Cure Glaucoma Foundation Awards $50,000 Grant
 The mission of the Cure Glaucoma Foundation (CGF) is to fund transformational research and improve access to quality care locally and globally.

The Cure Glaucoma Foundation has completed our glaucoma research grant funding cycle for 2019. Our Research Committee received exceptional proposals from highly qualified researchers. Dr. Davinder Grover chaired the discussions when committee members met to examine the technical merits of the research proposals along with their alignment with CGF’s research mission.

The recommendations proposed by the research committee were unanimously supported by the CGF Board. We are pleased to announce a $50,000 research Grant has been awarded 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.

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. 

The Cure Glaucoma Foundation congratulates Dr. Bouhenni and her research team and wish them the best in the coming year.  
Thank you to the 2019 Cure Glaucoma Foundation Research Committee

Davinder S. Grover, MD (Chairman) • Ahmad A. Aref, MD • Lauren S. Blieden, MD • Ronald L. Fellman, MD • Omolola O. Idowu, MD • John T. Lind, MD •
Manjool M. Shah, MD
 Cure Glaucoma Medical Mission Team Returns to Kenya

Cure Glaucoma joined forces with the Lighthouse for Christ Eye Centre for a return medical mission trip to Mombasa, Kenya. A team consisting of Cure Glaucoma volunteers Dr. Oluwatosin “Tosin” Smith of Glaucoma Associates of Texas and her daughter Fara Adesanoye, Denise Del Rio, CST, Teresa Cook, RN, as well as Dr. C. Bradley Bowman of Cornea Associates travelled to bring much-needed help to the people of Kenya. They spent a week at the Lighthouse for Christ Eye Centre caring for patients, teaching staff and physicians while performing 62 surgeries on patients with complex glaucoma and corneal diseases. The group treated 659 patients overall.

During the 2016 trip to Kenya, Dr. Smith and Dr. Bowman cared for an infant born with congenital glaucoma and cloudy corneas in both eyes. Three years ago, they performed glaucoma surgery on both eyes and corneal transplant surgery on her right eye. What a gift to be able to examine the now 3-year-old and find her running around the clinic with good vision and a clear corneal graft. (Dr. Oluwatosin “Tosin” Smith and Dr. C. Bradley Bowman with vibrant 3-year-old patient pictured above.)

The Lighthouse for Christ Eye Centre was founded in 1969 by Bill Ghrist, MD, an ophthalmologist from California. The Centre is currently a modern clinic and surgery center that not only takes care of patients on a walk-in and appointment basis, but also one that sends out teams to provide care in rural areas of Kenya. Many doctors and healthcare professionals from around the world visit for up to three weeks to assist the local staff.

Patients treated were of different backgrounds and of all ages. The daily routine included clinic visits in the morning and afternoons in surgery . It was exciting for the team to be able to treat patients and transfer skills to the staff and work closely with the Lighthouse for Christ physicians.

Sixty-two surgeries were performed including glaucoma tube shunts, trabeculectomies, trabeculotomies, gonioscopy assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT), DSEK, IOL exchange, glaucoma tube revisions, needling of blebs, cyclodestructive procedures and the cornea transplants. Dr. Smith performed the first of two XEN surgeries in Kenya.

It was a privilege to work with the local physicians, the Lighthouse for Christ Eye Centre staff and the entire organization.  We are grateful to the many donors who provided medication, equipment and funding to make this humanitarian journey to preserve sight possible.  Your gifts helped make a positive difference in the lives of so many.
Thanks to Our Generous Sponsors

Alcon • Allergan • CGF • Christopher Tallas • Ellex • Glaucoma Associates of Texas • MST • Ophthalmology Surgery Center of Dallas • UTSW Transplant Center
 Doc Talk - Friday, October 4

Do you have questions about glaucoma that you’ve been wanting to ask your doctor?  Checkup time is busy, and it is important to focus on immediate care during your appointment. The Cure Glaucoma Foundation is hosting an educational forum called a Doc Talk in Fort Worth to give you an opportunity to learn more about glaucoma and its effect on your eyesight.  The more you know, the better equipped you are to understand your prognosis. 

Join Dr. Tosin Smith on Friday, October 4th to learn more about glaucoma. A light snack will be provided, followed by Dr. Smith’s talk and a period for Q&A where Dr. Smith will answer your questions about glaucoma.  

About Dr. Smith
Dr. Oluwatosin "Tosin" Smith is a partner at Glaucoma Associates of Texas in Dallas. She completed her Glaucoma fellowship at the Wills Eye Hospital, Thomas Jefferson School of medicine, Philadelphia, PA and has practiced Ophthalmology both in academic and private settings since then. Among other things, she has a love for global outreach and leads several medical and training mission team trips annually.


Dr. Smith currently serves as an Ambassador for the Glaucoma Research Foundation and is a physician volunteer at the Child Vision Center in Fort Worth. She also serves as an assistant professor at UT Southwestern Medical School and University of North Texas. On a personal note, she loves to spend time with her husband and two children. She loves the Lord dearly and enjoys singing and travelling.


Join Dr. Tosin Smith for a
“Doc Talk”

Presented by:
The Cure Glaucoma Foundation

Friday, October 4, 2019
1:30-2:30 PM

Beth-El Congregation
4900 Briarhaven Road
Fort Worth, TX 76109  


Admission is Free!

RSVP by 10/2
(Limited to 15 guests)


or call 214-765-9716
Looking for Ways to Help?
Support the Cause

Your generosity makes a difference. Help us continue to fund transformational research and improve access to quality care locally and globally.

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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Be sure your will is up to date
and please consider the
 Cure Glaucoma Foundation as part of your planned giving. 

For more information, contact:
Emily Deutscher • edeutscher@cureglaucoma.org • 214-765-9716