Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Keratoplasty study at U of M is highlighted in this issue on p.5

1. The Michigan Difference
in Vision
UNIVERSIT Y OF MICHIGAN KELLOGG EYE CENTER 2008 ANNUAL REPORT

2. Table of Contents
RESEARCH
New Use for Femtosecond Laser: Corneal Transplants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
50 Years of Cornea Research at Kellogg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Early Warning for Diabetes Appears in Snapshot of Eye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Study Reveals Gaps in Glaucoma Treatment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Consortium Puts Retinitis Pigmentosa under the Microscope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
EDUCATION
Iraq Veteran Hones Skills as Plastics Fellow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
RetinaDx Goes Live . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2
Blueprint Drawn for 21st Century Resident Education Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 3
Alums Care for Children Worldwide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 4
PATIENT CARE
Surgery Straightens Toddler’s Eyes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 7
On the Road to Independent Living . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 8
African Teen Has Long Overdue Surgery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 9
OUTREACH
Big Ten Doctors Go to Vietnam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 0
GIVING
Ravitz Professorship Honors Ophthalmic Pathology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 3
Carls Foundation Ushers in New Era of Pediatric Eye Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 4
Eye Center Expansion Makes Rapid Progress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 5
Kellogg Eye Center Expansion Honor Roll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 6
Towsley Foundation Supports Expanded Ophthalmic Imaging Center . . . . . . . 2 8
Fralick Society Recognizes Annual Donors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 9
Chair Receives Top Ophthalmology Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 9
Annual Giving Honor Roll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 0
DEPARTMENT OF OPHTHALMOLOGY AND VISUAL SCIENCES FACULTY
Faculty Honors, Recognition and Publications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 4
Grants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 4
Faculty Photos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 8
2008 Annual Report • University of Michigan • W.K. Kellogg Eye Center
This report covers the period July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008

3. Dear Friends,
The year has been marked by rapid progress on the Kellogg Eye Center Expansion,
many new faculty initiatives and research advances, and, as always, exceptional
generosity on the part of those who support the Eye Center.
In this report, we have the opportunity to highlight the Cornea Service and its
contributions to the Department over many years. Among the foremost contribu-
tors is Alan Sugar, M.D., nationally known for his leadership in that subspecialty.
He is an expert on a complement of corneal disorders and surgeries, including
corneal transplantation. He has served for many years as a medical director of the
Michigan Eye-Banks, and is principal investigator for the Department’s arm of the
Cornea Donor Study, a multi-center study sponsored by the National Eye Institute.
Along with others of us, Dr. Sugar was in on early stages of discovery when the
Department realized that an industrial laser, the femtosecond laser, could be used
for eye surgery. That research resulted in the commercialization of a new laser for refractive surgery. Now Dr. Sugar
and colleagues are investigating that laser’s use for corneal transplantation. Dr. Shahzad Mian leads a pilot study that
investigates the femtosecond laser in cutting corneal tissue for the surgery, and he reports early positive outcomes.
The Department continues its strong, long-standing reputation for research on retina function and disease. Such
research has profound implications for understanding diseases that affect the vision of so many older individuals. As
part of a new program initiated by the Foundation Fighting Blindness, several Kellogg scientists and clinicians are
collaborating with colleagues from other institutions to create new treatments for retinitis pigmentosa, a disease that
results in progressive loss of vision. The collaborative nature of the study is an example of research models now in
favor among federal funding agencies.
Pediatric ophthalmology at Kellogg has also grown at a record pace over the past several years. Far ahead of its
peers, the Department announced in 1985 the nation’s first endowed pediatric ophthalmology chair, held then and now
by Dr. Monte Del Monte. Since then we’ve added faculty and many more patients and today our children’s clinics are
filled nearly to capacity. When the Eye Center Expansion opens in 2010 we will have a new spacious clinic, thanks to
the Carls Foundation. Read about that organization’s generous support in this report.
The recurring theme of growth, of course, is what has created the need for a new facility. And so this year, we
celebrate the progress made toward the completion of the Eye Center expansion. In late fall we gathered to celebrate
the completion of the steel structure and the traditional Topping Out ceremony. Before long the structure was com-
pletely enclosed. Now, as the clinics take shape inside and brick and glass appear outside, the new building is beginning
to resemble the models and renderings we have viewed for the past couple of years. Each phase of construction brings
us nearer to the day when we can realize our goal of having one of the finest, most advanced Eye Centers in the nation.
So many individuals and organizations have supported our goals. Our new Fralick Society was formed to
recognize annual partners in giving. And organizations like the Towsley Foundation are helping us build and
name key components of the building.
Take a minute, also, to run through the honor rolls in this report. We recognize and thank our supporters —
friends, alumni, faculty and staff — who are committed to the growth of the Eye Center and believe in the power
of its research programs to find new treatments for people with blinding eye disease.
Paul R. Lichter, M.D.
F. Bruce Fralick Professor and Chair
University of Michigan Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Director, W.K. Kellogg Eye Center

