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ANNUALREPORT2017/18

T H A T A L L W H O L O O K M A Y S E E . ®

Annual Report 2017/18 3Annual Report 2017/18

CHASE THE VISION, NOT THE SUPPORT. THE SUPPORT WILL END UP FOLLOWING YOU.

RESEARCH STRATEGYUnlike many larger research institutions, our research model is to identify a problem directly impacting those with vision problems now and immediately address those problems.

Many institutions are bound by layers of red tape. Their model may include identifying a funding source and then trying to find an issue they can address that fits that funders criteria.

Our model allows a direct and immediate impact for those with vision challenges. Life is short; providing people with the best vision possible is our top priority.

About Us & Table of Contents 02

Strategic Goals and Organizational Values 04

Executive Statement & Research Focus 06

Other Research Areas & Collaborations 08

New Treatment for Fuchs’ dystrophy in Development 10

Treasurer’s Report 12

Research: How it Works & Publications 14

Publications 16

Global Reach through Presentations 18

Our Supporters 20

Our Supporters & Events 22

CONTENTS

“That all who look may see.”®C O R N E A . O R G

ABOUT USThe Cornea Research Foundation of America, a 501(c)3 nonprofit (ID: 31-1243592), was founded in 1988 by Francis W. Price, Jr., MD, with a focus on advancing cornea transplant outcomes. Since that time, our pioneering work in developing new techniques has helped change the way we treat people with Fuchs’ dystrophy, keratoconus, glaucoma and more.

Matthew T. Feng, MD

Philip Gibson

Donald Hutchinson

Larry Kaelin

David Kendall, MD

Michael Mullen

Monica Rosenfeld

Harry Scheid

BOARD OF DIRECTORSJuly 1, 2017 - June 30, 2018

Francis W. Price, Jr., MD - President

F.W. Grube - Vice President (ending 2017)

Robert Grimm - Vice President (beginning 2018)

Michael W. Dickerson - Treasurer

Terry Coyle - Secretary

Annual Report 2017/184 Annual Report 2017/18 5

ISN’T IT AMAZING?Without vision research conducted over the last 30 years at the Cornea Research Foundation of America and other institutions, many new advances in vision care may not have been possible.

More people would have faced severe visual challenges with full-thickness cornea transplants, rather than the fast-healing DSEK and DMEK transplants. Developments in the treatment of glaucoma, cataracts and many other problems would still be in the dark ages of ophthalmology. Young people would still be in glasses or more susceptible to infection through contact lens use rather than having one-time LASIK refractive surgery to optimize their vision. There would be fewer allergy and dry eye medications to treat those chronically irritating conditions. Transplant patients would be on stronger steroids causing additional complications, and more.

Our Strategic Goals Include:

Pioneering improvements in cornea transplants to improve outcomes for patients and families

Providing new vision restorative treatments to patients through clinical studies

Leading education for ophthalmic surgeons, optometrists and patients

“That all who look may see.”®

I consider myself deeply fortunate that my transplant was successful but what I think is even more amazing is that Dr. Price, though his research and surgical skills, has made this readily available to so many people worldwide.

We are so thankful to the many research partners, and our supporters who, for the past 30 years have helped us pave the way for innovation through better vision correction treatments and medications. What’s next? We conduct a multitude

of studies each year, with a focus on advances in corneal transplantation. We conduct two types of studies: the first is physic ian-sponsored, meaning we identify a problem and work for a solution. We also participate in industry-sponsored studies to evaluate new medications, such as those for dry eye or allergies, or even steroids. These studies lead to the discovery of innovative new procedures and treatments that we work to make available to patients across the world.

Research & Innovation

We share study findings and information through relevant communication channels in order to reach a global audience. We frequently publish our findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals and are invited to present to other doctors at national and international ophthalmology meetings and conferences. We host young international doctors for extended periods and also offer surgical procedure-specific Cornea Courses.

Education

There are few more moving moments, if any, than seeing someone whose bandages have been removed after eye surgery, able to see again after the near loss of sight. We enjoy helping give people back the use of their eyes.

Service to Humanity

Dr. Lynn MitchellPatient of Dr. Price

“RISE” VALUESRESEARCH

INNOVATIONSERVICE

EDUCATION

CAN YOU IMAGINE?Using eye drops or a single injection of cells to rejuvenate a cornea instead of a transplant?An eye drop to keep Fuchs’ dystrophy from progressing?A time when glaucoma doesn’t steal sight?

We can imagine. Join us today.


EXECUTIVE STATEMENT

LOOKING AHEAD: 2020 AND BEYOND

Thanks to the support of people like you, the Cornea Research Foundation of America has made significant advances in treating vision impairment caused by conditions that afflict the front part of the eye, including Fuchs’ dystrophy, keratoconus and glaucoma. Our 30-year track record of clinical research has helped develop and refine cornea transplant techniques by providing better visual outcomes to patients. We look forward to a future where even less invasive treatments may be an option and appreciate your support to help us reach that goal.

In this report, we share key activities for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018. We strive for transparency and excellence in stewardship of your investment in sight-restoring research and appreciate your time in reviewing this report.

We have a series of studies underway to investigate a multitude of areas impacting the front part of the eye (page 8). You may have heard of a new procedure which may serve as a substitute for Decemet’s Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK). This procedure, known as Descemet Stripping Only (DSO) or Descemet’s Stripping Without Endothelial Keratoplasty (DWEK), is a hot topic right now. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be able to avoid the need for a cornea transplant? If so, no anti-rejection medications would be necessary, eliminating the most common transplant complication of high intraocular pressure which can lead to glaucoma. We share an in-depth review of this newer procedure (page 10).

In addition to improvements in transplant health, we plan to address several other areas. We plan to address an unmet need by evaluating a new treatment for patients who are unusually far-sighted. The current treatment options for these patients are limited and fraught with possible risk.

Following up on our discovery that traditional glaucoma drainage devices severely curtail cornea transplant survival and create a toxic environment in the front part of the eye, we plan to evaluate the impact of an exciting new glaucoma device.

