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ALUMNI FALL 2014 NEWSLETTER VOLUME 3, ISSUE 1 RESEARCH & FUTURE 2 RESEARCH LAYS THE FOUNDATION FOR FUTURE EYE CARE 3 University of Virginia ophthalmologists are on the cutting edge when it comes to providing care, but behind them stands a team of scientists devoted to basic and applied research – providing a new understanding of what causes eye disease, how the body works to protect vision and repair damage, and what medical professionals can do to promote healthy eyes. Sponsored by the Department of Ophthalmology, the UVA Vision Research Group includes biologists, neuroscientists, plastic surgeons, biomedical engineers, psychologists and psychiatrists who are actively engaged in vision research. The group is intended to encourage discussion and collaboration, bringing laboratory teams and clinical departments together on a bi-monthly basis. Three participants are profiled below. EYE CARE PATIENT VISITS DOUBLE BATTLING UVEITIS AT 4 UVA DR. DUBOVY AS 4 CONWAY LECTURER GRADUATING 5 RESIDENTS AND FELLOWS ENTERING RESIDENTS 6 AND FELLOWS OPHTHALMOLOGY & 7 PATIENTS PARTNERING DR. JOHNSON & ORBIS 8 CAVCAM SAVES VISION 8—9 DR. YATES PROMOTION 9 RESEARCH TEAM 9 EXPANDED DRS. YATES & 9 NETLAND CLINICAL TRIALS DR. NETLAND 9 DELIVERS NAMED LECTURES FACULTY LIST 10— 11 MESSAGE FROM THE 12 OPHTHALMOLOGY CHAIR HOW TO DONATE TO UVA OPHTHALMOLOGY 12 Robert M. Grainger, PhD, W.L. Lyons Brown Professor of Biology UVA Research Sheds New Light on Eye Development and Congenital Disorders Biology Professor Rob Grainger shares lab space with about 6,000 frogs – the perfect partners for his research on eye development from the embryonic stage to maturity. It’s a difficult process to track in mammals, since they grow in utero, but frogs develop in translucent eggs, so observation is easy. Subjects are numerous, with a single female producing as many as two thousand eggs, and unlike human eyes which take about a month to develop, a frog’s eyes are fully formed after just two days. What’s more, the genetics of vision in humans and frogs is remarkably similar. To figure out which genes are involved with eye formation, how they’re regulated and what can go wrong, Dr. Grainger and his colleagues use a relatively new technology called CRISPR to create genetic mutations. An enzyme that targets a particular DNA sequence is injected to cut out sections of genetic code. Frogs that lose this genetic material develop eyes with serious damage. Already, Dr. Grainger and his team have linked mutations in some genes to congenital eye disorders. “The gene that causes aniridia, for example, is called PAX6,” Dr. Grainger explains. “When that gene is mutated, when it has a genetic error, then you get an abnormally formed eye. “Frogs and people with aniridia have one bad copy of PAX6 and one good copy, and that’s enough to give them this serious problem.” While Dr. Grainger is a biologist, he is collaborates with Ophthalmology Professor Peter Netland, who analyzed a database of aniridia patients and determined that they are at increased risk for obesity. Dr. Grainger hopes to identify the genetic mutation that predisposes people with aniridia to higher body mass index scores. “There are several hypotheses we can test,” Dr. Grainger explains. “One theory is that our eyes are central to the establishment of circadian rhythms – your light/dark cycle. If that’s messed up, your metabolic system loses its integration. We know, for example, that shift workers have a great tendency to become obese, probably because of circadian issues.” ALUMNI NEWSLETTER: FALL 2014 EDITION Page 2 RESEARCH AND FUTURE EYE CARE continued It might also be that organs involved with metabolism don’t function properly. “We know that the pancreas is also regulated by this gene PAX6,” Dr. Grainger says, “so levels of insulin and glucagon proteins that are produced by the metabolic system are likely improperly regulated in these patients, potentially making them hungry all the time.” Dr. Grainger has a special passion for this work because he has met children who have aniridia. In 2012, he spoke to a UVA conference of medical professionals and parents. “I was giving my talk in a lecture room, and there were kids with aniridia running up and down the aisles, and it was really very moving to see this right in front of me. They were just kids, and it’s sad, because you know they’re never going to have good vision, and you’re inspired to help out.” Understanding Eye