4. Building on SucceSS
In 1985 the W.K. Kellogg Eye Center opened. This In the late 1990s, Chair Paul R. Lichter, M.D.,
ultra-modern eight-story building allowed us to expand realized that we would outgrow this still seemingly
our research and education efforts and our ability to brand new eye care facility. He commissioned a
care for patients needing advanced eye care. The study and by 2005, the Regents of the University
new building also allowed us to bring our vision of Michigan had approved plans for expansion.
research scientists to a facility where they could easily When the U-M Kellogg Eye Center expansion
exchange ideas with clinicians, nurturing the concepts opens in 2010, we expect that year’s tally of patient
of collaborative and translational research. That same visits will approach 140,000. At the same time, the
year, 1985, the Eye Center employed 90 faculty and numbers of faculty and staff will increase to accom-
staff. If you follow the expanding circles on the charts modate our patients and the urgent need to accelerate
below, you’ll see that we grew — in patient visits research efforts toward a cure for eye disease.
and in staff and faculty to serve them — beyond our
greatest expectations.
2010 Projected Patient Visits:
139,303
2005 Patient Visits:
119,915
1995 Patient Visits:
57,081
1985 Patient Visits:
08
36,852

5. 2010 Expansion
230,000 sq. ft.
Growth in Patient Visits
1985 W.K. Kellogg Eye Center 2010: 512 projected
In the spring of 2010, all
Research Tower and Clinic Building
clinics and surgical suites
147,442 sq. ft.
2005: 410 will move into the new
U-M Kellogg Eye Center
expansion. Research
laboratories will be located
1995: 198
in the Kellogg Research
Tower (left) and in the upper
floors of the new facility.
1985: 90
5% Eye Plastic Neuro
Faculty and Staff Growth
Growth in research spurred the 1% Glau
since the W.K. Kellogg Center Opened
Gifts Toward the New Building expansion of the Kellogg Eye Center.
While our newRetina
6% building will enable
2010: 512 projected
us to accelerate efforts toward more
effective treatments and cures for eye
$5.7 million 2005: 410 disease, it will also provide space for
to goal
the growing number of individuals
8% Contact Lens
Department Growt
seeking eye care. Patients, faculty,
in clinics by 2010
$20 Million Goal staff, alumni, and the community have
1995: 198
generously supported the building
campaign. Reaching our fundraising
10% Photography
1985: 90
goals will ensure we can make the
$14.3 million
raised most of this unique moment in our
history.
Gifts Toward the New Building
Gifts Toward Research and Endowment Gifts Toward the New Building
Growth in Patient Visits
n $4.5 million $5.7 million
to goal to goal
$20 Million Goal $20 Million Goal $20 Million Goal
$14.3 million $15.5 million $14.3 million
raised raised raised
UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN kellogg eye center 3
Gifts Toward Research and Endowment

6. Accelerating Research
Through collaboration and
individual effort, our scientists
are achieving new insights into
eye disease and treatment
strategies. Their goal is to bring
the best new therapies — and
hope — to our patients and
their families.
Shahzad I. Mian, M.D.