Nearsightedness is increasing worldwide and is now estimated to affect 4 out of 10 Americans. Children typically begin to become near-sighted during grade school. We plan to evaluate a non-invasive “off-the-shelf” treatment to potentially prevent near-sightedness from ever developing.

With sincere appreciation of your support,

Dr. Price and Marianne have four children and six grandchildren. Their youngest son, David Price, is currently studying to become a doctor and join the family business, Price Vision Group.

In addition to the work at the Foundation, they frequently serve on professional committees and community B o a r d s .

Francis W. Price, Jr., MD founded the Cornea Research Foundation of America in 1988. In 2002, Marianne O. Price, PhD, MBA began as Executive Director. Together, they are leading a dynamic team of doctors and researchers to work towards a cure for Fuchs’ dystrophy and other visual conditions.

DRS. FRANCIS &

In the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018, we shared our findings in 11 journal publications (page 15) and 36 presentations to surgeons at international eye meetings (page 18).

A key focus of our research has been: How can we prevent up to 30% of patients from experiencing steroid-induced glaucoma? After all we don’t want to solve one problem, Fuchs’ dystrophy, with a cornea transplant and ultimately create another problem, glaucoma.

Our series of studies to optimize steroid eye drop dosing and duration for prevention of transplant rejection significantly reduced steroid complications. However, some patients still develop high pressure in the eye, known as elevated intraocular pressure or IOP. Therefore, we initiated 2 additional studies:

This National Eye Institute funded study is investigating the genetic reasons why patients experience steroid-induced glaucoma. We are enrolling 800 patients who had DMEK or DSEK, took Pred forte®1% for at least a year and are willing to provide a saliva sample for analysis. Can we create a genetic test that will identify who is at risk? This study may also shed light on the genetic basis of open-angle glaucoma.

Fuchs’ Genetic Study

This study is evaluating whether a new drop used in combination with the steroids prescribed after a transplant can prevent steroid-induced glaucoma (which occurs in up to 30% of patients). Graft rejection is a serious risk for transplant failure. The steroids used to prevent it can cause the eye’s drain to clog, causing elevated pressure. We have investigated reducing or stopping drops, but this is the first study which adds a preventative drop to our post-operative regimen.

Rock Inhibitor Study

MARIANNE PRICE

RESEARCH FOCUS

Annual Report 2017/188 Annual Report 2017/18 9

ADDITIONAL CURRENT STUDIES

In addition to the ROCK Inhibitor Study to Prevent Cornea Transplant Complications and the Fuchs’ Genetic Study, we have several other initiatives underway, including:

Further refine DMEKin new analyses------------------------------------We continue to improve DMEK through new imaging methods, tissue insertion techniques and more, to optimize visual outcomes.

Artificial Irisimplant study------------------------------------We showed this implant helped people with congenital aniridia or traumatic eye injuries, resulting in U.S. FDA “breakthrough device” approval in 2018!

Finding causes ofFuchs’ and keratoconus------------------------------------We collect corneal tissue from transplant patients to help identify the underlying causes of these two leading causes of corneal transplantation.

Contact-lens relatedeye infections------------------------------------We are conducting a genetic study to find out why certain people are more susceptible to contact lens -related eye infections.

New treatments toalleviate painful dry eye------------------------------------Dry eye is common, affecting 10% of the population, and can be debilitating, particularly after eye surgery. We continue to investigate new, innovative treatments.

New Treatment foreyelid lesions in children------------------------------------This painful condition can cause signifigant visual problems. We are evaluating drops to encourage healing and prevent recurrence.

Case Western Reserve UniversityIndiana UniversityMassachusetts Eye & Ear at Harvard Medical SchoolTufts UniversityUniversity of Chicago

Joining together with others helps multiply the probabilities

of success by maximizing each other’s strengths.

COLLABORATIONS.


BEYOND A TRANSPLANT:

We are always looking for better ways to help patients with Fuchs’ dystrophy. That is why we helped lead the evolution of corneal transplants from full thickness grafts (penetrating keratoplasty) to PLK/DLEK to DSEK to DMEK. Interest is building now to eliminate the transplant altogether and allow a person’s own endothelial cells to regenerate in a procedure called Descemet Stripping Only (DSO) or DWEK (Descemet Stripping Without Endothelial Keratoplasty).

The corneal endothelium is a single layer of cells that lines the back surface of the cornea. These cells pump water out of the cornea to keep it clear. In Fuchs’ dystrophy the corneal endothelial cells become unhealthy and die off, starting in the center and moving outward over time. This allows fluid to build up in the cornea causing swelling and hazy vision.

The corneal endothelial cells are attached to a thin membrane called Descemet’s membrane. In Fuchs’ dystrophy, abnormal deposits called “guttae” accumulate on Descemet’s membrane. These deposits cause glare and impair vision. Currently the only way to restore vision is with a transplant.

DRS. FRANCIS &

MARIANNE PRICE

Two potential benefits of DSO excite us:

First, there is no risk of graft rejection (0% rejection rate) because we are not putting a graft into the eye. Second, patients would not need to use anti-rejection eye drops long-term, thereby reducing their risk of developing high intraocular pressure and glaucoma risk. We know that the primary complication for cornea transplants is high intraocular pressure with long-term steroid use.

Concerns and areas for further optimization are:

A healthy endothelium compared to a diseased endothelium. These guttae are like water drops on a windshield (guttae mean raindrops in Latin). They distort the light coming into the cornea and also cause glare and halos and must be removed to improve vision.

DMEK is a tried and true treatment for Fuchs’ dystrophy in which we remove the central corneal endothelium and Descemet’s membrane and implant donor tissue consisting of healthy endothelial cells and a clear Descemet’s membrane without guttae. DMEK provides rapid and reliable visual recovery within 2 days to one month after surgery with minimal risk of immunologic graft rejection (<1% with appropriate use of eye drops). The long-term graft survival is excellent.

NEW TREATMENT FOR FUCHS’ DYSTROPHY IN DEVELOPMENT

DSO can be compared to scraping just the central portion of your car windshield once it has iced over. Removing just the central portion of ice may help you see clearly from one area, but your vision is still reduced in the outer area.

