainee in academic year 2010- Medical School in ophthalmology and one Jakobiec lecture. He has built a large clinical practice while 2011. This year’s award – a $10,000 prize – was presented honoring his father at the West Virginia maintaining a research program and taking on numerous to Yusuke Murakami, MD and George Trichonas, MD HMS alumni (l to r): James V. Aquavella ‘61, Claes Dohlman ‘54, D. Brendan leadership roles. He has served on a variety of committees Sweeney ‘62, Betty Sweeney, Murray Johnstone ‘71, Richard Simmons University School of Medicine. for their paper entitled, “Receptor interacting protein kinases ‘62, Anne Simmons, Ralph Hinckley ‘62, Dennis Freilich ‘65, Firmon Hardenbergh ‘60, Ljubisa Nikolic ‘84, Simmons Lessell ‘67

6 Eyewitness fall/winter 2011 #18 7 Hot off the Press! Alumni Meeting, continued from page 7 John Irvine, MD, and excitement was a backdrop for reunion goers throughout presented the 2011 the weekend. Hundreds of faculty along with 90 alumni Expanded Vitreoretinal Course Department Releases Mariana Mead Lecture, – some coming from as far away as Pakistan and Belgrade titled “Professionalism: – gathered to reconnect with former colleagues, fellows and Attracts Capacity Crowd, Frontiers Report Achievement and residents. Although hard to believe, some HMS faculty had The Harvard Medical Maintenance.” In not returned to their alma mater in 40 years! Eminent Educators School Department his lecture, Dr. Newly graduated residents and fellows mixed with current he 2nd Annual Mass. Eye & Ear Vitrectomy Course, a unique of Ophthalmology is Irvine explored the proud to announce the and former faculty to hear inspirational talks delivered Tand comprehensive workshop covering the theory and practice definition and role of inaugural release of its by representatives of 10 quinquennial graduating classes of vitreoretinal surgery, took place July 22-23, 2011. Free of charge to “professional behavior” comprehensive Frontiers dating back to 1961. Lectures highlighted the careers and participants, this intense educational experience is modeled after Mass. in modern practice, in Ophthalmology report. accomplishments of each lecturer and spanned topics from Eye and Ear’s nationally renowned cataract surgery course, and designed how it has evolved A historical framework “Ophthalmology Resident Surgical Training in Changing exclusively for first-year vitreoretinal fellows. The course gives the over the years, and provides context for Times,” presented by Class of 2006 representative, Carolyn E. beginning fellow a brief but comprehensive introduction to techniques how it fits into today’s Frontiers, which showcases Kloek, MD, Associate Residency Program Director at HMS in vitreoretinal surgery, and preparation for the OR experience of the changing medical and the department’s key to “Deploying Technology to Combat Age-Related Ocular clinical fellowship. Participants join a distinguished group of world-class socioeconomic climate. accomplishments, Morbidity,” presented by Class of 1961 representative, James faculty in lectures, panel discussions, videos, wet labs, and a surgical He addressed the milestones and dynamic V. Aquavella, MD, Professor of Ophthalmology, University of simulation laboratory outfitted with Eyesi® virtual reality surgical possibility of achieving growth over the last Rochester, Flaum Eye Institute. Additional lectures spanned simulators. and maintaining the several years in vision the topics of drug development, hysterical blindness, infectious This year’ s course was organized by HMS Ophthalmology Vice Chair traditional virtues science, education and keratitis, and much more. for Medical Education, John Loewenstein, MD, Demetrios Vavvas, MD, patient care, and explores of professionalism – PhD, and Dean Eliott, MD, Associate Director of the Retina Service, how the efforts of our faculty have – and continue – to including the attributes A key highlight of the day was a presentation by Dr. Miller and is the only educational event of its kind in the country. “From influence the pace and progress of ophthalmology worldwide. of altruism, self-sacrifice celebrating the generosity of the department’s Alumni Giving the get-go, this course has been a tremendous success because of its The report also spotlights the growing collaborations amongst and integrity – in Society members. The Society was launched in December, emphasis on hands-on training and a low student-teacher ratio,” notes our affiliates and across the global ophthalmic community, and the context of today’s 2010 to help support the vital work of HMS faculty and Dr. Loewenstein. “It offers fellows a significant learning experience with details the initiatives we are pursuing today to ramp up our technological advances, trainees, and recognizes gifts of $1,000 or more to the some of the world’s most accomplished vitreoretinal surgeons.” efforts to fight blinding diseases on a more robust scale. Many which may alter how department each fiscal year (October 1 – September 30). of these efforts are made possible by the department’s key the doctor-patient In FY11, several inspirational gifts were presented to the The course debuted last July as a one-day workshop that drew 40 first- foundation partners, alumni and generous friends, several of relationship is managed. department, including the Richard J. Simmons and Ruthanne year vitreoretinal fellows from across the United States, and featured whom are highlighted in the report. Dr. Irvine’s Mariana B. Simmons Fellowship Fund, the Dr. Pei-Fei Lee Lectureship distinguished faculty from various institutions worldwide. Based on “Frontiers is meant to inform, educate and engage a variety of Mead Lecture (power in Ophthalmology and The Abelson Family Fellowship in extremely favorable ratings from the inaugural course, this year’s course audiences and, in essence, tell our story to the world,” notes point presentation) Cornea at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary. Drs. Mark was expanded to two chief and chair, Dr. Joan W. Miller. “It’s a unifying voice for Top Photo: HMS trainees (l to r) front row: Abelson and Richard Simmons were on hand to provide brief days and attended Meenakashi Gupta, MD (resident), is available at www. the department and my hope is that we successfully convey remarks. Sahar Kohanim, MD (chief cornea fellow), MassEyeAndEar. by 60 fellows not only who we are and what we do, but how firmly all of our Nancy Huynh, MD (resident). Back row: org/for-professionals/ from around the Peter Veldman, MD (resident), John Miller, MD In addition to providing an inspiring platform for scientific affiliates are united in a single mission and vision.” (resident), Anthony Daniels, MD, MSc ophthalmology. A link exchange, the Annual Meeting and Alumni Reunion weekend country and abroad. (retina fellow) to Eyewitness, Issue #17, Marshall Dial, Vice Copies of the report have been distributed to HMS leadership, offered plenty of opportunity to get together with former faculty, alumni and friends of the department (including our Middle: Perry Rosenthal ‘63 and Firmon is also available, which President of Sales at classmates, tour newly renovated areas of Mass. Eye and Ear Eyewitness readers), as well as some 2,000 opinion makers Hardenbergh ‘60 includes a profile of VRmagic, was also (an event which drew 60 people) and reconnect with Boston. and ophthalmology leaders in the U.S. and around the globe. Bottom: Dr. Miller speaks at the dinner Dr. Irvine. in attendance to celebration. On Sunday, many reunion goers wrapped up their weekend Look for your copy in the mail. Frontiers is also available discuss features of Winners for best clinical with a private group tour of the new Arts of America Wing in PDF format at: www.MassEyeAndEar.org/specialties/ the company’s Eyesi® posters went to HMS Ophthalmology residents Meenakashi at the Museum of Fine Arts and/or a trip to Fenway Park to ophthalmology. (Please see erratum note, page 19) virtual reality surgical Gupti, MD for her poster titled, “Higher Body Mass Index is see the Red Sox trounce the Milwaukee Brewers (12-3) – the simulator. The two- Associated with Earlier Retinopathy Onset in Pediatric Patients perfect ending to a perfect weekend! Here’s what readers are saying... day event concluded with Type 1 Diabetes,” and Aliya Jiwani, MD with a poster Simply incredible! Special thanks to our 10 alumni representatives and our 2011 with a gala dinner on “Solar Exposure as a Risk Factor for Exfoliation Syndrome.” Superb! Alumni Reunion Executive Committee: Frank G. Berson, on the evening of Gil Grand, MD, Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology and Visual Best research poster awards went to Yu-Chieh Ko, MD, for Sciences at Washington University School of Medicine, Well done and quite informative! MD, B. Thomas Hutchinson, MD, Joan W. Miller, MD, July 23rd at the Taj his poster on “sGCα₁-deficient Mice: A Novel Murine Model of teaches surgical techniques to first-year fellows during the “It would be impossible to read Frontiers without achieving a Melissa M. Paul, and Joseph F. Rizzo III, MD. n Hotel in Boston. 2nd Annual Vitreoretinal Course Spontaneous Primary Open Angle Glaucoma,” and Alisar Zahr, sense of excitement and enthusiasm for the level of research PhD for her poster titled, “Role of Endomucin-1 in Neutrophil- Get involved! “The course has grown significantly and was once again filled to and the educational programs underway. It was particularly Endothelial Cell Interactions.” Plans are well underway for next year’s event. If you are capacity,” says Dr. Eliott, which attests to the excellent training offered gratifying to learn of the activity and achievements of so many by the course; indeed, with over 25 renowned faculty in participation, faculty friends for whom I will always have the greatest respect A complementary dinner celebration on Friday evening interested in joining the Alumni Reunion committee, the course provided a setting with a high teacher-to-student ratio. “All and appreciation.” -George J. Rabstejnek, Chairman Emeritus, capped off the day’s activities and set the stage for the please contact Melissa Paul, Chief Development Officer, of this year’s participants rated the course very favorably, and all of the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary n dedicated alumni reunion events that followed. High energy at (617) 573-4168 or [email protected] faculty have volunteered to return next year,” says Dr. Eliott. n

