Eye Disease Experts Present New Research On Vision

Main Category: Eye Health / Blindness
Article Date: 16 Feb 2009 - 3:00 PDT

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The Alcon Research Institute (ARI) is holding its biennial symposium this weekend to review and discuss eye disease research completed by some of its newer, distinguished members. At this year's symposium, ARI members will present and discuss groundbreaking research in glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), retinal vascular disease and genetics. There also will be a special presentation by the Steven M. Podos Colloquium, a group established by former ARI Secretary Dr. Gerald Cagle, on regenerative medicine for the eye.

"The Alcon Research Institute is proud to bring together and recognize the work of these world-class researchers and leaders in ophthalmology," said Dr. Stanley Chang, chairman of the Alcon Research Institute, and Edward Harkness professor and chair of Ophthalmology at Columbia University. "It is a wonderful opportunity to gather at this symposium to discuss research that will affect our ability to save sight in the future."

This year's symposium will feature presentations by ARI members from world-renowned institutions such as The National Eye Institute, Duke University, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary, Columbia University and the University of Regensburg, Germany. This will be the first time that 2007 and 2008 ARI Award recipients present the results of and insights from their cutting edge research. Awardees are nominated independently by former winners and voted on by an independent committee, made up solely of ARI members.

"It is an honor to host this event on Alcon's Fort Worth campus," said Sabri Markabi, MD, the newly appointed secretary of the ARI and chief medical officer for Alcon. "Having these world leaders in ophthalmology here promotes the exchange of ideas and the formation of collaborations to further the study of visual science."

Since its inception in 1981, the ARI has granted approximately $22 million to 241 researchers in support of their research in ophthalmology. Many of these awardees also have been recognized with awards from other leading organizations, including the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO), the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), International Society for Eye Research (ISER) and the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ASCRS).

About the Alcon Research Institute

The Alcon Research Institute (ARI) supports global advancements in eye health by honoring those who make outstanding research contributions to the vision sciences. The ARI aims to further the study of eye health and create ongoing partnerships with vision researchers around the world. Each year, the ARI identifies exemplary leaders in ophthalmic research and honors each with this prestigious award and a generous, unrestricted grant to fund ongoing research.

About Alcon

Alcon, Inc. (NYSE: ACL) is the world's leading eye care company, with sales of approximately $6.3 billion in 2008. Alcon, which has been dedicated to the ophthalmic industry for 60 years, researches, develops, manufactures and markets pharmaceuticals, surgical equipment and devices, contacts lens care solutions and other vision care products that treat diseases, disorders and other conditions of the eye. Alcon's majority shareholder is Nestlé, S.A., the world's largest food company.

Alcon, Inc.

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