The cornea (all 5 layers) is about the thickness of a credit card.

With DMEK, only the back endothelial layer on Decemet’s Membrane is transplanted. It’s just ~20 microns thick!

With Descemet’s Stripping Only, (DSO) only, a smaller area of Descemet’s membrane is removed along with the guttae causing vision loss and no donor endothelium is transplanted.

During the next few weeks to months, endothelial cells from the peripheral cornea start to move in and repopulate the central cornea. DSO is a redistribution of existing cells. With DMEK, unhealthy cells are replaced with donor cells through the transplanted tissue.

• With DSO the rate of corneal clearing is less predictable and generally slower than it is with DMEK. DSO requires more patience from patients.

• The area treated with DSO is relatively small – it’s only ¼ as large as the area we treat with DMEK. A small treatment zone (about 4 mm diameter) facilitates corneal clearing, but the guttae will continue to progress outside of the treated area. Our biggest concern is with glare and quality of vision at night, when the pupil is dilated, because many people have a dilated pupil

• A third concern is that corneal endothelial cells do not seem to regenerate after early childhood, so the cells that move in from the periphery to repopulate the central cornea after DSO are older adult cells affected by Fuchs’ dystrophy. We aren’t sure how soon these aging cells will deposit guttae and how long they will be able to maintain corneal clarity. DSO may be a strategy for delaying the need for a cornea transplant.

We are pleased to offer DSO to interested patients with our research partner, Price Vision Group, as we continue to work to optimize the outcomes.

Looking ahead, cell culture techniques are improving, and someday we may be able to harvest stem cells from your blood and reprogram them to become corneal endothelial cells. In the meantime, DMEK is an excellent option for rapid visual improvement and rehabilitation.

We certainly live in an exciting time with advancements occurring continually around the world. So stay tuned!

diameter larger than 4 mm. We’ve found that the lenses we implant with cataract surgery need to have an optical zone at least 6 mm in diameter to avoid glare and haloes at night, but cornea clearing after DSO is slower and less reliable with a 6-mm treatment zone.

Program Services

91%

Management & General

5%

Fundraising4%

OUR

SOURCES

OF

INCOME

MICHAEL DICKERSONBOARD TREASURER

Michael Dickerson provides strong financial oversight as Treasurer for the Cornea Research Foundation of America. With nearly 30 years of experience in banking, including commercial lending and private banking services, Mr. Dickerson manages credit risk and loan quality for Huntington National Bank as Vice President & Senior Portfolio Manager.

He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of IndianapOlis and a Master of Business Administration in Finance from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana.


BALANCE SHEETAssets 2018 2017CURRENT ASSETS

Cash and Cash Equivalents 342,331 351,815

Investments 802,661 671,591

Accounts Receivable 7,695 23,941

Total Current Assets 1,152,687 1,047,347

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, AT COST

Property and Equipment 141,926 141.926

Less: Accumulated Depreciation (141,926) (134,947)

Property and Equipment, Net - 6,979

Total Assets $1,152,687 $1,054,347

Liabilities and Net AssetsCURRENT LIABILITIES

Accounts Payable 12,396 3,037

Accrued Payroll and Other Liabilities 14,467 18,104

Total Current Liabilities 26,863 21,141

NET ASSETS

Unrestricted 1,125,824 1,025,435

Temporarily Restricted - 7,750

Total Net Assets 1,125,824 1,025,435

Total Liabilities and Net Assets $1,152,687 $1,033,185

ANNUALFINANCIAL REVIEW

Our annual financial review for the fiscal year ended 6/30/18 was conducted by CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP, in accordance with Statements on Standards for Accounting and Review Services.

91%DIRECT PROGRAM

CliftonLarsonAllen determined 91 percent of funds received supported direct research and educational program services which is consistent with prior years.

$1M+TOTAL ASSETS

2017 marked the first time in our 30 year history with net assets over $1M positioning CRFA towards improving current treatment options for complex conditions.

TREASURER’S REPORTFor the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018, the Cornea Research Foundation reported total revenue of $558,452. This was less than the total revenue of $747,857 in the prior year, primarily due to an anticipated reduction in research study revenue from sponsored studies.

Expenses totaled $465,813 compared to $566,428 the prior year. The $100,000 decrease was anticipated due to the planned decrease in participation of sponsored studies for the year.

STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES2018 2017 TOTAL TOTAL

REVENUE AND CONTRIBUTED SUPPORT

Contributions 279,386 315,989

Research Study Income 97,100 248,935

Seminar Income 31,785 34,966

Golf Classic Sponsorship and Other 51,141 48,239

In-Kind Contributions 90,311 97,050

Interest Income 20,798 16,743

Net Realized and Unrealized Loss on Investments

(12,069) (14,065)

Net Assets Released from Restriction - -

Total Revenue and Contributed Support $558,452 $747,857

EXPENSES

Program Services 423,644 520,745

Supporting Services:

Management & General 23,452 26,708

Fundraising 18,717 18,975

Total Expenses $465,813 $566,428

CHANGE IN NET ASSETS 92,639 181,429

Net Assets - Beginning of Year 1,1033,185 851,756

NET ASSETS - END OF YEAR $1,125,824 $1,033,185

HOW

WE

STEWARD

OUR FUNDS


Our studies are monitored by an Independent Review Board (IRB) to ensure compliance with regulations. Patients are then enrolled via online and/or in-clinic invitation.

Study Setup & Patient Enrollment

Since we do not have a laboratory on site, we often partner with research institutions who have similar interests with lab capabilities.

Collaborations

We identify study opportunities through patient observations in our partner clinic, Price Vision Group, at eye meetings around the globe, or via personal invitation.

Identify Opportunities

We share findings of our studies through all revelant channels including journal publications, website and live presentations to ensure maximum reach. Through sharing of study findings, we often identify new partners via dynamic discussions at eye meetings.

Share, Share, Share

We analyze the results to learn if our hypothesis was accurate. In some cases, additional studies are developed based on the findings of a study.

