SAN FRANCISO, Calif. — The Glaucoma Research Foundation with Hisako and Paul I. Terasaki, MD will host an update and reception on Thursday, May 7, 2009 to detail newly released research into the incidence of glaucoma in the Asian American Community. “Asians and Glaucoma: A Different Spectrum of the Disease” will be presented by Shan Lin, MD, associate clinical professor of ophthalmology at the University of California-San Francisco (UCSF). Dr. Lin is a co-principal investigator of the Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study at UCSF that recently published its findings about glaucoma in the Japanese American community in Archives of Ophthalmology.
The Catalyst Update Reception will take place at the Terasaki Foundation, 11570 West Olympic Blvd. Los Angeles, CA from 6 to 8 p.m.
Groundbreaking Research
The Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF) funds groundbreaking research that has changed our knowledge of glaucoma, like the Collaborative Normal Tension Glaucoma Study, which was the first controlled clinical trial to establish that lowering eye pressure preserves vision.
The primary focus of GRF-funded research today is the “Catalyst for a Cure” (CFC). This collaborative project is redefining how glaucoma research is conducted in order to speed the process of discovery to find a cure. The CFC research scientists – specialists in genetics, nerve regeneration, and neurodevelopment – are working in real-time collaboration to understand neuronal loss in glaucoma and identify targets for intervention.
Funds and Fundraising
GRF has funded more than $45 million in grants and projects since 1978. In addition to attracting innovative scientists, doctors and ideas to the field of glaucoma research, GRF has also provided education and support for those with glaucoma, as well as to their families and friends.
All Glaucoma Research Foundation grants have been made without the benefit of government funding. In fact, GRF is almost entirely supported through donations from private individuals. Equally important, 85 cents of every dollar raised goes directly to funding innovative research and education programs.
About the Glaucoma Research Foundation
Founded in 1978, the mission of the Glaucoma Research Foundation is to prevent vision loss from glaucoma through investment in innovative research, education, and patient support – all directed toward the ultimate goal of finding a cure.
The Glaucoma Research Foundation website, www.glaucoma.org, has a wide range of information and news for glaucoma patients and their families. Free educational brochures and an informative booklet, “Understanding and Living with Glaucoma,” may be ordered from the website or by calling 1-800-826-6693. An experienced information specialist answers the phone to provide support and assistance to those with questions or concerns. A free newsletter, Gleams, provides the latest information about glaucoma treatments and research.