8 Eyewitness fall/winter 2011 #18 9 HMS Department of Ophthalmology

HMS residents: Kimberly Trinca-Gold, MD (class of ‘2011), Meenakashi Gupta, MD, Glenn Yiu, MD, PhD, Peter Veldman, MD, HMS Welcomes Residency Class of 2014 Nancy Huynh, MD and Jessica Rankin, MD

Alison Barnes Callahan, MD on preventative medicine supported by a David Rockefeller Center for Alison graduated summa cum laude from Princeton Latin American Studies Graduate Fellowship. As a fourth-year medical Yoshihiro Yonekawa, MD University with a degree in Psychology. At Princeton, student, Alice participated in the department’s ophthalmology (elective) A New York native, Yoshihiro attended Wesleyan she was awarded a number of prizes, including apprenticeship program where she worked with Kathryn Colby, MD, PhD, University where he completed a bachelor’s degree the George A. Miller Prize for the best thesis in and Roberto Pineda II, MD on a Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus project. She in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry in 2004. At Cognitive Science, and the Edward E. Jones Memorial has also worked with Michael Morley, MD at Mass. General Hospital on Wesleyan, he was selected for a Howard Hughes Prize for the best thesis in social psychology. Her two clinical research projects, including the clinical manifestations and Medical Institute Research Fellowship and was undergraduate research focused on decision-making. treatment of Charles Bonnet Syndrome, and a research trial supported by awarded the Scott Biomedical Prize for a graduating Alison received her MD from Columbia College the World Health Organization on patient safety at a Thailand hospital. senior demonstrating promise as a future academic of Physicians and Surgeons in 2010. At Columbia, physician. He pursued his MD at Weill Cornell she collaborated on a quantitative computer analysis of Retinopathy Medical College, where he co-founded the Cornell of Prematurity, and a project involving computer image analysis of Sotiria Palioura, MD, PhD Harpal Sandhu, MD Ophthalmology Interest Group, dedicated to vision screenings at homeless iris curvature before and after laser peripheral iridotomy. Alison also A native of Greece, Sotiria Palioura came to the U.S. Harpal grew up in Vancouver, BC. He graduated shelters and workshops for residents and faculty. Yoshihiro has garnered organized and led a cadaveric study at the University of California/San in 1999 to attend Yale College. She graduated magna magna cum laude from Harvard College in several awards and honors, including a Fight for Sight Student Grant, Francisco’s Orthopaedic Bioengineering Lab, where she characterized cum laude four years later with both BSc and MSc 2006, with a degree in chemistry. During his a Honjo International Scholarship, a USA Funds Scholarship and a Barr the biomechanical attributes of the cervical artificial pedicle screw, a degrees with distinction in molecular biophysics and undergraduate career, he maintained a John Summer Fellowship. He has also held a number of leadership positions type of spine fixation first characterized and performed at UCSF. Her biochemistry, and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa Harvard Scholarship each year for academic with the Japanese Medical Society of America. At Weill, under the investigations resulted in a first-author paper published in the journal National Honor Society. She also conducted research excellence, and received the Detur Digniori Prize mentorship of Ronald Silverman, MD, Paul Chan, MD and Thomas Lee, Spine. During her four years at Columbia, Alison was one of three student- on the fidelity of protein synthesis in bacteria, and for sophomores, reflecting his high academic class MD, Yoshihiro’s published his research on “Proton Beam Irradiation using elected representatives to serve on the Dean’s Advisory Committee. her work was published in PNAS. In 2003, Sotiria rank (top 4%) during his freshman year. Harpal a light field technique for the teatment of choroidal hemangiomas,” and matriculated in the Medical Scientist Training Program matriculated at Harvard Medical School and, in “Aplastic anemia secondary to 6-mercaptopurine initially presenting with at Yale University School of Medicine. There, she continued her research 2007, was awarded an American Brain Tumor Association Medical Student a hemorrhagic retinopathy.” He has also worked with Ivana Kim, MD and Kristine Lo, MD in bacterial protein synthesis—contributing to numerous publications, Summer Fellowship to conduct research in the Molecular Neurosurgery Lab Margaret DeAngelis, PhD at Mass. Eye and Ear, exploring genetic and including PNAS, Nature Chemical Biology, and a first-authored paper in A native of the Philippines, Kristine joins the of Robert Martuza, MD at MGH. His efforts focused on basic tissue culture epidemiological factors for AMD. Science. Through a highly competitive selection process, Sotiria was HMS residency program already a seasoned and molecular biology techniques with glioma stem cells and oncolytic chosen to attend the 2007 Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in Germany, ophthalmologist with seven years of experience. viruses. In his fourth year, Harpal opted to take the ophthalmology where she had the opportunity to meet with Nobel Laureates and other She received a Bachelor of Science degree from elective where he participated in research with Kathryn Colby, MD, PhD Optometry Resident aspiring young researchers. At Yale, her capabilities were underscored Ateneo de Manila University graduating cum laude and Roberto Pineda II, MD. He also conducted research in the retina with the MD/PhD Thesis Prize and the Farr Scholar Excellence in Research in 1996, and her medical degree from the University department at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital under the supervision of Mark Bernardo, OD Award from Yale University School of Medicine. After earning an MD of the Philippines