Results Analyzed

RESEARCH: HOW IT WORKS Highly effective research begins with making good decisions about which studies to conduct, maximizing the return of your time and financial investment. We do our best to steward our contributions wisely and conduct truly innovative research by staying current on the research others are performing and addressing the most pressing problems our patients currently face.

RESEARCH: PUBLICATIONS

Leading eye journals select research manuscripts based on subject matter, innovation, and

anticipated impact. Our findings are selected for publication at a higher rate than many

institutions because we work quickly to design, implement, conduct innovative studies, and

prepare our findings in a timely manner to stay on the cutting edge.

1. Price DA, Kelley M, Price FW Jr, Price MO. Five-Year Graft Survival of Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (EK) versus Descemet Stripping EK and the Effect of Donor Sex Matching. Ophthalmology. 2018;125:1508-1514.

CONCLUSIONS: This two-part study compared the 5-year survival rates of DMEK vs. DSEK, and evaluated whether matching the donor and recipient sex affects the number of rejection episodes and graft survival. We reviewed 2,017 consecutive cases (1,312 DSEK and 705 DMEK) performed by 13 surgeons between 2003 and 2012 and included the surgeons’ first cases.

Our first important finding was that DMEK and DSEK both had favorable 5-year survival rates of 93%. The risk of experiencing a graft rejection episode was higher with DSEK (8% in 5 years vs. 3% with DMEK), but most rejection episodes were mild and the graft usually could be saved with increased corticosteroid eye drops.

Our second important finding was that sex matching the donor and recipient provided no survival advantage with DSEK or DMEK. This finding was in direct contrast to a widely-publicized study from the UK which suggested that female patients with Fuchs’ dystrophy experience better graft survival if they receive a donor cornea from a female rather than a male. A key difference between our study and the UK study was that theirs primarily included full thickness grafts, which have much higher rates of graft rejection. Given that Fuchs’ dystrophy patients are more likely to be female and tissue donors are more likely to be male, the logistics of sex-matching donors and recipients would be challenging. Our findings provide reassurance that Fuchs’ dystrophy patients can expect high graft survival rates with DSEK and DMEK, regardless of the donor sex.

2. Price MO, Lisek M, Kelley M, Feng MT, Price FW Jr. Endothelium-in Versus Endothelium-out Insertion With Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty. Cornea. 2018;37:1098-1101.

We found that the results were similar with different methods of folding or curling the graft for insertion, suggesting that the choice is a matter of surgeon preference. This type of careful comparison is important as we continue to refine DMEK and educate surgeons who have just begun their DMEK training.

Continued...

CONCLUSIONS: Surgeons have developed different methods of inserting DMEK grafts into patients’ eyes, and often feel their personal method is superior. We performed a head-to-head comparison of different insertion methods in 754 consecutive DMEK cases performed by 2 experienced surgeons to treat Fuchs’ dystrophy.


3. Kocaba V, Katikireddy KR, Gipson I, Price MO, Price FW, Jurkunas UV. Association of the Gutta-Induced Microenvironment With Corneal Endothelial Cell Behavior and Demise in Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2018;136:886-892.

CONCLUSIONS: Fuchs’ dystrophy is characterized by drop-like deposits called guttae that form on a layer of the cornea called Descemet’s membrane. These deposits distort vision and cause the endothelial cells, which adhere to Descemet’s membrane to die, eventually causing the cornea to become cloudy. This study evaluated the effect of guttae diameter and found that larger guttae have a more negative impact on endothelial cell adherence and survival. Thus removal of large guttae would be necessary to facilitate repopulation of the endothelial cell layer using cell therapy approaches as well as for optimal visual rehabilitation.

4. Katikireddy KR, White TL, Miyajima T, Vasanth S, Raoof D, Chen Y, Price MO, Price FW, Jurkunas UV. NQO1 downregulation potentiates menadione-induced endothelial-mesenchymal transition during rosette formation in Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy. Free Radic Biol Med. 2017;116:19-30.

CONCLUSIONS: This study investigated the effect of oxidative stress on the corneal endothelium in Fuchs’ dystrophy and identified an agent which blocked key stress-induced changes. Further study is needed to more fully evaluate this agent as a potential therapeutic intervention for Fuchs’ dystrophy.

5. Price MO, Lass JH, Price FW Jr. Clinical factors for early and late endothelial cell loss after corneal transplantation. Current Ophthalmology Reports 2018 https://doi.org/10.1007/s40135-018-0179-y.

CONCLUSIONS: In this invited review of the field, we note that cornea transplant longevity is often determined by the health of the endothelial cells lining the inner surface of the cornea. Whenever other layers of the cornea need to be replaced but the endothelium is healthy, the transplant will survive longer if the surgeon uses a transplant technique, such as deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK), which retains the patients’ own endothelium. In cases where the endothelial cell layer is dysfunctional, selective replacement of that layer through a small incision with DMEK or DSEK is far safer and provides much faster visual recovery than a full thickness transplant. With a cornea transplant, early endothelial cell loss is primarily associated with donor tissue preparation and surgical technique, while the greatest risk factor for longer-term endothelial failure is prior glaucoma filtration surgery.

6. Bhadange Y, Lautert J, Li S, Lawando E, Kim ET, Soper MC, Price FW Jr., Price MO, Bonanno JA. Hypoxia and the Prolyl Hydroxylase Inhibitor FG-4592 Protect Corneal Endothelial Cells From Mechanical and Perioperative Surgical Stress. Cornea 2018;37:501-7.

CONCLUSIONS: This study evaluated whether the use of hypoxia (low oxygen) preconditioning can reduce the damage to donor corneas as they are being prepared and inserted during a simulated transplant procedure. We found that hypoxia preconditioning or incubation with FG-4592, a chemical that stimulates a similar protective response, did help protect corneal endothelial cells from death by mechanical stress. Hypoxia-preconditioned human and rabbit corneas showed 19% and 29% less cell loss, respectively, relative to controls, which were both significant at P < 0.05. Likewise, FG-4592 preconditioning reduced endothelial cell loss associated with preparation and insertion of DSAEK grafts by 23% relative to the control (P < 0.01).

