Mission
Statement
Eye Birth Defects
Research Foundation
Mission
Statement
The purpose of this Foundation is to support both molecular genetic and surgical research into birth defects of the cornea and anterior segment of the eye, many of which result in permanent blindness if left untreated. Secondary goals include providing financial support for surgical treatment for financially disadvantaged individuals who require cornea transplantation, support of research grants at university-based academic institutions and support of genetic eye research at the Medical Genetic Birth Defects Center of the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Mark Goodson building.
The Foundation will endeavor to solicit family pedigrees of individuals with genetic diseases affecting the cornea and support genetic research such as linkage studies to pinpoint genes causing these diseases. Ultimately, it is hoped that the Foundation can develop strategies to provide prenatal counseling and embark on gene therapy in appropriately identified individuals.
Typically, corneal and anterior segment surgery yields very poor results and surgery is extremely complex requiring many support systems in infants born with cloudy corneas. Pediatric corneal surgeons at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Mark Goodson Building have extensive experience in managing these complex problems as well as the appropriate support systems which include: pediatric anesthesia, pediatric intensive care, molecular genetic diagnostic and research laboratories, and genetic counseling services. This expertise will be marketed on a worldwide basis through brochures, videos and the Internet in order to provide unfortunate individuals who do not have access to this type of care an opportunity to prevent blindness in appropriate individuals.
Copyright © 1997 Yaron S. Rabinowitz, M.D. All Rights Reserved
Last modified: 29 Aug 2005 12:00:00 AM