7. “We hope that with the use of the femtosecond laser,
patients will have better vision, faster recovery of vision,
and stronger wound construction ...”
— Shahzad I. Mian, M.D.
FEMTOSECOND LASER Because of the speed and precision of the femto-
second laser, the study results to date for corneal trans-
COULD CHANGE CORNEAL plant surgery have been very encouraging, according to
TRANSPLANT SURGERY Dr. Mian. If these results hold true, a larger, multi-
center clinical trial comparing this procedure to the
Early results show laser — developed at
traditional method could follow.
U-M for eye surgeries — improving corneal The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped tissue cover-
transplant outcomes ing the front of the eye. It is about the size of a dime
and the thickness of a credit card. If the cornea becomes
Nearly 15 years ago, researchers at Kellogg were first distorted in shape, or scarred or hazy from disease or
to discover that the ultrafast or femtosecond laser, then injury, the light rays passing through it are distorted
used for industrial purposes, had great potential for eye and vision is reduced. In some cases, corneal transplant
surgeries that traditionally required a surgical blade. surgery is necessary to replace the damaged cornea with
Faculty from Kellogg and the College of Engineering a healthy donor cornea to restore good vision.
explored the laser’s surgical applications, and today it Ophthalmologists perform more than 35,000 of
is used worldwide for LASIK surgery. these sight-saving procedures each year in the United
Now, faculty hope for the same success in apply- States and, of all transplant surgeries done today,
ing this exceptionally fast and precise laser to corneal corneal transplants are the most common and most
transplant surgery. successful. Donor corneas are provided by eye banks
Physician–scientists at Kellogg are conducting a and come from deceased individuals who arranged for
two-year pilot program — called the FLAK (Femtosec- donation prior to death or whose families gave consent.
ond Laser-Assisted Keratoplasty) study — which uses
the femtosecond laser to perform full thickness corneal
transplants.
“We hope that with the use of the femtosecond
laser, patients will have better vision, faster recovery
of vision, and stronger wound construction that will
provide more resistance to injury in the future,” says
Shahzad I. Mian, M.D., assistant professor and
Principal Investigator of the FLAK study.
While lasers have been effective in eye surgeries
for decades, they were not used for corneal transplants
until the femtosecond laser was shown to be a supe-
rior cutting tool to the trephine, the cookie cutter-like
knife currently used for transplants. “The advantage
of this laser is that it allows the surgeon to focus the
laser energy at a particular depth and then rapidly cut
the tissue at that depth without causing any injury to
the surrounding tissue,” says Dr. Mian. “It also allows
the surgeon to pattern these cuts into shapes — such as
a mushroom, a top hat or a zig zag — that allow for
customized overlap between the donor’s corneal tissue
and the patient’s corneal tissue.” Corneal transplant patient, Gary Abud, with clinic coordinator, Satavisha Dutta.
ACCELERATING research 5

8. “This study indicates that corneas from older individuals
are just as successful for corneal transplantation as
those from younger donors.”
— Alan Sugar, M.D.
KEllogg’S hiSTorical rolE
IN CORNEAL TRANSPLANTATION
Expanding the donor pool, improving
success of transplants
For years, U-M Kellogg Eye
Center faculty have played
a significant role in corneal
transplantation. Kellogg
ophthalmologists helped to
establish the Michigan Eye-
Bank in 1957, which resided
in the Kellogg Eye Center
until 2006. Faculty members
have long collaborated with
the Eye-Bank on research.
In one recent example, Alan
Sugar, M.D., cornea surgeon
Dr. Shtein searches for ways to predict whether a cornea will be
and professor of ophthalmol- rejected after a transplant.
ogy, led the Kellogg arm of
Dr. Sugar led a team that studied age of cornea donors.
a national study on cornea patients and interpret data.
donor tissue. At the same time, cornea specialist Roni M. Shtein,
The study, sponsored by the National Eye Institute M.D., is looking at another important aspect of corneal
with tissue provided by the Midwest Eye-Banks, found transplantation. One of the biggest concerns for patient
strong support for raising the age limit for donors. A and physician is that the new tissue will be rejected. In
key finding of the study: the pool of corneal transplant her study, Dr. Shtein will identify the characteristics of a
donors — often limited to those 65 years of age and patient’s cornea that could predict rejection of the new
younger — should be expanded to include donors up tissue. Specifically she will examine patterns of corneal
to 75 years of age. neovascularization — the growth of blood vessels in the
According to the Cornea Donor Study, the success cornea — which is normally clear. In the first phase of
rate was the same whether the transplants were per- the study she will determine the best way to measure
formed with corneas from donors ages 12 to 65 years these patterns. In the next and larger portion of the
or from donors ages 66 to 75. study, Dr. Shtein will develop ways to analyze charac-
“This study indicates that corneas from older teristics of corneal neovascularization that can predict
individuals are just as successful for corneal transplan- rejection or failure of the transplant.
tation as those from younger donors,” said Dr. Sugar. “This study is very specific in that it will allow us
He observes that in addition to expanding the pool of to identify high risk blood vessels,” says Dr. Shtein.
cornea donors, the study will help surgeons learn more “There is a great deal of interest now in medications
about the procedure itself. “The study team is analyzing used to treat excessive blood vessels in retinal diseases
additional data that will help us understand more fully like diabetic retinopathy and wet macular degeneration.
the factors involved in a successful cornea transplant,” Perhaps these drugs, with some modification, could
he said. The Cornea Donor Study will continue for one day help reduce the risk of corneal transplant
another five years, allowing more time to follow rejection,” she adds.
6 UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN kellogg eye center