7. Doshi H, Pabon S, Price MO, Feng MT, Price FW Jr. Overview of Systemic Candida Infections in Hospital Settings and Report of Candida After DMEK Successfully Treated With Antifungals and Partial Graft Excision. Cornea. 2018;37:1071-1074.

CONCLUSIONS: Most donor corneas are harvested in a hospital setting, and the incidence of hospital-acquired fungal infections is increasing, as are the rates of positive fungal cultures from corneal donor tissue. The risk of post-keratoplasty fungal infection is still low, but creeping up, and these infections are very difficult to treat. We recently treated a donor-associated fungal infection with heavy use of anti-fungal medications plus surgical removal of the fungal colony and adjacent portion of the graft. This successfully eradicated the infection without graft replacement.

8. Crews JW, Price MO, Lautert J, Feng MT, Price FW Jr. Intraoperative hyphema in Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty alone or combined with phacoemulsification. J Cataract Refract Surg 2018;44:198-201.

CONCLUSIONS: Occasionally there is bleeding inside the eye (hyphema) with DMEK. This study evaluated potential risk factors and outcomes. We found that preoperative use of anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication (such as warfarin or aspirin) was not a significant risk factor for hyphema, suggesting that it is not necessary to routinely stop the use of such medications before surgery. Importantly, we found that experiencing hyphema did not significantly affect graft attachment, endothelial cell loss, or visual acuity outcomes.

9. Price MO, Fairchild K, Feng MT, Price FW Jr. Prospective Randomized Trial of Corneal Cross-linking Riboflavin Dosing Frequencies for Treatment of Keratoconus and Corneal Ectasia. Ophthalmology. 2018;125:505-511.

CONCLUSIONS: Corneal cross-linking helps strengthen the cornea to prevent it from becoming further misshapen for patients with keratoconus. Importantly, it can help prevent the need for an invasive cornea transplant. Cross-linking involves application of riboflavin (vitamin B) eye drops to the eye and exposure to UV light to trigger a photochemical reaction. We investigated two riboflavin dosing regimens and determined they both produced an equivalent flattening of the bulging associated with keratoconus and both presented favorable safety profiles.

10. Price MO, Feng MT, Price FW Jr. Patient satisfaction with epithelium-off corneal crosslinking. J Cataract Refract Surg 2018;44:323-328.

CONCLUSIONS: Corneal cross-linking was approved in the United States for treatment of keratoconus in 2016. We had conducted cross-linking studies for 8 years prior to approval and were interested in assessing patient satisfaction with the procedure over time. Therefore, we invited 552 patients to complete an electronic survey and were very pleased with the high participation rate (80%). We found that most patients considered cross-linking to be effective. Satisfaction rates were highest (over 90%) among those who had crosslinking at a younger age and/or earlier stage of keratoconus. This makes sense because crosslinking strengthens the cornea to prevent further keratoconus progression but it does not necessarily reverse changes that have already occurred. Importantly, the perceived efficacy did not vary significantly as a function of follow-up time, suggesting no discernible fading of effect over the 1- to 9-year follow-up period.

11. Lautert J, Doshi D, Price FW Jr, Price MO. Corneal Epithelial Remodeling After Standard Epithelium-off Corneal Cross-linking in Keratoconic Eyes. J Refract Surg. 2018;34:408-412.

CONCLUSIONS: When performing cross-linking for keratoconus, we remove the thin outer layer of the cornea (the epithelium) to improve treatment penetration. Using a special imaging device, we found the epithelial thickness is often irregular in keratoconus and becomes more regular after the treatment - this can slightly mask the true treatment effect.

RESEARCH: PUBLICATIONS

American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery Meeting

NOVEMBER 2017 - Bangkok, TH 1. My surgical pearls for DSEK. Price FW.

2. Learning DMEK Pearls part 1 (graft preparation and injectors). Price FW.

3. Learning DMEK Pearls part 2 (Descemetorhexis, graft injection, orientation, centering and unfolding). Price FW.

4. Early post-op management (pupillary block, glaucoma, rebubbling). Price FW.

5. Combined cataract (triple) EK or sequential EK – why and how? Price FW.

6. EK in complex cases. Price FW.

7. EK complications & management. Price FW.

8. Why EK? The evidence and global status. Price MO.

9. Cornea donors for EK and factors determining EK graft survival. Price MO.

10. EK and glaucoma, what are the concerns? Price MO.

NOVEMBER 2017 - New Orleans, LA

Comparison of 5-year graft survival and rejection episode rates with DMEK vs. DSEK. Price DA, Price MO, Feng MT, Price FW.

NOVEMBER 2017 - New Orleans, LA

1. Comparison of 5-year graft survival and rejection episode rates with DMEK vs. DSEK. (invited paper in Best of the Anterior Segment Society Meetings 2017 Symposium). Price DA, Price MO, Feng MT, Price FW.

2. Randomized prospective study of riboflavin dosing frequency in CXL for progressive keratoconus or ectasia. Price MO, Feng MT, Price FW.

American Academy of Ophthalmology Annual Meeting

Cornea and Eye Banking Forum

Cornea Day: AAO Meeting NOVEMBER 2017 - New Orleans, LA

The use of intraoperative OCT in anterior segment surgery. Price FW, Feng MT. APRIL 2018 - Washington, DC

1. Management considerations for the patient with Fuchs’ dystrophy and cataract. Price FW.

2. Patient satisfaction with epithelium-off corneal crosslinking. Price MO, Price FW.

3. DMEK learning curve for a single surgeon without DSAEK experience: outcomes in first 500 consecutive cases. Feng MT, Price FW, Pabon S, Price MO.


OCTOBER 2017 - Lisbon, Portugal

My worst DMEK case. Price FW.

Netherlands Institute for Innovative Ocular Surgery Cornea Evening

NOVEMBER 2017 - Bangkok, TH

Price FW. EK: new frontier in keratoplasty.

