The Wilmer Eye Institute is consistently at the forefront of ophthalmology, with its doctors driving advancements in research, patient care, and community engagement. This article highlights recent news and achievements at Wilmer, showcasing the expertise and dedication of its physicians and researchers.
Patricia Caulfield, a glaucoma patient at Wilmer Eye Institute, emphasizes the silent nature of the disease and her commitment to art and glaucoma awareness.
Patricia Caulfield, a patient at Wilmer Eye Institute, poignantly describes the insidious nature of glaucoma: “The thing about glaucoma is you don’t feel worse. You don’t feel anything.” Having experienced significant vision loss due to this condition, Caulfield now benefits from the expert care at Wilmer and is in a stable condition. Inspired by her journey, she is passionately pursuing her lifelong love for art and actively raising awareness about glaucoma, underscoring the importance of early detection and expert intervention by Wilmer Eye Institute Doctors.
Predicting Glaucoma Severity: Research Insights from Wilmer Eye Institute Doctors
Wilmer Eye Institute doctors and researchers are collaborating with the Johns Hopkins University Department of Mechanical Engineering to understand why glaucoma progression varies significantly among patients. While some individuals maintain stable vision with treatment, others unfortunately progress to severe vision loss. Dr. Harry Quigley, a distinguished Wilmer Eye Institute doctor and the A. Edward Maumenee Professor of Ophthalmology, is leading this crucial research. Their collaborative efforts aim to identify predictors of severe glaucoma, paving the way for more personalized and effective treatment strategies administered by Wilmer Eye Institute doctors.
Wilmer Eye Institute Doctors Contribute to National AI Consortium for Ethical Data
Dr. Alvin Liu, a leading Wilmer Eye Institute doctor and director of the Wilmer Precision Ophthalmology Center of Excellence, is playing a key role in a new NIH consortium focused on generating ethically sourced, AI-ready datasets. Featured in Fundamentals, Dr. Liu, along with Dr. Megan Collins, another prominent Wilmer Eye Institute doctor and the Allan and Claire Jensen Professor of Ophthalmology, co-leads the consortium’s ethics section. Their involvement highlights Wilmer Eye Institute doctors’ commitment not only to technological advancement but also to the ethical implications of AI in healthcare.
Wilmer Eye Institute Doctors Host World Association of Eye Hospitals Annual Meeting
Cathy Kowalewski, Wilmer administrator and chair of WAEH, at the World Association of Eye Hospitals Annual Meeting hosted by Wilmer Eye Institute.
Wilmer Eye Institute recently hosted the World Association of Eye Hospitals (WAEH) Annual Meeting, bringing together leaders in ophthalmic care from over 55 countries. From October 4-7, Wilmer served as a hub for presenting cutting-edge research and fostering global collaboration in eye hospital management, education, and patient care. Cathy Kowalewski, Wilmer administrator and chair of WAEH, played a pivotal role in organizing this prestigious event, further solidifying Wilmer Eye Institute doctors’ and administrators’ leadership in the global ophthalmology community.
Dr. Thomas V. Johnson III: Inaugural Shelley and Allan Holt Rising Professor of Ophthalmology
Dr. Thomas V. Johnson III, Allan and Shelley Holt, and other dignitaries at the dedication ceremony for the Shelley and Allan Holt Rising Professorship in Ophthalmology.
Wilmer Eye Institute doctor, Dr. Thomas V. Johnson III, was honored as the inaugural recipient of the Shelley and Allan Holt Rising Professorship in Ophthalmology on November 2nd. This significant dedication ceremony at the Robert H. and Clarice Smith Building celebrated Dr. Johnson’s rising prominence in the field. Distinguished speakers including Wilmer Director Dr. Peter J. McDonnell, Dr. Harry Quigley, and Johns Hopkins Executive Vice Dean Dr. Landon King, recognized Dr. Johnson’s contributions and future potential, highlighting the caliber of Wilmer Eye Institute doctors.
Vision for Baltimore Celebrates Milestone with Wilmer Eye Institute Doctors
Dr. Megan Collins with Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and other officials at the Vision for Baltimore event celebrating 10,000 eyeglasses distributed.
Vision for Baltimore, a program heavily supported by Wilmer Eye Institute doctors, celebrated a significant milestone: the distribution of its 10,000th pair of eyeglasses to Baltimore City Public Schools students. Dr. Megan Collins, a Wilmer pediatric ophthalmologist and the Allan and Claire Jensen Professor of Ophthalmology, leads Johns Hopkins’ involvement in this impactful program. This initiative, a collaboration between Wilmer Eye Institute and other Baltimore organizations, provides crucial vision screenings, eye exams, and eyeglasses to students in need, demonstrating the commitment of Wilmer Eye Institute doctors to community eye health.
