Two scientists discussing lab results in a laboratory.

February 27, 2024

UCSF’s Center for Gould Syndrome!

A news story featuring how Dr. Douglas Gould’s work lead to the opening of the world’s first center of excellence to help families of children with Gould Syndrome is featured on UCSF’s News!

We are pleased to announce a story about the opening of the First Center of Excellence for Gould Syndrome, featuring our Dr. Douglas Gould and his research efforts leading to this new center to help families with children affected by this rare genetic disorder. This center is also includes pediatric ophthalmologist Dr. Alejandra de Alba Campomanes and is the culmination of years of Dr. Gould’s research group’s translational research work to understand the biological functions of a multi-system disorder that is caused by mutations in the genes encoding type IV collagen alpha 1 (COL4A1) and COL4A2. Dr. Gould is a Professor of Ophthalmology and Anatomy and a member of the Institute for Human Genetics, Bakar Aging Research Institute, and Cardiovascular Research Institute.

Learn more about their research here: https://ophthalmology.ucsf.edu/gouldlab/ and read the exciting full news story here: https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2024/02/427141/ucsf-opens-worlds-first-center-excellence-gould-syndrome

News, Patient Care, Research, Spotlight /

November 13, 2023

UCSF at the “AAO 2023 Annual Meeting”

UCSF Ophthalmology and Proctor Foundation Faculty are attending the American Academy of Ophthalmology “AAO 2023” annual meeting in San Francisco, from Friday, November 3rd, 2023 to Monday, November 6th, 2023. Faculty presentations and contributions for the event are listed below.

The Francis I. Proctor Foundation, the Department of Ophthalmology, the Frederick C. Cordes Eye Society, the H. Bruce Ostler Association of Proctor Fellows, and All May See Foundation will host a cocktail reception to showcase the Wayne and Gladys Valley Center for Vision Saturday, November 4, 2023 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm (1st Floor – South Lobby). We are also planning a tribute to Robert L. Stamper, MD, on the occasion of his retirement from 7:00 -7:30 pm in the Hoffman Auditorium that evening. Please RSVP by October 20 to attend.

Faculty Presentations and Contributions

Friday, 11-03-2023

Nailyn Rasool

I Am on Ethambutol—What Should I Look for? (NEU02)

Date: 11-03-2023, Time (PST): 8:43 AM
Location: West 2005 -NEU02
Type: In person Live Broadcast On Demand
Session: Section I: What Meds Is My Patient On? Adverse Reactions of Systemic Medications

John Gonzales

Liquid biospy is positive: no, it’s not lymphoma (PTH02)

Date: 11-03-2023, Time (PST): 8:55 AM
Location: West 2002 – PTH02
Type: In person, On Demand
Session: Ocular Oncology & Pathology

Marc Levin

Older Patient with Vision Loss and Swollen Nerve

Date: 11-03-2023, Time (PST): 10:40 AM
Location: West 2005 – NEU03
Type: In person Live Broadcast On Demand
Session: NEU03: Swollen Optic Nerve II

Catherine Sun

New Frontier in Neovascular Glaucoma

Date: 11-03-2023, Time (PST): 10:50 AM
Location: glaucoma subspecialty day. Esplanade Ballroom – GLA04
Type: In person Live Broadcast On Demand
Session: Section III: Fisherman’s Wharf: Catching Up on New Ideas

Yvonne Ou

Helping Glaucoma Patients at Home With Tools, Such as Nanodropper, iCare HOME2, Home Visual Field

Date: 11-03-2023, Time (PST): 11:18 AM
Location: glaucoma subspecialty day – GLA04
Type: In person
Session: Glaucoma Care at the Golden Gate and Beyond

Ying Han

Non-valve Tube Shunt Surgery

Date: 11-03-2023, Time (PST): 3:30 PM
Location: glaucoma subspecialty day – Esplanade Ballroom GLA06
Type: In person
Session: Glaucoma Care at the Golden Gate and Beyond

Julie Schallhorn

The Demographic Burden of Pediatric Blepharokeratoconjunctivitis

Date: 11-03-2023, Time (PST): 3:30 PM
Location: Poster = PO127
Type: On Demand Only
Session: Cornea, External Disease

Julie Schallhorn

Correlating Corneal, External and Refractive Disorders: Diagnosis and Public Interest

Date: 11-03-2023, Time (PST): 3:30 PM
Location: Poster = PO146
Type: On Demand Only
Session: Cornea, External Disease