Royal College of Ophthalmologists of Thailand academic meeting

NOVEMBER 2017 - Hyderabad, IN

1. OCT in corneal and anterior segment surgery. Price FW.

2. Basic technique of DMEK. Price FW.

3. Graft insertion methods, unwrapping and centration methods. Price FW.

4. Tips for a successful DMEK in various situations. Price FW.

5. DMEK complications. Price FW.

6. Glaucoma and keratoplasty: how they interrelate. Price FW.

7. Update on keratoplasty survival. Price MO.

8. Research highlights at Price Vision Group and Cornea Research Foundation. Price MO.

9. Getting involved in clinical research. Price MO.

L. V. Prasad Eye Institute Interactive Program

Our Mission: “To give people the opportunity for the best possible vision by innovating

solutions for vision impairment and sharing results through relevant educational

channels to reach a global audience. We expand possibilities and enrich lives by

optimizing sight.”

GLOBAL REACHIn addition to sharing research findings through print and online eye journals, we presented 37 talks to surgeons and leaders of industry across the globe.

Refining Endothelial Keratoplasty Symposium

Dr. Narendra Swarup Oration lecture

NOVEMBER 2017 - Hyderabad, IN

New developments in refractive surgery and how they affect LASIK. Price FW.


1. The use of intraoperative OCT in anterior segment surgery. Price FW.

2. Prospective randomized study of riboflavin dosing frequency in corneal crosslinking for progressive keratoconus or ectasia. Price MO, Price FW.

3. Immunologic rejection after DALK: incidence and risk factors. Price MO, Price FW.

European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Annual Meeting


DMEK trifold technique: fact or fiction – does it aid in unfolding and reduce cell loss? Price FW, Price MO.

European Society of Cornea & Ocular Surface Disease Specialists

Hyderabad Ophthalmological Society meeting NOVEMBER 2017 - Hyderabad, IN

Cornea considerations in cataract surgery. Price MO.

Indiana Academy of Ophthalmology September 2017 - Carmel, Indiana

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot. Complex Case Symposium. Feng, MT.

Focus on Education: Cornea Research Foundation SeminarNovember 2017 - Carmel, Indiana

1. Refractive Surgery Techniques, Technology & Co-management for Optometrists. Price, FW.2. New Directions in Keratoconus Management. Feng, MT.


OUR DONORSEach gift helps pave the way for new and innovative treatments to help those in the coming years to have better visual outcomes when faced with complicated eye diseases like Fuchs’ dystrophy.

Thank you for every gift that helps make these advancements possible.

Our Members:Annie Castelnovo- McMullenElizabeth MeyerJuna Mae BrandenburgRobert and Cindy Grimm

If you would like to make, or have already made, a planned gift to vision research, please contact us at 317-814-2993 so we may properly thank and recognize your intention.

The Visionary Society is our new recognition society for those who have made a planned gift in their will naming Cornea Research Foundation as a beneficiary. We proudly recognize non-binding commitments in this named listing:

VISIONARY SOCIETY

“Having my vision restored after missing out on so many

milestones in my family has truly been a blessing. My only regret

is that I didn’t have the surgery sooner. I look forward to meeting

my new granddaughter later this year with new eyes!”

- Susan, two DMEK cornea transplants

David GlassGeraldine La MottaJoseph M. & Barbara Cohen Foundation, Inc.

Founders Gifts of $25,000+

Humanitarians Gifts of $10,000-$24,999

Bill and Janet GrubeGaughan Family FoundationGeorge and Susan LoeselLawrence MckinzieMead Johnson NutritionVisionFirst: Indiana Lions Eye and Tissue Bank

PatronsGifts of $5,000-$9,999

AnonymousCharlotte BessHomewood Suites - Indianapolis at the CrossingJohn and Cynthia McroskeyPhyllis NevilRobert and Cynthia Grimm

BenefactorsGifts of $2,500-$4,999Charles Stewart Mott FoundationDr. and Mrs. Stephen RosenfeldFidelity Brokerage Service LLCJill S. MollerJohn and Mary ByrnesKenneth AndersonKenneth SwedoPeter LangPrice Vision GroupThe Neff Family Charitable Fund

Bill and Sue SchultzBob JaroninskiCaby ByrneCarol BogosianDavid Kendall, MDDonald and Kathleen SmithDonna JudgeFrances MacAllisterHoliday Inn IndianapolisJack and Gaye SchwarzJack and Patty RunyanJames and Danielle BuchananJohn F. Hanafee, Jr.John KeaneJorge Alberto Villa, Mr.Joseph and Deborah DeRanieriKay E. DonaldsonKent AlderLowell and Linda MayMark and Janet OttMay ChambersMFTC, INC.Michael LapotaMichael MullenMichael SchwietermanNorman HorstmannPatricia A. MorrillRichard D. KibbeyRichard WoodRobert BundyRoger ReichmuthTerry CoyleThe UPS Foundation, Inc.Thomas A. MussonTommy and Bonita ChandlerVern RensingWilliam Lawless

PartnersGifts of $500-$999

Alan and Jean FrisoniAnonymous (4)Art and Cathy MoutonBarbara J. ChaplinBetty NeffBilly and Ruth PriceCliftonLarsonAllenDavid & Susan SlagleDavid and Barbara PoeDavid and Robin FelkinsEditha MastersFrancine K. NeallGayle S. MaffeoHenry A. and Barbara B.ScrogginJames P. & Martha FairfieldJay and Mary SchwartzJeffrey & Laurie PotrzebowskiJim and Marti FlickingerJoan WaldenJoe and Beverly KackJohn DevineJohn FreyKeith and Nancy AlexanderKenneth and Deborah FrazierKG Landscape Design, LLC/Katia GoffinKristina Engineering RoachKurt and Joyce MoserLarry BoehmMarceda HostedMark and Kathie SwaimMr. and Mrs. David GrebePaul MollenauerPhil and Sharon BerrianRalph PowerRider Insurance AgencyRobert TrueRonald WindRussell and Nancy FrankelShari DobbsTerry FordThomas FosterWilliam J. Conley, Jr.William WendlingWilliam Wheeler