9. SCREENING FOR DIABETES
WITH RETINAL IMAGING
“Snapshots” of the eyes may give early
warning of diabetes and related eye disease
A new vision screening device could give physicians and
patients a head start on treating diabetes and its vision
complications. The instrument, invented by two Kellogg Dr. Petty and Dr. Elner review data suggesting early signs of diabetes.
scientists, captures images of the eye that show meta-
bolic stress and the tissue damage that occur before the is known to induce cell death in diabetic tissue soon
first symptoms of disease are evident. The camera-like after the onset of disease but before symptoms can
instrument can detect this damage earlier than any cur- be detected clinically. “Increased FA activity is the earli-
rent clinical method. est indicator that cell death has occurred and tissue
For people with diabetes — diagnosed or not — the is beginning to break down,” says Dr. Petty.
new device could offer potentially significant advan- People with diabetes might take better care of them-
tages over blood glucose testing, the “gold standard” selves once they receive results from this kind of testing,
for diabetes detection. It is non-invasive and takes suggests Dr. Petty. “A patient who understands that
about five minutes to scan both eyes. Used as a first- body tissue is being destroyed may be newly motivated
line screening test, the device would indicate whether to step up efforts to manage
a patient should proceed with additional testing. the disease,” he says.
“Technology that can
In the July issue of Archives of Ophthalmology, In the study, Drs. Elner
Victor M. Elner, M.D., Ph.D., and Howard R. Petty, and Petty measured FA levels detect the earliest signs
Ph.D., report on the potential of the new instrument of 21 individuals with diabe-
to screen for diabetes. tes and compared the results of diabetes gives us a new
“Technology that can detect the earliest signs of to age-matched healthy
diabetes gives us a new way to tackle a growing public controls. The Kellogg scien- way to tackle a growing
health concern,” says Dr. Elner. “Early detection and tists found that FA activity
public health concern.”
treatment are critical in controlling the disease and its was significantly higher for
many complications.” He points out that 24 million those with diabetes, regard- — VICTOR M. ELNER, M.D., PH.D.
Americans have diabetes and an additional 57 million less of severity, compared to
have abnormal blood sugar levels that qualify as pre- those who did not have the
diabetes. Some of these individuals will develop diabetic disease. Similarly, individuals with diabetic retinopa-
retinopathy, an eye disease that affects 4.1 million thy had much higher FA activity compared to diabetic
people and can cause blindness. patients without any visible eye disease.
The instrument can detect metabolic stress, and The study also suggests that FA levels can be
therefore disease, by measuring the intensity of cellular used to monitor the severity of the disease and the
fluorescence in retinal tissue. This is the second study ability of treatments to stem tissue damage.
in which Drs. Petty and Elner reported that high levels Dr. Elner is a Research to Prevent Blindness Senior
of flavoprotein autofluorescence (FA) are reliable indica- Scientific Investigator. The researchers have formed a
tors of eye disease. company, OcuSciences, Inc., to commercialize the
Dr. Petty, a biophysicist and imaging expert, ex- metabolic imaging instrument.
plains that hyperglycemia — or high blood sugar —
ACCELERATING research 7