Protection Jonathan Kipnis is a Professor of Neuroscience, Director for Brain Immunology and Jonathan Kipnis, PhD “One theory is that our eyes are central to the establishment of circadian rhythms – your light/dark cycle. If that’s messed up, your metabolic system loses its integration.” Gila (BIG), and adjunct Professor of Ophthalmology who studies the optic nerve in mice – a model for the central nervous system – to learn about injury and recovery. "Our research goes against the current dogma and suggests the body’s immune response is protective and beneficial when it comes to optic nerve and retina injuries. When the optic nerve is damaged, immune cells come into the central nervous system tissue to protect neurons and increase their survival,” Dr. Kipnis explains. “If immune activity is suppressed at the injured site, more neurons die. So, if we have a mouse with glaucoma, the condition will be worse if its immune system is not functioning well. What we hope to learn is what the immune cells are doing at the site of injury and how the nervous system ensures the right kind of immune cells are sent. “We also wondered what brings immune cells into the injured site. We thought maybe there were different types of molecules which the nervous system was using to call for immune cells. In fact, we have found a specific class called danger signal molecules or alarmins. They’re released by the injured central nervous system, and they appear to trigger the immune response.” Dr. Kipnis stresses that this process must be controlled. “The body has T-cells, which regulate the immune response. Too few of these cells lead to a destructive, inflammatory response, while too many suppress the beneficial response." It's impossible to say how soon such findings will lead to clinical treatments, but Dr. Kipnis says basic research of this kind is key to medical breakthroughs. “Understanding these processes could ultimately lead to better treatments for glaucoma, macular degeneration and traumatic neuropathies, but what we’re doing is basic science – understanding the bricks,” Dr. Kipnis says. “There is no way to build a house without bricks, but some are suitable for the foundation. Others are visible as the house is going up. We have to know the materials before we start construction.” Reversing Damage Caused by Diabetic Retinopathy Stem cells hold great promise for treating many conditions. At UVA, scientists have shown that they promote healing of the retina in mice with diabetic retinopathy. Dr. Paul Yates leads a team moving toward the next step – trying to figure out how those stem cells work to repair blood vessels and how to refine therapy to achieve the best results. “If we understand those things, then we can better design human trials, so we’re more likely to achieve a positive outcome and not waste millions of dollars and patients’ time on a therapy that might not work,” Dr. Yates explains. Preliminary studies suggest, for example, that it’s not the stem cells themselves that have a therapeutic effect but a substance those cells secrete. If he can confirm that, Dr. Yates believes it might be possible to cultivate stem cells in the laboratory, to purify, refine and concentrate the healing substance they produce. Then, he says, it will be a matter of fine-tuning delivery of this beneficial medication. “If we can develop a therapy that does not require taking patients to the operating room, that does not require taking the gel out of the eye and drilling a hole through the retina and potentially causing complications, the ability for that type of therapy to be more accepted, to actually become standard of care, is much higher.” Paul A. Yates, MD, PhD ALUMNI NEWSLETTER: FALL 2014 EDITION Page 3 GROWTH OF UVA OPHTHALMOLOGY OUTPATIENT CARE Patient Visits Double at UVA Eye Clinic, Boosting Care, Research and Educational Opportunities Four years ago UVA ophthalmologists logged about 35,000 patient visits a year. Today that number has doubled, and 10 percent of all visits to the University of Virginia Medical Center are for ophthalmic care. Department Chairman Peter Netland is not surprised. “We have an aging population with increases in certain diseases, like diabetes and glaucoma. At the same time, medicine is being reorganized, creating additional demand for outpatient care,” he says. Fortunately the department has found ways to meet the need, adding staff, analyzing patient flow and streamlining visits. Electronic medical records make care more