FriendsGifts of $250-$499

Alfred and Carol WickAmy G. PosterAnne SimsAnonymous (3)Beth and Wayne LynnBetsy and William FeinbergBill and Rosemary StumboBMO Harris BankBob and Diann BarnettCarol and Tom WoodingDonald HutchinsonEstelle MathersFredric and Myrna GershonHarold and Joy CampbellHarry M. NeffHuntington National BankJewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis, Inc.Joe and Velda BoenitzJohn and Geraldine EarwoodJoseph Benitez Jr., MDKaren and Steven DeGennaroLaura and Steve Lanuti / Motown Property ManagementLenore Anderson EndowmentLeo DaprileLynn and Marsha MitchellMacie SchrinerMark DruryMassMutual Trust CompanyMike and Debra DickersonMr. and Mrs. William D. NorthNancy Toedebusch FayNorwood A. WhitfieldPat and Marvin CavePaul and Pamela SievingPhilip and Patricia GibsonPhillips-Van Huesen CorporationRichard Michael BassettRuth G. BlumStephen SalayThe Charles M. Uhl, Jr., and Teresa D. Uhl Family FoundationThe Mary Jane and John C. McLimans Charitable FundThe O'Connor-Campion Family Charitable FundUPSWalter and Janet Gross

FellowsGifts of $1,000-$2,499

*If you have found an error in this listing or would prefer to be recognized in a different way, please email [email protected]. Thank you!


OUR DONORS

Our New Members:Robert and Cindy Grimmd;flakdfl;asdfkjsdlfkasdflakjsdl;

The Visionary Society is a recognition platform for those who have made a

VISIONARY SOCIETY

Cornea Classic Golf Fundraiser

Focus on Education OD SeminarOur annual Optometry Seminar on November 18, 2017 provided 7 hours of continuing education credit to nearly 200 Midwest optometrists. As the first point of contact in eye care, optometrists must be versed in general eye care as well as the ability to identify complex eye problems and refer to specialists. Focus on Education identifies gaps in care and works to alleviate those gaps by providing relevant, up-to-date information to providers.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Friends Gifts of $100-$249

Alan and Margaret McCallAlan BachtelAlfred Haimbach, Jr.Amazon Smile FoundationAndrew and Wanda EdmondsonAnita BehnAnonymous (3)Anthony and Joyce SchreiberAnthony CarpinoBarry MarklBeth YoheBill and Jo ShipmanBob HicksBonnie and John BittnerCarlos and Mary HickmanCarol A. McMillanCarol and Larry StoufferCarolyn GalyeanCarolyn Investment Co., Inc.Catherine J. WebbChristine and Bob BormannConnie NassCurtis and Elizabeth GrundyD. L. O'HollarenDaniel and Rosemary BlilickiDaniel PratterDavid and Teresa NullDavid CarrDiane C. MeessDon and Christine FitzpatrickDon and Irene BeauvaisDonald and Michele ArgayDonald L. DuffDrs. Francis and Marianne PriceEarl and Martha VogtEdwin KrullEric WadeFermin AkersFrederic and Jane NottGary StaubGeir MagnussonGene and Judy GibsonGeorge and Angela TzakisGeorge and Beverly MattoxGeorge and Elaine MartinGeraldine F WoodsmallGlen and Leila BufordGlen LarsenGreg Scott and Jennifer ScheidGreg Storen / Storen FinancialGuy W. RisleyHank BarnettHarriet ThomasHarry W. LasiterHarry W. ScheidHelen E PettetIvan and Margi JahnsJ. Fred and Barbara Banks

Jack and Aloa RobertsonJacqueline N PaineJames and Julia NeffJames and Mary ShepherdJames and Sue EckelsJames E. Gentry, Sr.James ForryJane and James EwaldJay and Kathryn LustigJeannette BrownJeffrey BollerJerrold W. MelvinJim and Linda BenningJohn & June TroyerJohn and Mary PollockJohn WaldnerJonn HigginsJoseph A. Miller Jr.Joyce NevilJuanita L. MeyerJudith HertKaren A. KissingerKathy Kelley, ODLarry and Colleen KaelinLarry and Joyce ComptonLarry NicoletLarry SebeckisLawrence A. WesnerLeigh MelbyLinda L. HutchinsonMarcia L. OsborneMargaret A MooreMarguerite and Phillip CoilMartha DoubMartha StegerMartin and Linda DavisMary A. GriffinMary Alice AndrewsMary Lynn Brand McIntyreMichael and Joanne AmesMichael GrahamMichael KovatchMichael Thomas, ODMike HarlosMyron and Nancy DickersonPamela Jane VandervortPat and Hal Kuntz and Mike and Melissa McDanielPatricia A. HyderPatricia SherdPatrick and Ann DelehantyPatrick and Nancy RalstonPaul and Sharon WussowPaul RosenauPhyllis HawesRalph and Hope PowerRalph and Linda WendelRichard MoldenhauerRobert StarkweatherRon and Hillary SalatichRon SchemenauerRon Williams

Our annual Cornea Classic Golf Outing was held in June 2018 at Ironwood Golf Course in Fishers, Indiana. We hosted 30 foursomes and raised over $50,000 for vision research! Thanks to everyone who sponsored, volunteered or participated in the event. Next year, we look forward to a new venue at Prairie View Golf Club in Carmel, Indiana. Save the date for June 18, 2019!

Ronald WorzalaRonald and Mildred TalleyRosa E. HuntRussell and Patricia AndersonRuth Ann ClingenpeelRuth LoewensteinSean T. BeenyStanley and Diana KnightStephan Sample W.Stephen HooverSteve RagsdaleSteven HolladayStewart and Sandy HutchinsonTed and Janet DeGarmoTerry SandersonThomas and Julia HuntVera M. AdamsVictor and Carol BaxterWilliam and Carolyn StifleWilliam and Marie BennettWilliam Clark

Friends Gifts up to $99

Alfred Cox, MDAlissa, Matthew and Marlin BrokawAlton HuntsmanAndrea PeacockAngelia M BowersAnn H. MooreAnna BrunswickAnnaBella & Dominador Miranda, Jr.Anonymous (9)Cam and Diana EdwardsCarl D. and Helen W. MillerCarol and Jimmie GriffithCharles and Vicki ScheidChris and Cheryl DeHoffChris D HartsburgCrawford and Margaret FreemanCynthia and Marion JohnsonDaniel SchwartzDavid and Alice MeginnisDavid and Candice NiederhausDavid and Judith LaRueDavid and Judy HolbrookDella and Gary QuinnDixie A. DeerDonald and Janet BaumgartnerDonald L. EalyDr. and Mrs. John PetersDuane & Nancy BassettElaine C. NewmanElizabeth A. ZavalisElizabeth PasutElizabeth VanzantElmis and Vonda KressEmma M. CollinsEsther B. Miller

