Medical Training Mission Trip to Nigeria
 The mission of the Cure Glaucoma Foundation (CGF) is to fund transformational research and improve access to quality care locally and globally.

As part of our Global Outreach Initiative, CGF recently conducted a Train the Trainer program in Nigeria. Our goal is to train physicians in their local environment, allowing them to treat others for years to come, positively impacting their local community long after we are gone. CGF participated in a training program at the Eye Foundation Hospital in Lagos, Nigeria, from February 4-8, 2019.  

The focus of the symposium was the training of local Ophthalmologists in new Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Surgery (MIGS) techniques. The program was divided into four areas: seminars, wet lab sessions, clinics, and surgeries. This program structure allowed the physician attendees to first understand and see each new MIGS surgery through lectures, then practice the procedure in the wet lab, and finally observe or perform the surgery in the operating theater. This three-step approach proved to be most rewarding (and will likely have the most long-term impact) to the attendees. Participants in the program included glaucoma specialists and Ophthalmologists currently involved in treating glaucoma, as well as fellows and residents from all over Nigeria and beyond.

The CGF team included five individuals from the States who collaborated with the glaucoma specialists at the Eye Foundation Hospital, led by Dr. Adunola Ogunro. Dr. Tosin Smith was the lead member and was joined by two other U.S. physician volunteers, Dr. Lola Idowu (University of Mississippi Medical Center) and Dr. Manjool Shah (Kellogg Eye Center at the University of Michigan). Other team members included Ms. Denise Del Rio, CST, Ms. Teresa Cook, RN, Dr. Leon Walker Herndon (Duke Eye Center at Duke University) and Dr. Daniel Laroche (Advanced Eye Care Center New York).

More than 45 registered physicians participated from different regions of Nigeria and over 100 patients were treated. We are optimistic that the ultimate outreach goal to instruct surgeons in these advanced, minimally invasive techniques throughout Nigeria and beyond has been achieved. 
Thanks to our Generous Sponsors:
Alcon • Allergan • AMO/Johnson & Johnson • CGF • Christopher Tallas • Ellex • Glaucoma Associates of Texas • Glaukos • Iridex • Katena • MST • New World Medical • Ophthalmology Surgery Center of Dallas • UTSW Transplant Center
 Nerve Growth Factor Study in Glaucoma

Glaucoma Associates of Texas (GAT) was invited by the Chairman of Ophthalmology at Stanford University (Jeffery Goldberg, MD, PhD) to participate in a groundbreaking study that may help regenerate nerve tissue and improve vision in our glaucoma patients. 

This is a study in which a nerve growth factor (called ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF)) is used to regenerate nerve tissue damaged from glaucoma. The specific goal of this study is to protect and improve the functioning of sick, but not dead, nerves that are damaged due to glaucoma (retinal ganglion cells). This study involves an implant, which is a novel, cell-based drug delivery system that delivers human CNTF inside the eye, after implantation via a microscopic incision in the wall of the eye (sclera).

In various animal models, the use of this growth factor has been shown to protect the retinal nerve cells from damage in the setting of trauma, retinal diseases and glaucoma. This nerve growth factor has also been shown to regenerate optic nerve tissue.

To date, nearly 300 human subjects in the U.S. have been implanted with this drug delivery device for the treatment of macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa without any significant or concerning side effects related to the device or the growth factor. 

A phase I trial, based at Stanford University, was completed in 11 glaucoma patients who received the implanted device. To date, no serious adverse events related to the implant or drug were reported. The initial results in this study suggested improvement of visual field, contrast sensitivity and increased nerve thickness.

Glaucoma Associates of Texas is one of only three centers in the United States to participate in this study (Stanford University, Columbia University and GAT). A grant from Cure Glaucoma is completely funding this research study in Dallas. 

Over the past two years, six patients have received the implant at GAT and three more are awaiting treatment. In total, over 50 patients with glaucoma have received the implant and the one-year results are very promising.  The initial analysis of the data suggests a trend towards improved visual function and nerve fiber layer thickness in the treatment group. Our hope is that this study may unlock the key to regenerating nerve tissue in our glaucoma patients, and further our mission to help cure glaucoma.  
 Doc Talk - Friday, June 28

Do you have questions about glaucoma that you’ve been wanting to ask your doctor?  Checkup time is busy, and it is important to focus on immediate care during your appointment. The Cure Glaucoma Foundation is hosting an educational forum called a Doc Talk to give you an opportunity to learn more about glaucoma and its effect on your eyesight. The more you know, the better equipped you are to understand your prognosis. 

Join Dr. Helen Kornmann on Friday, June 28th to learn more about glaucoma. A light snack will be provided, followed by Dr. Kornmann’s talk and a period for Q&A where Dr. Kornmann will answer your questions about glaucoma.  

About Dr. Kornmann
Helen L. Kornmann, MD, PhD is a fellowship-trained glaucoma clinician and surgeon with the Glaucoma Associates of Texas. Dr. Kornmann also published several papers, served as a reviewer for the journal Ophthalmology , and has been a presenter and panel member at numerous national meetings, including the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Glaucoma Society.


Join Dr. Helen L. Kornmann for a
“Doc Talk”

Presented by:
The Cure Glaucoma Foundation

Friday, June 28, 2019
1:00-2:00 PM

Glaucoma Associates of Texas
10740 N. Central Expressway, 3rd Floor Conference Room
Dallas, TX 75231

Admission is Free!

RSVP by 6/21
(limited to 15 guests)


or call 214-765-9716
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For more information, contact:
Emily Deutscher • edeutscher@cureglaucoma.org • 214-765-9716