10. “As important as it is to look for new methods, if we just
concentrate on getting people to come for the treatments
we have, we can save a lot of vision.”
— Joshua D. Stein, M.D., M.S.
TRENDS IN HEALTH CARE
EMERGE FROM CLAIMS DATA
One troubling finding: many with
glaucoma are not receiving treatment
It appears that many older adults are not getting the
treatment they need for a common form of glaucoma,
according to a recent study. And perhaps more trou-
bling, the data suggest that both nonwhite and low-
income individuals are less likely to receive treatment.
For glaucoma specialist and author of the study
Joshua D. Stein, M.D., M.S., these numbers are dis-
turbing. Prompt and sustained treatment is essential
for preventing loss of vision
“There’s a wealth of from glaucoma, a group of
eye diseases causing damage Dr. Stein crunched the numbers in a national database to learn more
information available to the optic nerve. Once about glaucoma treatment.
damage occurs, vision loss
in these data sets. We cannot be restored. the data, make sense of the patterns, and, ultimately,
The findings come from use the information to improve care for our patients.”
just need to tap into
an analysis of a database The current study, published in Ophthalmology,
the data, make sense with information on ser- reported that nearly 30 percent of patients with glau-
vices provided to Medicare coma received neither medical nor surgical treatment.
of the patterns, and, beneficiaries over a ten-year Dr. Stein further observed that those with Medicaid, a
period, from 1992 to 2002. program for needy and low-income individuals, were 43
ultimately, use the
Dr. Stein and his colleagues percent less likely to receive care for glaucoma. Another
information to improve identified 6400 individuals, troubling statistic, he added, is that Hispanics, Asians
all 65 years of age or older, and patients from other minority groups were all less
care for our patients.” who had received a diagno- likely than non-Hispanic whites to receive treatment.
sis of primary open-angle Now, says Dr. Stein, we need further studies to
— JOSHUA D. STEIN, M.D., M.S. glaucoma (POAG). The most explain why these individuals aren’t receiving proper
common form of glaucoma, medical care. “Is access to health care the biggest
POAG can silently and progressively destroy vision problem, or is cost the obstacle? Perhaps there are bar-
before symptoms are noticed. riers to communication,” he says. The answers to these
The study is one of several of Dr. Stein’s research questions could help more people with glaucoma get the
projects in which he analyzes data from large health care they need.
care databases to flesh out patterns of health care. For The study also examined which glaucoma drugs are
example, by studying large groups he can determine most frequently prescribed. And Dr. Stein says there is
how frequently people use medical services, which med- always debate about new and preferred treatments. But,
ications are prescribed for them, which tests have been he adds, “As important as it is to look for new glau-
ordered, and other factors important in shaping health coma therapies, if we could just concentrate on getting
policy. “There’s a wealth of information available in people to take advantage of the treatments we already
these data sets,” he explains. “We just need to tap into have, we would save a lot of vision.”
8 UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN kellogg eye center

