Wills Eye Faculty and Trainees Present at International Vision Conference

PHILADELPHIA, PA – Wills Eye Hospital attendings, faculty, and trainees this week presented 25  papers and posters at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) all virtual conference. ARVO is the largest community of eye and vision researchers in the world,  with nearly 10,000 members from more than 75 countries. Wills Eye research presentations  covered topics including eyelid cancer, vision care for underserved children, the influence of  face mask use, telemedicine, and more.  

“Here at Wills, our research and innovation are based very much on unmet clinical needs as we  work to answer the consequential questions that arise every day,” said Julia A. Haller, MD, Ophthalmologist-in-Chief, William Tasman, MD, Endowed Chair, Wills Eye Hospital and  Professor and Chair of Ophthalmology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson  University. “We are so honored to take our place at ARVO with the global community of eye  and vision researchers. As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, clinical trial recruitment is  back on track and scholarly productivity has never been more robust.” 

The ARVO annual meeting is the largest gathering of basic and clinical researchers from around  the world for the purpose of sharing novel and cutting edge breakthroughs in eye and vision  research. A total of 25 papers and posters with Wills Eye faculty, fellows, residents, medical  students, and interns as primary presenters were accepted for the 2021 conference. Dr. Haller  served as emcee for this year’s ARVO Foundation Gala and Wills Eye Vice Chair for Research,  Leslie G. Hyman, PhD, co-organized a Symposium on the Epidemiology of diabetic retinopathy  and age-related macular degeneration: Past, present and future and spoke on a panel with the  National Eye Institute (NEI) covering diversity, equity, and inclusion in eye and vision research. 

“This is an exciting, yet sobering time for vision research globally and locally. The COVID-19  pandemic has challenged every aspect of our lives, sparking new avenues for research that can  prepare us for life beyond the pandemic,” said Dr. Hyman. “We know that much of vision  impairment is avoidable and developing strategies for improving access to care continues to be  an important focus for research and community outreach at Wills.” 

For a full list of papers and posters presented by Wills Eye Hospital at the ARVO conference,  please visit https://www.willseye.org/wills-eye-at-arvo-2021-2/. 

About Wills Eye Hospital: 

Wills Eye Hospital is a global leader in ophthalmology, established in 1832 as the nation’s first hospital  specializing in eye care. U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks Wills Eye as one of America’s top  ophthalmology Hospitals since the survey began, has the most nationally ranked ophthalmologists in the  country and is the #1 academic training in the USA for its residency program as voted by physicians in the  nation. Wills Eye is a premier training site for all levels of medical education. Its resident and post graduate training programs are among the most competitive in the country. The Vickie and Jack Farber  Vision Research Center at Wills harnesses the core strengths of Wills, the close connection between  innovative research and advanced patient care, to discover therapeutic breakthroughs. Wills provides the  full range of primary and subspecialty eye care for improving and preserving sight, including cataract,  cornea, retina, emergency care, glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology, ocular oncology, oculoplastics,  pathology, pediatric ophthalmology and ocular genetics, and refractive surgery. Ocular Services include  the Wills Laser Correction Center, Low Vision Service, and Diagnostic Center. Its 24/7 Emergency Service  is the only one of its kind in the region. Wills Eye also has a network of seven multi-specialty ambulatory  surgery centers throughout the tristate area. To learn more, please visit www.willseye.org.