One of the great frontiers of research in the quest to improve eye health involves stem cells. It’s exciting, but the terms are often confusing, and even controversial. Because I see this research as a vital avenue for our patients, I want to use this space to explain precisely how we conduct this research at Doheny Eye Institute, using only adult stem cells, not embryonic stem cells.
Last month, two of our colleagues, Dr. Olivia Lee and Dr. Laura Vickers, made an extraordinary trip to Mongolia, where they performed corneal transplant surgeries on several patients, including a three-month-old boy. The trip resulted in restored eyesight for many and an exchange of information between doctors that can mean so much for patients in the future.
President-elect Donald Trump may just be intent on looking into the future. But it’s clear that he is often squinting. We asked Doheny Eye Institute Dr. John Irvine, a specialist in conditions of the cornea and external eye, to answer a couple of questions about issues for squinters.
The US-China Cornea Forum that took place during the American Academy of Ophthalmology fall conference in Chicago was a first. I’m happy to say the gathering was a direct result of Doheny’s enduring emphasis on international collaboration.
Hear two of our most-listened-to episodes in this one encore edition. First, Dr. Olivia Lee and Dr. Laura Vickers share insights from their mission to Mongolia, where they trained colleagues in corneal transplants. Plus, a conversation with Dr. Alfredo Sadun, about advances in gene therapy, and his on-going international research in the quest to cure Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy.
Dr. Ben Bert discusses two more recalls of eye drops with KNX In Depth’s Charles Feldman and Rob Archer. Learn more about potential contamination risks that could lead to serious injury or vision problems.