efficient, and new, sophisticated technologies are keeping most patients out of the hospital. “In ophthalmology we’re technophiles,” Dr. Netland says. “We’re keen to adopt anything that will help us. We’re doing surgeries with smaller incisions, using lasers and new tonometers to assess eye pressure. Imaging technology can also speed care. Physicians no longer spend time drawing pictures for patients. Using imaging, we can easily show them what’s going wrong and document changes in their condition.” Figure: Ambulatory visits for ophthalmology, from 2008 to 2013. Outpatient eye care at UVA has dramatically increased during this period. “In ophthalmology we’re technophiles... we’re keen to adopt anything that will help us.“ Less invasive treatments mean more outpatient care, including cataract and retinal surgeries. At UVA, the Ophthalmology Clinic now ranks second, behind orthopedics, in the number of outpatient surgeries performed. Nationwide and at UVA, the ratio of outpatient to inpatient is approximately 30 to 1, and patients are increasingly seeking outpatient care. For routine care, UVA has added technicians and an optometrist to assure prompt and cost-effective treatment. “We have a mission to care for the people of Virginia who may not have insurance and may not be able to afford care,” Dr. Netland explains. “It’s gratifying to provide medical services without checking people’s credit cards when they walk in. We accept every patient. That gives our providers a lot of satisfaction.” It also means a wealth of learning opportunities. UVA recently expanded its educational mission, adding another ophthalmology resident and offering fellowships in neuro-ophthalmology, retina, and glaucoma. What’s more, the large pool of patients has increased opportunities for research, drawing additional grants to learn more about diseases of the eye and their treatment. Given the expansion of care for patients, the increase in learning and research, Dr. Netland is excited about the future. “I think growth will continue as long as we’re able to attract good providers and support staff. We have to expand our facilities to accommodate more patients. It’s a constant challenge to assure that we have enough people, space and equipment.” Last year UVA expanded the West Complex Clinic – increasing by 50% the amount of clinical space there. As demand for services increases, facilities expand, and the size of the medical team grows, Dr. Netland is confident that UVA Ophthalmology will be seen as Virginia’s top source for eye care and a leader in research and clinical care nationwide. ALUMNI NEWSLETTER: FALL 2014 EDITION Page 4 BATTLING UVEITIS AT UVA Ashvini K. Reddy, MD Inflammation of the eyes is a common problem associated with viruses or bacteria, systemic diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, but in many cases doctors can find no reason for reddened eyes. That doesn’t bother Dr. Ashvini Reddy, a sub-specialist in uveitis at UVA’s Department of Ophthalmology. “We often have an idea of what may be causing it, but despite repeated testing, up to 50 percent of my patients don’t end up having a diagnosis. Fortunately, we can still treat them. They may respond well to steroids, steroid-sparing agents or TNF alpha inhibitors.” Dr. Reddy says prompt treatment is important to avoid future damage. “Inflammation can cause decreased vision, even blinding disease. It can cause a lot of pain in the eye or make it very difficult for the eyes to drain properly, so the risk of glaucoma goes up. You can end up with a lot of scar tissue, and that causes problems inside the eye, so it’s very important to get it under control quickly.” Often, patients see Dr. Reddy after months or years of frustration, and while they may not go home knowing what is causing their discomfort, they’re reassured by the news they get. “We can’t always put a name to it, but that’s not so bad,” Dr. Reddy says. “A lot of the things I could be diagnosing are very serious medical conditions, so it’s good when their lab results come back negative.” Few of the patients she sees have an allergy. Those cases can usually be managed effectively by primary care providers. She sees more severe cases – things that don’t respond to commonly-used medications, and she’s happy to be able to help. “So many of my patients have been bouncing around from doctor to doctor, researching their condition on the Internet, trying gluten free diets and other things that have no proven benefit. It’s very satisfying