VISIoN - Duke Health
Transcription
VISIoN - Duke Health
D U K E U N I V E R S I T Y E Y E C E N T E R VISIoN V O L U M E 1 9 , N U M B E R T R E A T M E N T 2 • F A L L / W I N T E R R E S E A R C H 2 0 0 3 E D U C A T I O N Respected Practitioner, Teacher Retires Colleagues, Students, and Friends Bid Dr. Calvin Mitchell a Fond Farewell A mid much fanfare and celebration, and a few tears, the Duke Department of Ophthalmology sent Dr. Calvin Mitchell into a joyful and well-deserved retirement in July with a series of tributes fitting for a man who has touched the lives of so many. There was an ice cream social, a luncheon, and a formal dinner. There was a video celebrating his life achievements and his 40-year career battling eye disease in the clinic, the operating room, and through educating ophthalmology residents. His younger son even flew in to surprise Dr. Mitchell as his last patient. Dr. Mitchell, a 1958 graduate of the Duke School of Medicine who also completed his residency here, joined the Duke Ophthalmology faculty in 1985 after nearly a quarter-century as partner in a thriving ophthalmology practice in Tampa, Florida. Duke University had recently decided to offer all of its employees the benefit of general eye care, and the Department of Ophthalmology was looking for a general ophthalmologist to take care of these patients. For Dr. Mitchell, it was an opportunity to teach and practice in an academic medical center—an opportunity too good to pass up. For 18 years, as assistant clinical professor of ophthalmology on the Comprehensive Ophthalmology Service, Dr. Mitchell saw current and retired Duke employees for their basic eye care needs. He also served as medical director of the Contact Lens Service and was involved in many of the Eye Center’s research studies, often making sure that patients had no ocular side effects from drugs used in these studies. But the part of his job Dr. Mitchell cherished most was teaching the residents and medical students who rotated through the Comprehensive Ophthalmology Service. Mitchell lectured weekly on general ophthalmology topics and attended the ophthalmology resident conference every weekday morning at 7 a.m. It wasn’t something he had to do; it was something he loved to do. “I like to be a part of that teaching endeavor,” he once said. “It’s just stimulating to be around smart people, and the teacher always learns more than the student!” In recognition of his commitment to teaching, in 1999, Duke ophthalmology residents presented Dr. Mitchell with a plaque: a Special Education Award in grateful recognition of his outstanding and dedicated service to the residents of Duke Eye Center. The award—the only one ever given out—hung prominently in Dr. Mitchell’s office. In retirement, Dr. Mitchell is Continued on page 3 In This Issue Chairman’s Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 New Faculty Profile—Christine Speer, MD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Custom LASIK Brings High Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 New Major Gifts Officer—Sterrin Bird . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 Duke Eye Center’s Rising Star in Raleigh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Managing the Eye Center’s Research Grants . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 NC Lions Endowment Earns AERI Namesake . . . . . . . . . . .26 Volunteers Make It a Place Like No Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 VISIoN 2 C H A I R M A N ’ S C O R N E R “You can dream, create, design, and build the most wonderful place in the world, but it requires people to make the dream a reality.” ~ Walt Disney he year 2003 has been an exciting one for the Duke University Eye Center—a year of making dreams come true. Our journey to build a world-class eye research institute began several years ago with the generous philanthropic giving of the Wannamaker family, the Herrings, Evelyn Hunter-Longdon, and countless others. In 2002, Ruth and Herman Albert made our dreams a reality with their historic $8 million gift to build the Albert Eye Research Institute (AERI). We now are able to watch with pride and amazement as our AERI has taken shape—floor-by-floor—before our very eyes. Just over $19 million has been received toward our goal of raising the needed $25 million for AERI. While we thus have made great strides towards realizing our aspirations to build a future free of blinding eye disease, we must remain focused if we are to achieve our goals and achieve the completion of our new AERI. We have dared to dream, create, design, and build this most wonderful Institute, but in the words of Walt Disney “it requires people to make the dream a reality.” Before his passing in June 2002, Herman “Hy” Albert challenged each of us to “recognize that life is good and that we must each fulfill our own responsibility for giving back to improve humanity.” I urge you to heed Hy’s call and help us all achieve our dreams. As we reach the end of another remarkable year for the Duke Eye Center, I want to express how truly grateful I am to lead such an amazing institution of clinicians, researchers, and staff, and how deeply thankful I am to our many generous supporters. I wish you a safe and happy holiday season and look forward to a special new year when we hopefully celebrate the completion of our new Albert Eye Research Institute. VISIoN 3 Respected Practitioner, Teacher Retires continued from page 1 enjoying the opportunity to devote more time to restoring the 200-yearold farm in Chatham County that was built by his wife’s—Lin Mitchell, a professor at Duke’s Fuqua School of Business—ancestors. The log cabin and the cow barn are now fully restored, and Dr. Mitchell is working with two retired carpenters on several outbuildings. The Mitchells also head to Key West with their kids and grandkids several times a year to go lobster diving and fishing. Dr. Mitchell was always proud of being accepted to the Duke School of Medicine and, later, to be invited back to the Duke faculty. Even in retirement, he remains closely linked to the Eye Center and to Duke University. He continues to attend weekly rounds for the retina, glaucoma, and cornea services, providing his insight and historical perspective. And he recently participated in the University’s annual Founders Day celebration as a professor emeritus. He also remains active in medicine, assisting in surgery at the Veterans Administration Hospitals in Asheville and Durham. Staying involved in medicine on a part-time basis is a way to make the transition to retirement less stressful, he believes. And for the Duke Eye Center, it’s a way to continue to benefit from the wisdom of one of its most valuable and respected family members. Memorable Moments Continued on page 7 4 VISIoN The Albert Eye Re Building a Future Free of Eye Disease A lot has been happening lately at the Duke University Eye Center. Construction of the much-anticipated Ruth and Herman Albert Eye Research Institute is well underway. See for yourself what all the excitement is about. For more information about the Albert Eye Research Institute or to learn how you can contribute to the building campaign, please contact the Eye Center Planning & Development Office at 919-684-3182. The Eye Center is seeking community and corporate support through June 2004. Naming opportunities for each floor of the new Institute are still available. VISIoN 5 Research Institute The future of the Albert Eye Research Institute is looking bright. We’ve raised $19 million toward our goal of $25 million! VISIoN 6 NEW FACULTY PROFILE Christine Speer, MD Providing comprehensive eye care for patients in the community I f you are like most of her patients, you will wonder if Dr. Christine Speer is old enough to be your doctor. Rest assured, the newest member of the Duke University Eye Center’s Comprehensive Ophthalmology Service faculty is older than she looks. She is also fully trained, qualified, and ready to help her patients at Duke keep and restore their eye health. Speer joined the Duke Department of Ophthalmology in October as an assistant clinical professor. Her main focus is on providing comprehensive ophthalmologic care to patients at the Eye Center, offering everything from general eye examinations to medical treatment for glaucoma and corneal disease to eye care for patients with diabetes and cataract surgery. She also helps teach Duke ophthalmology residents who rotate through the Comprehensive Service. “We are delighted to have Dr. Speer join the Comprehensive Ophthalmology Service at the Duke University Eye Center,” says Service Chief Dr. Robin Vann. “Our patients will welcome her skill, compassion, and warmth.” Dr. Speer joined the Eye Center faculty right after her wedding and Hawaiian honeymoon with husband Dr. Lawrence Buono, a neuro-ophthalmologist who is also on the Duke faculty. After she completed her ophthalmology residency at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia this past June, the marriage and Dr. Buono’s position at Duke narrowed down the area for her job search. Looking around North Carolina’s Triangle region for opportunities in ophthalmology, Dr. Speer quickly decided that Duke was the “Even though my parents wanted me to explore all the different options that I had, I grew up around medicine and just felt that was the natural course for me to take in life.” ~ Christine Speer, MD right fit. “What brought me to Duke was the strong academic reputation,” she says. “The Eye Center faculty is a close-knit group of people who are easy to work with, and I knew I’d be working with very strong, world-class doctors here. Because I recently completed my residency, it is nice to be part of an academic institution with so many continuing education opportunities that will allow me to keep up with medical and surgical advances.” Born and raised outside Little Rock, Arkansas, Dr. Speer is the only child of two physicians. Her mother is a radiologist; her father a family practitioner. Both are now retired. Speer knew early on that she would go into “the family business.” “Even though my parents wanted me to explore all the different options that I had, I grew up around medicine and just felt that was the natural course for me to take in life. I enjoyed helping and taking care of people (and always had a scientifically oriented mind), so it seemed to be a natural fit.” After completing her bachelor’s degree in chemistry and Spanish at Vanderbilt University in 1995, Dr. Speer returned to Little Rock to earn her medical degree at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. When she was in her third year of medical school, she looked into various medical disciplines and weighed what she wanted in a career and what she enjoyed in medicine—and the field of ophthalmology came into sharp focus. “I liked that ophthalmic care is both clinical and surgical. With cataract surgery, you can make a dramatic difference in someone’s life, so it seemed like it would be a very rewarding field to go into,” she says. “It’s also a very visual field, not just for the patient, but for the doctor. We make our diagnoses by looking at the eye. I enjoy being able to see the disease processes, rather than using some of the other forms of physical examination. The best part about doing comprehensive ophthalmology is that you can tailor it to what you want to do. VISIoN Every patient is different, with problems ranging from the eyelids to the retina.” After a medical internship at Georgetown University, Dr. Speer headed to Wills Eye Hospital for her ophthalmology residency, where she met her future husband who was there for his neuro-ophthalmology fellowship. Dr. Speer spent much of this past summer moving and planning the wedding, which 7 took place September 27th in Little Rock. The fall will continue to be busy for Dr. Speer as she begins her career at Duke Eye Center, but she says that the opportunity to live in Durham feels like a good fit, particularly with her love of the outdoors. “As a southerner, it has been a very easy transition. I’m very happy to be here, and I’m happy to be back down South—that’s where I feel the most comfortable. I’m hoping to get out in this area to explore some of the outdoor activities like hiking and canoeing.” Professionally, Dr. Speer says, “I’m looking forward to the atmosphere at the Duke Eye Center and taking care of patients in the community.” Not to mention, fielding all those questions about her age. Respected Practitioner, Teacher Retires continued from page 3 Colleagues and Residents on Dr. Mitchell “I have known Calvin longer than anyone else at the Duke Eye Center because we were residents in ophthalmology together a long time ago. What has impressed me all of these years is the very high professional standards that Calvin has maintained. I have always been sure that his decisions and actions are on the basis of what is good for the patient, rather than what was good for him. It has been a pleasure to be professionally associated with Calvin. It is bittersweet not to have him down the hall anymore, but I hope from him to have a real model on an excellent retirement!” —Dr. Banks Anderson Jr., Duke Professor of Ophthalmology “Calvin Mitchell has been a uniquely talented and dedicated faculty member in the Duke Department of Ophthalmology. He is the ophthalmologist of choice for many of the faculty of Duke and has represented us so well. But to me, it is his role in resident education that has been truly unique and remarkable. He has been a wonderful teacher and mentor to our residents and, most importantly, he has been an advocate for our residency program. He really has helped improve the quality of our residency and helped make many different careers possible. Calvin represents the very best of what Duke Ophthalmology has to offer.” —Dr. David Epstein, Chair, Duke Department of Ophthalmology “The Comprehensive Ophthalmology Service, the residents of the Duke Eye Center, and our community are indebted to the years of unwavering dedication that Dr. Mitchell has shown to his profession. Throughout his tenure here, he has been a strong advocate for resident education and patient access to medical care. He has helped foster my career growth as well as that of numerous residents who have graduated from our program. We will truly miss him on the service and wish him the best of luck and success in his retirement.” —Dr. Robin Vann, Chief of the Comprehensive Service “We all profited by an expert like Calvin coming in and letting [us] know that [we] were getting the best eye care that any place could offer. He has been one of the humanizing factors that allows the Duke Eye Center to put out not only good research people, but people who understand the problems of elderly people and the problems of people with failing vision. He was a great person with which to work.” —Dr. Eugene Stead, Chair Emeritus, Duke Department of Medicine “I had the pleasure to complete my residency while Dr. Mitchell was here at Duke. Beginning when I was a first-year, he was always there for us—in morning rounds, smiling, giving us all those ideas, stories, and experiences. And he continued every day to be there for rounds and to be available to us whenever we needed him.” —Dr. Tamer Mahmoud, Retina Fellow “Dr. Mitchell exemplifies what it means to be a southern gentleman. He is wise, sincere, compassionate, kind, and above all, an excellent teacher. His devotion to resident training goes unmatched. Dr. Mitchell has spent his entire career advancing the education of other physicians.” —Michelle Evans, Residency Program Coordinator VISIoN 8 Custom LASIK Brings High Definition to Laser Vision Correction Surgery at Duke F or years vision correction surgeons using LASIK laser technology have been able to replicate the vision you’d get by wearing