December 2025
Marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities
December 3 marks the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a global observance dedicated this year to fostering more inclusive societies where people of all abilities can live with dignity, access, and opportunity.
Worldwide, an estimated 1.3 billion people live with a significant disability. According to the United Nations, individuals with disabilities and their families are more likely to experience poverty, discrimination in employment, and unequal access to social protection. Many also face barriers that limit independence, autonomy, and full participation in society.
Vision loss represents a profound portion of this global challenge. Of that 1.3 billion people, an estimated 49.1 million are blind. The leading causes of vision impairment and blindness worldwide include refractive errors, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). For millions, the loss of sight means the loss of independence, connection, and quality of life.
At Doheny Eye Institute, our mission is rooted in changing that reality. Our scientists and clinician-scientists are advancing research that deepens understanding of how vision loss begins and progresses, with a focus on conditions such as diabetic retinopathy and AMD. Through discovery, innovation, and collaboration, we are working to develop better tools to diagnose, monitor, and treat blinding eye disease – so that fewer lives are defined by vision loss.
Since Doheny’s founding nearly 80 years ago, progress in vision science has helped restore sight, preserve independence, and transform what is possible for patients around the world. On this International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we reaffirm our commitment to research that protects vision and helps people live fuller, more independent lives.
To learn more about the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, click here.
Celebrating Doheny’s Top Donors
The generosity of supporters makes it possible for Doheny Eye Institute to advance vision research that leads to meaningful, life-changing discoveries. On November 6, it was our honor to welcome and thank more than 100 of our top donors at our annual Donor Appreciation Evening.
Set amidst the elegant backdrop of The Valley Hunt Club, the evening began with a warm welcome from CEO Marissa Goldberg. Chief Scientific Officer Deborah A. Ferrington, PhD, shared updates on the innovative research made possible through philanthropic support, and Heidi Simpson-Sandoval of Development & Communications, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Doheny’s generous community.
Guests were treated to a beautiful musical performance by virtuoso Cellist Joo Lee and pianist Vanessa Fadial, who transfixed the crowd with “Suite Populaire Espagnole” by Manuel de Falla, “Sonata in A Major” for cello and piano by César Franck, and ”Over the Rainbow” as their encore piece.
It was a pleasure to welcome many members of the Luminaires, along with Doheny Eye Institute Board Members Steve Feldon, Kathleen Duncan, and Jinny Dalbeck. Additional notable attendees from Doheny included Michael Ip, MD, John Irvine, MD, Michael Gilhooley, MD, PhD, Ali Mahdavi Fard, MD, and Emma Lessieur, MD, PhD.
To all who joined us, thank you for an unforgettable evening and, most importantly, for your continued belief in Doheny’s mission. We look forward to connecting with our donors throughout the year ahead and continuing this vital work together.
Looking Ahead: 4th Annual Doheny-UCLA International Retina Symposium
On January 31, global leaders in retina will convene at Doheny Eye Institute for the 4th Annual Doheny-UCLA International Retina Symposium.
This gathering will bring together the leading retina experts to share the latest advances in artificial intelligence and imaging, gene therapy, surgical innovation, and emerging treatments for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Highlights include keynote presentations by Sobha Sivaprasad, MD, FRCOphth, from Moorfields Eye Hospital, UK, and Mark W. Johnson, MD, from the University of Michigan, along with engaging panel discussions and cutting-edge presentations from Doheny and UCLA Stein faculty as well as renowned retinal specialists from Southern California.
Designed for both clinicians and researchers, this symposium offers practical insights and forward-looking science aimed at improving patient care and shaping the future of retinal medicine.
Dr. Ferrington and Dr. Sadda Featured in Ophthalmology Times’ 50th Anniversary Coverage
We are proud to share that two Doheny leaders were featured in Ophthalmology Times’ 50th anniversary coverage spotlighting major advances in eye care: Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Deborah A. Ferrington, PhD, and SriniVas R. Sadda, MD, FARVO, Director of Artificial Intelligence and Imaging Research at the Doheny Eye Institute and Professor of Ophthalmology at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine.
In her interview, Dr. Ferrington discussed how breakthroughs in imaging technologies, artificial intelligence, and stem cell research are accelerating diagnosis, shaping new treatment approaches, and transforming the pace of discovery in ophthalmology. Her insights offer a compelling look at how rapidly evolving research tools are poised to improve patient outcomes in the years ahead. To read more, click here.
In his feature, Dr. Sadda reflected on a memorable “throwback” case from early in his career involving a young pregnant patient who presented with sudden vision loss. At a time when advanced imaging, such as OCT and OCT angiography, was not yet available, and before today’s minimally invasive treatments, Dr. Sadda relied on careful clinical judgment and restraint to guide care. His story offers a powerful perspective on how far retinal imaging and treatments have advanced. Read more about this case here.
Doheny Research Featured in Aging Cell
Doheny Eye Institute researchers have published new findings in the peer-reviewed journal Aging Cell, shedding important light on the biological processes that drive vision loss as we age.
The study, co-authored by Doheny scientists, Drs. Sreekumar Parameswaran, Ram Kannan, and Srinivas Sadda, explores how age-related changes at the cellular level can disrupt the health of the retina, the light-sensing tissue at the back of the eye that is essential for clear, detailed vision. As these microscopic changes accumulate over time, they can increase vulnerability to retinal disease and contribute to progressive vision impairment.
By better understanding how aging affects the eye at its earliest stages, Doheny scientists are helping to uncover new opportunities for earlier diagnosis, targeted treatment, and ultimately prevention of blinding disease. This kind of foundational research is critical to protecting vision as the global population continues to age.
This publication reflects Doheny’s longstanding leadership in vision science and its commitment to translating discovery into potential real-world impact for patients. Through continued innovation and collaboration, Doheny researchers are working to preserve sight and improve the quality of life for millions of people affected by age-related eye disease.
To learn more about the significance of this publication and its potential ramifications for the future of vision care, visit https://doheny.org/news/featured-news/new-study-published-in-aging-cell-co-authored-by-doheny-scientists/.
Year-End Tax Planning Seminar & Breakfast Connects Supporters with Science at Doheny
On November 18, Doheny Eye Institute welcomed approximately 40 guests for a Year-End Tax Planning Seminar & Breakfast focused on year-end strategies and planning for 2026. The morning began with an inspiring update from Deborah A. Ferrington, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer, who shared the latest advances in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) research and the promising work underway at Doheny.
Following Dr. Ferrington’s presentation, guests received year-end tax planning insights from Erik Hendrickson, ChFC®, of Northern Trust, with a forward-looking focus on preparing for 2026. The discussion offered a helpful perspective as supporters consider their charitable plans.
After the presentations, attendees enjoyed a guided behind-the-scenes tour of several Doheny research laboratories, offering a firsthand look at where discovery happens and how philanthropic support directly fuels progress in vision science.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us for this meaningful morning and to our featured speakers for generously sharing their time and expertise. Events like this strengthen the connection between our supporters and the life-changing work taking place at Doheny every day.