to be able to provide them with a medical home.” “We can’t always put a name to it, but that’s not so bad” DR. SANDER DUBOVY SERVES AS CONWAY LECTURER Left to right: Drs. Conway, Dubovy, and Netland Sander R. Dubovy, MD was the Brian P. Conway Lecturer to the Department of Ophthalmology on August 22 and 23, 2014. Dr. Dubovy, Professor of Ophthalmology and Pathology at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, Florida. He presided over a variety of case presentations by residents and fellows on Friday afternoon. The next day, he presented two lectures: Clinicopathological correlations of age related macular degeneration and “Mystery” vitreoretinal cases to faculty, residents and community ophthalmologists. Dr. Dubovy is renowned for his expertise and experience in both medical retina and pathology, a rather unique combination. His training includes residencies in both ophthalmology at The Pritzker School of Medicine at the University of Chicago and pathology at the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University in New York. He is fellowship trained in pathology, undertaking two fellowships: the first at the Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the second at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology in Washington, DC. His medical retina fellowship was completed at the Moorfields Eye Hospital in London. Dr. Dubovy’s visit represented a homecoming, as he received his BA in chemistry from UVA in 1988. The date of his visit was exactly 30 years from his initial arrival in Charlottesville to begin his undergraduate studies. We were delighted to host Dr. Dubovy for this very enlightening and educational series of lectures. ALUMNI NEWSLETTER: FALL 2014 EDITION Page 5 GRADUATING RESIDENTS AND FELLOWS The graduating residents and fellows of the Department of Ophthalmology were honored at a reception and dinner at the Boar’s Head Inn on June 20, 2014. Dr. Sandra Johnson, Residency Program Director, listed the achievements of graduating residents Drs. Kevin Gamett, Adam Lipman and Michael McMullen. Dr. Peter Netland, director of the glaucoma fellowship and Dr. Leslie Olsakovsky, director of the cornea and external disease fellowship honored Drs. Matthew Koehler and Bina Patel respectively upon the completion of their sub-specialty training. Left to right: Drs. Gamett, Lipman, Johnson, McMullen and Netland Dr. Gamett will undertake sub-specialty training in glaucoma at the University of Colorado, Dr. Lipman will undertake sub-specialty training in vitreous and retinal diseases at the Lahey Clinic in Massachusetts and Dr. McMullen will enter private practice in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Drs. Koehler and Netland Dr. Koehler will join the faculty of Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pennsylvania and Dr. Patel joins the clinical faculty at UVA, staffing resident clinics and surgery. Drs. Olsakovsky and Patel Drs. Patel and Koehler ALUMNI NEWSLETTER: FALL 2014 EDITION Page 6 ENTERING RESIDENTS AND FELLOWS The Department welcomes new trainees to our program. Entering the first year of ophthalmology residency: Peter Lipscomb, MD graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a BS in Environmental Science and earned a Master’s degree in Physiology/Biophysics at Georgetown University. He obtained his MD at Georgetown University School of Medicine and completed a Transitional Year Internship at Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News, Virginia. Eric Liss, MD graduated from Vanderbilt University with an undergraduate degree in Child Development and completed a year of postgraduate work in Epidemiology at Emory University Rollins School of Public Health. He obtained his MD at Florida International University Wertheim College of Medicine and completed a Transitional Year Internship at Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News, Virginia. Thomas “Chris” McCurry, MD graduated from the University of South Carolina with an undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering. While obtaining his MD at the Medical University of South Carolina, he also earned a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the Citadel Graduate College. He completed an Internal Medicine Preliminary Year Internship at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine/Palmetto Health. John Prenshaw, MD graduated from the University of Tennessee with an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Engineering. He