in 2001. While a resident at the Jorge Arroyo, MD. Despite his busy schedule, Harpal spent three years cum laude and a PhD in molecular biophysics & biochemistry in 2010, Dr. Mark attended Rutgers University in New Brunswick, University’s Philippine General Hospital (PGH), she mentoring underserved youth through the Martha Eliot health Center Palioura interned at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New NJ, where he majored in Biological Sciences with participated in clinical research on ocular surface Mentoring Program; he also co-founded and led the International Relations York; there, she conducted clinical research with Dr. David Abramson on a minor in Psychology, and received the Edward J. diseases including dry eye and pterygium. Following residency, she and Biomedicine Circle in Boston. evaluating the efficacy and toxicity of intra-arterial chemotherapy for Bloustein Distinguished Scholarship. He attended the pursued a fellowship at PHG in cornea and external diseases working with advanced retinoblastoma. New England College of Optometry (NECO), where Dr. Mario Valenton, the Philippines foremost expert in the field. Wanting he was inducted as a member of the Beta Sigma to broaden her exposure and training in both subspecialties, Kristine was Danielle Trief, MD, MSc Kappa Honor Society, and awarded the Beider Moral accepted for an ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery fellowship Danielle is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania Obligation Scholarship. During his clinical rotations at Thanos Papakostas, MD at Mass. Eye and Ear under the mentorship of Dr. Aaron Fay. As a fellow, where she double majored in Biological Basis NECO, Mark served a diverse group of patients across she was immersed in a full breadth of clinical, academic, and research A Greek native, Thanos held an early affinity for of Behavior and Communications, with a double the Northeast and gained a broad array of clinical experience. He also opportunities. She was extensively involved in resident training and mathematics and physical sciences, earning a spot minor in Chemistry and Psychology, graduating served as an academic tutor and clinical skills instructor, and managed published a first-authored paper in Seminars in Ophthalmology (May 2009), on the National Olympic team in Mathematics in summa cum laude in BBS, with distinction. As the pre-clinical area. Mark volunteered for several community service titled “Current theories on the pathogenesis of infantile hemangioma.” 1997 (Hellenic Mathematical Society) and, in 2000, an undergraduate, and funded by a University activities, which included providing visions screenings at the local YMCA Initially intending to return to private practice in the Philippines, Kristine’s on the National Olympic Team in Chemistry (Greek Scholars Research Grant and a Millstein Family and the Lions Eye Mobile Project, as well as providing free vision care for fellowship experience inspired her to change her career projectory to Chemist Association). Favoring a medical career, research grant, Danielle conducted research that the underprivileged through volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity. pursue an academic career in ophthalmology. Thanos attended the University of Athens National focused on how altruistic acts can be evolutionary Fluent in Spanish and Tagalog (one of two official languages of the and Kapodistrian Medical School, where he worked adventitious. Simultaneously, she conducted a study on how drugs can Philippines), Mark recently participated in a six-day medical mission to with Drs. Ioannis Ladas and Alexandros Rouvas on Alice Lorch, MD induce or exacerbate psychoses in an animal model of schizophrenia. the Philippines sponsored by the EyeCare/WeCare Foundation where he investigating combination treatments for “wet” age-related macular Following graduation, she attended Oxford University on a Thouron assisted with 1,700+ screening and refractions for indigent patients. n Alice attended Yale College where she graduated degeneration. In 2007, he joined Mass. Eye and Ear as a research fellow Fellowship, where she completed a Master of Science in , magna cum laude in 2005 with a degree in biology. where he is currently investigating a novel hormonal therapy that holds with distinction. Her research explored neuroplasticity, and combined At Yale, she was awarded a Richter Fellowship promise for targeting metastatic tumor cells in uveal melanoma. He transcranial magnetic stimulation and fMRI in order to observe how the and the William R. Belknap Prize for Excellence in worked with Demetrios Vavvas, MD, PhD in collaboration with the lab brain adapts to temporary disruptions in signaling neuroplasticity. Her Biology. Alice’s research interests have spanned of Patricia Donahoe, MD (MGH) to create a novel DNA construct for an investigations were published in the journal, Neuron. She received her basic and clinical medicine, as well as global health internally FLAG-tagged Mullerian Inhibiting Substance, which retains MD at Columbia’s College of Physicians and Surgeons, where she pursued and health systems development. She pursued her full biological activity and is easily purified and tracked. This tool is a several international medical opportunities, including a Gold Foundation MD at Harvard Medical School where she received significant advance in the field, and a patent application has been filed Grant for a Surgical Fistula Repair Trip to Niger, Africa, and a St. Lukes a scholarship in 2006 to participate in the HMS with publications in progress. Thanos has been a very productive member International Summer Internship in Tokyo. Danielle’s current research is Spanish Language Service Program; this took her overseas to rural clinics of the lab, co-authoring 10 papers and a dozen abstracts. focused on Charles Bonnet Syndrome and visual deprivation. in Guatemala. She also completed a six-month research project in Chile