glasses or contact lenses. Now Custom LASIK—the state-ofthe-art in laser vision correction technology, available at the Duke Center for Vision Correction— takes vision correction to a new level with results that can actually exceed those of glasses or contact lenses. That’s because standard LASIK and corrective lenses improve vision by correcting near- or farsightedness and general astigmatism. But the reality is, those are only two of the variables—albeit the most important—that affect vision. There are actually dozens of other variables, including an imperfection called spherical aberration, which occurs when the pupils expand past a certain point at night and light is scattered, resulting in night “halos,” for instance. If you could correct each of these imperfections, you’d get even better vision. Until now, though, there was no way to diagnose and treat these imperfections with standard testing or treatment. With Custom LASIK, all that has changed. Using revolutionary wavefront technology—which has been around for decades but only recently applied to the eye—Duke refractive surgeons can now capture and analyze more than a dozen previously elusive variables, or “higher-order aberrations,” in addition to assessing near- or farsightedness and astigmatism. The surgeons can then treat these aberrations, resulting in vision that can be even better than the patient had previously received wearing glasses or contact lenses or after standard LASIK. At Duke, all candidates for LASIK treatment go through a comprehensive eye exam, which now includes analysis using VISX’s sophisticated WaveScan WaveFront® System. The WaveScan shines more than 200 light rays into as many different points in the eye, then records how each light wave is bent, or “refracted,” as it travels through the pupil. This L-R: Durham LASIK experts Drs. Carlson, Kim, and Afshari information is then fed into the computer and analyzed using VISX’s CustomVue™ software. Within minutes, a color printout provides a complex analysis and diagrams of the entire pupil, showing specific levels of aberrations at each of the 200-plus points on the pupil. The analysis details the specific level of each high-order aberration and calculates the portion of incremental vision that could be gained by correcting those aberrations. After the analysis is complete, a Duke refractive surgeon sits down with the patient to explain the results, and together they determine whether Custom LASIK or standard LASIK will yield the best outcome in this particular situation. Custom LASIK, which is FDA- VISIoN “This is such exciting technology that we have to offer. Custom LASIK allows us to gather much more accurate and detailed data on the refractive error, or optical aberrations, in each individual eye. No two eyes are exactly alike. This technology is almost like taking a ‘fingerprint’ of each eye, allowing us to design a unique treatment that addresses each eye’s unique features.” ~ Alan Carlson, MD approved, may be especially beneficial for patients who have problems with vision while driving at night, who have very large pupils, or who have significant levels of high-order aberrations such as irregular types of astigmatism. At Duke, the Custom LASIK procedure, like standard LASIK, is performed on the ultra-precise VISX S4, the newest version of the laser. This new equipment automatically centers the treatment on the pupil and tracks the eye in case there is any movement. For Custom LASIK, laser pulses are directed to hundreds of points on the cornea to treat each spot in accordance with the data from WaveScan. Some points receive more treatment, others less. 9 “This is such exciting technology that we have to offer,” says Dr. Alan Carlson, chief of the Eye Center’s Corneal and Refractive Surgery Service. “Custom LASIK allows us to gather much more accurate and detailed data on the refractive error, or optical aberrations, in each individual eye. No two eyes are exactly alike. This technology is almost like taking a ‘fingerprint’ of each eye, allowing us to design a unique treatment that addresses each eye’s unique features.” “With this new technology, we are able to offer patients the ability to correct abnormalities that distort vision that have not been correctable with glasses or contacts. Even the best pair of glasses can leave you with from three to twenty percent of your vision uncorrected—now we’re able to correct much of that remaining amount,” says Duke Refractive Surgeon Dr. Natalie Afshari. “Duke is always on the forefront of new technology in every subspecialty, and for refractive surgery, wavefront technology represents the next frontier in vision correction. This new technology will provide us with a more complete picture of a patient’s refractive error, and therefore, enable us to measure and treat refractive errors in an innovative and more individualized fashion,” according to Duke Surgeon Dr. Terry Kim. Because Duke must pay an additional royalty fee each time it uses the CustomVue equipment, the fee for Custom LASIK is a bit higher than for standard LASIK. However, Carlson notes, Duke’s $400 additional fee per eye is less than the national average. Carlson says, “Custom LASIK can be compared to the difference between buying a standard television and a high-definition TV. For some people, the difference in clarity and picture quality is well worth that extra cost.” The Duke Center for Vision Correction is one of the few treatment centers in the area that uses wavefront technology for both analysis and treatment, having invested in both the WaveScan analysis equipment and its links to our VISX S4 lasers. The entire Duke Refractive Surgery Team— Drs. Terry Kim, Natalie Afshari, and Alan Carlson in Durham, and Dr. Terry Semchyshyn in WinstonSalem—perform Custom LASIK using wavefront technology. “Custom LASIK is part of the future of vision correction surgery,” Carlson notes. “At the Duke Center for Vision Correction, we have always strived to treat our patients on an individual basis. This technology gives us an important tool that allows us to customize our services to each client’s needs to a far greater degree than ever before. It’s very exciting.” For more information on Custom LASIK or to schedule a personal consultation, call the Duke Center for Vision Correction at 919-681-4089. Winston-Salem LASIK expert Dr. Terry Semchyshyn VISIoN 10 Donors Establish Two Named Chairs in Ophthalmology L ast spring, the Duke University Board of Trustees announced the recipients of two newly established endowed chairs in the Department of Ophthalmology. Dr. Brooks McCuen II became the first Robert Machemer Professor of Ophthalmology, and Dr. Paul Lee the first James Pitzer Gills, III, M.D. and Joy Gills Professor of Ophthalmology in the School of Medicine. Endowed chairs are established by generous donors to provide support, in perpetuity, for distinguished faculty members. Dr. Machemer’s former vitreoretinal fellows, colleagues, grateful patients, and friends established The Robert Machemer Professor of Ophthalmology to honor the father of vitreoretinal surgery and one of Duke University Eye Center’s preeminent leaders. A world-renowned clinicianscientist and master teacher, Dr. Machemer chaired the Duke Department of Ophthalmology from 1978 to 1991 and helped Duke build an international reputation in ophthalmology. As the leading authority on vitrectomy surgery, he pioneered a procedure that has restored sight to people worldwide and invented surgical instruments and techniques to treat vitreoretinal diseases, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal detachments. Dr. Machemer retired from Duke in 1998. Dr. Machemer calls it “a won- derful appreciation of my colleagues that they donated money for a L-R: Dr. and Mrs. Brooks McCuen II with professorship to honor Dr. and Mrs. Robert Machemer me and to support the that bears the Departname of the ment. I am man who very proud helped train to have Dr. him and McCuen brought him become the to Duke. As first recipithe Machemer ent because Professor, Dr. he is an McCuen will outstanding have valuable clinician Dr. Paul Lee (middle) with Dr. and resources to Mrs. David L. Epstein and enable him to researcher.” carry on his mentor’s legacy. “This Dr. McCuen, who is chief of chair allows me to free up some the Eye Center’s Vitreoretinal time from my patient care and surService, is proud to hold a chair gical activities each week to pursue some of my research interests vitreoretinal arena.” “Endowed chairs such as in the The James Pitzer Gills, III, these are critical to the M.D. and Joy Gills Professor of Ophthalmology was established by Department’s ability to Dr. James Gill Jr., a 1959 graduate recruit and retain world- of the Duke School of Medicine, in honor of his son, a 1997 graduclass medical scholars of Duke’s medical school, and who are leaders in their ate his daughter-in-law. The senior Dr. Gills is a world-renowned cataract field and to fulfill our Father and son work mission of excellence in surgeon. together in private practice in patient care, research, Florida. “We appreciate the good work and education.” that everybody at the Duke Eye ~ David L. Epstein, MD Center is doing and wanted to pay Continued on page 35 VISIoN 11 New Major Gifts Officer Joins Duke Eye Center Sterrin Bird Makes a Life Out of Helping Others F rom raising funds for nonprofits, healthcare systems, schools, and cultural organizations to spending six weeks as an American Red Cross volunteer at Ground Zero following the tragic events of 9/11, Sterrin Bird is one of those special individuals who works diligently to make a difference in the lives of others. In fact, she’s made a career of it. The newest member of the Duke Eye Center development team, Bird was recruited from San Francisco where she led development programs at several large non-profits. “Sterrin not only brings more than 11 years of fundraising experience to her new position as director of major gifts for the Eye Center, but also a wealth of compassion, energy, and heritage,” says Duke Eye Center Business Director Charles Mansfield. As a young girl growing up in California, Bird learned early on the importance of philanthropy. “I grew up in the kind of family where you just helped others and participated in the community. My grandmother was a major fundraiser in our town, and she was just as gracious to the person bringing in a single loaf of bread as she was to the one who owned the bread manufacturing company,” says Bird. From those important childhood lessons, Bird developed a deep passion for philanthropy as a way of life as well as her own personal approach—one based totally on relationships. “I’m a firm believer that successful fundraising is based on successful relationships,” says Bird. It’s obviously a formula that has worked well for her. During her tenure as director of development for the Bay Area Red Cross, Sterrin raised more than $13 million in annual unrestricted operating support. It was also in that role that she volunteered at Ground Zero where she served food and offered compassion to the numerous families of victims and those working at the site. “It was one of the most amazing and rewarding experiences of my life,” adds Bird. “I’m a firm believer that successful fundraising is based on successful relationships.” ~ Sterrin Bird According to Bird, all fundraising should be donor-centered. “Giving away money is a very personal decision. It is important to be a good listener and to understand every individual’s unique needs. There’s a big misconception in my field that just because someone has money that they will be willing to donate it.” Bird clearly understands the importance of building lasting relationships with potential donors as well as Eye Center physicians and staff who can help make major donations a possibility. When asked to describe fundraising and express her approach to it, Bird says, “strategic, professional, realistic, thoughtful, and above all else, compassionate.” According to Mansfield, the same words can be used to describe Bird. And Duke Eye Center Chairman Dr. David Epstein couldn’t agree more. “We‘re delighted Sterrin has joined our Eye Center development team. She has a solid track record evidenced by her numerous accomplishments throughout her career,” says Dr. Epstein. “She’s a natural who truly will be an asset to the Eye Center and to our ability to aspire to new heights as we secure critical funding for facility expansion and ongoing research.” Only on the job now for a few months, Bird is already working in close collaboration with Eye Center Stewardship Officer Renee Wallace and Duke Medical Center Development staff on several initiatives. One of her first objectives is to assist in meeting the $25 million goal set to see the Albert Eye Research Institute become a reality. To date, $19 million has been raised, and Bird is Continued on page 15 VISIoN 12 Successful Business Built Upon Skills of Visually Impaired Workers M ost employees of LC Industries (LCI) have never even seen the products that they make. That’s because more than 75 percent of the nonprofit company’s workforce is legally blind. In fact, LCI, headquartered in Durham, North Carolina, is the largest employer of the visually impaired in the United States. Started by a Durham civic club in 1936 to provide gainful employment to people who are visually impaired, the business took off two years later when Congress passed the Javits-Wagner-O’Day Act, which offered preferential consideration on the federal government’s business to companies that employed large numbers of visually impaired workers. The Durhambased project began producing mattresses for the U.S. military and gradually grew into a full-fledged business, finally incorporating as a private, nonprofit organization. Martha Scott labels boxes to be used in the file folder department. Jesse Casterlow, Jr. installs two-prong fasteners in tri-fold folders. Jesse has had a successful cornea transplant at Duke Eye Center thanks to Drs. Herndon, Postel, and Kim. Today, in addition to making mattresses, LCI manufactures more than 85 types of file and presentation folders for government and commercial use, as well as paper towels, facial tissue, paper plates, and napkins. The company assembles paper shredders in partnership with Fellowes and is launching a line of document protectors under a co-brand with Avery. LCI distributes Lysol products to government agencies across the U.S. and is the largest producer of sponge mops in the nation. In fact, Wal-Mart is their biggest customer. The U.S. military counts on LCI as its largest supplier of plastic eating utensils, and our forces in Iraq are drinking out of more than 160,000 five-gallon plastic water cans produced and shipped by LCI. The military accounts for about 70 percent of LCI’s annual sales, which continue to grow as the company expands its markets and products. In addition to the manufacturing plant and distribution center in Durham, LCI now has four plants in Mississippi. In the mid-1990s, the company expanded into retail and now operates 26 base supply centers in nine states to provide hardware, office and safety products, and other supplies to military personnel. LCI is the largest operator in a national network of these centers operated by agencies providing employment for people who are visually impaired. The company currently employs 350 workers who meet the government’s definition of legally blind— vision no greater than 20/200 with corrective lenses or a peripheral vision no greater than 20 degrees— including 85 employees at the Durham plant and three-quarters of the staff at the base supply centers. About 20 percent of LCI’s management is legally blind; many managers started on the factory floor years ago. The company offers competitive salaries and benefits and has great, long-term employees, LCI President Bill Hudson notes. Louise Benge assembles boxes to package document protectors for LC Industries’ co-brand with Avery. While running a company with a primary visually impaired workforce is generally similar to running any other business, Hudson, who is not visually impaired and has been with the company since 1968, acknowledges that there are some differences. For instance, when the VISIoN company decided to move its factory from downtown Durham to a larger facility in Research Triangle Park this past summer, the biggest consideration was employee transportation to and from work. Rachel Horne sorts plastic flatware. “Transportation is one of the most difficult things that a person who is visually impaired has to deal with,” Hudson notes. “In most cases, they have to depend on a bus, a family member, or a friend. Everyone at LCI is basically responsible for getting back and forth to work, but our Human Resources director spent a tremendous amount of time meeting with every employee to find out where they lived and how they got to work. She mapped it all out, and we went to the Durham Area Transportation Administration (DATA) and worked with them to find the best way to get everyone here. DATA arranged for a special bus that comes right to our door in the morning and goes back to the main terminal in the afternoon. They did us a tremendous favor. If we hadn’t gotten the transportation arranged, we never could have moved here.” Other than the transportation issue, Hudson says, the modifications are few. The factory floor and the equipment is the same as at their competitors’ plants and the safety training programs are rigorous. 