Annual fund

Dear Friend:

As Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology, I always look forward to the opportunity to update you on some of our latest developments.  At this time I want to focus on our outstanding faculty and their research activities.

Several faculty members have received international and national recognition this year for their contributions to science.  We are proud of their work in areas such as lasers, pediatric ophthalmology, and glaucoma.

Other faculty members have recently made breakthroughs in their seminal research in vision science.  Dr. Rando Allikmets has dramatically broadened our understanding of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) by identifying the two genes, Factor H and Factor B, which play a role in the development of over 75% of all AMD cases.  Dr. Guy Barile has characterized a new pathway as a target for therapeutic intervention in diabetic retinopathy.  Dr. James Tsai is pioneering a novel technological device for early detection of glaucoma that holds great promise in the ongoing fight against this disease.  This is an exciting time in vision science, and I am pleased to note that Columbia is playing a leadership role in some of the most important investigations worldwide. 

In addition to basic and clinical research, we have also upgraded the depth and breadth of our educational programs.  Because of our growing reputation, we attract the brightest medical school graduates from around the world who come to Columbia as residents and fellows.  We are a major training center for the next generation of ophthalmologists and produce more leaders in the field than any other institution.

At this important time, it is critical that we increase funding from all sources, especially private philanthropy, to further our mission of providing the best quality patient care, sponsor leading-edge research in a wide variety of ophthalmic diseases and disorders with the goal of improved patient care, and train the future leadership of vision specialists and researchers.

To enhance and expand these programs, we rely on generous contributions from our friends and benefactors.  Your gift in support of our efforts will have a significant impact on the quality of life for people affected by vision diseases.  If you have any questions regarding gift opportunities at the Department of Ophthalmology, please contact Jane Heffner at 212-305-7827 or by email at jh2236@columbia.edu.

Thank you for your interest in the Department of Ophthalmology. 

Sincerely, 

Stanley Chang, M.D.