Julie Schallhorn

Factors Affecting Patient-Reported Outcomes After Cataract Surgery

Date: 11-03-2023, Time (PST): 3:30 PM
Location: E Poster = RP30075793
Type: On Demand Only
Session: RP30075793

Jessica Shantha

The Milky Way

Date: 11-03-2023, Time (PST): 11:00 AM
“Location: 345 Stockton Street
Grand Ballroom West”
Type: In person
Session: SPEIO

Gerami Seitzman

The Demographic Burden of Pediatric Blepharokeratoconjunctivitis

Date: 11-03-2023, Time (PST): 3:30 PM
Location: Poster = PO127
Type: On Demand Only
Session: Cornea, External Disease

Saturday, 11-04-2023

Nailyn Rasool

Down the Rabbit Hole: What to do when your patient is 20/20 but can’t see well

Date: 11-04-2023, Time (PST): 8:00-9:15 AM
Location: South 304 – 217
Type: In Person
Session: 217

Julie Schallhorn

Section II: Simple Explanation On …… Overview of Topic and Understand Basics

Date: 11-04-2023, Time (PST): 8:00 AM
Location: LAB146A / WEST 3014 – REF03
Type: In Person, Live Broadcast, On Demand
Session: Refractive Surgery

Jessica Shantha

Global Health

Date: 11-04-2023, Time (PST): 10:50 AM
Location: RM 22 North
Type: In person
Session: MOM Program

Julie Schallhorn

Unexplained Vision Loss

Date: 11-04-2023, Time (PST): 12:45 PM
Location: SYM07 / ESPLANADE BALLROOM – SYM07
Type: In Person, Live Broadcast, On Demand
Session: Retina, Vitreous

Jacque Duncan

What’s New in Retinal Degenerations

Date: 11-04-2023, Time (PST): 2:30 PM
Location: retina subspecialty day West 3004 – RET19
Type: In Person Live Broadcast On Demand
Session: Section XVI: Gene and Cell-Based and Neuro-Protection Therapies

Matilda Chan

Instruction course

Date: 11-04-2023, Time (PST): 3:45 PM
Location: West 2020 – Session 287
Type: In person
Session: Effective Peer Review: A Responsibility to Maintain Scientific Integrity

Nailyn Rasool

Curbside Consultation in Neuro-Ophthalmology

Date: 11-04-2023, Time (PST): 3:45-5:00 PM
Location: South 304 – 276
Type: In Person
Session: Curbside Consultation in Neuro-Ophthalmology

Sunday, 11-05-2023

Julie Schallhorn

Special Topics in Uveitis

Date: 11-05-2023, Time (PST): 9:45 AM
Location: SYM30 / WEST 2002 – SYM30
Type: In Person, Live Broadcast, On Demand
Session: Uveitis, Intraocular Inflammation

O’Rese Knight

Glaucoma Care for All: Opportunities and Pitfalls of Artificial Intelligence

Date: 11-05-2023, Time (PST): 9:45 AM
Location: SYM29 / WEST 2005
Type: In Person, On Demand
Session: Glaucoma

Gerami Seitzman

Plasminogen Deficiency: Multi-Organ Disease with Ophthalmic Manifestations

Date: 11-05-2023, Time (PST): 11:10 AM
Location: North Expo 5302
Type: in person
Session:

Julie Schallhorn

Advanced Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSEK/DMEK): Overview and Surgical Pearls

Date: 11-05-2023, Time (PST): 1:00 PM
Location: LAB122A / SOUTH 4
Type: In Person Only
Session: Cornea, External Disease

Jonathan Li

Instruction course

Date: 11-05-2023, Time (PST): 2:00PM – 3:15PM
Location: SOUTH 203-204 – 471
Type: In Person
Session: Myopia Management: Global Perspectives, Digital Innovation and Artificial Intelligence

Charlene Choo (Mentor: Jessica Shantha)

Ophthalmic Sequelae of Ebola Virus Disease in Survivors from Sierra Leone

Date: 11-05-2023, Time (PST): 2:12 PM
Location: West 2006 – OP08/PA044
Type: Oral/paper
Session: Uveitis Original Papers

Alejandra de Alba

Treatment Options for Convergence Insufficiency Exotropia

Date: 11-05-2023, Time (PST): 2:22 PM
Location: WEST 2005 – SYM44
Type: In person, on Demand
Session: Adult Strabismus for the Comprehensive Ophthalmologist

