March 2025 | VOL 3

BEAUTY OF SIGHT HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF WELCOMING DR. SOOSAN JACOB TO OUR LAB

Beauty of Sight had the privilege of welcoming Dr. Soosan Jacob to our lab this week! She shared her expertise in Custom CAIRS processing and surgical techniques with our staff and the Bascom Palmer Cornea Faculty, fostering collaboration and innovation in the field. We’re grateful for the opportunity to learn from such a distinguished leader in ophthalmology!

STEM CELL THERAPY TRIAL REVERSES "IRREVERSIBLE" DAMAGE TO CORNEA

Eye injuries that damage the cornea are usually irreversible and can lead to blindness. However, a new clinical trial has repaired this damage in patients by transplanting stem cells from their healthy eyes.

The cornea is the outer layer of the eye that focuses light onto the retina. Due to its exposure to potential hazards from the external environment, the cornea contains a population of limbal epithelial stem cells that repair minor damage, ensuring a smooth and functional surface.

Unfortunately, injuries like thermal or chemical burns can harm the cornea beyond the capacity of these resident stem cells. Little else can be done; even a transplant will not take hold if the damage is too severe.

The new study, conducted by Massachusetts Eye and Ear scientists, examined a new treatment known as cultivated autologous limbal epithelial cells (CALEC). This method involves extracting stem cells from a patient’s healthy eye, nurturing their growth in the lab for a few weeks, and then surgically transplanting them into the injured eye.

Source: Massachusetts General Brigham

APRIL IS NATIONAL DONATE LIFE MONTH

National Donate Life Month helps raise awareness about donation, encourages Americans to register as organ, eye, and tissue donors, and honors those who have saved lives through the gift of donation.

NATIONAL DONATE LIFE

BLUE AND GREEN CONCERT

You're Invited!

Join us for a music, fun, and community day at the

National Donate Life Blue and Green Day Concert!



Date: Friday, April 11, 2025

Time: 4 PM – 9 PM

Location: Downtown Doral Park

Come and celebrate the gift of life with us! Enjoy:

• Live entertainment
• Delicious food pop-ups
• Fun activities for kids
• Community connections and more!

Let's unite to honor and raise awareness about organ, eye, and tissue donation. Bring your family and friends and wear your best blue and green to show your support!

Sponsored by:

Life Alliance Organ Recovery Agency

Legacy Donor Services Foundation

Beauty of Sight Eye Bank

Don't miss this meaningful celebration of life and hope. We look forward to seeing you there!