13 While LCI’s primary focus continues to be on providing employment opportunities for people who are visually impaired, a few years ago the company saw an opportunity to help others in the community through a partnership with Durham Health Partners. Together the two now provide eye screenings and care to children throughout Durham City Schools. When the program’s volunteer screeners identify elementary school students with visual problems, LCI covers the cost of examinations by local optometrists or ophthalmologists, as well as the cost of glasses or contact lenses. Edith Justice, Myrtle Osborne, and Eileen O’Neal are shown assembling press board folders with two fasteners. “There are untold numbers of children in the Durham City Schools who are wearing glasses because of this program, and I have to believe are doing much better in school as a result,” Hudson says. “We’re very proud of our involvement with this ongoing program, and it got us thinking about other ways for us to get involved.” This spring, LC Industries made a $50,000 gift to the Needy Children’s Fund at the Duke University Eye Center. “We love this program,” Hudson says, “so we decided we wanted to be a player in it, and what better way to spend our money than to put it with Duke University Eye Center who is help- Sripal Naini makes red wallet file jackets. ing the people we ultimately want to help. As long as we make money at LCI, we will make donations to the Eye Center because it goes along with what LCI is all about— doing something for people who are visually impaired.” Duke Department of Ophthalmology Chairman Dr. David L. Epstein says that gifts from the Eye Center’s partners in business are particularly important to fulfilling the Eye Center’s mission. “We appreciate LCI’s dedication to improving the lives of people of all ages who face vision loss. We are excited to have LCI as one of our newest partners in the battle against eye disease, particularly to help our youngest patients overcome challenges to their vision.” Bill Hudson, President of LC Industries, and Dick Hutson, Chairman of the Board, shown here with some of LC Industries’ products. 14 Duke Eye Center’s Rising Star in Raleigh Dr. Eric Postel Helps Raleigh Patients Closer to Home I opportunity for the Duke Eye Cenn addition to his position as ter to provide care in the Raleigh Assistant Professor of Ophthalcommunity and help build a commology on the Vitreoretinal Service prehensive retina service there,” at Duke Eye Center, Dr. Eric Postel explains Brett Moran, MHA, assohas traveled to Raleigh for a few ciate busiyears now to Dr. Jeff Taylor (3rd from right) ness manager provide with team for the Duke expert retinal Eye Center. care in that Drs. Poscommunity. tel and TayDr. Poslor see tel works at patients at the Taylor the Center Vitreoretinal with all types Center, an of retinal disaffiliate pracease from tice of the diabetic Duke Eye retinopathy and macular degeneraCenter, to help deliver comprehention to traumatic eye disease and sive retinal care in Raleigh and retinal detachment, among others. serve Duke Eye Center patients closer to home. The Taylor Vitreoretinal Center is conveniently located near Raleigh Community Hospital at 1212 Cedarhurst Drive, “The clinic is fully staffed just off of Wake Forest Road. Taylor Vitreoretinal was and has the capability to founded by Dr. Jeff Taylor nearly perform advanced treattwo years ago to treat patients with diseases of the retina, vitreous, and ments such as flouresein macula. Dr. Taylor has a long-standangiography, laser treating relationship with the Duke Eye Center and currently serves as an ment, and Photodynamic assistant consulting professor in the Therapy. We can also Department of Ophthalmology. He screen and even enter also performs many of his surgeries at Duke Eye Center. patients into some of our “Dr. Taylor’s close affiliation retinal disease studies.” with the Duke Eye Center, his expertise in retinal care, and long~ Eric Postel, MD time professional relationship with Dr. Postel created an outstanding VISIoN According to Dr. Postel, “The clinic is fully staffed and has the capability to perform advanced treatments Dr. Eric Postel such as flouresein angiography, laser treatment, and Photodynamic Therapy. We can also screen and even enter patients into some of our retinal disease studies.” According to Duke Eye Center Vitreoretinal Service Chief, Dr. Brooks McCuen, II, “When the opportunity came to work with Dr. Taylor, whom we’ve known for years, we looked at it as a win-win. It allowed us to team up with him in Raleigh and see our patients closer to their homes.” McCuen, also a professor of ophthalmology and vice chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology, adds that Dr. Postel eagerly pursued the chance to treat more patients and help build the Raleigh practice. Dr. Postel, who has held his current position with the Duke Eye Center since 1997, provides stateof-the-art medical and surgical retinal care, including the surgical treatment of retinal detachment, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, diabetes, trauma, and macular disorders. He is involved in numerous areas of research, including medical and surgical studies of age-related macular degeneration, as well as diabetic retinopathy and ocular trauma. Dr. Postel is currently the head clinician in a major study investi- VISIoN 15 gating the genetics and epidemiology of age-related macular degeneration at the Eye Center. With his ongoing research participation, Dr. Postel and others at the Taylor Vitreoretinal Center are able to screen and enroll patients for participation in studies involving macular degeneration and other retina diseases. “Drs. Taylor and Postel are a great team that truly work well together and respect each other,” says Moran. “There’s no doubt they will continue to build a dynamic practice offering advanced retina care to a broader base of the Triangle community.” Drs. Taylor and Postel are focused on growing the practice and providing care to a greater number of patients. “We still have the capacity to grow and accept new patients,” explains Dr. Postel. “It’s a major focus for us right now, and we want to get the word out that we’re here and available.” When he’s not caring for patients or conducting research, you can find Dr. Postel behind a lecture podium—either in the class- New Major Gifts Officer Joins Duke Eye Center losophy perfectly complement our own needs and fundraising approach. Dottie, Lori, Culver, Ashlyn, and I couldn’t be more excited about working with Sterrin to help the L-R: Sue Khorasanee, Pam Evans, Eye Center achieve Sterrin Bird, and Renee Wallace its soaring aspirathe short time she’s been on staff, tions for the future.” has already made strong inroads When Bird’s not in the office, into the development community. you’ll find her settling in from her “I’m extremely happy to be here West Coast relocation or planning and have been very warmly her fall 2004 wedding to fiancé received,” says Bird. “I know the Scott Gooch, an Engineering Manpotential to accomplish—in fact, ager with Greensboro-based RF exceed—our objectives is enorMicroDevices. And, when she mous. There is tremendous talent really has down time, Bird enjoys a here and a deep, deep love for Duke number of outdoor activities. She’s as an Institution. I am honored to be an avid mountain-biker, tennis a part of the Duke Eye Center.” player, and competitive sailor. As a For more information on how certified skipper, one of her favorite you can support the Duke Eye pastimes is to sail outside the Center, please contact the PlanGolden Gate Bridge. ning & Development Office at Although the chaos of relocat919.684.3182. ing has been stressful, Bird is pleased with her decision and, in continued from page 11 working hard to ensure the remaining $6 million is soon secured. In addition, she’s developing a strategic plan for the coming year and is planning on launching a number of internal campaigns. The first, a faculty fundraising campaign, closed in mid-October. Bird plans to kick-off the Eye Center’s employee campaign after the first of the year. Of course, as part of her overall responsibilities, she’ll also oversee ongoing development of contributions from friends and family of the Eye Center throughout the year. Vice Chancellor of Medical Center Development Steve Rum says, “Sterrin’s presence in the Eye Center meets a deep and long-anticipated need. We have been working closely with Dr. Epstein and Charles for months now to help find a candidate to fill this mission-critical role. We believe Sterrin’s experience, skills, and fundraising phi- room or speaking to colleagues. He teaches fellows and residents and regularly lectures at local, national, and international meetings. “Dr. Postel is simply outstanding. He’s certainly a rising star in the field of vitreoretinal surgery,” says McCuen. No doubt he’s a rising star in Raleigh too, with his continued dedication to patient care, research, and community service. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Postel, please call 919684-6611 or 1-800-422-1575. VISIoN 16 Faculty Update Natalie Afshari, MD, Corneal and Refractive Surgery Services, received the Research to Prevent Blindness Career Development Award for the next four years to further enhance her studies of ocular disease. In April seven of Dr. Afshari’s research projects were presented at the annual meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) in Florida. The presentations included a 30-year study of Fuchs corneal dystrophy. In September Dr. Afshari was invited to teach a course on LASIK following other corneal surgeries at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ESCRS) in Munich, Germany. Dr. Afshari was also invited to lecture about LASIK refractive surgery during the annual American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) meeting in November. While there she spoke about academic ophthalmology as a clinical committee member of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) and helped teach a course on cataract surgery. Dr. Afshari continues to be Duke’s principal investigator (PI) for the FDA phase III clinical trial of Dehydrex for the treatment of recurrent corneal erosion. Rand Allingham, MD, Glaucoma Service, received the Research to Prevent Blindness Physician-Scientist Award to conduct a pilot project to identify the genetic causes of glaucoma in the U.S. Hispanic population. The project will involve collaboration among clinical researchers at the Duke University Eye Center (DUEC), Duke Center for Human Genetics, and the University of Arizona in Tucson. At the spring meeting of ARVO, Dr. Allingham will present research that has identified specific regions in certain chromosomes that harbor genes that cause primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). New analysis methods have revealed that these genes are particularly important in younger patients with glaucoma. Drs. Leon Herndon, Pratap Challa, and Allingham have studied glaucoma patients in Ghana, West Africa, for the past four years to understand how these genes affect patients from different parts of the world. This fall Drs. Herndon and Allingham returned to Ghana to establish a research team of Ghanaian ophthalmologists, nurses, and laboratory staff to examine glaucoma patients and obtain DNA samples year-round. This team will greatly accelerate the progress of this National Eye Institute- (NEI) funded project. Sanjay Asrani, MD, Glaucoma Service, made a presentation of his research at the International Glaucoma meeting held in Monte Carlo and at the ESCRS meeting held in September in Munich. Dr. Asrani’s work on a new technique for glaucoma surgery was published in the Archives of Ophthalmology this fall. He presented his work at the annual AAO meeting in Anaheim, CA, in November and has been invited to present at the annual meeting of the Ocular Surgery News Symposium in New York as well. He lectured this past year at the Duke Vision Symposium in May and the Annual Duke Glaucoma Symposium in September. Dr. Asrani continues his work on early glaucoma diagnosis (now in children as well) in collaboration with Drs. Sharon Freedman and Derek Hess. Working with Professor Joseph Izatt, Duke Biomedical Engineering, he is currently developing a new imaging instrument for glaucoma diagnosis. Alan Carlson, MD, Corneal and Refractive Surgery Services, was recently interviewed on the medical television talk show Doctor On Call, hosted by Dr. Hugh Hennis, where he discussed recent advances in customized LASIK surgery. His interview included a surgical procedure guided by Wavefront technology. The interview will air on cable television and may be previewed online at www.dukelasik.com. Dr. Carlson was also invited to lecture this fall to the Indianapolis Society of Ophthalmology and to deliver Grand Rounds presentations to the Indiana University Department of Ophthalmology. His topics included, “Advances in Laser Vision Correction Surgery and the Prevention and Treatment VISIoN of LASIK Complications.” In November he addressed the AAO in Anaheim, CA. He spoke at the pre-AAO Refractive Surgery Subspecialty Day on the “Natural History of Myopia and Hyperopia.” While there he also instructed the skills transfer course, teaching phacoemulsification cataract surgery. The November issue of Review of Refractive Surgery featured Dr. Carlson’s new classification scheme for LASIK flap complications including diagnostic criteria, treatment strategies, and preventive measures. He also served as faculty host to Dr. Liudmiela Marchanka, visiting from Belarus, Russia to learn corneal and anterior segment surgery. Dr. Carlson spoke in Mexico and Chicago and will be teaching in several local and regional continuing medical education meetings in the near future. He taught his 6th consecutive excimer laser certification course, which is delivered annually to residents and fellows during an eight-hour course. He continues to serve as the faculty liaison to the DUEC development office. Dr. Carlson also actively serves on the editorial boards for Review of Refractive Surgery