May 2026
Yuhua Zhang, PhD, Named Chairholder of the Carolyn and Chuck Miller Endowed Chair for Vision Research
We are proud to announce that Yuhua Zhang, PhD, has been named chairholder of the Carolyn and Chuck Miller Endowed Chair for Vision Research. This prestigious appointment recognizes Dr. Zhang’s outstanding leadership and pioneering contributions to vision science and will support his continued work advancing innovative imaging technologies at Doheny.
Recap: Doheny Eye Institute Showcases Global Leadership in Vision Research at ARVO 2026
From May 3-7, thousands of the world’s leading vision scientists and ophthalmologists gathered in Denver for the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) Annual Meeting, which is widely regarded as the most important global conference in vision research.
Doheny demonstrated a strong and visible presence, with more than 25 scientists, clinician scientists, and research fellows presenting across more than 20 sessions, contributing to critical advances in the understanding and treatment of eye disease.
In addition to its strong scientific presence, Doheny also co-hosted two highly anticipated annual events with UCLA: the Doheny-UCLA Breakfast Forum and the Annual Alumni Reception.
Doheny Research Presentations
Doheny-led research presented at ARVO included:
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- New findings in dry and wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- Biochemistry and molecular biology of the retina
- Adaptive optics and molecular imaging
- Advances in optical coherence tomography
- Neuro-ophthalmology
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- Artificial intelligence in retinal disease research
- Gene therapy for Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON)
- Advances in diabetic retinopathy
- Innovative imaging technologies
Doheny-UCLA Annual Breakfast Forum
On May 3, more than 65 ARVO attendees joined the Doheny-UCLA Breakfast Forum, “Eye on Innovation: Cutting-Edge New Approach Methodologies (NAM) in Ophthalmology.” The discussion highlighted how emerging research models, including retinal organoids, microfluidic systems, and AI-driven approaches, are accelerating discovery and reshaping the future of science.
We thank our Chief Scientific Officer Deborah A. Ferrington, PhD, and Roxana A. Radu, MD, of UCLA Stein Eye Institute, for leading this engaging and forward-looking conversation.
Annual Alumni Reception at ARVO
On May 4, more than 170 alumni, faculty, and partners joined us for our annual reception. It was an evening that reflected the strength and reach of the Doheny community. The event welcomed distinguished leaders from the National Eye Institute and the Foundation Fighting Blindness, underscoring Doheny’s role within the broader vision research ecosystem.
As part of the evening, four Doheny trainees with outstanding ARVO presentations were recognized, with grants awarded by the Doheny Professional Alumni Association. This year’s recipients are Mai Alhelaly, Maryam Golmohammadi, Ruixue Lu, and Nathan Vu, and they were honored for their exceptional research, spanning topics from diabetic macular edema and optic neuropathies to retinal imaging and age-related macular degeneration. These awards reflect Doheny’s commitment to supporting emerging investigators and advancing excellence in vision research.
We thank all who joined us and look forward to reconnecting at our next alumni event this fall during the American Academy of Ophthalmology Annual Meeting 2026 in New Orleans.
Doheny In the News
As a result of the innovative research presented at the ARVO Annual Meeting, several of our scientists and clinician-scientists were featured in national ophthalmic media, highlighting the impact of Doheny’s work on advancing the understanding and treatment of eye disease.
We invite you to explore recent coverage:
- SriniVas Sadda, MD, FARVO, was featured in Ophthalmology Times and Retinal Physician.
- Giulia Corradetti, MD, was featured in Ophthalmology Times.
- Michael Ip, MD, was featured in Ophthalmology Times.
- Pasadena Now covered the news of how many Doheny experts were selected to present at ARVO 2026.
We look forward to sharing additional media coverage in the coming weeks!
If you are interested in learning more about the research driving these discoveries or exploring how you can help accelerate this work, we invite you to connect with our team at .
Planned Giving Luncheon – June 18
Members of Doheny’s Circle of Caring are invited to attend our annual Planned Giving Luncheon on June 18.
Guests will hear from Dr. Deborah Ferrington, who will share insights into transformational research underway at Doheny, as well as Jeff Ruderman of Capital Group, who will discuss tax-advantaged strategies for philanthropic planning. This invitation-only event celebrates individuals who have made a lasting commitment to Doheny through a planned gift, helping to advance vision research for future generations.
If you are interested in joining the Circle of Caring or being part of our donor community and exploring how you can create a meaningful legacy at Doheny Eye Institute, we welcome the opportunity to connect with you. Email to learn more.
Marissa Goldberg and Deborah A. Ferrington, PhD, Named to the Los Angeles Business Journal Women of Influence: Healthcare 2026 List
Marissa Goldberg
Chief Executive Officer
Deborah Ferrington, PhD
Chief Scientific Officer
Doheny Eye Institute CEO Marissa Goldberg and Chief Scientific Officer Deborah A. Ferrington, PhD, have been named to the Women of Influence: Healthcare 2026 list by the Los Angeles Business Journal.
This recognition highlights their leadership in advancing vision research and guiding Doheny’s efforts to drive scientific discovery and innovation in ophthalmology.
Ms. Goldberg and Dr. Ferrington were selected for their commitment to strengthening Doheny’s role as a leader in vision research and for their impact in advancing the understanding and treatments of eye disease.
To read the Los Angeles Business Journal’s profiles, please visit:
• Marissa Goldberg, visit this link.
• Deborah A. Ferrington, PhD, visit this link.
We congratulate both leaders on this well-deserved recognition and thank them for their continued commitment and dedication to Doheny’s mission.