Julie Schallhorn

Laser Surgery and Imaging for Corneal Diseases: When and How

Date: 11-05-2023, Time (PST): 3:45 PM
Location: WEST 2002 – SYM52
Type: In Person, Live Broadcast, On Demand
Session: Cornea, External Disease

Jessica Shantha

Celebrating Global Ophthalmology: Champions of Change and Challenges Ahead

Date: 11-05-2023, Time (PST): 2:00 PM
Location: SYM63
Type: In person, on demand
Session: Celebrating Global Ophthalmology: Champions of Change and Challenges Ahead

Monday, 11-06-2023

Gerami Seitzman

Acanthamoebal Infections

Date: 11-06-2023, Time (PST): 11:40 AM
Location: WEST 2005 -SYM62
Type: In Person, On Demand
Session: Latest Diagnostic and Therapeutic Advancements in Ocular Infections

Clinical Research, Education, Faculty Profile, Honors and Awards, K12, Meeting Announcement, Meeting Presentation, News, Research, Residents & Fellows /

One woman and one man working with scientific equipment in a laboratory.

November 13, 2023

Retinal Regeneration

AUDACIOUS GOALS

What if individuals disabled by retinal vision loss could embark on a journey aboard a rocket that would restore their sight?

The Audacious Goals Initiative, established by the National Eye Institute in 2018, has made it a primary objective to conduct research aimed at creating such a groundbreaking “rocket” within the next 10 to 15 years by restoring vision through regeneration of the retina. Distinguished scientists from across the nation are joining forces, collaborating to push the boundaries of vision science.

A doctor on the phone examining images on a computer screen. — Jay Stewart, MD

With gifts over $2 million thus far, a team of four vision scientists from UCSF are co-leading five-year cross-disciplinary investigations to advance this federal initiative.

Their triumph, along with the success of the entire initiative, holds the potential to revolutionize treatment and outcomes for individuals diagnosed with macular degeneration, glaucoma, inherited retinal disorders, retinal detachments, and traumatic retinal injuries.

Developing new imaging tools

One of the multi-site teams, led by UCSF Ophthalmology Chair, Jacque Duncan, MD, in partnership with Jay Stewart, MD and Deepak Lamba, MBBS, PhD, is diligently working on developing new imaging tools capable of scrutinizing the eye with unparalleled precision. Collaborating with Austin Roorda, PhD (UC Berkeley), and Joseph Carroll, PhD (Medical College of Wisconsin), Dr. Duncan utilizes these advanced tools to record light-sensing cells in patients with healthy retinas. Then they compare the healthy retinas to retinas of those with degenerating cells caused by genetic mutations and patients with retinal detachment after surgical repair.

A man wearing glasses and a black sweater smiling at the camera. — Deepak Lamba, MBBS, PhD

Stem cell biologist Deepak Lamba, MBBS, PhD, and his team are actively engaged in creating research models that increasingly emulate macular characteristics and diseases. Dr. Duncan compares the structure and function of these experimental photoreceptor cells to the images of cells from her patients diagnosed with macular diseases and inherited retinal degeneration. The closer the resemblance between the two, the higher the credibility of the lab-generated model.

Additionally, Dr. Lamba collaborates with Dr. Carroll to evaluate the potential of these cells to integrate into a diseased retina for visual recovery.

In another facet of the research, glaucoma specialist Yvonne Ou, MD, co-leads an investigation to pinpoint biological factors that facilitate neural regeneration in the retina. After scientists from Indiana University, Legacy Devers Eye Institute, and Oregon Health and Science University have transplanted and

A woman smiling in a professional setting. — Yvonne Ou, MD

studied image-transmitting cells in the retina, Dr. Ou’s lab then reconstructs the anatomic circuitry of the transplanted cells to determine to what extent they have integrated within the retina affected by glaucoma.

Collaboration works

In addition to funding, the Audacious Goals Initiative fosters regular collaboration among all the research teams, enabling feedback, information sharing, and input from an advisory group. This collaborative approach has already proven fruitful. As Dr. Duncan states, “With this support, we can fine-tune our approaches mid-course, accelerating discovery. It’s unlike any other federal grant I’ve been awarded.”

News, Research /

November 13, 2023

All May See celebrates 50 years

With special honors to Stephen D. McLeod, MD, and Kathleen Rydar

After a two-year wait to celebrate the 50th anniversary of That Man May See/All May See and pay tribute to the contributions of Stephen D. McLeod, MD, former chair of UCSF Department of Ophthalmology, and Kathleen Rydar, President Emerita, All May See Foundation, the long-anticipated event took place on Thursday, December 1, 2022, at San Francisco’s Chase Center.