and Review of Ophthalmology. Pratap Challa, MD, Glaucoma Service, received a five-year NEI grant to study the “Molecular Basis of Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome,” one of the major causes of glaucoma worldwide. The research will investigate the genetic basis of the disease. Dr. Challa also presented his research findings at the 17 spring 2003 ARVO meeting in Florida. Laura Enyedi, MD, Pediatric Service, spoke at the Women in Ophthalmology conference in Santa Fe, NM. Her presentation was entitled “Surgical Management of Torsion Following Full Macular Translocation.” Dr. Enyedi also spoke on “Pediatric Vision Assessment and Amblyopia” at the Duke Eye Center of Cary Continuing Medical Education Conference in the spring. Sharon Fekrat, MD, Vitreoretinal Diseases and Surgery Service, was promoted to associate professor of ophthalmology. Dr. Fekrat was also named by her peers to the prestigious 2003 “Best Doctors in America” database by Best Doctors, Inc. She was selected to receive a 2003 Secretariat Award from the AAO. She co-chaired the 2003 Southeastern Ophthalmology Resident Meeting of the Minds in Durham along with Drs. Paul Kang and Sherman Reeves. The meeting was held in conjunction with the North Carolina Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons (NCSEPS) and the North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS). Dr. Fekrat led the “Retinal Vein Occlusion” table discussion at the Breakfast with the Masters Symposium at the American Society of Retina Specialists meeting in New York City. She also co-chaired the Young Physicians’ Section of the meeting. She was nominated to serve on the Clinical Research Council for Duke University Medical Center. She is also a scientific reviewer for the American Journal of Ophthalmology, Archives of Ophthalmology, Retina, Ophthalmology, and Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science. She proctored the oral board examination in Boston for the American Board of Ophthalmology. And she recently spoke to ophthalmologists about retinal vein occlusion at the combined annual meetings of the South Carolina Ophthalmological Society and the NCSEPS, for which she currently serves as vice president. Dr. Fekrat is the PI at Duke for VisionCare Ophthalmic Technology’s prospective multi-center clinical trial of the “Implantable Miniature Telescope in Patients with Central Vision Impairment due to AMD,” as well as Genentech’s Phase III multi-center, randomized and double-masked active treatment-controlled study of the “Efficacy and Safety of rhuFab V2 Compared with Visudyne Photodynamic Therapy in Subjects with Predominantly Classic CNV due to AMD.” Sharon Freedman, MD, Pediatric Ophthalmology Service, was recently promoted to associate professor of ophthalmology with tenure. She served as senior author for two manuscripts that have recently been accepted for publication in the American Journal of Ophthalmology. The first paper, involving the results of muscle surgery for patients who have tilted vision after macular translocation surgery, is entitled “Management of Ocular Torsion and Diplopia after Macular Translocation for AgeContinued on next page VISIoN 18 Faculty Update continued from page 17 Related Macular Degeneration: Prospective Clinical Study.” Sandra Holgado, CO, and Drs. Laura Enyedi and Cynthia Toth coauthored the paper. The second paper co-authored by medical student Aerlyn Dawn and Drs. Laura Enyedi and Paul Lee is entitled “Parents’ Expectations Regarding their Children’s Eye Care: Interview Results.” Dr. Freedman continues on the editorial board of the Journal of American Association For Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus and on the scientific advisory board of the Pediatric Glaucoma and Cataract Family Association. Dr. Freedman continues as PI of the Duke-UNC site for the multi-center NIH-sponsored “Early Treatment for Retinopathy of Prematurity Study.” She also continues to evaluate the effects of glaucoma medications and surgical treatments for children with glaucoma. She works with Drs. Cynthia Toth and Laura Enyedi to improve the visual outcomes of patients with macular degeneration after macular translocation surgery. Leon Herndon, MD, Glaucoma Service, was promoted to associate professor of ophthalmology. He was selected by his peers to join the AAO’s Ophthalmic Knowledge Base Panel for Glaucoma. The purpose of the panel is to develop a program to identify and define areas of knowledge important to the delivery of quality eye care and to shape the examinations for the certification mainte- nance process for ophthalmologists in the U.S. Dr. Herndon was also selected by his peers to serve on the Strategic Planning Committee of the American Glaucoma Society. Currently, he serves on the editorial boards of the print journal Glaucoma Management News and the ejournal Glaucoma Today. Dr. Herndon has been invited to the Royal Hawaiian Eye Meeting in Kauai, HI, to deliver a glaucoma lecture in January 2004. In addition, Dr. Herndon was course director of the recent 15th Annual Duke Glaucoma Symposium. He was awarded a three-year unrestricted educational grant from Allergan, Inc. to continue his research efforts in the area of “Resident Teaching and Community Glaucoma Education.” He is first author of a paper in Archives of Ophthalmology, which is the first paper to assess the effect of corneal thickness on severity of glaucoma damage. Glenn Jaffe, M.D., Vitreoretinal Diseases and Surgery Service, participated as guest speaker at the Sally Letson Symposium on “Ocular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Drug Delivery—From Bench to Bedside” in Ottawa, Ontario. The meeting, first held in 1967, attracts more than 500 attendees from all over the U.S. and Canada. Dr. Jaffe delivered four different presentations on a variety of topics related to intraocular drug delivery and pharmacology. Dr. Jaffe was the guest speaker at the Florida Society of Ophthalmology in Sarasota, Florida where he deliv- ered a presentation entitled “Intraocular Drug Delivery for Ocular Disease.” He was invited to serve as course faculty at the Pre-Academy of Ophthalmology Subspecialty Retina Meeting and Uveitis Meeting. These meetings provided practicing ophthalmologists with stateof-the-art information on diagnosis and treatment of retinal diseases and uveitis. The retina subspecialty meeting was the world’s largest, attended by participants from around the globe. The uveitis subspecialty meeting was an inaugural event. Course faculty were leading national and international uveitis experts. In addition, Dr. Jaffe presented at the AAO meeting this fall, where he also helped teach a course entitled “New and Emerging Techniques in the Management of Diabetic Macular Edema.” Dr. Jaffe published an article entitled “American Journal of Ophthalmology Perspective: Optical Coherence Tomography to Detect and Manage Retinal Disease and Glaucoma” in the American Journal of Ophthalmology. Dr. Jaffe also spoke at the Retina Society meeting in Chicago, IL. His presentation entitled “Fluocinolone Acetonide Intravitreal Implant in Patients with Uveitis Affecting the Posterior Segment of the Eye: 34 Week Results of a Randomized, Masked, Multi-center Clinical Trial,” described preliminary results of a large, multi-center randomized clinical trial of the fluocinolone acetonide sustained drug delivery implant to treat patients with severe uveitis. This trial was based on preclinical research conducted by Dr. Jaffe at DUEC in collaboration with Control Delivery Systems Corporation as well as on a pilot clinical study also conducted by Dr. Jaffe at VISIoN Duke. This landmark trial represented the first multi-center study to test a non-biodegradable implant that releases the drug fluocinolone (a steroid medication) to treat patients with severe ocular inflammation. Dr. Jaffe was lead investigator for the study, which included investigators at 27 different clinical sites in the U.S. and Asia. Terry Kim, MD, associate professor of ophthalmology, Corneal and Refractive Surgery Services, was recently named by his peers to the prestigious 2003 “Best Doctors in America” database by Best Doctors, Inc. He was invited to lecture at the annual Virginia Society of Ophthalmology meeting as well as the South Carolina Society of Ophthalmology/ NCSEPS annual fall meeting. At both meetings, he lectured on the management of complicated cataract cases and LASIK infections, as well as on new cataract surgery techniques. Dr. Kim also served as Visiting Professor for Grand Rounds at SUNY Brooklyn in September, the Storm Eye Institute of the Medical University of South Carolina in October, and the Mayo Clinic of Jacksonville, Florida in December. At the AAO meeting in November, he participated on a course on LASIK complications along with Drs. Ralph Chu, Eric Donnenfeld, Kerry Solomon, John Doane, and Ming Wang. He was also recently invited to join the prestigious Apex Corneal Society, a select society of leading cornea and refractive surgery specialists from around the country. With this induction, he presented a paper at the annual Apex dinner meeting 19 while at AAO. Dr. Kim continues his collaborations in the field of novel biodendrimer adhesives with Dr. Mark Grinstaff who has now accepted a promotion to associate professor in the Department of Chemistry at Boston University. Dr. Kim is also implanting a new intraocular telescope device in patients with age-related macular degeneration as part of a clinical trial being led by Dr. Sharon Fekrat of the Eye Center’s Vitreoretinal Service. tics to analyze the molecular details of ocular function. Dr. Michon presented his research in computational medicine at a Molecular Cardiology Rounds of the Duke Department of Medicine. Earlier this year, he gave an update on medical and surgical management of thyroid eye disease at the Duke Vision Symposium. Most recently, he was a guest lecturer in the Duke Department of Pathology on the subject of “Bioinformatics in Pathology.” Paul Lee, MD, JD, Glaucoma Service, presented at the American Glaucoma Society meeting on “Patterns of Glaucoma Care Among Glaucoma Specialists and Using Case Reports in Clinical Care.” He also made a presentation to ARVO in the spring on longitudinal patterns of eye care for chronic disease. In addition, he worked with medical student Aerlyn Dawn on patient expectations for eye care. Dr. Lee was awarded an RO-1 grant to help improve diabetes eye care. He also participated and presented at the World Health Organization meeting on “Global Opportunities to Prevent Blindness” in Geneva. Terry Semchyshyn, MD, Corneal and Refractive Surgery Services, lectured on “Innovations in Corneal Transplantation and LASEK” at the Mckinley Medical Conference in WinstonSalem. He also co-authored the chapter on full thickness and lamellar corneal transplantation in the Duane’s Ophthalmology textbook along with Drs. Terry Kim and Scott Blackmon. Dr. Semchyshyn assisted Drs. Diane Miele and Natalie Afshari in preparing a poster for the spring 2003 ARVO meeting in Florida. The poster examined the use of corneal glue to treat perforating conditions of the cornea. John Michon, MD, MS, Oculoplastic Service, was awarded a prestigious K08 clinician-scientist grant from the NEI entitled “In silico analysis of ocular genes, proteins and networks.” It will be used to continue his research using computers, mathematics, and statis- Cynthia Toth, MD, Vitreoretinal Diseases and Surgery Service, along with the DUEC Biophysics Laboratory, directed two Duke Biomedical Continued on page 30 VISIoN 20 Gifts for Sight . . . given by those who support the Duke University Eye Center’s Mission of vision research, treatment, and education. Anderson Society Named in honor of Banks Anderson, Sr., MD, the first ophthalmologist at Duke, this society consists of donors whose cumulative giving has totaled $100,000 or more. Adler Foundation Ruth and Herman Albert Alcon Andrew Family Foundation Euan and Angelica Baird Richard and Kit Barkhouser Mr. & Mrs. Alban K. Barrus, Jr. Brown Foundation, Inc. Kathleen and Joseph Bryan James and Louise D. Calvin Mr. and Mrs. John De Carlo, Esq. Faculty of Duke University Eye Center Foundation Fighting Blindness Carolyn and Bill Franck Mrs. Martha Franck Evelyn Gentry Dr. and Mrs. James P. Gills Jr. Estate of Polly Hanson Margaret Milliken Hatch Charitable Trust Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Herring Mr. and Mrs. James M. Hornaday Robert Wood Johnson Foundation David and Susan Kahn Eva M. and Laurance D. Kirkland, Jr. Kresge Foundation Milton and Roslyn Lachman Bea Lee Morton and Bernice Lerner Estate of George Levi, MD Evelyn Hunter-Longdon Robert Machemer, MD Dr. and Mrs. Philip McKinley Mebane Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. G. Allen Mebane Nordling Family Foundation North Carolina Lions Foundation Emily Norwick Noel and Evangeline Ravneberg Estate of Jessie Rountree Donald and Mary Hart Orr Reach for Sight Research to Prevent Blindness Kate B. Reynolds Health Care Trust Winfield Reynolds Romill Foundation Helena Rubinstein Foundation Dr. and Mrs. Kurt Sachs M. Bruce Shields, MD Dr. and Mrs. Robert M. Sinskey Storz Instruments Stanley and Doris Tanger Edward and Louaine Taylor Mr. and Mrs. Roy V. Titus Unifi, Inc. Dr. and Mrs. Harris Vernick Mr. and Mrs. William H. Wannamaker Fulton Wong, PhD Learn How You Can Support The Duke Eye Center Contact Renee Wallace in the Office of Planning & Development, Duke University Eye Center DUMC Box 3802, Durham, NC 27710 • (919) 684-3182 or 1-800-422-1575 As a philanthropic supporter, you are important to us at the Duke University Eye Center. The development staff desires to continue assisting you during your visits to ensure your experience is optimal. On April 14, 2003, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) went into effect. By law, we can no longer assess your health records or scheduled appointments. If you wish to continue meeting with us during future visits, or if we can assist you in any way, please contact us at 919-684-3182 or email us at [email protected]. VISIoN 21 Advisory Board members observe the progress of the Albert Eye Research Institute construction at Duke Eye Center. BEACON CLUB Benefactors—$1,000 and above Dr. Natalie Afshari Drs. Rand Allingham and Anna Stout Dr. and Mrs. W. Banks Anderson, Jr. Dr. Andrew and Karen Antoszyk Dr. Charles Baltimore Norma Barringer Mr. and Mrs. A.J. Bartley Mrs. Helen Bengtson Dr. William and Linda Benson Dr. and Mrs. David P. Berry Mr. and Mrs. Ray D. Berry Nora Sterrin Bird Marvin K. Blount, Jr. M. L. and Rebecca Borum Peggy A. Bridges Dr. and Mrs. Edward Buckley Dr. and Mrs. Helmut Buettner Sarah S. Butler Dr. Alan Carlson Mr. Everett A. Carr Dr. Richard P. Carroll Mr. and Mrs. Harry Chadwick, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Pratap Challa Dr. Jonathan Christenbury Coy and Clara Clayton John H. Clements Gloria Cohan Thomas Patrick and Susan Carta Connors Mrs. Amy Costner Danville Lions Foundation Drs. K. Alexander Dastgheib and Bita A. Bagheri-Dastgheib Dr. and Mrs. Eugene de Juan, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Kinsley van R. Dey Ms. Edith Dickstein Mr. and Mrs. B. Lewis Dozier Elizabeth Dube Dr. Alex Eaton Mr. and Mrs. Harry L. Eberly Dr. Martin Ehrenberg Dr. Laura and Mark Enyedi Dr. David and Susan Epstein Mr. and Mrs. Michael E. Fields Drs. David and Paula Fischer Philip and Sally Foster Drs. Neil and Sharon Freedman Dr. and Mrs. Michael H. Fronstin Charles and Nancy Gaddy Dr. Karen Gehrs Mrs. Marie R. Gilbert Mr. and Mrs. Gordon K. Gold Dr. Pedro Gonzalez Mrs. George C. Griffin, Jr. Lucy Grier Mrs. Vernon Grizzard Mr. and Mrs. Herb Halbrecht Dr. Cynthia A. Hampton Mr. and Mrs. George P. Harris John and Alice Haynes Drs. Leon Herndon and Yolanda