obtained his MD from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis and completed a Transitional Year Internship at the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine. Front: Drs. McCurry and Lipscomb Back: Drs. Liss and Prenshaw Beginning sub-specialty training as fellows and Instructors of Ophthalmology: Dr. Jessica E. Chan graduated from Brown University with a BS in Neuroscience. Her MD was obtained at Duke University School of Medicine, followed by a transitional internship at UPMC Mercy in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She recently completed her Ophthalmology residency at New York University School of Medicine. Dr. Chan will be a glaucoma fellow in the one year program directed by Dr. Peter Netland. Dr. Thomas “Ben” Ableman graduated from Norwich University in Vermont with a BSN and undertook his MD at Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda. He completed a transitional internship at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego. His Ophthalmology residency took place at the National Capital Consortium. Dr. Ableman will be a fellow in neuro-ophthalmology for one year, working with Dr. Steven Newman Left to right: Drs. Chan, Ward, and Ableman Drs. Chan and Abelman join Dr. Tyson Ward, who is in his second year of Vitreo-Retinal Fellowship. Dr. Ward obtained his BS at University of Nevada Las Vegas, his MD at University of Nevada School of Medicine and his Ophthalmology residency at Storm Eye Institute in Charleston, South Carolina. His mentors in the two year retina program are Drs. Paul Yates, Eugene Shildkrot and Brian Conway. ALUMNI NEWSLETTER: FALL 2014 EDITION Page 7 OPHTHALMOLOGY AND PATIENTS PARTNERING Speakers and clinicians with aniridia patients at 2013 conference Partnering with Patients When it comes to patient-centered care, UVA’s Congenital Eye Disorder Program is a leader, demonstrating just how valuable this approach to medicine can be. Take patients with aniridia, a relatively rare condition that afflicts one of every 40,000 people. In addition to low vision, aniridia can cause damage to the kidneys, pancreas, central nervous system and brain. Patients may also struggle with obesity, diabetes and sleep disorders. Because the university’s medical center has specialists in all of these areas, people with aniridia find one-stop care in Charlottesville. “Patients and family members came from as far away as Scandinavia, Italy and Russia.” “They can come here and get their clinical care. They get support and education so they can better understand their condition and make wise medical decisions,” says program manager Jill Nerby. What’s more, participating in the University’s gene and tissue bank, being part of its database and on-going research, could mean better treatments in the future. Ophthalmology Department Chairman Dr. Peter Netland studied the aniridia database and established that metabolic disorders are also part of the syndrome. Now, UVA research biologist Dr. Rob Grainger is doing research to find out what might be causing that and what can be done. Aniridia families at 2013 Conference Second family photo at 2013 Conference The Aniridia Foundation International, based at UVA, provides support to patients and their families while organizing conferences for scientists and people affected by aniridia. “Those meetings are both educational and scientific, bringing doctors, researchers and patients together to learn and share ideas,” Nerby explains. “Last year we had 44 speakers during a five-day conference. Patients and family members came from as far away as Scandinavia, Italy and Russia.” Among other things, they learned about a clinical trial that could enable aniridia patients to maintain what little sight they have at birth. In most people, the condition leads to corneal scarring, but it may be possible to prevent that in patients who have a particular genetic mutation. UVA is now waiting for Food and Drug Administration approval to administer an eye drop that has disabled the mutation in laboratory animals, protecting their corneas and perhaps preventing the development of glaucoma. ALUMNI NEWSLETTER: FALL 2014 EDITION Page 8 UVA OPHTHALMOLOGIST GOES GLOBAL Indonesia is a country in transition, working to develop its educational system and to provide state-of-the-art medical care to its people. Toward that end, doctors at Hasanuddin University on the island of Sulawesi accepted an offer from a not-for-profit group called Orbis International to