10 Eyewitness fall/winter 2011 #18 11 News from All Over Alumni Giving Society of HMS Ophthalmology @ Mass Eye and Ear Cornea Research Seminar Ophthalmology Cornea Visiting Professor Schepens, 2nd floor conference FY11 Alumni Gifts Support Mission of Education at HMS Lecture Series room Grand Rounds November 18, 2011: Ula Jurkunas, The Abelson Family Fellowship in Cornea at Meltzer Auditorium/Sloane Teaching Academic Year Room, 3rd floor MD, Mass. Eye and Ear/Schepens Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary July 2011-June 2012 November 10-11, 2011: Stephen December 16, 2011: David Sullivan, In 1974, Mark Abelson, MD, CM, arrived at the HMS Grand Rounds are held every Kaye, MD, Royal Liverpool PhD, Schepens Thursday from 8:00-9:00 AM in Department of Ophthalmology to pursue a joint fellowship University Hospital, UK January 20, 2012: Speaker TBA in cornea and external disease research at Mass. Eye and Ear Meltzer Auditorium, 3rd Floor, Mass. Eye and Ear and simulcast February 9-10, 2012: John Dart, MA February 17, 2012: Speaker TBA and Schepens Eye Research Institute. Under the mentorship MD FRCS FRCOphth, Moorfields Eye to the Karp 11 conference room March 16, 2012: Speaker TBA of Dr. Claes Dohlman, and advisor Dr. Mathea Allansmith, at Children’s Hospital Boston. Hospital he completed his fellowship two years later and joined Continuing Medical Education credit March 22-23, 2012: Eduardo Alfonso, New Frontiers in Corneal Schepens Eye Research Institute in 1976. At Schepens, is available. A monthly list is posted MD, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Disease Dr. Abelson developed a passionate interest in ocular at www.MassEyeAndEar.org. University of Miami MEEI Boardroom, 8th floor surface inflammation and allergy response – areas where Invited Grand Rounds Speakers little research was being done and funding from sponsoring The Harvard Glaucoma December 14, 2011: Reza Dana, MD, MPH, MSc, MEEI/Schepens, and industry and government agencies was scarce. January 26, 2012: Quality, Humanism Joint Lab Meeting and Professionalism Program Visiting Professor Lecture Pedram Hamrah, MD, MEEI. With Dr. Dohlman’s encouragement, Dr. Abelson set out to Quarterly Lecture. Speaker: Susan MEEI, Meltzer Auditorium February 8, 2012: Joseph Ciolino, build a clinical practice and a clinical research organization Block, MD, Chair, Department of MD, MEEI and Daniel Kohane, MD, to develop therapies for allergy and ocular surface disease. Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative November 16, 2011: Claude PhD, MIT and Children’s Hospital, Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Burgoyne, MD, Scientist and He was extremely successful in both activities. The research Boston. Research Director, Optic Nerve Head February 2, 2012: Matthew Gardiner, organization, Ophthalmic Research Associates (Ora), has been Research Laboratory, Devers Eye MD, Comprehensive Ophthalmology Cornea Slit Lamp Conference (l to r) Joan W. Miller, MD, Mark Abelson, MD, CM and involved in the development of over one-third of the world’s Institute, Portland, OR. Claes Dohlman, MD, PhD and Cataract Consultation Service, MEEI Sloane Room or Meltzer currently marketed ophthalmic pharmaceutical products. Meltzer Auditorium Director of Ophthalmology Auditorium. Contact Schepens for details. Throughout his career, Dr. Abelson has maintained his Emergency Services, Mass. Eye Paul A. Chandler Visiting and Ear iscal year 2011 contributions to the Department of connection and support of Schepens, where he is currently a Professorship and Lecture November 22, 2011: Covers corneal examination techniques and Ophthalmology from 92 generous Alumni Giving Society Senior Clinical Scientist and Trustee. In recent years, he has Cornea Rounds F MEEI, Meltzer Auditorium formation of differential diagnoses members totaled $318,000 in outright gifts. Educational joined in HMS department activities more broadly – editing Cornea Rounds are hosted by the December 9-10, 2011: Glenn Jaffe, based on examination findings. a section on pharmacology and contributing chapters for all HMS Cornea Center of Excellence philanthropy intensified this year with the addition of MD, Duke University; resident case three editions of Albert & Jakobiec’s Principles and Practice the 4th Wednesday of every month. several new inspirational pledges totaling $653,000. These presentations The Vision and Visual Optics gifts, to be paid over the next five years, include the of Ophthalmology. In addition, Dr. Abelson lectures at MEEI Sloane Room, 3rd floor (VIVO) Seminar Series Dr. Pei-Fei Lee Lectureship in Ophthalmology, and The department meetings, and teaches Harvard Medical School Edward B. Murphy, Jr., MD, Schepens 2nd floor conference Abelson Family Fellowship in Cornea at Massachusetts Eye students. In 2011, he was promoted to Clinical Professor of Upcoming Events and Leo T. Chylack, Jr. MD room; contact Jacqueline Doherty and Ear Infirmary. Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School. Distinguished Lectureship in (617-912-2583) or Alex Bowers The HMS Department of Cataract Surgery (617-912-2512), alex.bowers@ The Abelson family – including Dr. Abelson and his wife Ophthalmology sponsors an “This year, in particular, generous alumni contributions will December 14-15, 2011: Thomas A. schepens.harvard.edu Annalee, their son Stuart (who now heads Ora and is a extensive array of special lectures enable us to expand our educational mission by supporting Oetting, MD, University of Iowa November 30, 2011: Gabriel Trustee of Mass. Eye and Ear) and wife Kathryn, their and courses. For details, please new fellowships in cornea and glaucoma, and by adding a College of Medicine Kreiman, PhD, Children’s Hospital, son Richard and wife Mariana, and other Abelson family consult the Ophthalmology brand new lecture,” said chief and chair, Joan W. Miller, Education section at www. Boston. members – wanted to give back to Mass. Eye and Ear; they Ephraim Friedman Lecture MD. “I want to extend a heartfelt thanks to all Society MassEyeandEar.org. partnered with Dr. Dohlman to establish a fellowship fund February 29, 2012: Anthony Adamis, December 9, 2011: Adam Reeves, members whose investments help provide the stimulating PhD, Department of Psychology, at Mass. Eye and Ear. The Abelson family has pledged For a complete listing of Schepens MD, , Inc. and Harvard learning environment that keeps our training programs top events please visit: http://www. Medical School. Northeastern University of class and at the cusp of innovation.” $600,000, matched with $600,000 from Mass. Eye and Ear schepens.harvard.edu/events_ Boston Ophthalmic Pathology from the proceeds of the Boston Keratoprosthesis, to create seminars/index.php Longwood Medical Area Dr. Miller also credits the strong show of support, in part, Lecture Series the Abelson Family Fellowship in Cornea at Massachusetts Ophthalmology Conference to Dr. Joseph Rizzo, Director of Alumni Relations at Pediatric Ophthalmology MEEI, Meltzer Auditorium Eye and Ear Infirmary. Children’s Hospital Boston, HMS Ophthalmology, whose ongoing efforts have been Visiting Professor Lecture Series “This gift from the Abelson family is extraordinary on many Karp 11 conference room April 17, 2012: Ralph Eagle, MD, instrumental in boosting the visibility of the department and Children’s Hospital Boston [video Wills Eye Institute. strengthening ties between alumni and the department. levels,” says chief and chair Dr. Joan Miller. “Dr. Abelson is a link at Mass. Eye and Ear] November 18, 2011: Speaker TBA shining example of an HMS Ophthalmology fellow who has Department of Ophthalmology February 9, 2012: Scott Lambert, January 20, 2012: Ankoor Shah, MD, Launched in 2010, the Alumni Giving Society shines a light gone on to establish a prominent career in bench-to-bedside Residents and Fellows MD, Emory Eye Center Children’s Hospital Boston on alumni philanthropy by recognizing gifts of $1,000 or research. Not only is Dr. Abelson a quintessential clinician Graduation and 2012 Annual January 25, 2012: Anneke den more to the department within the fiscal year, October 1 - scientist, but his family has also perpetuated his far-reaching Meeting & Alumni Reunion September 30. n Hollander, PhD, Associate Professor, impact with their ongoing work. We are extremely proud of Department of Ophthalmology, June 8-10, 2012 Dr. Abelson’s achievements and truly honored to carry on his Radboud University Medical Center legacy with the Abelson Family Fellowship in Cornea.” n Nijmegen 12 Eyewitness fall/winter 2011 #18 13 News from All Over

