July 25, 2013

Grant to support blindess research

Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB) recently awarded a $110,000 grant to Vanderbilt’s Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences in support of research into the causes, treatment and prevention of blinding diseases.

Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB) recently awarded a $110,000 grant to Vanderbilt’s Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences in support of research into the causes, treatment and prevention of blinding diseases.

“This unrestricted award allows us to support competitive academic programs, outreach, and innovative, high-risk research,” said David Calkins, Ph.D., vice chair and director of Research at the Vanderbilt Eye Institute. “It is a testimony to our scientific and clinical achievements as a department.”

The funds will be directed towards collaborative, translational research on the top eye diseases that cause irreversible blindness, such as glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. The award will also support the program’s efforts to bring visiting professors from around the country to Vanderbilt.

RPB, the world’s largest leading voluntary organization supporting eye research, has awarded grants totaling $2.7 million to Vanderbilt.