Research Advancements by Wilmer Eye Institute Doctors
Wilmer Eye Institute doctors are not only dedicated to patient care but also to advancing the field through groundbreaking research.
Dr. Esen Akpek Investigates Glaucoma and Ocular Surface Disease Link
Dr. Esen Akpek, the Bendann Family Professor of Ophthalmology at Wilmer, and her team explored the intricate relationship between glaucoma treatments and ocular surface disease. Their review, published in Clinical Ophthalmology, sheds light on how treatments for one condition can impact the other, emphasizing the holistic approach taken by Wilmer Eye Institute doctors in managing complex eye conditions.
Novel Gene Therapy Delivery Method Developed by Wilmer Eye Institute Doctors
Wilmer Eye Institute doctors, including Dr. Seth Blackshaw, Dr. Mandeep Singh, and Dr. Fatemeh Rajaii, have achieved a significant breakthrough in gene therapy delivery. Their research, published in Nature Communications, demonstrates a novel method to use a cell’s natural protein-making process to deliver genetic instructions, potentially revolutionizing treatment for various disorders, including inherited blindness. This innovative approach exemplifies the cutting-edge research conducted by Wilmer Eye Institute doctors.
Dr. James Handa Identifies Target for Early Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Dr. James Handa, Division Chief of Retina at Wilmer, led a team that identified a potential therapeutic target for early AMD, a stage for which there is currently no treatment. Published in Autophagy, their findings focus on an understudied aspect of RPE cell signaling and offer hope for preventing vision loss in early AMD patients. This discovery underscores the commitment of Wilmer Eye Institute doctors to finding solutions for even the most challenging retinal diseases.
Top Doctors at Wilmer Eye Institute Recognized
The exceptional skills and patient dedication of Wilmer Eye Institute doctors are consistently recognized.
Five Wilmer Eye Institute Doctors Named “Top Doctors” by Baltimore Magazine
Five Wilmer faculty members were honored as “Top Doctors” in Baltimore magazine’s 2022 list. This prestigious recognition highlights the outstanding clinical care provided by Wilmer Eye Institute doctors:
- Dr. Kraig Bower
- Dr. Yassine Daoud
- Dr. Laura Di Meglio, O.D.
- Dr. Bryce St. Clair, O.D.
- Dr. Fasika Woreta
Dr. Thomas V. Johnson III Named Among “40 Ophthalmologists Under 40”
Furthering his accolades, Dr. Thomas V. Johnson III was named to Ophthalmology Management‘s “40 Ophthalmologists Under 40 to Know” list. This national recognition celebrates Dr. Johnson’s early career achievements and future leadership potential within ophthalmology, reflecting the high caliber of young Wilmer Eye Institute doctors.
Wilmer-Columbia Recognized as “Best of Howard” 2022
Wilmer-Columbia has been named “Best of Howard” 2022, as voted by readers in Howard Magazine and The Howard County Times. This local recognition underscores the excellent patient care and community reputation of Wilmer Eye Institute doctors and staff at their Columbia location.
Wilmer Faculty members Divya Srikumaran, Irene Kuo, Uri Soiberman, and Samuel Chi-Hung Yiu to serve on the editorial board of Cornea Open.
Wilmer Eye Institute Doctors to Shape Cornea Open Journal
Wilmer Eye Institute doctors will play a significant role in the new journal, Cornea Open. Dr. Divya Srikumaran will serve as associate editor, and Dr. Irene Kuo, Dr. Uri Soiberman, and Dr. Samuel Chi-Hung Yiu will serve on the editorial board. Dr. Srikumaran’s recent appointment to the board of the Cornea Society further highlights Wilmer Eye Institute doctors’ influence and expertise in the field of cornea and external diseases.
Wilmer Clinician-Scientist K12 Program: Developing Future Physician-Scientists
Wilmer Eye Institute is actively seeking candidates for its renowned Clinician-Scientist K12 Program. This program offers mentored training with faculty-level pay for fellows and faculty in all ophthalmology subspecialties interested in research careers. This initiative demonstrates Wilmer Eye Institute’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of leading clinician-scientists in ophthalmology. Click here for more information.
Upcoming Virtual Grand Rounds with Wilmer Eye Institute Doctors
Stay updated with the latest advancements in ophthalmology by joining Wilmer’s Virtual Grand Rounds every Thursday morning from 7:30am – 8:30am. CME credit is available for Johns Hopkins affiliates. Click here to register for upcoming sessions:
- Nov. 10. Uveitis
- Nov. 17. Pediatrics
- Dec. 1. Current Concepts
- Dec. 8. Cornea
Wilmer Eye Institute doctors continue to demonstrate their unwavering commitment to excellence in all facets of ophthalmology, from pioneering research to delivering exceptional patient care and engaging with the community and global ophthalmology network.
Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine
Date: November 18th 2022