Scarlett Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hines Dr. William M. Hull, Jr. Dr. Edward K. Isbey, Jr. Dr. Edward K. Isbey, III Drs. Glenn J. Jaffe and Linda Van Le Herbert L. Jay Dr. Darrell Jervey Dr. John R. Karickhoff Mr. and Mrs. Ralph E. Kent Delmar and Helen Kentner Drs. Terry and Ellie Kim Dr. Stuart and Mary Banks Knechtle Michael Krzyzewski Mr. and Mrs. Don Lacefield Mr. Gary Scott Lachman Dr. Michael and Jennifer Lambert Dr. Paul P. Lee Dr. and Mrs. W. Hampton Lefler Mrs. Shelli Lieberman Mrs. Julie B. Logan Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Major Mr. and Mrs. Charles R. Mansfield Dr. and Mrs. John B. McBeath Dr. and Mrs. Brooks W. McCuen, II Dr. and Mrs. Dean McCumber Ms. Mary T. McGrath Mr. T. Bragg McLeod Mrs. Margaret Finney McPherson Melvin & Selma Maisel Family Foundation Middle Creek Charitable Trust Dr. and Mrs. James Murray Mitchell Ms. Linda C. Mobley Mr. Brett W. Moran Edward W. Pou Moran Mrs. Ruth W. Morrow NY Foundation for Otologic Research New World Medical, Inc. Dr. Emanuel and Tina Newmark Dr. Roger Novack Dr. Patricia O’Connor Mrs. Ruth E. Peck Mrs. Dorothy W. Pemberton Mr. Walter Scott Persons, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Leland R. Phelps Mr. and Mrs. Sam L. Phillips, Jr. Van and Sherry Phillips Drs. Stephen and Laurie Pollock Mr. and Mrs. Bob R. Pressley Dr. Eric Postel and Lacey Chylack Ms. Christina Powell Dr. Mary E. Price Mr. and Mrs. Ted Quantz Dr. Norman Radtke Mr. John R. Ragsdale, III Dr. and Mrs. Vasantha P. Rao Mr. and Mrs. Richard Rendleman Dr. and Mrs. Don Richman Mr. Barney L. Rickenbacker Drs. Dennis and Catherine Bowes-Rickman Mrs. Mozette Rollins Mr. and Mrs. John W. Scarborough Dr. and Mrs. Alan Scheer Dr. and Mrs. Henry Scherich Mr. and Mrs. William E. Sellers Dr. and Mrs. Harold Shaw, Jr. Dr. Jeffrey Singer Dr. Mitchell Singleton Ms. Maureen T. Smith Ms. Beverly Sommer Mr. John D. Stage Dr. and Mrs. Herbert C. Stecker Dr. Sandra Stinnett Mrs. George T. Stronach Dr. Gentaro Sugita Paul and Mary Szabady Mr. and Mrs. James T. Tanner Drs. Cynthia Toth and David Katz Dr. Robin Vann and Ann Winter Vann Dr. and Mrs. Joseph Walker Torin and Terri Walters Bob and Janie Ward Mr. and Mrs. Alan Weiler Dr. Thomas Whitaker Kirk H. Williams Dr. Julie Woodward and Gary B. Gross Bob and Betty Wooten Mr. and Mrs. Homer Wright, Jr. Charles E. Zeigler, Sr. Mrs. Virginia H. Zeigler Carol J. Ziel, MD and Donald T. Kautz, PhD Dr. John David Zilis Patrons—$500 Dr. Thomas Aaberg Mr. and Mrs. John Adams Dr. and Mrs. Edward M. Arnett Delores C. Atkins Edward J. Bayone and Lillian Kahn-Bayone Mr. Adam W. Beck Mr. and Mrs. Murray Bonder Mrs. Anna Lou Cassell Dr. and Mrs. Dale W. Caughey, Jr. Dr. Helen Chandler Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Covington Dr. Ashvani Bawa Dass and Sunita Baruah Dass Mr. Edwin Friedberg Mr. Gay E. Goodwin Dr. Frank T. Hannah Ms. Olivia L. Hardin Mr. and Mrs. W. Casper Holroyd, Jr. Dr. Marjorie F. Jones Mr. and Mrs. John I. Killian Dr. Richard P. Kratz Dr. Eun-Koo Lee Dr. Joseph LoCascio, III Dr. and Mrs. Julian Mason Prof. Richard C. Maxwell Dr. Pauline Merrill Mr. James M. Montgomery Mr. and Mrs. William Morrisette, Jr. Ms. Mary T. Murray Mr. Brendan J. O’Connell Miss Nell Owings Ms. Sarah Jane Oxendine Pearl Vision Foundation Priscilla B. Rogers Carl Rowan, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Timothy D. Rowe Dr. Andrew and Erica Sorenson Culver Stapleton Scales Mr. and Mrs. Dillard Teer Dr. Cheryl Toth Mr. George M. Trout Mr. and Mrs. J. Lee Tyler Mrs. Anna T. Webb Mrs. Marlin M. Winn Dr. and Mrs. Keye Wong Wren Foundation Mr. Robert Zucker Sponsors—$100 Mel and Leigh Adam Dr. Sameer Ahmad and Mrs. Faiza Alvi Mrs. Cathie J. Alexander Edith Aliberti Dr. Bryan Allf Mrs. Grace Anderson Emily T. Anderson Mr. and Mrs. W. Holt Anderson, II Dr. Sanjay Asrani Mr. and Mrs. Von Autry, Jr. Frank H. Avent Dr. and Mrs. Carl Awh Dr. Steven Awner Ricki and Jerri Baer Neil H. and Shirley Bain Dr. Bruce J. Ballon Mrs. Barbara S. Bangser Paul A. Barth James R. Bartlett John F. Barto Mrs. Jacqueline D. Baxley Dr. Tom Beardsley Mr. I. Croom Beatty, IV Mr. and Mrs. Koyeton H. Beavers, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence M. Bell Ginger and Les Bethune Mr. B. B. Bhattacharyya Ms. Janis G. Bibee Howard and Gaynelle Bigelow Mr. and Mrs. S. A. Blizzard Mr. C. Andrew Boor Dr. John E. Bourgeois Ms. Linda G. Brantner Mr. and Mrs. Wiley T. Brooks Dr. Thomas Brosnan Dr. and Mrs. David J. Browning Mr. David C. Bryan Mr. and Mrs. William S. Buckley Drs. Lawrence Buono and Christine Speer Mr. and Mrs. Lewis B. Burgett Mr. and Mrs. Harris B. Byrd Ms. India Cain Ms. Jean D. Caldwell Mrs. Elaine D. Caraher Linda and John Carden Carolina Vision Consultants Dr. William H. Cartwright Mildred G. Cash Trust Mr. George H. Chadwick, III Harry and Shirley Chadwick Elizabeth W. Channel Dr. David Chesnutt Carol B. Cheves Mrs. Dolores M. Chittum Continued on next page VISIoN 22 Sponsors continued from page 21 Annette Clark Donnie Clark Tyson and Gerri Clayton Mr. W. N. Clement, Jr. Ms. Elinor Clinton Mr. Herman V. Coates Roy M. Cole Coman Publishing Company, Inc. Mrs. Barbara M. Conley Robert Conroy Mr. and Mrs. Warren Cook, Jr. Dennis H. Cooke, Jr. J. C. Cooper, Jr. James W. Corbett Cornelius Lake Norman Lions Club Joseph and Constance Costigan James R. Coyle Dr. J. Burns Creighton David and Judy Crow David S. Crow Charles R. Daul Ms. Julia G. Davidson Mr. and Mrs. C.G. Dederick Dr. Nancy M. DePalma Dr. Don Arthur Dephouse Daniel and Lydia Desmond Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Diefenderfer Kirk and Tamara Dittmar Mrs. Maxine M. Dod Ms. Mary L. Douglas Mr. James Dowdall Mr. and Mrs. Robert P. Duff Sadik T. Duda Mr. and Mrs. Richard Durham Mrs. Marjorie W. Dworak Mr. and Mrs. Crawford M. Eakle Marian Edwards Dr. and Mrs. Robert N. Ellington Mrs. Camille D. Epps Sybil H. Erickson David J. and Ellen Esses Ms. Michelle M. Evans Mr. and Mrs. Jack R. Farmer John D. Farrington Dr. and Mrs. Darwin J. Ferry, Jr. Drs. Michael D. Fetters and Sayoko E. Moroi Mrs. Lucinda B. Findley Dr. Robert M. Fineman Mrs. Selma Fink Betty Finkner Mr. and Mrs. Charles C. Fischer Mrs. Mary Ancil Fisher W. Hayes Foster Ms. Rosalind Freedman Catherine L. Fruit Ms. Nita Fulbright Dr. William Keith Funkhouser Dan and Dora Gaba Rodney Garner Mrs. Gayle K. Garrison Mr. and Mrs. D. W. Gaudreau Willis T. Gehrke Glenn T. Giles Mr. Nicholas C. Gilles Mr. and Mrs. Willis B. Glover Mr. Denton M. Goodwin Mrs. Lottie J. Gotcher Otto Gotzsche Helene Grazioso Lois Gregory Anne T. Griffith Pickett M. Guthrie Paul F. Haggerty Dr. Moosa Hajisheikh Mr. John H. Hall Mr. and Mrs. James W. Hamilton Mr. and Mrs. Richard Hammett Dr. Kattayoon Hashemi Dr. Deborah Hatton Charles S. Hazlett Mrs. Thomas R. Hedges Mr. and Mrs. Will Heiser Dr. Warren Henderson Mr. Nick Hernandez Eric P. Herreid Charles S. Hester Mr. and Mrs. Dyson W. Hickingbotham Mr. William D. Hicks Dr. Tetsuo Hida Mr. Robert E. Hill Dr. Akito Hirakata Dr. Peter M. Holland William J. Holub, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Casper Holroyd, Jr. Ms. Elizabeth Berry Horner Mr. and Mrs. Charles Howard Mr. and Mrs. James. E. Hopper Dr. Herbert W. House Ms. Linda S. Howard Mr. William F. Hughes Ms. Judy Hunt Henry G. Hutaff Ms. Susan M. Inagaki Dr. Pedro J. Irigaray Dr. Reginald Ishman Dr. Arthur Jampolsky Mr. Samuel W. Johnson Mrs. Velma H. Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Henry L. Johnston Ms. Janie P. Jones Mrs. Ruth B. Jones Thomas W. Jones Mr. Gene A. Joyner Mr. Robert E. Kalina Mrs. Mary L. Kearns Ms. Betsy Keller Mr. Herschel Bernie Kenney Dr. and Mrs. Donald Kernodle Mr. and Mrs. Harry Kiefer Dr. Charles E. King Ms. Barbara J. Kislak Dr. Emily M. Klein Ms. Rachael P. Klein Dr. Sidney and Dorothea Kohle Kohler Enterprises Real Estate Mr. Jimmy Kornegay Mr. Sanford L. Korschun Mr. and Mrs. Richard E. Kosiba Ms. Olga Kronmeyer Dr. Cooper Kunkel Mrs. Eleanor C. Lamarche T. Alexi Ryan LaMazza Debra LaRaia Ms. Nelda Lay Dr. Grace Lecara Mr. and Mrs. Donald E. Leonard Mr. and Mrs. Harold Lerner Susan and Irwin Levy Thomas and Mary Loftus Mr. and Mrs. Brad M. Lohsen Mr. Harold Lone Mr. and Mrs. Charles B. Looper Dr. Robert F. Lorenzen Ingrid and Gerry Low Dr. Miguel Lugo Mrs. Edith Lumpkin M & J Foundation Ms. Mazie S. Mangum Mr. Richard C. Mansfield Gerardo Maradiaga, MD Nicholas Maroudas Jon and Katherine Mauney Drs. Pit Gills, Lawrence Buono, and Derek Hess at the spring 2003 alumni dinner at the Epstein farm. Ms. Ruth Maxine McCall Mr. and Mrs. Edward F. McCallum Dr. Stuart McCracken and Ms. Kathryn Ann Vokaty Mr. William H. McCullough Mrs. Barbara G. McDonald Ms. Jan H. McGrath Nell S. McIver Mr. Robert McLaughlin Mrs. Lisa McNeill Dr. Bettina Meekins and Charles D. Meekins Dr. John Michon Mrs. Marilyn T. Miller Major and Mrs. Alan R. Miller Mrs. Joe Morgan, Sr. Mrs. Mary Lide Morris Mrs. Nida D. Moseley Mr. and Mrs. Harold Muncaster Tom and Sara Munden Dr. Frank Murchison Mrs. Betty J. Murrell Ms. Adele K. Nakdimen Dr. Junji Nakatake Mr. Gary Nance Mr. William Nantz Dr. and Mrs. Blaine S. Nashold, Jr. Mr. John W. Naylor Dr. Sigrid Nelius Mr. and Mrs. Thomas V. Newlin Ms. Doris Nichols Mr. and Mrs. F. Guerrant Norman Ms. Deborah L. Nowachek Mrs. Irma B. Oliver Dr. Karl R. Olsen Mr. and Mrs. William S. Page, Sr. Mr. S.Z. Painter Byron L. and Dolores E.B. Parry Mrs. Evelyn H. Pate Mrs. Ruth Paul Dr. and Mrs. Michael J. Paxhia Ms. Florence W. Pearce Ms. Norma Pellettier Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Pennington Mr. and Mrs. Wade H. Penny, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. D. Howard Phillips Mr. J.N. Piazza Mr. and Mrs. Ashmead P. Pipkin Mr. and Mrs. John J. Piva, Jr. Ms. Frances F. Pohlenz Mr. and Mrs. L. Norris Post Mr. Ian Potter Elaine Woods Powell Mrs. Helen Pratt Mr. and Mrs. John R. Preston Ms. Nan W. Price Mr. and Mrs. Eldred E. Prince Miss Helen G. Quigless Dr. Alician V. Quinlan Mr. Donald Ramage Dr. William B. Rafferty Miss Frances J. Ratcliff Nelson K. Reid Mr. and Mrs. Winfield Reynolds Dr. Lawrence Richardson, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. James B. Richmond Mr. Timothy Rich Mr. and Mrs. William H. Richter Mr. and Mrs. Irving Rimer Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Rinehart Mr. C. A. Robbins Mr. W. R. Roberson, Jr. Mr. Alfonso E. Soler Roca Mr. Walter L. Rogers Dr. Robert Rosenstein Dr. George O.D. Rosenwasser Drs. Michael and Heidi Rotberg Mrs. Mary A. Routledge John and Betty Row Mr. and Mrs. Donald Ruegg Dr. Samuel Santander Mrs. Dawn A. Santoianni Mrs. Alta T. Schambach Ms. Maxine B. Schank Mr. Anton F. Schreiner Dr. Angela Scott Mr. Thomas B. Scott Dr. Judy Seaber Mr. and Mrs. Welton O. Seal, Jr. Herald and Peggy Siegler Katherine W. Shaw Ms. Anne F. Shearer John and Flora Shedd Dr. M. Bruce Shields Don Shin Walter Shivers Dr. Robert Shorter Mr. Ralph O. Shropshire Ms. Susan Sikora Ms. Deborah Sue Simpkins Margaret Sims Mr. and Mrs. D. J. Smith, Jr. Mrs. Ellen M. Smith Mrs. Lisa P. Smith Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Granville Smith Mr. and Mrs. J. Donald Sparks Mrs. Brooks Speight Mrs. Pamela T. Spellman Dr. William H. Spencer Mr. and Mrs. Robert Stancik Mr. and Mrs. Maurice C. Stephens Mr. Thomas W. Stephenson VISIoN Dr. Sara Ellen Stoneburner and Mr. H. Gregg Strader Mr. Robert J. Sukenik Prof. Bruce A. Sullenger Dr. Myrtle Thompson Swain Dr. Ingeborg Talton Dr. and Mrs. William S. Tasman Mrs. Jerry D. Taylor Mr. J.B. Temple Mr. P. Winfield Thomson Mr. William S. Thornton Mrs. Ben W. Tillett Mr. and Mrs. P. G. Tilley Marjorie and Bob Tomlinson Mr. J.O. Toms Mr. Robert B. Toth David Treshuk Mrs. Marcella C. Triolo Mr. George M. Trout Mr. and Mrs. Henry L. Turlington Mr. and Mrs. Horace Turner Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Tyson Mr. and Mrs. Michael J. Ujevich Mr. Edward C. Van Buskirk Mr. Dexter Vaughan Don and Carolyn Vaughan Dr. Thomas Verdin, III Mrs. Sulou J. Wagstaff Thurman Walker Renee W. Wallace James and Mildred Waller Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Walton Ms. Marjorie F. Warden Yolanda Warren Mr. Harry Weingarten Mr. and Mrs. J. Edmund Welch Mr. Charles Whilden Ms. Ruth T. White Dr. and Mrs. William White, II Dr. Robert Wiggins Mr. and Mrs. Roland R. Wilkins William Mangum Fine Art Mr. Eddie Williams Dr. George P. Williams, Jr. Gordon D. Williams Mr. Charles J. Williford Ms. Helen W. Wilson Mr. and Mrs. James L. Wilson Mrs. Judy Wilson Dr and Mrs. Robert S. Wilson Mrs. Jane T. Wohlford Mrs. Thelma G. Wolslagel Ms. Judith I. Woodburn Margaret C. Worth Ms. Virginia L. Wu Mrs. Jean E. Yancey Mrs. Phyllis B. Yeasel Dr. Brian R. Younge Mr. Mark W. Zack Mrs. Shirley Ziegelbein GIFTS IN MEMORY OF Charles Nicholas Chesnutt David Chesnutt, M.D. George C. Griffin, Jr. Memorial Gifts Mr. and Mrs. W. N. Averette Merle B. Baker Mr. and Mrs. Russ Batchelor Boyd Agency, Inc. John and Jacqueline Boykin Linwood T. Brown Patricia A. Brown Lee and Danette Carter James and Peggy Cherry Shelton and Lela Chesson Lessie M. Choplin Dr. L. Sidney and Betty Christian Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Coltrain, Jr. 23 Joe and Kathryn S. Coltrain Sue H. Cowan Lucille G. Cowen Douglas and Kay Damren Anne Davenport Rankin and Susie Dowdy W. Joey and Susan Dunlow Mrs. R. S. Edmondson, Jr. Mr. R. Sutton Edmondson, III Wayland and Lois Elks Mr. and Mrs. John L. Goff Mr. and Mrs. Warren Goff James and Kathy Griffin Jerry and Kristy Griffin J. T. and Margaret Griffin Mamie Clyde Griffin W. Fred & Barbara Griffin Will and Renee Griffin Rickie-Reba Grimes Mr. and Mrs. Ben Hardison Mrs. Fred Hardison Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Hardison, Jr. Gladys Gray Harrison Gregory and Teresa Harrison George and Marlene James Betty Lou Jones J. Carroll and Gail B. Jones Marvin Henry Leggett, Jr. Benny and Polly Lilley Jenette P. Low Mary Lane (Davis) and Revill Mallory Josephine H. Manning Rachael E. Manning Manning and Hardison Farms, Inc. Molly B. Manning Dr. and Mrs. David T. Marshburn Miller’s Sports & Trophies Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Miller, III Mr. and Mrs. Walter H. Miller Robert and Vinnie Mills Ms. Betty H. Mobley Barbara Jean Morris Diane and Phil Page Bruce and Trula Peele The Harry M. Peel, Sr. Family James T. Perry Nelson and Elizabeth Prince Reddick Fumigants, Inc. Carlotta P. Robinson Harold Robinson, Jr. Whit Ross Christine H. Scurletis Nancy C. Sexton Mr. and Mrs. T. W. Skinner Mr. and Mrs. Taylor Slade Brenda and Danny Strong Mr. and Mrs. Joe Thigpen Mr. and Mrs. Roger Thrift Ms. Ruby Thrower Dolly G. Vopelak J. Herbert and Cinda Ward Brenda and Donnie White Dalton A. Williams Eugene Famulare Eugene J. and Margaret M. Famulare Catherine Smith Margaret Jenkins Hunter Hoffman Evelyn Hunter-Longdon Michael and Teresa Malawski Walter and Stephanie Emery Margaret Murray David and Helen Murray Daniel Smith Ms. Ellen Nisselson Catherine Smith Lillian Smith Catherine Smith Lucille Southern Frank and Pat Strickland Dr. and Mrs. J. Thomas Mills, Jr. Isabel W. Mills Barbara Stage Ms. Marilyn Janulet Brody John D. Stage Erika Terry Sandra C. and Patrick Altham Van Wyck Hoke Webb Mrs. Anna T. Webb GIFTS IN HONOR OF Ruth Albert Michael and Linda Fields Rand Allingham, M.D. Dorothy W. Pemberton Lloyd E. Neff Sanjay Asrani, M.D. John H. Clements Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Blocker’s 63rd Anniversary Amy Rubenstein Edward Buckley, M.D. Linda Mobley Alan Carlson, M.D. Bob and Patsy Pressley Geneva and Jessica Crawley Kirk H. Williams Sharon Fekrat, M.D. Edmund C. and Jean L. Glover Sally Foster Rev. and Mrs. David A. Fort Eleanor J. Grice Ruth D. Nobles Terry Kim, M.D. Elaine W. Powell Gordon Klintworth, MD, Ph.D. Natalie Afshari, M.D. Milton and Roslyn Lachman’s Anniversary Anna Lou Cassell Dr. Dennis Rickman Lloyd E. Neff DONORS (4/4/03 – 9/30/03) Assn For