Newswise — SAN FRANCISCO, CA – January 9, 2019:  Glaucoma Research Foundation President and CEO, Thomas M. Brunner announced today that Mona and Edward Zander and Robert L. Stamper, MD will be honored at the Glaucoma 360 Annual Gala on January 31, 2019 at San Francisco’s historic Palace Hotel.

The Catalyst Award, Glaucoma Research Foundation’s highest honor, will be presented to Mona and Ed Zander (Carmel, CA) in recognition of their exemplary leadership and lifelong commitment to advancing medical research. “Glaucoma Research Foundation is indebted to Mona and Ed for their outstanding support and ongoing involvement in our mission to cure glaucoma and restore vision through innovative research. As a member of our Board of Directors, Mona was instrumental in our Board and fundraising activities. We are honored to have an opportunity to recognize and celebrate Mona and Ed’s extraordinary dedication to a future free from glaucoma,” Mr. Brunner said. 

Robert L. Stamper, MD, (Berkeley, CA) will receive the 2019 Visionary Award in honor of his more than 30 years of service on the Glaucoma Research Foundation Board of Directors. Mr. Brunner noted, “We are delighted to have an opportunity to recognize Dr. Stamper for his numerous contributions to the field of glaucoma. Helping patients and teaching the next generation of ophthalmologists are his greatest pleasures. In addition, as a member of our Research Committee, Bob inspired the next phase of our Catalyst for a Cure consortium to focus on vision restoration. He is a true visionary.”

The Shaffer Prize for Innovative Glaucoma Research is presented annually at the Gala to recognize an exceptional research project that best exemplifies the pursuit of innovative ideas in the quest to better understand glaucoma. This year's Shaffer Prize will be presented to Adriana Di Polo, PhD (Université de Montréal) for her study seeking new treatments to restore vision in glaucoma patients.

About Glaucoma 360

Spanning three days, Glaucoma 360 is a unique series of events dedicated to finding a cure for glaucoma: the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. More than 1,000 attendees are expected to participate in these events. On January 31, the Foundation’s Annual Gala launches Glaucoma 360. Co-chaired by Nancy and Patrick Forster, the Annual Gala includes a reception, silent auction, and dinner to celebrate the donors, volunteers, and scientists who have done so much to help advance the field of glaucoma research. There will also be a matching gift opportunity as part of the live auction’s Fund-A-Scientist Initiative. The evening will conclude with a special musical performance from San Francisco native Fred Ross joined by two-time Grammy Award winning violinist Mads Tolling. 

On February 1, the 8th Annual New Horizons Forum, a full-day meeting dedicated to innovations in glaucoma therapies and diagnostics, will feature panelists and speakers from over 60 companies and institutions. February 2nd concludes Glaucoma 360 events with two continuing medical education symposia for ophthalmologists and optometrists. 

“Glaucoma 360 has become our signature event and has truly been an important catalyst in advancing new therapies to help patients preserve their vision,” Mr. Brunner said. “We simply must do more to preserve sight and restore vision lost from glaucoma.” All proceeds from Glaucoma 360 support Glaucoma Research Foundation’s research and education programs. To learn more about the 2019 events or to register, visit the website: www.glaucoma360.org

About Glaucoma Research Foundation

Founded in San Francisco in 1978, Glaucoma Research Foundation is America’s oldest and most experienced institution dedicated to its mission to cure glaucoma and restore vision through innovative research.

The Foundation has a proven track record of pioneering, results-oriented research and produces definitive educational materials used by eye care professionals across the country. The Glaucoma Research Foundation website, www.glaucoma.org, provides valuable information about glaucoma to 4 million visitors annually. Through The Cure is in Sight: The Campaign for Glaucoma Research Foundation, more than $17.5 million has been raised to support glaucoma research and education initiatives over the past five years.

For more information about the Glaucoma Research Foundation’s Annual Gala, or to purchase individual tickets, please contact Michelle de Elizalde at 415.986.3162 or [email protected], or visit www.glaucoma360.org

 

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