2020 Annual Report

College Highlights Rare Disease Expertise and Research In recognition of February’s Age-Related Macular Degeneration Awareness Month and Rare Disease Day, SUNY College of Optometry highlighted the world-renowned research taking place at SUNY College of Optometry, recognizing the work of our ocular disease specialists who perform unique diagnostic testing, evaluation, and care for a host of rare retinal disorders for which there are no cures. Once diagnosed with a rare disease, patients can access support services, qualify for enhanced medical benefits, and register for clinical trials that help pave the way to eventual treatments, if not cures. Jennifer Gould, OD, MS, Chief of Advanced Care, will lead the school’s participation in a study on genetic therapy for a rare mutation of macular degeneration. The research is part of a shift in eye care to customized therapies and recommended treatments based on a person’s genes.

“With rare diseases, there is a 3- to 5-year average delay between the onset of symptoms and a diagnosis. Here at the University Eye Center we have a host of diagnostic devices that are not often found in your typical eye doctor’s office, including free genetic testing, and faculty with the experience and knowledge to make an accurate diagnosis. Even for the diseases without a current cure or treatment, there is great comfort for patients in having a diagnosis.” —Dr. Sherry Bass,

Distinguished Teaching Professor SUNY Optometry Forges Research Agreement for Wearable Myopia Control Device

Assistant Clinical Professor Sharon Park Keh, OD, will serve as principal investigator of the study. “I am excited to be involved in this research using such a promising and revolutionary technology for the suppression of myopia. I look forward to seeing positive results from this partnership.”

Kubota Vision Inc. and The Research Foundation for SUNY entered into a research agreement in July 2020 to conduct the testing and characterization of an investigational, wearable myopia-control device based on Kubota Glasses technology to further evaluate its effects on choroidal thickness and axial length. A wearable prototype to be announced. The Research Foundation for SUNY is the largest comprehensive university-connected foundation in the country.

16 SUNY Optometry

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