Frances M. ZinziFred A. KirschFred and Lou HoldrenFrederick and Carol WeissGary and Linda PaulsonGreg and Faye PetersGreg BedellGuy and Sara TeniniGuy D. Lucci, IIIGuy TreadwayHeather BarberHelen VanlandinghamHoward and Carla BeesonJackie Chamberlin, Myra Abbott, Melinda Neal and Joyce NeillJacquelyn K. WeybrantJames AriailJames W. CorbittJay and Rebecca HoffmanJBB, Inc.Jeffrey M GlassJeralyn R. ArnoldJerome ToenniesJessica DingledyJesus and Amparo BarridoJo Ann HoepfJohn and Melissa HillJohn LeppertJudith SternJulie FloraKaren HerveyKay Honry RoneKenneth and Nancy BurchamKent and Marti RieskeKevin KaniewskiKimberly DavisKyle OvermyerLarry and Brenda BissellLarry and Janice GossLeroy and Rosalia LargerLinda and Larry ArpLinda ClineLinda EyerLois A. WeissbergMarguerite M. TaylorMark and Joyce McDowell and Aaron and Lindsey McDowellMary Sue LauthMike HarrisMilana Millan & Lawrence GrzesikMiriam and Richard ZimmermanMr. and Mrs. AndersonMr. and Mrs. Fred BosoMr. and Mrs. Myron GillMr. and Mrs. William E. WoodsNetwork for GoodNoel D. DruryNorman T. MillsNorwin HallPaul SchoolmanPaul Wilkerson

Peggy LawrencePhillip & Shirley BuchananPhillip A. KnoxRandy and Maxine ChambersRay A. CollingsRev. Norman and Helen WallaceRichard and Betty MeyerRixie H. McCarrollRobert and Beverly HeidRobert AveryRoger and Donna EnsmingerRonald and Mildred HaleRonald L. OatesRuda DeweeseSabine M. ChrismanSadie BargerSamuel J. Jacobs, IIIScott MickeySharon and Aldo PresuttiStephen and Atara HermanSteven E. CainTed D WeaverTheodora CallasThomas Swartz and Audrian CarricoTony CamposVonya MorrisW. Kyle WietholterWalter JoyceWanda ThomasWava J FurlongWendy StuttsWilliam and Sandra ShepherdWilma SillsYourCause, LLC

Tribute Gifts

In Honor of...Bob and Diann BarnettAlissa, Matthew and Marlin BrokawThomas and Julia HuntAndrea PeacockIn Memory of Nancy BrandMary Lynn Brand McIntyreIn Memory of Jim ButlerRon and Hillary SalatichIn Memory of Pat CaveMarvin CaveIn Honor of Robin CoxPhillips-Van Huesen Corp.In Honor of Bob GrimmMr. and Mrs. David GrebeIn Honor of Her MotherLinda EyerIn Memory of...Robert Dale HoepfJo Ann HoepfIn Memory of Billy HouseMr. and Mrs. AndersonIn Memory of Dave KalschJudith SternIn Memory of Joe La MottaGeraldine La MottaIn Memory of Darrel McFallKaren HerveyJoan WaldenIn Honor of Alan NassConnie NassIn Memory of Harry M. NeffNeff EngineeringMark and Joyce McDowell and Aaron and Lindsey McDowell

In Memory of...Francis W. Price, MD, Sr.Harry W. ScheidDavid and Robin FelkinsVisionFirst: Indiana Lions Eye and Tissue BankStephen and Monica RosenfeldJeffrey & Laurie PotrzebowskiPatrick and Ann DelehantyKathy Kelley, ODGreg and Faye PetersIn Honor of Dr. Price, Jr.Geir MagnussonIn Honor of Dr. Francis Price and Dr. Ashlyn LynnMacie SchrinerIn Memory of Lillian and Larry Pursifull David and Barbara PoeIn Memory of...Harry W. ScheidBill and Jo ShipmanCarolyn and Myron GillCharles and Vicki ScheidDrs. Francis and Marianne PriceGary and Nancy BerglundGreg Scott and Jennifer ScheidGuy and Sara TeniniHarry’s FamilyHoward and Carla BeesonJackie Chamberlin, Myra Abbott, Melinda Neal and Joyce NeillJessica DingledyJoe and Beverly KackJonn Higgins

Michael GrahamMike and Debra DickersonPat and Hal Kuntz and Mike and Melissa McDanielPatricia SherdRalph and Hope PowerRandy and Maxine ChambersRobert StarkweatherSharon and Aldo PresuttiSteven HolladayVern RensingVonya MorrisJudith HertKelli SchimmollerKrissy and Mel RoachLarry and Brenda BissellLarry and Joyce Compton/Quail Creek Ladies ClubsMark Lehman & Applied Engineering FriendsIn Memory of Kathy (Jackson) StewartLinda ClineIn Honor of Millie's 80th BirthdayRonald and Mildred TalleyIn Memory of those that giveGeorganna R. BauerIn Memory of Violet L. WalkerDavid and Candice NiederhausIn Honor of Carol WeissFrederick WeissIn Memory of Vicky L. WestphalWava J. Furlong

ANNUALREPORT

2017/18Cornea Research Foundation of America

9002 N. Meridian St. Suite 212Indianapolis, IN 46260

Email: [email protected]: 317-814-2993

Fax: 317-814-2806Web: Cornea.org

The Visionary Society is a recognition platform for those who have made a

Thank you for reviewing our 2018 Annual Report.We appreciate your support and interest in cornea research.

Please visit us online at Cornea.org.

“That all who look may see.” ®

annual report - cornea research foundation of america€¦ · 4 annual report 2017/18 annual report...

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