Reza Dana, MD, MPH, MSc, the Tatjana Jakobs, MD, HMS Assistant Lucia Sobrin, MD, MPH, Assistant children and to accelerate cures working closely with Dr. Aiello, who Awards, Grants & Claes H. Dohlman Professor of Professor of Ophthalmology Professor of Ophthalmology at HMS, and innovations through research. has been named Associate Chief for Ophthalmology at HMS, received received a research award totaling is this year’s Mass. Eye and Ear Monies from the fund will also Mass. Eye and Ear at Longwood. Dr. Other Honors a $375K research agreement $93,800 from International Retinal recipient of the Eleanor and Miles provide services for needy children Aiello’s responsibilities encompass Eliot Berson, MD, the William F. award from Bausch and Lomb for Research Foundation for her project, Shore 50th Anniversary Fellowship such as eyeglasses and hearing Mass. Eye and Ear activities at Chatlos Professor of Ophthalmology his project, “Relative Efficacy of “Glaucoma in Guinea Pigs.” for Scholars in Medicine. Dr. aids, seed a Curing Kids endowment Brigham & Women’s Hospital, the Lotemax vs. Zylet.” at HMS, has received a grant totaling Ula Jurkunas, MD, Sobrin is pursuing a genome-wide for research to help kids, and Joslin practice and the developing nearly $1.5 Last month, Mass. Eye and Ear HMS Assistant association study to look for genes support core research, including facility on Huntington Avenue. million from was awarded an $11 million grant Professor of associated with diabetic retinopathy the development of a biobank that Foundation from the National Institute of Ophthalmology has in African-Americans. will enable HMS clinicians to study genetic differences for a host of Fighting Allergy and Infectious Disease – the been named the HMS Associate Professor of Jennifer Sun, MD, MPH ocular diseases. Blindness for largest in its 187-year history – to 2011 New England Ophthalmology, David Sullivan, appointed Vice Chair of the his project, fund the Harvard-wide Project on Corneal Transplant PhD, has received the Carel C. Koch Diabetes Clinical Research “Efficacy, Antibiotic Resistance. Leading the awardee for HMS/ Memorial Medal Award from the Network (DRCR.net) Safety and Staff Updates effort is Michael Gilmore, PhD, Mass. Eye and Ear. American Academy of Optometry Dr. Jennifer Sun, Beetham Eye Toxicity of the Sir William Osler Professor Congratulations to the following Sahar Kohanim, MD, Chief Cornea for his work related to the Tear Institute at , AAV-Mediated of Ophthalmology at HMS and a Fellow at Mass. Eye and Ear, was Film and Ocular Surface Society staff on their Mass. Eye and has been appointed as one of three Human member of the Howe Laboratory at selected to receive the 2011 Claes and his ongoing investigations of Ear or HMS promotions/ Vice Chairs of the DRCR Network, an RPGRIP1 Mass. Eye and Ear. Dr. Gilmore has Dohlman Fellow Society Award. dry eye disease. The Carel C. Koch appointments: NIH-sponsored consortium of sites Replacement recruited a team of investigators This prestigious award recognizes Memorial Medal Award is awarded Peter Bex, PhD, Schepens Eye dedicated to research in diabetic Gene Therapy from across Harvard University, the outstanding fellows training in the to individuals who have made Research Institute, Associate retinopathy. As Vice Chair, in Mice and Non-Human .” Broad Institute and industry with areas of cornea, refractive surgery “outstanding contributions to the Professor of Ophthalmology Dr. Sun will directly the goal of generating between five Peter Bex, PhD, HMS Associate and external diseases. enhancement and development of monitor protocol Professor of Ophthalmology and ten promising and tested new relationships between optometry Sunil Chauhan, PhD, Schepens adherence and received the 2011 Ernest & Elizabeth compounds for fighting multidrug David Glendenning Cogan Professor and other professions.” Eye Research Institute, Assistant recruitment for one- Althouse Scholar Award from resistant infection caused by staph of Ophthalmology, Richard Professor of Ophthalmology third of the Network’s Masland, PhD, received a $60,000 HMS Associate Professor of Research to Prevent Blindness, one and related bacteria. Kathryn Colby, MD, PhD, Mass. investigators and HMS Lefler Grant for his project, Ophthalmology, Janey Wiggs, MD, of RPB’s Special Scholar Awards, Dr. Gilmore was also recently Eye and Ear, Associate Professor of sites - a task for “Mechanosensitive Astrocytes” PhD has been awarded a 5-year, which recognizes “promising young honored with a two-year Associate Ophthalmology which she is well from The Edward R. and Anne $3.7 million grant from the National scientists of exceptional merit.” Membership at the Broad Institute qualified having G. Lefler Center for the Study of Institutes of Health for her studies Kip Connor, PhD, Mass. Eye The $75K award will fund Dr. Bex’s of MIT, primarily for his collaborative led the top site Neurodegenerative Disorders on “Genetic Environmental Risk and Ear, Assistant Professor of efforts to develop sensitive and work of the past several