Res. in Vision & Ophthalmology Boston Scientific Corporation Ann Barlow Mr. and Mrs. John B. Beasley Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Benson Mr. and Mrs. Richard B. Boyd, Jr. Estate of Henry B. Burroughs, Sr. Virginia Cissel Irrevocable Trust Davidson Lions Club Mr. Charles M. DeSantis The Duke Endowment Ms. Lois Duncan Eden Lions Club Mr. Lawrence Edgerton Shirley Efroymson-Kahn Ms. Jenny Elder Dr. Sharon Fekrat Mr. and Mrs. Herman B. Goldstein Mr. Lewis C. Green Ms. Becky Grisdale Mr. Joseph A. Hardie, Jr. Ms. Latina Hawley Ms. Cassandra Headen Mr. William R. Hiatt Ms. Sandra Holgado Ms. Demita Hopkins Jackson Kelly PLLC L C Industries Mrs. Bette N. Laursen Sean and Alison Lew Mr. Michael C. Lewis Lions Clubs International Mr. and Mrs. Claude H. Long Mr. and Mrs. William Luk Dr. Mathew W. MacCumber and Judith Weinstein Marco Island Rotary Club Mr. and Mrs. William N. Michaels Dr. Michael M. Morton Ms. Lacey Mtumura Ms. Doris Nichols Mr. Charles C. Pastore Pfizer Inc. Dr. Richard L. Pietsch Raleigh Lions Welfare Fund Inc. Reading School District Ms. Sheila Riley Dr. Peter J. Storey Mr. Mark Taylor Ms. Deborah Wrenn American Glaucoma Society American Health Assistance Foundation Arkwright Foundation Inc. Advisory Board members get down to business at the fall 2003 board meeting. VISIoN 24 BT HeEhSicnednes: Managing the Eye Center’s Research Grants Research Administrator Beverly Thorpe manages research grants and financial analysis so that researchers can focus on the science E ach year, more than $4 million is awarded to the Duke University Eye Center faculty in the form of research grants, contracts, and clinical studies to support our faculty’s efforts to further the understanding and treatment of eye disease. As the Eye Center’s Research Administrator, Beverly Thorpe manages all of that money and the associated administrative oversight so that our basic science researchers and our physician-scientists can focus on their research. Actually, Beverly is involved in the grant process even before the money is awarded to the Duke researchers from government agencies like the National Eye Institute (NEI), foundations like Research to Prevent Blindness, and corporations such as Bausch & Lomb. She works closely with junior and senior faculty to identify funding opportunities and to gather the often-daunting amount of information required to submit a grant application. There are piles of forms to fill out, budgets to develop, and strict guidelines to follow. Together with Research Staff Specialist Barbara Bennett, Beverly navigates through the administrative end. She works closely with the Duke Medical Center’s Grants and Contracts Office, the Office of Science and Technology, and the Sponsored Programs Office to secure approval. If the research project is a collaborative effort, she contacts her fellow research administrators in other Duke departments or at other universities to determine their budgetary needs. Her primary preaward objective: to take care of all of the administrative and financial details so that Eye Center researchers can focus on drafting their scientific plans. Once the grant application is compiled and submitted, Beverly and Barbara, along with the faculty members, cross their fingers and wait. Decisions can take as long as eight or nine months. If they get a thumbs-up from the funding agency, then Beverly’s work really begins. Most grants and contracts last between one and five years and require regular updates to show that the funds are being spent appropriately. It is Beverly’s job to monitor each project’s budget; track expenses; assemble financial progress reports for the faculty, the Eye Center, and Medical Center; and report back to the funding agency to insure that grant dollars are appropriately spent. She makes sure that approved equipment and supplies are bought, travel is paid for, and designated salaries and patient care costs are covered. As an academic medical center, Duke holds, as one of its missions, a fundamental commitment to research. More than 100 funded research projects are being undertaken by Eye Center faculty at any given time. The largest grants are from NEI, which is part of the National Institutes of Health. The private, New York-based Research to Prevent Blindness foundation is another major funding agency for the Duke Department of Ophthalmology. “We’re on the rise,” Beverly says proudly. “We’ve got a lot of groundbreaking scientific research that’s being funded. Currently, we have 18 active NIH grants and several foundation grants. We also have a great deal of clinical studies involving the study of human patients that are sponsored by industry partners like Bausch & Lomb, EyeTech, and Allergan.” “Research grants from government agencies, research foundations, and corporate-sponsored studies are essential to the Department of Ophthalmology’s research mission,” says Department Chair Dr. David L. Epstein. “The Department VISIoN is committed to managing these funds responsibly and efficiently so that our funding partners can be confident that their support is making the greatest impact on our goal of translating the latest science to new treatments and potential cures for all eye diseases.” Beverly came to the Eye Center in August 2002 to help further the Center’s commitment, bringing with her grants experience she honed at New York University and at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte. Raised in Chapel Hill, she holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from UNC-Chapel Hill. And she is thrilled to be back in the Triangle. By all accounts, so is her “yorkie” Koko whose photo is prominently displayed in Beverly’s office. “We’re on the rise. We’ve got a lot of groundbreaking scientific research that’s being funded. Currently, we have 18 active NIH grants and several foundation grants. We also have a great deal of clinical studies involving the study of human patients that are sponsored by industry partners like Bausch & Lomb, EyeTech, and Allergan.” ~ Beverly Thorpe 25 Since deadlines for grant applications are spread throughout the year, on virtually any given day, Beverly is busy reminding faculty members of impending deadlines or scrambling to get an approved application out the door. She says that managing in excess of 100 accounts at a time is “intense and very challenging. You’ve got to be very focused and organized. There’s always something to do, and I try to be as responsive as I can to the faculty and staff when it comes to coordinating and managing our sponsored research funds.” According to the Eye Center faculty, Beverly is doing a great job. Dr. Paul Lee, who has grants with Research to Prevent Blindness, the NEI, and many others says, “Because Beverly is there, we can focus on the scientific content on the grant. She helps us make the budgeting and administrative pieces flow as smoothly and in as user-friendly a way as possible.” Dr. Glenn Jaffe, who holds several grants and runs a range of clinical studies, agrees. “It has been a pleasure to work with Beverly over the past year. She has been a great ‘go to’ person for questions related to the financial and administrative aspects of my grants. She has helped to organize the University’s faculty grant financial reports in a clear and logical manner. She maintains a very positive attitude and is always working to improve the research administration’s operations and procedures.” Although they work primarily behind the scenes, by keeping the administrative and financial aspects of the grant process running smoothly, Beverly and Barbara are key players in the Eye Center’s ongoing research success. Duke Eye Center Honored with NEI Visit D uke Eye Center was recently honored to host National Eye Institute Director Paul A. Sieving, MD, PhD, as a guest lecturer in the Joseph M. Bryan Research Lecture series. Dr. Sieving gave two valuable presentations while here entitled: “Molecular Diagnostics in Ophthalmic Genetic Disease: Lessons from X-Linked Juvenile Retinoschisis” and “Phenotypes in Genetic Mendelian Forms of Macular Degeneration: Searching for Clues in AMD.” Mr. Joseph M. Bryan, a grateful glaucoma patient and generous benefactor of the Duke Eye Center, established the Bryan Endowment Fund to support a visiting lecturer series on eye disease. This series is now known as the Bryan Research Lectures. VISIoN 26 NC Lions Foundation Endowment Earns AERI Namesake W hen the Albert Eye Research Institute (AERI) opens in December 2004 there will be many individuals and organizations to thank for their generous contributions that helped make the new facility a reality. Among those special contributors is the North Carolina Lions Club Foundation, which is participating in The Campaign for Duke by establishing a $500,000 endowment to support children’s eye research. In appreciation of this magnificent gift, the Duke University Eye Center will name a portion of its new pediatric facility in AERI in honor of the NC Lions Club. Currently located in the Wadsworth Building, the NC Lions Pediatric “The contribution made by the NC Lions will have a tremendous impact on our ability to serve the children of our communities. It is this type of generous philanthropy that makes possible the work our faculty performs in the never-ending quest for improved treatments and cures of eye disease.” ~ David L. Epstein, MD Eye Clinic will be an integral comThe NC Lions Pediatric ponent of the expanded research Endowment will allow researchers and service offered when AERI to advance cutting-edge research to opens its doors. Duke Eye Center improve the quality of life of visufaculty and staff gathered with ally impaired children. members of the NC Lions from “The contribution made by across the state earlier this year in the NC Lions will have a tremenMay to commemorate this generous dous impact on our ability to serve donation and express their heartfelt the children of our communities,” gratitude and thanks. During the says Duke Department of Ophthalceremony, a plaque naming the NC mology Chairman, Dr. David L. Lions Pediatric Eye Clinic was Epstein. “It is this type of generous hung near the clinic’s current philanthropy that makes possible entrance in the Wadsworth building the work our faculty performs in in recognition of the NC Lions’ the never-ending quest for benevolent philanthropic support. improved treatments and cures According to NC Lions Foundaof eye disease.” tion Executive Director, Steve Duke Eye Center Stewardship Walker, the endowment provides an Officer Renee Wallace explains opportunity for the Lions Club to that endowments are funds that extend its historical patient care remain in perpetuity. They are focused contributions. “The Lions among the most vital and valuable have always been involved in workresources, offering donors an ing with individuals that have vision opportunity to make a lasting conimpairment or have lost their sight, tribution to the battle against blindbut we also feel it’s important to help ing eye disease. “Endowment gifts find ways to prevent and cure blindare carefully invested by Duke and ness,” explains Walker. “We want to provide a steady, annual stream of not only help the visually impaired, reliable funding for the Eye Center but also contribute to prevention. programs, allowing the Eye Center We selected a pediatric focus because we had never focused on anything to do with children before but feel it’s critical to our mission to also help Pediatric Service Chief Dr. Ed Buckley with NC Lions Club Foundation President David Smoot children.” VISIoN to plan for the future with greater certainty,” explains Wallace. Each year the Duke Eye Center faculty and administration will conduct a thorough needs analysis to determine the most appropriate use of the expendable funds from the NC Lions Pediatric Endowment. “We understand that needs change day to day and year to year. It was important to our organization that we give the department the ability to determine the best 27 use of the funds each year. We wanted to be sure they have the flexibility to use the funds as efficiently as possible,” says Walker. The NC Lions Foundation donation to the Pediatric research fund promises contribution toward improvement in pediatric eye care for years to come. According to Dr. Sharon Freedman, the money will be available for a variety of valuable uses from helping purchase cutting-edge diagnostic equipment for clinical research to actually funding supplies and specialized personnel needed to perform that research. “The wonderful thing about an endowment is that the resultant research funding will be available for worthy purposes we can’t even envision yet but which will prove vital to our future efforts to continue providing the best possible care for our small patients with a variety of serious eye conditions,” Freedman says. New AERI Model Provides Unique “Preview” T he Duke Eye Center has been given a valuable and unique opportunity to “preview” the design and layout of the new Albert Eye Research Institute (AERI) thanks to a special contribution by Roger Milliken, CEO of Milliken & Company, a fabric, yarn, and chemical products manufacturer based in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Milliken commissioned Toronto-based Peter McCann Architectural Models, Inc. to develop a highly-detailed, intricate model of the AERI for the Eye Center. Displayed in the Eye Center’s main lobby, the AERI model is an exact miniature replica of the planned facility—providing a precise look at the building’s design, layout, and architectural flow. Each modeled floor can be slid outward for individual inspection and evaluation of special functionality. “We frequently use models of new facilities and machinery installations in our company. Very few people can visualize three dimensions, let alone two, when viewing a building plan. A building model has never failed to save us many times its cost in avoiding mistakes,” says Milliken. “Roger’s truly unique and insightful donation of the AERI model has proved quite valuable for our faculty, staff, friends, and patients alike to ‘test’ the functionality of our planned AERI,” explains Duke Eye Center Chairman Dr. David Epstein. “His generous contribution has provided us with a tangible view of our new facility and also generated a shared excitement among the entire Eye Center staff for what we’re all working so hard to build. By allowing us to preview our new facility in significant detail, the model has allowed us to critically evaluate and improve our architectural plans, use of space, and overall configuration. We are truly grateful to Roger for providing us with such a meaningful and practical gift.” The AERI model is currently on display for visitors to see in the Eye Center’s front lobby. VISIoN 28 Duke Eye Center Volunteers Make It a Place Like No Other W inston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.” The volunteers at the Duke Eye Center live this quote everyday. They are an amazing team of individuals who give selflessly of themselves, their time, and their hearts each week. “They are truly living a life of giving,” says Volunteer Program Manager Robin Woods. “I am proud and honored to be their manager.” Robin began overseeing the volunteer program nearly two years ago. At first she felt overwhelmed by the new responsibility but soon realized it was the opportunity of a lifetime. “I’ve never seen a group of caring people like the 14 that make up our volunteer team. You might meet one or two in your lifetime, but to work with a group of 14 every week is just amazing,” she says. Inez Neal is the volunteer program’s only charter member. She’s been at the Eye Center for 19 years and has won numerous awards during her tenure. “I can’t imagine the volunteer program without Inez,” says Woods. “She is the brightest of