visit with its “Flying Eye Hospital,” and provide as much training as possible to young ophthalmologists and medical students. “They’re trying to develop an eye program with subspecialties,” says UVA’s Dr. Sandy Johnson. “Indonesian ophthalmologists are doing three month fellowships in other countries, then seeking more training at home. Orbis brought expertise in neuro-ophthalmology, medical and surgical retina, cataract, cornea, glaucoma and ophthalmic plastic surgery to them.” During her visit, Johnson demonstrated two procedures for an audience of about 50 physicians a combined cataract and glaucoma surgery for angle closure and a trabeculectomy for juvenile open angle. She also lectured on many topics in glaucoma care and explained the fine points of Dr. Johnson in front of Orbis plane It’s great to work with people who are so eager and receptive. As a teacher, that’s a real pleasure.” laser use for glaucoma treatment. She went to their university hospital to attend and mentor in clinic and the operating room, while the trainees practiced what they had seen her do earlier in the week. “It was a great program, and we had an excellent week,” Johnson recalls. “The last day we had a symposium with about 150 people in the audience, with lectures in all the disciplines.” Getting to Sulawesi took more than 24 hours, but Johnson says the adventure was energizing. “It’s great to work with people who are so eager and receptive. As a teacher, that’s a real pleasure,” she explains. “It also makes you step outside the box, stretching your skills as you deal with different populations and scenarios.” She loved the Indonesian people and culture. “Orbis gives you the chance to be part of an international team,” she adds. “You feel like a real citizen of the world for the week.” CAVCAM INCREASES CHANGES OF SAVING VISION Fighting an Epidemic with Immediate, High-Tech Care There are more than half a million people in Virginia who have been diagnosed with diabetes. More than 300,000 don’t know they have the disease, and two million are pre-diabetic. Dr. Paul Yates, an associate professor of ophthalmology at the University of Virginia, sees a massive epidemic coming, and he’s developing a high-tech network to try and prevent diabetic retinopathy. Dr. Yates and his team began by developing a low-cost camera that could photograph the inside of the eye. Existing technologies might cost $20,000 or more, putting them beyond the reach of many practices. The University of Virginia purchased 30 digital cameras and modified them for use in ophthalmic care. The price tag – less than $3,000 each. UVA then gave those cameras to community health centers, and used a secure network to allow texting of images to Yates and other retinal specialists who can read them and make a diagnosis. “It’s not great to be tied to a phone that’s text messaging me all day,” he says, “but it’s no different than other times when I get interrupted, and I’m actually providing a service to that patient and potentially saving their vision. I think that’s a small inconvenience to me and other readers.” The system also allows patients to get an immediate diagnosis. “We figured it wasn’t good enough to provide results the next day, week or month,” Dr. Yates explains. “If that patient has eye disease, they can be scheduled for an appointment right away. The result is there. It’s instant, and the likelihood that I can get that patient into care goes up dramatically. The sense of urgency is communicated to the diabetic patient. It’s not like something might happen eventually. True, it’s not cause for a trip to the emergency room, but there is a ticking time bomb here.” The program began in February of 2014 and has already served 500 patients. In partnership with the Virginia Community Health Association, UVA hopes to introduce it at 15 more sites over the next year, with a goal of screening 5,000-10,000 patients. Medicaid has agreed to reimburse for screening, and eventually Dr. Yates foresees the program expanding to 100 clinics statewide. “Yes this is about taking care of the eye and preventing blindness, but this is more than that. This is about making patients aware – providing them with another metric of health, letting them know about that ticking time bomb. That allows them to take action so it never goes off,” he says. “My goal is to show you can do this across the state, 100 sites with instant results from human readers, and getting patients scheduled immediately, so that they are connected