years nationwide in study quality for at Harvard Medical School. The Factors for Exfoliation Syndrome Ophthalmology efficient paradigms for vision related to analyses of enterococcal multiple years. She will also serve Center’s grants program funds and Glaucoma.” NIH has also assessment that minimize the and staphylococcal genomes; his Aaron Fay, MD, Mass. Eye and as a member of the Network’s two to four grants per year “for the awarded Dr. Wiggs a supplemental burden of testing on patients. appointment became effective $663K core grant for the purchase of Ear, Assistant Professor of Operations Group and Executive stimulation and support of truly Ophthalmology Committee and be highly involved Sunil Chauhan, DVM, PhD, was October 1, 2011. new sequencing equipment. innovative research.” in other aspects of protocol selected to receive this year’s The HMS Assistant Professor of Mary Louise Jackson, MD, Mass. Jaya Rajaiya, PhD was awarded This summer Mass. Eye and Ear development and manuscript Alice J. Adler Fellowship of the Ophthalmology, Pedram Hamrah, Eye and Ear, Assistant Professor of a 5-year, $1.96 million R01 grant and the Curing Kids Fund awarded preparation for Network trials. Schepens Eye Research Institute, MD has been awarded a 4-year, Ophthalmology from the National Institutes of four, two-year research grants to Dr. Sun will continue in her current one of the Eleanor and Miles Shore $250,000 Research to Prevent Health for her project titled, Mass. Eye and Ear investigators. Nabil Jarudi, MD, Mass. Eye and position as the nationwide Protocol 50th Anniversary Fellowship Blindness Career Development “Lipid Rafts in Adenoviral Ocular Two of these grants will support Ear, Assistant Clinical Professor of Working Investigator for the DRCR Programs for Scholars in Medicine Award. The goal of his project Pathogenesis.” Dr. Rajaiya is the research efforts of Assistant Ophthalmology Network, for which she assists in at HMS/HSDM. Dr. Chauhan’s is to generate a comprehensive, investigating the role of lipid rafts in Professor of Ophthalmology the proposal and development of studies pertain to autoimmunity, mechanism-oriented survey of Carolyn Kloek, MD, Mass. Eye the cell membrane and endosomal at HMS, Ula Jurkunas, MD new clinical trial protocols for future alloimmunity and inflammation of the behavioral similarities and and Ear, Assistant Professor of signaling in the entry and trafficking (“Ex-vivo Expansion of Corneal Network use. the ocular surface. The fellowship differences between distinct Ophthalmology. of adenoviruses in corneal cells, in and Oral Stem Cells for Autologous program provides stipends to corneal antigen-presenting cell Dr. Lloyd P. Aiello is founding chair order to understand the underlying Cornea Transplantion: from Bench Carolyn Kloek, MD and Lloyd P. junior faculty, who are not yet (APC) subsets under normal of the DRCR Network, which was molecular mechanism in adenoviral to Bedside”) and Professor of independently funded, to help conditions, inflammation and Aiello, MD, PhD lead Longwood launched in 2002. The Network corneal pathogenesis. Ophthalmology, Joseph Rizzo III, support their academic activities. corneal transplantation. The RPB MD (Development of an Advanced expansion currently includes over 109 participating sites with over 320 The National Institutes of Health Career Development Award helps The Boston Veteran’s Affairs ‘Smart Glasses’ Prototype to Two recent faculty appointments physicians throughout the United (NIH) has awarded a 5-year, $2.08 recruit young doctors to eye Healthcare System has awarded Provide Navigation Assistance will soon bolster activities related States. Since its inception, the million RO1 grant to Professor research and support promising $198,000 to Professor of for Blind Children”). Each award to our expanding presence in the Network has rapidly emerged as of Ophthalmology, James junior ophthalmology faculty. Ophthalmology, Joseph Rizzo III, amount is just over $50,000. Longwood Medical Area. Dr. Carolyn the premier clinical trial group in Chodosh, MD, MPH, for his Established in 1990, the program MD for his project, “Mild Blast- Kloek is named Clinical Director Mass. Eye and Ear held its inaugural diabetes with multiple congressional project “Immunopathogenesis of has recruited 156 vision scientists to Induced TBI. of Ophthalmology for Mass. Eye Sense-ation! Gala in October 2010, citations for excellence. Adenovirus Keratitis.” Dr. Chodosh research positions in departments and Ear at Longwood. In this role, which netted over $800,000 for Dr. Kloek is helping to develop the has received continuous NIH of ophthalmology at universities Gang Luo, PhD, Schepens Eye the new Mass. Eye and Ear Curing new facility on Huntington Avenue, funding for his project since across the country. Research Institute, Assistant Kids Fund. This fund was created to and will transition to launching July 2000. Professor of Ophthalmology help bring life-changing treatments and overseeing patient care in the for vision and hearing loss to completed building. She will be