Over 150 distinguished guests including University of California and UCSF leadership, faculty, staff, donors, board members and friends united for a delightful cocktail reception, dinner, and live concert featuring Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli. In a heartwarming moment during the event, Michael V. Drake, MD, the 21st President of the University of California and ophthalmologist, surprised Dr. McLeod with the establishment of the Stephen D. McLeod, MD, Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology. Talmadge E. King, Jr., MD, Dean of the UCSF School of Medicine, proudly unveiled the Stephen D. McLeod, MD, Research and Equipment Fund. Dr. McLeod then presented President Emerita Kathleen Rydar with a certificate commemorating the Kathleen Rydar Inspiration Fund. This remarkable initiative has garnered more than $370,000 since its inception in 2020. The occasion also marked the warm welcome of Jacque Duncan, MD, as the new Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology, who was congratulated by All May See Foundation Board Chair John de Benedetti.

The event’s impact extended beyond mere celebration, as it raised $230,000 for vision research. Earlier in the year, a group of 75 generous donors contribute Clinical Specialtiesed $1,040,000 to establish the McLeod Endowed Chair and also to create the research and equipment fund in honor of Dr. McLeod.

With special thanks

We extend sincere gratitude to Don and Judy McCubbin, as well as the Wayne and Gladys Valley Foundation, for their significant contributions as lead donors of the McLeod Endowed Chair. Other notable event sponsors included the Koret Foundation, John Hall and Rebecca Derrington, The Ron Conway Family, Mo and John Pritzker, Nancy and Sandy Robertson, Nancy Voorhees, Leftwich Event Specialists, Inc., and two anonymous donors.

On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff of All May See, we express our heartfelt appreciation to everyone for their overwhelming and generous support.

Photos from the 50th Celebration

Group of six professionals in formal attire at an event. — Ying Han, MD, PhD; Jacque Duncan, MD; Stephen D. McLeod, MD; Nisha Acharya, MD, MS; Neel Pasricha, MD; and, John Gonzales, MD

Two men shaking hands during an award presentation on stage. — Michael V. Drake, MD, President, University of California honors Stephen D. McLeod, MD

Smiling woman with curly hair in a blue shawl. — Honoree Kathleen Rydar, President Emerita, All May See Foundation

Man speaking into a microphone at an event. — John de Benedetti, All May See Foundation Board Chair

Five people smiling at a charity event. — Frank Brodie, MD, MBA; Julie Schallhorn, MD, MS; Julius Oatts, MD; Maanasa Indaram, MD; and, Neeti Parikh, MD

Three individuals posing for a photo in front of a foundation backdrop. — Aparna Lakkaraju, PhD; Talmadge E. King, Jr., MD; and, Nailyn Rasool, MD, FRCPC, FRCSC

Five people posing together at an event. — Stephen D. McLeod, MD; Elise McLeod; Thomas Lietman, MD, Chihori Lietman, MD; and, Marion Faymonville

Two women posing together at an event. — Susan Koret and Helen Kim

Two smiling individuals standing in front of a foundation banner. — Michael Desler and Margaret Desler, MD

Five men posing together at an event. — Xin Duan, PhD; Bryan J. Winn, MD; Reza Vagefi, MD; Jay M. Stewart, MD

Three professionals posing together at an event. — Barbara and Jeff Farber and All May See President, Deborah Chesky

News /

Smiling couple with a stroller in the rain.

November 13, 2023

Lap for Landon: Extending UCSF Ophthalmology’s Impact Beyond the Bay Area

A family with a stroller at an outdoor event. — Brian Woods (dad), Courtney Woods (mom), Everett Woods (brother), and Landon Woods (in stroller)

FAMILY INITIATIVES

The impact of UCSF Ophthalmology reaches far beyond the Bay Area, as exemplified by a heartwarming tribute to Landon, a young boy diagnosed with Gould Syndrome, organized by his family from St. Louis, Missouri. Despite the pouring rain on October 30, 2022, more than 150 adults and children gathered to celebrate Landon’s first birthday through a Lap for Landon walk to raise awareness for his condition.