to care in a way that they’ve never been connected before.” ALUMNI NEWSLETTER: FALL 2014 EDITION Page 9 ANNOUNCEMENTS DR. YATES PROMOTION Paul A. Yates, MD, PhD was promoted to Associate Professor of Ophthalmology and Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering. This promotion was announced by the Board of Visitors in July. RESEARCH TEAM HAS EXPANDED Monica Thielen has joined the Department as a Clinical Research Coordinator. Monica has experience as a CRC in both Neuro-Oncology and Surgery, and joins current CRCs Kristina Holbrook and Ashton Leone, bringing our total to three and reflecting the increase in clinical studies. DRS. NETLAND AND YATES CLINICAL TRIALS A multi-center clinical trial resulted in a recent publication in the American Journal of Ophthalmology: A Randomized, prospective, comparative trial of EX-PRESS glaucoma filtration device versus trabeculectomy (XVT study), authored by Drs. Peter Netland (Charlottesville, VA), Steven Sarkisian (Oklahoma City, OK) Marlene Moster (Philadelphia, PA), Garry Condon (Pittsburgh, PA) Sarwat Salim (Memphis, TN) Mark Sherwood (Gainesville, FL) and Carla Siegfried (St. Louis, MO) was in the February, 2014 issue of the American Journal of Ophthalmology (AJO). At the opposite end of the research spectrum, a multi-center, prospective, randomized clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a drug for dry age-related macular degeneration has just gotten underway in 25 clinical sites. Dr. Paul Yates, Associate Professor, is the Principal Investigator. DR. NETLAND DELIVERS NAMED LECTURES Peter A. Netland, MD, PhD recently delivered several named lectures. At the May meeting of the New England Ophthalmological Society in Boston, Dr. Netland presented “Neovascular Glaucoma” as the Richard and Ruthanne Simmons Lecturer and Guest of Honor. Dr. Netland also served as the 35th Annual Tullos A. Coston Lecturer at the Annual Ophthalmology Symposium/Resident and Alumni meeting of Dean McGee Eye Institute in Oklahoma City in May 2014 he presented “Accomplishments and Challenges in Glaucoma”. In addition, Dr. Netland was the speaker for graduation ceremonies at the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Florida in Jacksonville in June 2014. Left to right: Dr. Steven Sarkisian, Jr., (Dean McGee Eye Institute Glaucoma Director and Program Chair), Dr. Peter Netland and Dr. Gregory Skuta, MD, (Dean McGee Eye Institute Chair) ALUMNI NEWSLETTER: FALL 2014 EDITION Page 10 FACULTY UVA DEPARTMENT OF OPHTHALMOLOGY FULL-TIME FACULTY VAMC FULL-TIME FACULTY Laura D. Cook, MD Assistant Professor Comprehensive Ophthalmology David A. Eliason, MD Clinical Assistant Professor Comprehensive Ophthalmology Sandra M. Johnson, MD Associate Professor Glaucoma Junping Li, MD, PhD Associate Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology Glaucoma Zeynel A. Karcioglu, MD Professor Ocular Pathology and Oncology CLINICAL FACULTY Evan J. Kaufman, OD Assistant Professor Primary Care Maria Kirzhner, MD Assistant Professor Oculoplastic and Orbital Reconstructive Surgery Peter A. Netland, MD, PhD Vernah Scott Moyston Professor and Chair Glaucoma Steven A. Newman, MD Professor Neuro-ophthalmology Leslie A. Olsakovsky, MD Associate Professor and Clinical Vice-Chair Cornea and External Disease Bruce E. Prum, Jr., MD Associate Professor Glaucoma Ashvini K. Reddy, MD Assistant Professor Uveitis and Medical Retinal B. Christian Carter, MD Clinical Assistant Professor Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Bruce T. Carter, MD Clinical Associate Professor Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Andrew S. Collins, MD Clinical Assistant Professor Comprehensive Ophthalmology Brian P. Conway, MD Clinical Professor Vitreo-retinal Disease Mohit Nanda, MD Clinical Assistant Professor Vitreo-retinal Disease Bina S. Patel, MD Clinical Assistant Professor Cornea and External Disease L. Edward Perraut, MD Clinical Associate Professor Refractive Surgery JOINT APPOINTMENTS Eugene Y. Shildkrot, MD Assistant Professor Vitreo-retinal Disease and Ocular Oncology Daniel J. Cox, PhD, ABPP Department of Psychiatric Medicine Professor of Ophthalmology Paul A. Yates, MD, PhD Associate Professor Vitreo-retinal Disease Robert M. Grainger, PhD Department of Biology Professor of Ophthalmology FELLOWS Donald L. Kimpel, MD, MA Division of Rheumatology and Immunology (Medicine) Professor of Ophthalmology Jessica E. Chan, MD Instructor Glaucoma Thomas B. (“Ben”) Ableman, MD Instructor Neuro-ophthalmology