14 Eyewitness fall/winter 2011 #18 15 News from All Over

George Papaliodis, MD, Mass. Eye Personnel Changes: Committee, she now serves on Biennial Conference, co-hosted by and Ear, Assistant Professor of the President’s Commission on Schepens Eye Research Institute and Three new full-time investigators Service Education Ophthalmology Bioterrorism Preparedness and the Mass. Eye and Ear, with support have joined the Eric Pierce As part of its community benefits Response Committee at the Center from Boston University School Douglas Rhee, MD, has been named Laboratory at Mass. Eye and Ear: program, Mass. Eye and Ear Updates for Disease Control and Prevention. of Medicine, and Tufts University Associate Chief for Operations and Qui Zhang, MD, PhD, Qin Liu, MD, partnered with Vision Coalition Deborah Pavan-Langston, MD, Dr. Langston’s single-authored text, Center for Vision Research. The Practice Development at Mass. Eye PhD, and Donna Garland, PhD. Massachusetts this summer to FACS Inducted into Phi Beta The Manual of Ocular Diagnosis/and highly popular conference explores and Ear. Dr. Rhee will continue as provide free vision testing to Ankoor Shah, MD, PhD, former Therapy, comprises six editions current basic and laboratory Medical Director of Ophthalmology students in the Year Up, Boston Kappa HMS/Mass. Eye and Ear resident research developments of the for our Stoneham and East Program. Mass. Eye and Ear (class of ‘09) and chief resident cornea and ocular surface, and Bridgewater locations. clinicians Stacy Brauner, MD, (2010) has completed his fellowship includes session topics on Ocular Joseph Ciolino, MD and Anne- Deborah Schlossman, MD, Joslin training at Children’s Hospital Pain and Sensation, Dry Eye Marie Lobo, MD, and residents Diabetes Center/Beetham Eye Boston and has joined their and Ocular Surface, Infection, Savannah Baril, MD and Ramez Institute, Assistant Professor of pediatric ophthalmology division as Inflammation, , Stem Haddadin, MD provided eye exams Ophthalmology a full-time faculty member. Cells and Regenerative Medicine. and eyeglasses to 33 students. Year This year’s event, which included Janey Wiggs, MD, PhD, Associate Kim Fechtel, PhD, Mass. Eye and Up, Boston provides employment dinner at the Harvard Club, featured Director of the Howe Laboratory, Ear Ophthalmology Research, training and internships to more 29 distinguished national and Associate Chief for Clinical has accepted the position of than 200 young adults from the international speakers, and raised Research and Co-Director of Director of Medical Informatics Greater Boston area each year. over $100,000 for eye research. the HMS Glaucoma Center of and Ophthalmology Research Mass. Eye and Ear’s Glaucoma Feedback from participants was Excellence, will lead the Genetic Operations. In this role, Kim will Support Group presented “Learning exceptionally enthusiastic. Diagnostics Section of the new continue to implement research Good Techniques for Glaucoma Ocular Genomics Institute at Mass. computing solutions, as well Eric Pierce, MD, PhD, director of the Eye Drop Administration,” during Eye and Ear. In this role, she will as develop a biorepository and new Ocular Genomics Institute, and September’s monthly glaucoma collaborate closely with Director, research patient registry with the HMS ophthalmology chair, Joan support group. Christine Finn, Eric Pierce, MD, PhD to develop the leaders of the Ocular Genomics Miller, MD were featured speakers PhD (Mass. Eye and Ear Pharmacy) Institute into a worldwide center of Institute, Eric Pierce, MD, PhD and at a meeting of the Boston chapter provided information about excellence for leading genomics- Janey Wiggs, MD, PhD. She will of Foundation Fighting Blindness glaucoma medications, medication and had been published in seven based advances in patient care. also work closely with Jay Balloffet One of Harvard’s most prestigious (FFB) held on October 1 in Meltzer adherence, eye drop administration languages. and research leadership in directing honors was bestowed on HMS Auditorium. Dr. Pierce updated On July 6, and eye drop assistive devices. Ophthalmology grant management, Professor of Ophthalmology As one of only five women in her the audience on, “Genetics of-and Harvard Medical Mass. Eye and Ear physician’s Louis compliance and operations for our Deborah Pavan-Langston, MD, FACS, 105- member medical school class, Genetic Therapies for Inherited School and the Pasquale, MD and Angela Turalba, expanding research enterprise. who was one of three members Dr. Langston went on to become the Retinal Diseases.” Mass. Eye and Department of MD provided individual coaching to of Harvard’s 50th reunion class of first woman accepted into Harvard’s Ear’s Berman-Gund Laboratory, Ophthalmology Nancy Joyce, PhD, Associate participants on the most effective 1961 to be inducted as an honorary 200-plus year old Ophthalmology for which Dr. Pierce is Associate celebrated the Professor of Ophthalmology and ways to use eye drops and eye drop Phi Beta Kappa member. Induction Residency Training Program. As Director, is named in part, after appointment Senior Scientist at Schepens, devices. into Alpha Iota of Massachusetts, a condition of acceptance, Dr. Foundation Fighting Blindness of Andrius retired after 24 years of service to the Harvard College chapter of Phi Langston was required to complete Chairman Gordon Gund. Dr. Pierce Kazlauskas, PhD the Institute. She will retain the title Beta Kappa, requires a “record of a two-year pre-residency fellowship, has served on FFB’s Scientific to HMS Professor of Emeritus Senior Scientist. outstanding scholarly achievement, a prerequisite not imposed upon Advisory Board since 2003 and as of Ophthalmology. Dr. Kazlauskas, showing both depth of study and her male colleagues. She became chair since 2005. Dr. Miller presented Senior Scientist and the Sinon breadth of intellectual interest.” The the first female fellow in Dr. Claes on the topic, “Neuroprotection in Scholar in Retinal Research at society’s annual Literary Exercises Dohlman’s corneal fellowship Retinal Diseases: a fresh start.” Schepens Eye Research Institute, officially began commencement program and, in 1973, was appointed is a world-renowned leader in the Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, the former week, complete with a fife-and-drum the first director of Mass. Eye and field of growth factor signaling as Community Service President of India, toured Schepens procession to Sanders Theatre. Ear’s Cornea and External Disease it relates to angiogenesis-based Eye Research Institute on Sept. 27. Cornerstone As reported by Harvard Magazine, Service. In her memorable 2008 retinal diseases and proliferative Dr. Kalam, who was attending a Mass. Eye and Ear rounded off its 16th “Dr. Langston’s Harvard honor was Mariana Mead Lecture, Dr. Langston diabetic retinopathy. His research lecture series at Harvard Medical year of providing vision and hearing greeted with particularly loud and recounted her experience in investigations have spanned screenings to more than 500 children at School, toured several Harvard labs sustained applause.” training as a physician and cornea multiple fields of study and have the Neighborhood House Charter School during his visit to the United States. specialist at Mass. Eye and Ear. led to groundbreaking discoveries in Dorchester. Several Department of An internationally renowned cornea During the tour, Dr. Kalam spoke Ophthalmology members were on hand, (Visit www.MassEyeAndEar.org/ in several areas of basic and clinical expert, Dr. Langston pioneered with Michael Young, PhD and Dong including HMS residents Alice Lorch, MD, for-professionals/ophthalmology, interest. studies in the efficacy and toxicity Feng Chen, MD, PhD, about stem cell Savannah Baril, MD and John Miller, MD Eyewitness, Issue #10, to view an and Children’s Hospital Ophthalmology profiles of antivirals in animal research related to retinal diseases. excerpt from her speech.) Today, Foundation staff Kimberly Chan, OD and models, and later translated these He also met with Leo Kim, MD, PhD, 60 percent of HMS Ophthalmology Melanie Kazlas, MD. finding successfully to humans. Her and Magali Saint-Geniez, PhD,about residents are women. Photo: Dr. Chan tests a student’s depth expertise is sought in national and current research projects, and with perception. international health policy for the Premnandhini Satgunam, OD, PhD, treatment of ophthalmic disease, An Eye-stounding Success! about low vision research projects including issues of viral latency, More than 220 participants related to retinal disease vision loss. diagnosis, public health and clinical from around the world enjoyed treatment. Former Chair of the FDA stimulating scientific exchange and Ophthalmic Drug Advisory lively lectures at The 27th Cornea 16 Eyewitness fall/winter 2011 #18 17 News from All Over