the sunrays.” Inez volunteers every Thursday and is currently partnered with one of the program’s newest members, Zelma Head. Zelma’s only been onboard 10 months, but she’s learning the “ins and outs” from an original. The program’s most mature volunteer, Bessie Raper, has been active for 15 years. Ninety-three years young, she still drives herself to the Eye Center when not riding with her partner, Hildur Blake. “Often you see Hildur and Bessie pushing the coffee cart together, one holding the other’s hand to assist with serving our patients and visitors,” says Woods. “It’s truly a team effort; when you see it you can’t help but realize this is what it’s all about.” “They are truly living a life of giving. I am proud and honored to be their manager.” ~ Robin Woods Hildur has been volunteering for the past 16 years. She’s a retired RN from Duke with 28 years of service. Wednesday’s “Anchor Team,” includes Rosa Taylor, Peggy Jordan, and Ruth Medley. Rosa has been a volunteer at the Eye Center for more than 10 years, retiring from Duke after more than two decades of service. She helps keep things running smoothly. “While I transitioned into my new role as manager, Rosa took me under her wing. She explained the program’s history and always keeps me informed when coffee supplies need to be ordered or other needs arise from our volunteer desk,” says Woods. Peggy is a new recruit to the team. She’s been involved for about a year and loves to stay busy. She’s always looking for ways she can help. Ruth, a 13-year veteran of the volunteer program, always has a smile on her face and is willing to do whatever is asked of her. The “Goodie Ladies,” Jean Jones and Dorothy Scarlett, volunteer on Tuesdays. Every week they show up with a basket of goodies to share with patients, visitors, and staff. Jean, who has been volunteering for eight years, is a retired teacher. Dorothy was recruited to the team more than 14 years ago. The Eye Center’s only husband-and-wife volunteer team is Eston and Jane Betts. They’ve been active for the past three years and are a valuable resource. “Jane and Eston are always providing me with information to help the visually impaired,” says Woods. “We use it to stock our patient education resource center.” Linda Carden, with the Eye Center for three years, volunteers her time by assisting Duke Eye Center’s Planning and Development office. She usually comes twice a week to help out and always shows up ready to get the job done whether it’s answering the phone or data entry. For the past 13 years, Jennie Holloway has been a volunteer. And, although a typical “shift” is only four hours, Jennie typically puts in a full-day when she comes each Monday. She works with Helen Cunningham, a volunteer for the past year. Helen is a seasoned volunteer and has worked with a number of other organizations. VISIoN 29 Since day one, she’s been a natural fit in the program. The Duke Eye Center Volunteer Program was established in 1984. Since then it has grown in success by providing a variety of services to patients, families, and staff. Whether it’s serving coffee, escorting patients, assisting staff, or just making everyone feel comfortable, Duke Eye Center volunteers truly make a difference. For more information about the volun- teer program or to learn how to volunteer, contact Robin Woods at 919-684-0414. Rosa Taylor Jennie Holloway and Helen Cunningham Hildur B lake and Bessie Raper Linda Carden Two Societies Host Residency Meeting I n September the North Carolina Medical Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons (NCMSEPS) and the North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS) Foundation joined together to host the “2003 Southeastern Ophthalmology Resident Meeting of the Minds: What Every Resident Needs To Know To Thrive After Residency.” The one-day, free event drew 43 ophthalmology residents from across the Southeastern United States. Duke Eye Center Retinal Surgeon and Event Organizer Dr. Sharon Fekrat developed the program as her NCMS Leadership College project. The Leadership College is a year-long leadership training program for NC physicians modeled after the Ameri- can Academy of Ophthalmology’s (AAO) Leadership Development program. In its first year of development, student-physicians of Leadership College are nominated by their peers, local medical societies, and state specialty societies and represent a wide range of medical specialties from across the state. Duke Eye Center Residents Dr. Paul Kang and Sherman Reeves assisted Dr. Fekrat in directing the 2003 program. “This conference is the first of its kind and has brought together a large audience for training on issues residents will soon be facing in practice,” says Dr. Fekrat. “Our goal is to enlighten residents and fellows about the business aspects of entering a practice, how to be an effective advocate for patients and the profession, and to be aware of the forces that are having an impact on the practice of medicine and the quality of patient care. We want to go beyond what is taught during training.” VISIoN 30 Faculty Updates continued from page 19 Engineering undergraduate students on instrument development this past summer. Emily Kloeblen worked with Brian Dodge in developing a computer program to operate a complex glaucoma research instrument. The new system will improve the speed and accuracy of testing of new glaucoma treatments in the laboratory of Drs. Vasanth Rao and David Epstein. Sean Marshall worked with Richard Nappi and Brian Dodge to refine a method of improving illumination in the eye for vitreoretinal surgery. Dr. Mark Cahill, a retina fellow, presented a summary of the “Improvement in Quality of Life in Patients After Macular Translocation Surgery” at the American Society of Retina Specialists in New York this fall. Dr. Cahill’s research was performed in collaboration with Avie Grier and Drs. Cynthia Toth and Sandra Stin- nett. Dr. Prithvi Mruthyunjaya, a retina fellow, presented a summary of the “Improvement in Visual Function in Patients after Macular Translocation Surgery” at the American Society of Retina Specialists in New York this fall as well. His research was also performed in collaboration with Avie Grier and Drs. Cynthia Toth and Sandra Stinnett. In addition, Dr. Stephen Phillips, a retina fellow, presented a summary of the “Relationship Between the Thickness of a Subfoveal Lesion and the Vision Loss in Age-Related Macular Degeneration” at the American Society of Retina Specialists. His research was performed in collaboration with Hoang Nguyen, CRA and Drs. Cynthia Toth and Sandra Stinnett. Finally, Dr. Toth and Retina Service Chief Dr. Brooks McCuen, along with Ronald Overaker and Brian Dodge of the Biophysics Lab, recently received a patent entitled “Method of Making Miniaturized Surgical Forceps” for its develop- ment of uniquely designed forceps that allow for manipulation of extremely delicate tissue. The team conceived and developed its first prototype in the Biophysics Lab in 1998. Carol Ziel, MD, Glaucoma Service, presented information on the “Advanced Glaucoma Intervention Study and the Use of Antimetabolites in Glaucoma Surgery” at the annual Duke Glaucoma Symposium. She also participated in the annual fall McKinley Medical Conference in Winston-Salem to area optometrists focusing on glaucoma assessment and treatment. In addition, Dr. Ziel and her staff participated in a Lions Vision Screening this spring for employees of the North Carolina Department of Transportation. What’s New in Research Dennis W. Rickman, PhD, Research, received a Lew R. Wasserman Merit Award from Research to Prevent Blindness. This award, established in honor of Research to Prevent Blindness’ longtime chairman and trustee, is given annually to mid-career scientists engaged in eye research. He was also recently appointed to the Members-In-Training Committee of ARVO and was elected to the Steering Committee of the North Carolina Tissue Engineering Interest Group of the North Carolina Center for Biotechnology. Dr. Yan Guo, a research associate in the Rickman Lab, received a Postdoctoral Fellowship from Fight for Sight for his project entitled “Neural Progenitor Cell Transplant in Experimental Glaucoma.” He also received the 2003 Robert A. Machemer Research Award for the most outstanding research project by a trainee at the DUEC. Paul Stephano, a third-year medical student in the Rickman Lab, received a Travel Fellowship from the NEI to attend the annual 2003 ARVO meeting in Florida. VISIoN 31 Have You Met…Reggie R eggie started working at the Duke Eye Center six years ago as a courier, and he also helped out in the Medical Records department. Earlier this year, his career headed in a new direction when he was accepted into the Eye Center’s On-The-Job Training Ophthalmic Assistant Program, a one-year program that gives selected Duke employees an opportunity for career training and advancement while they continue to work and earn a salary. What he is doing now: As a student in the On-The-Job Training Program, Reggie works full-time as a visual field assistant in the Eye Center’s Visual Field Testing Room, where many patients are sent to have their central and peripheral vision tested. Reggie helps each patient get comfortable sitting in front of the computerized testing equipment, gives instructions on how to take the test, and makes sure that the process goes smoothly to ensure accurate results. In addition, Reggie studies and takes classes in the training program. When a position opens on the Comprehensive Ophthalmology Service, he will continue his training while working with patients with a wide range of vision problems. Why he took on this new challenge: “Working in Medical Records, you get to see the patients’ charts, but you don’t know what’s really going on with the patients. I wanted Prince? to know more about what’s going on as far as treatment and diseases are concerned.” Prior to working at the Eye Center, Reggie had been a clinic assistant in radiation oncology at Duke Hospital. He enjoyed working directly with patients there and wanted to get back into patient care. So he asked Carolyn Vaughan, director of the On-The-Job Training Ophthalmic Assistant Program, how he could get into the program. Already impressed with Reggie, Carolyn encouraged him to begin studying to show that he was serious about the program. A few months later, a position opened up, and she offered it to him. His favorite part of working at the Eye Center: “I’m a people person, so I enjoy the chance to meet new people, have some interesting conversations, and just be able to give a helping hand.” His plans for the future: When he completes the training program, Reggie will be eligible to take the exam to become a Certified Ophthalmic Assistant. Then, he plans to continue his training to become a Certified Ophthalmic Technician. When he’s not working: Reggie is an avid fisherman, spending most weekends fishing for spots, croakers, and flounders up in Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay. According to Carolyn Vaughan, director of the OnThe-Job Training Program: “Reggie displays excellent customer service skills and has a really strong work ethic. He is very softspoken, self-assured, and incredibly kind and gentle with our patients. I love to hear him talk with them— he is so understanding and exhibits a lot of patience. Reggie brings a calming presence to our clinic.” Glaucoma Service Wishes Fond Farewell to Adam Fisher It was with mixed emotion that the Duke Eye Center Glaucoma Service wished a fond farewell to Adam Fisher this past spring. Adam, a senior at Duke, worked in the Glaucoma Service office during the 2002-2003 academic school year. According to Glaucoma Service staff, Adam did anything and everything that was needed around the office. Adam was a “one-of-a-kind.” Adam graduated from Duke in May and moved back to his home state of New York to pursue his career endeavors. He will be sorely missed. VISIoN 32 Awards & Recognitions Guo Recipient of the 2003 Robert Machemer Research Award RPB Grants Two Distinguished Awards to Eye Center Faculty Drs. Natalie Afshari and Dennis Rickman are the recipients of two highly distinguished grants from Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB). Dr. Afshari has been awarded the prestigious RPB Career Development Award to further her career as a clinician-scientist and facilitate her research in corneal disease. The Career Development Award was established in 1990 to attract young physicians and basic scientists to eye research. Dr. Rickman was awarded the highly esteemed RPB Lew R. Wasserman Merit Award. Established in 1995, the Lew R. Wasserman Merit Awards provide unrestricted support to mid-career MD and PhD scientists who are actively engaged in eye research within departments of ophthalmology at medical institutions in the United States. RPB was founded over 40 years ago and is headquartered in New York, New York. RPB is committed to facilitating the advancement of research with the goal of developing more effective treatments, preventives, and cures for all eye diseases that steal precious sight. In its mission to preserve and, ultimately, restore sight, RPB mobilizes and disseminates financial resources in support of eye research and can be identified in one way or the other with virtually every major scientific advance in eye research. Two Awarded Prestigious Fight for Sight Postdoctoral Fellowship Congratulations to Drs. Julia Song and Yan Guo for both being awarded the prestigious Fight for Sight Postdoctoral Fellowship. These awards will generously fund their pursuit of advanced research in ophthalmology. Congratulations to Yan Guo, MD, PhD, for receiving the 2003 Robert Machemer Research Award. Dr. Guo was recognized with the highly esteemed award during the Annual Residents’ and Fellows’ Day celebration in June 2003 for his project entitled “Neural progenitor cell transplant in optic nerve neuropathy.” Every year Duke Eye Center residents are asked to submit a clinical or basic science research proposal from any subspecialty of ophthalmology to the Robert Machemer Research Award Selection Committee. In honor of past Eye Center Chairman Dr. Robert Machemer, the Robert Machemer Research Award is presented each academic year to one resident whose research proposal demonstrates intellectual curiosity and scientific originality. The proposed research project must be completed within a one-year period and must be presented at the Annual Residents’ and Fellows’ Day each June. For more information on this award, please contact Dr. Sharon Fekrat, chair of the Annual Robert Machemer Research Committee, at 919.681.0341. VISIoN 33 2003 Ocular Innovation Award Goes to Siddiqui and Greenman Congratulations to Drs. Nouman Siddiqui and Herb Greenman for being joint recipients of the 2003 Ocular Innovation Award. Dr. Greenman received the award for his abstract entitled “The Safety of Substances Used During CO2 Laser Surgery,” and Dr. Siddiqui was recognized for his abstract entitled “Natural History of Hemiretinal Vein Occlusion.” The Duke Eye Center Award for Ocular Innovation is a cash award given annually to the Department and the resident judged to have produced the best research and formal presentation of an original concept, operation, instrument, or invention in ophthalmology. Although less weight is given to papers that do not represent an innovation such as reviews of literature, reports of a series of an operation, descriptions of diseases or cases, or quantification of former concepts, these projects are still considered. The Ocular Innovation Award is sponsored each year by a former Eye Center resident and is granted to inspire residents to pursue innovative research during their years of study. Congratulations to Dr. Prithvi Mruthyunjaya The Heed Foundation