Tyson S. Ward, MD Instructor Vitreo-retinal Disease Jonathan Kipnis, PhD Department of Neuroscience Professor of Ophthalmology Gordon W. Laurie, PhD Department of Cell Biology Associate Professor of Ophthalmology Page 11 ALUMNI NEWSLETTER: FALL 2014 EDITION FACULTY UVA DEPARTMENT OF OPHTHALMOLOGY JOINT APPOINTMENTS continued VISITING FACULTY continued Shayn Peirce-Cottler, PhD Department of Biomedical Engineering Associate Professor of Ophthalmology Marc D. Shields, MD Visiting Assistant Professor Oculoplastics and Orbital Disease John D. Simon, PhD Executive Vice President & Provost Professor of Ophthalmology Eric D. Weber, MD Visiting Assistant Professor Neuro-ophthalmology VISITING FACULTY VAMC VISITING FACULTY Jennifer E. Davis, OD Visiting Assistant Professor Contact Lens and Low Vision Timothy R. Byrnes, MD Visiting Assistant Professor Vitreo-retinal Disease Nicola G. Ghazi, MD Visiting Associate Professor Vitreo-retinal Disease Kurt W.L. Guelzow, MD Visiting Associate Professor Oculoplastics and Orbital Disease David M. Harman, MD Visiting Assistant Professor Comprehensive Ophthalmology David G. Harper, MD Visiting Instructor Neuro-ophthalmology Andrew E. Holzman, MD, FACS Visiting Assistant Professor Cornea and Refractive Surgery Craig D. Hartranft, MD Visiting Assistant Professor Vitreo-retinal Disease Binoy R. Jani, MD Visiting Assistant Professor Cornea and Refractive Surgery John L. Hines, MD Visiting Associate Professor Vitreo-retinal Disease Todd J. Long, MD Visiting Assistant Professor Comprehensive Ophthalmology Nicholas A. Ramey, MD Visiting Assistant Professor Oculoplastics and Orbital Disease G. Peyton Neatrour, MD Visiting Assistant Professor Comprehensive and Refractive Surgery George W. Riddick, Jr., MD Visiting Assistant Professor Comprehensive Ophthalmology Rachna D. Patel, MD Visiting Assistant Professor Cornea and External Disease William M. Thompson, MD Visiting Assistant Professor Comprehensive Ophthalmology L. Edward Perraut, MD Visiting Assistant Professor Refractive Surgery EMERITUS FACULTY Stephen W. Record, OD Visiting Assistant Professor Contact Lens and Low Vision Carey W. Robinson, MD Visiting Assistant Professor Comprehensive Ophthalmology Robert Searle, MD Visiting Assistant Professor Comprehensive Ophthalmology Brian P. Conway, MD Professor Emeritus Vitreo-retinal Disease James S. Tiedeman, MD, PhD Professor Emeritus Vitreo-retinal Disease Page 12 ALUMNI NEWSLETTER: FALL 2014 EDITION MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR Our continuing mission in the UVA Department of Ophthalmology is the reduction of vision-threatening eye diseases through clinical care, research, education and community service. This issue features activities of the Department that advance our mission. Individual efforts have impact, but it is the cumulative achievements that propel us towards our goals. We are grateful to the faculty for their industry, to our trainees for their enthusiasm and motivating curiosity, and to our entire staff for their hard work. Our Vision Research Group stimulates us with their thought-provoking contributions. Finally, we are thankful for the support from loyal alumni, patients, and all those who join our efforts to improve diagnosis and treatment of eye disease. Peter A. Netland, MD, PhD Vernah Scott Moyston Professor and Chair HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE UVA DEPARTMENT OF OPHTHALMOLOGY The Department needs your support in all areas of its endeavors: research, endowed professorships, expanded laboratory facilities, increased personnel and equipment, resident education and professional development. To learn more about supporting the UVA Department of Ophthalmology, please contact the Departmental Chair, Dr. Peter Netland at 434-982-1086 or Mike Terry at the UVA Health Foundation, at 800-297-0102 or 434-924-8432, or through e-mail at [email protected] Newsletter Staff Contact Information University of Virginia Department of Ophthalmology UVA Ophthalmology is a publication of the University of Virginia Department of Ophthalmology, designed to share information regarding the Department’s faculty, staff, activities and goals with alumni and supporters. Address: 1300 Jefferson Park Avenue PO Box 800715 Charlottesville, VA 22908 Phone: 434-982-1086 Chair: Peter A. Netland, MD, PhD Editor: Mary E. Smith, MPH Design and Layout: Elizabeth Blough Consultants: Sandy Hausman Fax: 434-924-5180 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.uvaeye.com