The Cure Glaucoma Foundation has had an exciting year and we are looking into the future with much anticipation as we plan to accomplish even more in 2020. With your help, we can continue to provide quality care, fund innovative glaucoma research and change lives through global outreach efforts.
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CGF Believes Research Changes Lives and Saves Sight
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Cure Glaucoma is collaborating with researchers and physicians at Stanford University in a Nerve Growth Factor Study that has seen positive results and is moving to phase II in 2020.
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Davinder S. Grover, MD, MPH,
Cure Glaucoma Research Committee Chair
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This is a study in which a nerve growth factor is used to regenerate nerve tissue damaged from glaucoma. The specific goal of this study is to protect and improve the functioning of sick, but not dead, nerves that are damaged due to glaucoma. This study involves an implant, which is a novel, cell-based drug delivery system that delivers human nerve growth factor inside the eye.
A phase I trial, based at Stanford University, was completed in 11 glaucoma patients who received the implanted device. To date, no serious adverse events related to the implant or drug were reported. The initial results in this study suggested improvement of visual field, contrast sensitivity and increased nerve thickness.
Glaucoma Associates of Texas is one of only three centers in the United States to participate in this study (Stanford University, Columbia University and GAT). A grant from Cure Glaucoma is completely funding this research study in Dallas.
In total, over 50 patients with glaucoma have received the implant and the one-year results are very promising. The initial analysis of the data suggests a trend toward improved visual function and nerve fiber layer thickness. Our hope is that this study will unlock the key to regenerating nerve tissue in our glaucoma patients and advance our mission to cure glaucoma.
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Cure Glaucoma Funds $50,000 Grant
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The Foundation recently awarded a $50,000 grant to Rachida Bouhenni, PhD, with the Akron Children’s Hospital, for her study of the Development of an Enzyme Replacement Therapy for Primary Congenital Glaucoma.
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Award Recipient, Rachida Bouhenni, PhD,
with the Akron Children’s Hospital
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In the pediatric form of glaucoma, also known as primary congenital glaucoma (PCG), children are born with a defect in the angle of the eye that slows the normal drainage of aqueous humor resulting in pressure in the eye. The disease is caused by a mutation in a gene called cytochrome p450 B1 (CYP1B1). The purpose of this project is to determine the feasibility of recreating this gene in the laboratory and delivering it into the eye to restore function.
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Local Access to Care
CGF is committed to providing care for people who otherwise could not afford medical treatment. In the DFW area, the Foundation is providing services to pediatric glaucoma patients whose families have limited financial resources. Patient care includes eye exams, surgery, and postoperative clinical care.
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Train the Trainer/Medical Mission Trips
As part of our Global Outreach Initiative, CGF has successfully led medical and training mission trips to Nepal, Nigeria, Kenya and India. Over 150 physicians have been trained in new Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) techniques with more than 500 patients treated. The number of patients served will increase as these physicians return to their own communities with newly acquired glaucoma treatment skills and equipment.
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Dr. Swati Upadhyaya, participant in the CGF International Fellowship program, with
Dr.
Davinder S. Grover of Glaucoma Associates of Texas
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International Fellowship Program
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Through CGF’s International Fellowship Program, Ophthalmologists from Nigeria, Nepal, India, Peru and Costa Rica, receive housing, travel support and an opportunity to observe the latest clinical and surgical techniques. Besides sponsoring training at the Glaucoma Associates of Texas clinic, CGF conducted a pilot program in Nigeria with U.S. physicians providing training in the latest glaucoma drainage implant surgical techniques.
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Make a Year-End Gift
Your gift, no matter how large or small,
will support research and help individuals maintain their sight. Your donation is completely tax deductible. Please click the donate button below to support our mission.
We appreciate your consideration and wish you Happy Holidays and a Healthy New Year!
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Volunteer Today!
Looking for a place to donate your time? We have opportunities to volunteer in the Cure Glaucoma Foundation office.
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Estate Planning
When you update your will,
please consider the
Cure Glaucoma Foundation
as part of your planned giving.
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For more information, contact:
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Cure Glaucoma Foundation
Board of Directors
Michael A. Kettles (Board President)
W. Stephen Love (Vice-President)
J. Chris Clark, CPA (Treasurer)
Michelle R. Butler, MD
Matthew E. Emanuel, MD
Ronald L. Fellman, MD
Davinder S. Grover, MD, MPH
Joseph K. Haggerty
Bradley F. Jost, MD
Helen L. Kornmann, MD, PhD
Cheryl Camin Murray
Manjool M. Shah, MD
Oluwatosin U. Smith, MD
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