One-third of infants diagnosed with Gould Syndrome have cataracts or developmental defects leading to early-onset glaucoma. This rare, multisystem disorder named after Douglas Gould, PhD, Professor and Vice President for Research for UCSF Ophthalmology, honors his groundbreaking discovery and tireless research in this area.

The syndrome results from mutations in collagen genes COL4A1 and COL4A2 responsible for the support and reinforcement of body tissues.

The family’s effort contributed over $12,000 from the walk to support Dr. Gould’s vision research, aiming to make a lasting difference in treating this uncommon ailment.

Spreading the word proves fruitful

All May See has raised awareness and funds for Gould Syndrome for more than a year. Our journey began on Rare Disease Day 2022 with a generous $125,000 challenge gift from a Texas family whose 9-year-old son had recently been diagnosed with Gould Syndrome (featured in Vision Summer 2022). On Rare Disease Day and Gould Syndrome Day 2023, we issued a second challenge to reach $250,000 in donations. Through the kind contributions of individuals and families worldwide affected by Gould Syndrome, we have raised over $187,000.

The fund’s purpose is to gain a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms of Gould Syndrome. Dr. Gould’s lab is actively exploring therapeutic avenues, including the potential use of CRISPR gene-editing technology, which holds promise.

The St. Louis family is holding the Second Lap for Landon on Saturday, October 21st. To support this effort in honor of Landon and individuals affected world-wide, please visit the All May See Foundation donation page (allmaysee.org/donate) and select “Lap for Landon 2023” from the drop-down menu under “Designation.”

News, Spotlight /

Two men engaged in conversation at a formal dinner.

November 13, 2023

A Shining Light for Cataract Patients

(above) Michael V. Drake, MD, President of the University of California with Daniel Schwartz, MD

This past spring, a remarkable breakthrough in cataract technology brought renewed hope to patients seeking improved vision. All May See’s President Emerita, Kathleen Rydar, underwent cataract surgery at UCSF, where Associate Professor Julie Schallhorn, MD, MS, performed the procedure using an innovative Light Adjustable Lens™ (LAL). These groundbreaking lenses, developed by UCSF’s very own Daniel Schwartz, MD, in collaboration with Nobel Laureate, the late Robert Grubbs, PhD, and Julia Kornfield, PhD, from Caltech, revolutionize the post-surgery experience for patients by fine-tuning the visual correction using only ultraviolet light.

The origins of the LAL date back 25 years when Dr. Schwartz first envisioned the concept. As a retinal specialist, he was inspired to create an intraocular lens made of a light-sensitive material that could be adjusted non-invasively using a laser after the eye had healed and the refractive errorwas stable. This idea sparked a fruitful collaboration with Dr. Grubbs, leading to the realization of this groundbreaking technology. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the LAL in 2017, offering patients who had undergone cataract surgery the possibility of optimized vision without relying on glasses.

Close-up of a woman with light hair in a dark jacket. — Kathleen Rydar, All May See’s President Emerita

The All May See Foundation played a crucial role in supporting the initial efforts of the collaboration at Caltech, fostering the development of this extraordinary technology.

President Emerita receives light adjustable lenses

One of the first recipients of the LAL at UCSF, Ms. Rydar attests to its effectiveness, expressing her delight at the outcome. After three adjustment sessions, she can now read effortlessly and enjoy the beauty of the world, even spotting wildflowers on mountaintops without the aid of glasses.

A woman in a white coat smiling beside ophthalmology equipment. — Associate Professor, Julie Schallhorn, MD, MS

Dr. Schallhorn, who performed the surgery, emphasizes the significant impact the LAL has had on her surgical practice. While existing techniques for selecting intraocular lens power are highly effective, some patients still require glasses. With the light adjustable lens, the risk of such errors is substantially decreased. Patients can now experience clear vision without their cataract and fine-tune their eyesight to their exact preferences, marking a momentous advancement in post-cataract surgical care.

Dr. Schallhorn is enthusiastic about the future of ophthalmology, particularly with the continuous development of new technologies. Reflecting on the field’s progress over the past 50 years, she marvels at how cataract surgery has transformed from a procedure with significant risk of potential vision loss to a routine
outpatient surgery.

Dr. Schallhorn and her colleagues at UCSF, alongside other visionaries in the field, are committed to exploring new ways to treat vision impairment and continue pushing the boundaries
of ophthalmic innovation.

The Light Adjustable Lens^TM represents a shining beacon of hope for cataract patients, illuminating a future where clearer vision and improved quality of life are within reach for countless individuals around the world.