For more information:
Laura Schwartz
Phone: (800) 301-2020 ext. 112
E-mail: [email protected]
Prevent Blindness Awards Research Fellowships
Vision Research Key to Preventing Devastating Effects of Vision Loss
Columbus, OH (June 23, 2016)–The incidence of vision impairment and vision loss increases as the population ages and with 12,000 Ohioans turning 60 every month, the number of people with impaired vision, including blindness, could sky-rocket. To curb this growth, preventive steps must be taken including increased vision research, access to care, and education.
“The growth of vision loss and the overall impact of vision problems on individuals, their families and our society inspired the Ohio Affiliate of Prevent Blindness to establish the Young Investigator Student Fellowship Award for Female Scholars in Vision Research, said Sherry Williams, President & CEO of Prevent Blindness. “Our goal is to encourage female scientists at the beginning of their careers to pursue vision research that can contribute toward the early detection and treatment discoveries that will be needed to curb the growth of vision loss,” Williams continued.
Prevent Blindness is proud to announce that two Fellowship grants have been awarded to:
Alexandra Castillejos from Case Western Reserve School of Medicine is investigating the role of matricellular proteins and extra cellular matrix in the progression of glaucoma. Glaucoma causes the loss of peripheral or side vision. Once vision is lost, it cannot be restored. Remaining vision often can be saved with treatment. It is estimated that approximately 106,000 Ohioans have open-angle glaucoma.
Cornelia Peterson from The Ohio State University College of Optometry is studying the use of insulin to help heal corneal epithelial cells and improve the integrity of the cornea. Simple corneal wounds usually heal quickly and without scarring, but people with diabetes often exhibit more fragile corneas and can experience delayed and painful wound healing. Diabetic corneal wounds can be difficult to treat and can result in persistent injuries. If proven successful, insulin will be a new therapy for corneal wounds which could benefit millions worldwide.
Prevent Blindness is accepting applications for its 2017 Young Investigator Student Fellowship Awards for Female Scholars in Vision Research. Grants will be awarded for the summer 2017 session. The deadline for receipt of applications is February 15, 2017. Applicants must be post-baccalaureate students enrolled in either a Master’s or Doctorate program, female citizens or permanent residents of the United States and conducting their fellowship project with a recognized academic institution in the State of Ohio. For more information about the Fellowship and/or to access an application form, contact Prevent Blindness at 800-301-2020 ext. 112 or [email protected]. To download the application, go to: http://ohio.preventblindness.org/young-investigator-student-fellowship-awards-female-scholars-vision-research
About Prevent Blindness
Founded in 1908, Prevent Blindness is the nation’s leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight. The Ohio Affiliate of Prevent Blindness is Ohio’s leading volunteer nonprofit public health organization dedicated to prevent blindness and preserve sight. We serve all 88 Ohio counties, providing direct services to more than 800,000 Ohioans annually and educating millions of consumers about what they can do to protect and preserve their precious gift of sight. For more information or to make a contribution, call 800-301-2020. Or, visit us on the web at www.pbohio.org or facebook.com/pbohio.
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