recently named Dr. Prithvi Mruthyunjaya as a distinguished AOS/Knapp Fellow for 2003-2004. This prestigious fellowship is the highest awarded by the Heed Foundation and will help fund Dr. Mruthyunjaya’s clinical care activities. Duke Eye Center Receives Large Alumni Gift Duke Eye Center Alumnus Dr. Jonathan Christenbury recently gifted the Duke Eye Center with a generous $100,000 commitment to help make the Albert Eye Research Institute a reality. Commenting on the gift, Eye Center Chairman Dr. David Epstein says, “We are most grateful to Dr. Christenbury for his kind and benevolent donation and hope it will encourage and inspire other alumni to join in our cause to help build a future free of blinding eye disease.” Dr. Leon Herndon Awarded Allergan Education Grant Congratulations to Dr. Leon Herndon for receiving an educational grant from Allergan. This grant will advance Dr. Herndon’s pursuit of cutting-edge research, training, and education in the field of glaucoma. Congratulations to Duke Eye Center for its 8 # Ranking in ophthalmology by U.S. News & World Report The annual survey conducted by US News & World Report can be found on the web at www.usnews.com. Duke Eye Center ranks #8 in U.S. News VISIoN 34 Congratulations! Congratulations to Leon Herndon, MD, on his promotion to Associate Professor of Ophthalmology. Duke Eye Center AMD Patient In the News Violet Meyerson, a Duke Eye Center AMD patient of Dr. Cynthia Toth’s, was recently highlighted in an August 11th article in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Violet successfully underwent macular translocation surgery at the Eye Center earlier this year and has now made it her calling to be an ambassador for the Duke Eye Center and an advocate for AMD patients everywhere. A copy of the article “Pioneer Surgery Preserves Eyesight Hollywood Woman Feared Losing Her Vision to Disease” can be found for a small fee on the Sun-Sentinel’s website at www.sun-sentinel.com. Violet Meyerson (right) meets with AMD Program Director Mary Ward Congratulations to Sharon Freedman, MD, on her promotion to Associate Professor of Ophthalmology with tenure. Congratulations to Vasanth Rao, PhD, on his promotion to Associate Professor of Ophthalmology. South Carolina Senator Strom Thurmond Passes at 100 We were sad to hear of the passing of South Carolina Senator Strom Thurmond on June 26, 2003. He was a committed advocate for the State of South Carolina, having served as its State Senator for 47 years. Mr. Thurmond was also a grateful patient of Cornea Service Chief Dr. Alan Carlson. He will be truly missed. In Memory of Martha Buchanan Wadsworth It is with deep sadness and regret that we announce the passing of Martha Buchanan Wadsworth, widow of the late Dr. Joseph A.C. Wadsworth, the first chairman of ophthalmology at Duke in 1965. When Dr. Wadsworth retired in 1983, Duke named its current Eye Center building after him. Mrs. Wadsworth passed away at The Forest at Duke in Durham on August 5, 2003. The Wadsworth’s have left a lasting legacy at Duke Eye Center—one for which we will forever be indebted. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends. VISIoN 35 Outreach Update Alcon Project Focus Open Door Diabetic Glaucoma Screening Eye Screening Lions Screenings On Friday, September 12th Alcon Laboratories partnered with Duke Eye Center’s Dr. Leon Herndon to offer a free glaucoma screening to members of the African-American community in Durham. A part of Alcon’s Project Focus screening series, the free event was held at White Rock Baptist Church on Fayetteville St. in Durham from 2 to 6 pm. A total of 66 people received the free vision check. On Saturday, August 23rd Duke Eye Center partnered with Open Door Clinic and Taylor Vitreoretinal to conduct a free diabetic eye screening for uninsured patients of the Open Door Clinic. Dr. Jeff Taylor, a Duke Eye Center alumnus and founder of Taylor Vitreoretinal, generously offered free use of his facility in Raleigh to support this important cause. A total of 26 patients of Open Door received the free eye examination. Since June 2003 the Duke Eye Center has partnered with the Lions Club and Kroger to host five free glaucoma and vision eye screenings in the local community. The screenings have been conducted at area Kroger Stores utilizing the fully equipped, state-of-the-art NC State Lions “Come See the 21st Century Vision Van.” Overall, approximately 230 people benefited from the free vision screenings. Donors Establish Two Named Chairs in Ophthalmology he had the opportunity to meet the senior Dr. Gills. Dr. Lee specializes in health services research, including quality of care, patientcentered care, and health care policy. “It is exciting to hold a chair donated by someone who is so well-known for his insights and innovations in cataract surgery and in providing cataract surgery in as efficient and as effective a manner as possible,” Lee notes. “This chair provides the time and resources for the research team to explore innovative and highrisk—but high-reward—areas that may make a big difference in what we’re able to do for people—promising areas that funding agencies may be less likely to support initially.” According to Duke Department of Ophthalmology Chairman Dr. David L. Epstein, “Endowed chairs such as these are critical to the Department’s ability to recruit and retain world-class medical scholars who are leaders in their field and to fulfill our mission of excellence in patient care, research, and education. We are grateful to Dr. Gills and to the many individuals who contributed to the Machemer Chair for their generosity and foresight in creating these important resources that ultimately will benefit patients with potentially blinding eye diseases.” continued from page 10 back a little bit for the excellence they’ve given in medicine for so many years,” Dr. Gills Jr. explains. “The Albert Eye Research Institute represents a great investment in the future of eye care and medical advancements with people like Dr. Epstein and Dr. Lee and all the other people on the staff. It’s a great investment because of how it is going to change the lives of many people in the entire nation.” When Dr. Lee, who has earned both medical and law degrees, was a resident at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University, VISIoN 36 Ophthalmic Medical Technician Program Graduates One; Welcomes Three More D uke Eye Center faculty, staff, family, and friends gathered in June 2003 to celebrate the accomplishments of 2002-2003 Graduate Rasheeda Alexander and the many instructors who contributed to the Ophthalmic Medical Technician Program throughout the year. Rasheeda’s completion of this challenging and prestigious oneyear program qualifies her to take the national Certified Ophthalmic Technician board exams and embark on a rewarding career as an Karen Summerville, Rasheeda Alexander, and Dr. David Chesnutt eye care professional. Duke Eye Center joins Program Director Karen Summerville, COMT, in welcoming the new class of 2003-2004: Randall Douglas, Ted Cummings, and L-R: Randall Douglas, Lindsey King, Lindsey King. and Ted Cummings To learn how you can pursue a rewarding career as an ophthalmic medical technician, please call Program Director Karen Summerville at 919.681.9157. Family Night Out with the Bulls In July Duke Eye Center hosted its annual Family Night Out with the Bulls at the Durham Bulls Ballpark in downtown Durham. Faculty, staff, family, and friends enjoyed good food, good fun, and a good ballgame under the warmth of the summer night sky. VISIoN 37 Duke Eye Center Hosts “Now See This” Exhibit T he Duke Eye Center’s Touchable Art Gallery, display cases, and clinic waiting areas recently hosted a statewide traveling art exhibit, “Now See This,” featuring artwork created by people living with disabilities. “We felt this exhibit would be quite appropriate since it relates so well to our belief in using the arts to support health and healing,” explains Betty Haskin, coordinator of the Eye Center Arts Program, a part of the Duke University Medical Center Cultural Services Program. The “Now See This” exhibit, which was also displayed in Duke University Hospital’s display cases in the North-South Corridor, enjoyed favorable reviews. “Visitors at the Eye Center responded very positively to the exhibit, probably because it was playful in many ways,” says Haskin. “Many of the paintings and drawings displayed in the Eye Center and the hospital had a light, carefree feeling.” This art show wasn’t just fun, it was also quite unique. In addition to the artwork being created by individuals living with disabilities, it was also selected by “regular” folks. The collection’s pieces were chosen from a series of regional “hang up” shows across the state where artists were invited to hang their work for the day and then collect it at the end. Twenty pieces were chosen at each regional show by various attendees ranging from artists and friends to program coordinators and parents—really anyone and everyone passing by. According to a statement from the exhibit’s curator, “We didn’t want typical art jargon to dictate the outcome of the selected pieces. We wanted to know what everyday people responded to aesthetically and conceptually as opposed to a refined selection by a juror whose profession it is to exclude less educated or less developed pieces.” “Now See This” organizers wanted the show to appeal to everyone, with or without formal art training. It was also important for them to illustrate that art comes from the same place within everyone regardless of age, ability, or experience. The pieces in the exhibition reflect the experiences, concepts, and images important to its artists, while also touching a broad base of admirers. “Several masks were on display in the Touchable Art Gallery as part of the exhibit and those drew lots of attention—some were quite humorous,” says Haskin. “I even had one visitor tell me that one of the more ‘comical’ masks reminded her of her ex-husband!” “Now See This,” which ran July 10th through August 15th at the Duke Eye Center, is part of the VSA Arts of North Carolina statewide traveling exhibit. VSA arts programs are implemented through a network of local, state, national, and international VSA arts organizations and affiliates in collaboration or partnership with educational and cultural institutions, arts agencies, associations for people with disabilities, and health and rehabilitation organizations. Haskin estimates more than 1,000 people viewed the “Now See This” exhibit at the combined Duke venues. “We felt this exhibit would be quite appropriate since it relates so well to our belief in using the arts to support health and healing.” ~ Betty Haskin VISIoN 38 Every Gift Makes a Difference O ver the years the Duke Eye Center has been fortunate to receive a number of magnificent gifts from a wide range of supporters, friends, patients, and caring organizations. Some of those gifts have been extremely generous providing hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars for much needed research, equipment, and facility expansion. But the Eye Center has also been fortunate to receive many other gifts, though not as large monetarily, that were just as valuable for their creativity, meaning, and life lessons. When students at Northwest Middle School (NWMS), an innercity school in Pennsylvania, donated $220 to the Duke Eye Center in honor of a NWMS teacher who had been treated by Pediatric Ophthalmologist Dr. Sharon Freedman, the gesture meant more than you could put a price tag on. The money was raised during a monthly “Jeans Day” fundraiser where students and faculty pay 25 cents to wear jeans to school. Unfortunately not all of the children can afford the 25 cents so other students and even faculty pitched in to help. The students planned the donation to Duke Eye Center while their teacher was at Duke receiving treatment. She was completely surprised and thrilled upon her return to NWMS. “The lesson this taught me is that anyone can make a contribution,” says Dr. Freedman. “It’s truly heart-warming and shows how easily people, even without the financial means to do so, can help out when they feel strongly about the cause.” The NWMS donation has been earmarked specifically to help improve the clinical care for children with pediatric glaucoma by being put towards the building of the new Pediatric Eye Clinic. Dr. Freedman adds, “This type of donation is particularly special when you realize that people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to make a substantial gift have pulled together to make a difference. It is an inspiration to those of us who provide care and to those who do have the means to give at a higher level.” Dr. Freedman’s personal care inspired yet another creative gift idea. Christine and Frank Clark, whose daughter Mary-Kathryn (age six) was first treated by Dr. Freedman as a baby, established a memorial fund in honor of MaryKathryn’s grandmother to benefit pediatric glaucoma research at Duke Eye Center. Mary-Kathryn was diagnosed with congenital glaucoma, a disease that can cause blindness quickly if not treated right away with specialized eye surgery. “Dr. Freedman saved my daughter’s eyesight,” says Mary-Kathryn’s mother, Christine. “She is the best doctor I’ve ever met, and I would do anything for her. The care she provides is personal and genuine—every doctor should take lessons from her on how to treat patients.” Christine appreciatively recalls Dr. Sharon Freedman how Dr. Freedman called from her home to check on Mary-Kathryn, saw the Clark family on days she normally didn’t see patients, and returned calls the same day. “Dr. Freedman was so good to our family that when my mother was dying from cancer she requested we establish a memorial fund to benefit Dr. Freedman’s pediatric glaucoma research,” explains Christine. “Today my daughter has nearly 20/20 vision. That simply would not be so if it weren’t for Dr. Freedman and her amazing work.” “The Clark family has actively contributed to improving our care of other children with pediatric glaucoma through education of others around them and through generous contributions to research efforts,” says Dr. Freedman. “It is truly a privilege to care for patients like Mary-Kathryn Clark and to work with her wonderful family.” To date, the Clark’s memorial fund has raised more than $3,500 for pediatric glaucoma research at the Duke Eye Center. For more information on how you can support the Duke Eye Center, please call (919) 684-3182. VISIoN 2003 Annual Residents’ and Fellows’ Day In June Duke Eye Center faculty and staff gathered again at Duke’s Terry Sanford Public Policy Institute to celebrate the Annual Residents’ and Fellows’ Day. In keeping with tradition, residents and fellows presented on their research projects during the two-day scientific symposium. A banquet was held in the evening in honor of graduating residents and fellows who were leaving the program. Dr. Eugene de Juan, Jr., MD, an alumnus of Duke Eye Center and CEO and professor of ophthalmology at the Doheny Retina Institute in Los Angeles, California, was this year’s honored guest lecturer. Dr. de Juan provided residents and fellows with valuable insight and thought-provoking input on how to design and conduct their research programs. 39 VISIoN Published twice annually for friends of the Duke University Eye Center Duke University Eye Center Planning and Development Office DUMC 3802 Durham, NC 27710 Address Service Requested Non-Profit Org. US POSTAGE PAID Durham, NC Permit #60 Editor: Heather Newbold Contributing Writers: Laura Ertel Kristen Burnette “You can dream, create, design, and build the most wonderful place in the world, but it requires people to make the dream a reality.” ~ Walt Disney Visit Duke Eye Center’s Web Site at: www.dukeeye.org