Download research lays the foundation for future eye care

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.
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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