In July, Michael Gilmore, PhD, provides a global consensus the Sir William Osler Professor in on the definition, classification, Alumni News In Memoriam Ophthalmology at HMS, co-chaired diagnosis and treatment of the HMS glaucoma fellow (’84-’85), the 2011 Gordon Conference on disease, required over two years to David J. Palmer, MD, Clinical Microbial Adhesion and Signal complete and involved the efforts Assistant Professor at Northwestern Transduction, a premier meeting of more than 50 leading clinical University Feinberg School of on the behavior of microbes in and basic research experts from Medicine in Chicago, was inducted Ephraim Friedman, MD, Former HMS/Mass. Eye and Ear ophthalmology nature, in association with biotic around the world. The report has as president of the Chicago resident, Mitchell Friedlaender, MD passed away and abiotic surfaces, and host been published in a special issue ophthalmologist and past Ophthalmological Society, an in July 2011 at the age of 65. Dr. Friedlaender was cells. This international venue of Investigative Ophthalmology & President of Mass. Eye and organization which promotes head of the ophthalmology division and director of features distinguished speakers Visual Science (IOVS). According educational opportunities for Ear, passed away on June 18, the laser Vision Center at Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, and rising stars representing to TFOS Co-Founder and President, area ophthalmologists in practice numerous scientific disciplines David Sullivan, PhD, all nine and training. Dr. Palmer was also 2011. Described by colleagues California. An adjunct professor at The Scripps (molecular biologists, nano chapters of the report were among reinstated as the chairman of the as a true renaissance man, Research Institute, Dr. Friedlaender was also a engineers, geneticists, biochemists, the 18 most frequently read articles Eye Care America-Senior Eye frequent lecturer and consultant around the world. immunologists, cell biologists, in IOVS between July 2010 and Dr. Friedman was a skilled Care Program, a public service In 1980, he founded the Aspen Corneal Society and animal and plant physiologists, June 2011, (the report was only program of the American Academy clinician and retinal surgeon, the Pacific Ophthalmic Forum. He is the author chemists, theoreticians, and available for three of those months). of Ophthalmology promoting free sculptor, educator, researcher of several books, hundreds of scientific articles computer modelers), and promotes A downloadable version of the or low cost eye care by volunteer interdisciplinary collaborations document may be obtained through ophthalmologists regionally and and administrator. and, since 1999, was editor-in-chief of the journal, among scientists trained in a wide a link on the TFOS website at www. nationally. Dr. Palmer is in private International Ophthalmology Clinics of North variety of fields. TearFilm.org practice in Chicago and Glenview, Dr. Friedman completed his America. A group of four HMS faculty, Illinois. residency at HMS/Mass. Eye and Ear under Dr. David including Reza Dana, MD, MPH, Former Mass. Eye and Ear/HMS Mass. Eye Cogan in 1961, followed by a research fellowship in the Ruth S. Pollen, benefactor to Mass. Eye and Ear MSc (herpetic keratitis), Ivana research fellow, Toru Nakazawa, Kim, MD (anti-VEGF therapies), and Ear Space MD, PhD (’03-‘06) has been Howe Laboratory of Ophthalmology. He authored 36 and wife of the late Dr. Abraham Pollen, passed Douglas Rhee, MD (canal-based promoted to Professor, Advanced away in June. Mrs. Pollen and her husband (until surgeries), and James Chodosh, scholarly articles focusing on the circulation in the eye, Ophthalmic Medicine, at Tohoku his death in 1994) actively supported Mass. Eye MD, MPH (herpetic eye disease), Renovations and developed the vascular model for the pathogenesis University Graduate School of and Ear. In the 1980s, their generous philanthropy shared their subspecialty expertise Space renovations continue at a fast Medicine. Dr. Nakazawa worked with of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In 1965, he and fundraising efforts were pivotal in building and as guest speakers at the 117th clip to keep pace with Mass. Eye Joan Miller, MD and Larry Benowitz, Congress of the French Society of and Ear’s expanding clinical staff. PhD during his fellowship training. became a professor and chair of the Boston University equipping the Rare Book Room of the Howe Library. Ophthalmology held in May. The A state-of-the-art renovation and Through their generosity, the hospital was also able HMS alumnus Rodrigo Alvarez, MD Medical School ophthalmology department. He served conference drew 250 participants expansion of the ninth floor neuro- to add to the collection of rare books and current and enabled the exchange of ophthalmology suite was completed has been appointed Chairman of the as Dean of the Boston University Medical School Department of Ophthalmology at textbooks, a tradition Mrs. Pollen continued until research and insights with an at the end of September. Glaucoma (1970-1974) and Dean of the Albert Einstein College international ophthalmology faculty are now comfortably situated Pontificia Universidad Católica de her recent death. Dr. Abraham Pollen, completed community. in their new office suite on the 8th Chile. Dr. Alvarez worked with Joan of Medicine (1974-1983) before returning to Mass. his ophthalmology residency at Mass. Eye and Miller, MD and John Loewenstein, floor, while the associated relocation Eye and Ear as President (1983-1990). He retired from Ear in 1945, then joined the department where he Third-year ophthalmology residents MD at Mass. Eye and Ear while on of cornea, uveitis and retina faculty remained on staff for three decades. In 1968, he co– Nancy Huynh, MD and Yao Liu, MD sabbatical. administration in 1990. were selected to make presentations nears completion. founded The Ophthalmic Associates, later renamed at the Women in Ophthalmology Pending the finalization of expansion Morriss M. Henry, MD, In 2006, a gift from the Friedman Family Foundation Boston Eye Physicians and Surgeons, P.C. n (WIO) Summer Symposium, held in plans for new Mass. Eye and Ear ophthalmology resident (class of initiated the Ephraim Friedman Lecture in honor of August 2011. Dr. Huynh presented research facilities, the laboratories ’59), was honored in April with the a poster on the topic, “Ocular of Richard Masland, PhD, Tatjana Asklepion Award from the Arkansas Dr. Friedman’s extraordinary teaching, research and Notice of Erratum: A profile of our educational involvement in hospitalized patients Jakobs, MD, and Douglas Rhee, MD Medical Society (AMS). The annual service to the field of ophthalmology and AMD. On with Candidemia: analysis at a have been relocated to the Schepens award recognizes an AMS member affiliation with the Cambridge Health Alliance Boston tertiary care center.” Dr. campus in order to accommodate who “promotes the art and science the occasion of his 80th birthday, another family was inadvertently omitted from the hard copy Liu presented a Complicated Case of medicine and the betterment report(page 35) of Frontiers in Ophthalmology. the newly established Eric Pierce legacy gift was established: the Solman and Libe presentation on “Management of laboratory and Ocular Genomics of public health; embodies the This has been corrected in the online edition phacomorphic and neovascular Institute. Eliot Berson, MD, Director values of the medical profession Friedman Professorship in Ophthalmology at Harvard of the report, which can be viewed at www. through leadership, service, glaucoma in an elderly patient.” of the Berman Gund Laboratory for Medical School. Named for Dr. Friedman’s parents, MassEyeandEar.org/specialties/ophthalmology This is the first year that the WIO has excellence, integrity and ethical the Study of Retinal Degenerations We sincerely apologize for the error. accepted abstracts for posters and is also making accommodations for behavior; and serves the community the professorship was made possible through a very through dedicated medical complicated case presentations. the new Institute recruits. generous gift from the Friedman Family Foundation practice.” Dr. Henry is a practicing The Tear Film & Ocular Surface ophthalmologist in Fayetteville, with contributions from additional donors and the Society (TFOS) issued a report in Arkansas, a past AMS president Foundation of Mass. Eye and Ear Infirmary. n March detailing the conclusions Have a program or course to publicize? and a former (20-year) member of and recommendations of the We would be happy to list it in the the Arkansas Legislature where he International Workshop on newsletter. Contact us at played a significant role in adding Meibomian Gland Dysfunction [email protected]. the organ donation designation to (MGD). The MGD report, which the Arkansas driver’s license.

18 Eyewitness fall/winter 2011 #18 19 FIRST-CLASS MAIL US POSTAGE PAID Eyewitness PERMIT NO. 51711 The Newsletter of the Harvard Medical School BOSTON, MA Department of Ophthalmology

243 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114

SAVE THE HMS DEPARTMENT OF OPHTHALMOLOGY DATES! Alumni, Annual, Graduation Weekend, June 8-10

Friday, June 8, 2012 HMS Department of Ophthalmology Annual Meeting Liberty Hotel (Ballroom), 215 Charles Street, Boston, 7:30am-4:30pm Mariana Mead Lecturer: Joan O’Brien, MD, Scheie Eye Institute, U. Penn. Distinguished Alumni Award: TBA Tour new Mass. Eye and Ear facilities, 4:30pm-5:30pm Annual and Alumni Meeting Reception/Dinner, 6:00pm-9:45pm

Saturday, June 9, 2012 Alumni Reunion Meeting Mass. Eye and Ear Infirmary, 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA, 7:00am-3:00pm Celebrating the graduating classes of 1962, 1967, 1972, 1977, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002, and 2007. To join the Alumni Reunion committee, please contact Melissa Paul, Chief Development Officer, at (617) 573-4168 or [email protected] Residents and Fellows Graduation, Meltzer Auditorium, 4:00pm

Sunday, June 10, 2012 Alumni Reunion Special Events - TBA Visit www.MassEyeAndEar.org/alumnireunion for event updates.

20 Eyewitness