Research to Prevent Blindness

The Department of Ophthalmology at the OU College of Medicine and the Dean McGee Eye Institute have received two prestigious grants from the world's largest vision research philanthropy.   Research to Prevent Blindness, Inc. of New York has awarded Michelle C. Callegan, Ph.D. a $55,000 RPB Lew R.Wasserman Merit Award.     David W. Parke II, M.D. Edward L. Gaylord Professor and Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology and President of the Dean McGee Eye Institute will direct a $110,000 RPB Unrestricted Grant in support of vision research.

Dr. Callegan is one of only 84 scientists at 37 institutions who have been honored with the Wasserman Merit Award since its establishment over a decade ago. "RPB has a long-standing relationship with the University of Oklahoma, recognizing their institutional commitment to vision research and reflecting the high quality of their science," commented David F. Weeks, Chairman of RPB.

"This funding will support our research into the mechanisms and treatment of bacterial infections of the eye, particularly those that have diabetes," stated Michelle C. Callegan, Ph.D.

According to Dr. Parke, since its inception in 1960, RPB has become the most respected vision research philanthropy in the world, having channeled hundreds of millions of dollars to institutions throughout the United States for the study of blinding eye diseases.   The current awards brings RPB's total support of the University of Oklahoma and the Dean McGee Eye Institute to nearly 4 million dollars, ranking them in the Top Ten in the nation in grants received.