11. CONSORTIUM SEEKS
ANSWERS ON RP
Is there more than one way to
rescue a photoreceptor?
Scientists and physicians from three universities are
teaming up to develop therapies for an inherited retinal
degenerative eye disease. Funded by the Foundation
Fighting Blindness (FFB), the project brings together the
best minds from various disciplines and perspectives
to collaborate on treatments for X-linked retinitis
pigmentosa (XLRP). A patient with XLRP has gener-
Hemant Khanna, Ph.D., John Heckenlively, M.D., David Zacks, M.D., Ph.D., (standing)
ously underwritten the research. Together the team will
and Naheed Khan, Ph.D., Debra Thompson, Ph.D., (seated) are on the Michigan team
explore a variety of therapeutic approaches, all intended studying retinitis pigmentosa.
to replace or rescue dying photoreceptors.
Of the seven team members, five are from the U-M the rods’ ability to function. This builds on the work
Kellogg Eye Center. Collaboration is becoming an of Anand Swaroop, Ph.D., now a senior scientist at the
increasingly favored approach in research, says Debra National Eye Institute, whose work at Kellogg led to
A. Thompson, Ph.D., who will direct one section of the successful transplantation of rod precursor cells into
study. She points to recent results of a small study in blind mice in 2006. Dr. Swaroop, whose lab identified a
which patients regained some vision after receiving gene key mutation in the RPGR gene, was the driving force
therapy for a degenerative eye disease. “With this stun- behind the creation of the Consortium.
ning success for patients with the RPE65 mutation, we Taking another tack, researchers at the University
now have evidence that similar approaches could work of Pennsylvania and the University of Florida will seek
for a larger group of patients whose vision is compro- to repair photoreceptor damage by delivering thera-
mised by other genetic mutations.” peutic or “healthy” forms of the RPGR gene into the
Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of diseases that retina. They will investigate strategies using modified
cause slow but progressive loss of vision usually over viruses that act as vectors to carry a replacement copy
decades. The designation “X-linked” means that the of the affected gene. The replacement genetic material
mutation responsible for the disease is carried on the X was constructed at Kellogg by Dr. Khanna’s laboratory.
chromosome. Simply stated, this disorder results in the While gene delivery using viral vectors has been
loss of photoreceptors, the rods and cones responsible successful in treating certain degenerative eye diseases,
for vision. Scientists who make up the FFB Consortium Kellogg’s Dr. Thompson observes that there are still
will explore different strategies for restoring the func- lingering concerns about the safety of the approach.
tion of photoreceptors and preventing their loss. She is exploring alternate methods, involving the deliv-
The project initially centers on a mouse model of ery into the eye of small molecules expected to rescue
XLRP identified by Kellogg’s John R. Heckenlively, failing photoreceptor physiology affected by the RPGR
M.D., in collaboration with the Jackson Laboratory. mutation.
The model, known as rd9, has the same gene and type Dr. Heckenlively, who sees patients with a range of
of mutations as seen in humans with XLRP. inherited retinal diseases, and whose project found over
Using this mouse model, Hemant Khanna, Ph.D., 100 mouse models of human eye disease, will evaluate
and David N. Zacks, M.D., Ph.D., will explore whether the effectiveness of each approach. Dr. Heckenlively will
cell-replacement therapy is an effective strategy for review fundus photographs and ERG recordings to see
restoring lost vision. They will transplant healthy pho- how close each approach has come to the collective goal
toreceptor rods into the retinas of the diseased mice, of rescuing photoreceptors.
with the goal of achieving at least partial recovery of
ACCELERATING research 9

12. Investing in Education
By expanding our educational
and training programs, we
attract the best and brightest
residents, clinical fellows, and
postdoctoral research fellows.
They go on to careers in
ophthalmology and vision
science, serving as leaders here
and around the world.
Christine C. Nelson, M.D. and Raymond Cho, M.D.

13. “I am particularly grateful for the time and effort which
all of the faculty continually invest in my development
as an oculoplastic surgeon.”
— Raymond Cho, M.D.
KELLOGG FELLOW undergraduate degree. The Ohio native went on to the
University of Cincinnati for medical school and com-
IS BATTLE TESTED pleted his surgical internship at Brooke Army Medical
Physician who served in Iraq comes Center in San Antonio. He then spent three years in the
to Kellogg to hone his ophthalmic 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
He returned to Brooke for his residency, after
plastic surgery skills
which he was assigned first to Fort Knox, Kentucky,
and later to West Point. As the only ophthalmologist at
Lieutenant Colonel Raymond Cho, M.D. served in Iraq
these military bases, Dr. Cho handled a variety of cases.
from November 2005 through April 2006. During that
“Working as the lone ophthalmologist taught me valu-
time, more than 90 percent of Dr. Cho’s patients were
able organizational skills and helped me build a strong
trauma victims — soldiers and civilians with ruptured
base in ophthalmology before moving on to a subspe-
eyes, facial fractures, and soft tissue trauma. After an
cialty,” says Dr. Cho.
intense time repairing eye damage caused by roadside
When the military introduced its Warfighter Refrac-
bombs and improvised explosive devices, Dr. Cho came
tive Eye Surgery Program in 2001, Dr. Cho’s ophthal-
to Kellogg in 2007 to advance his clinical and surgical
mology repertoire expanded. He started a laser surgery
skills. He is now Kellogg’s fellow on the Eye Plastic,
program both at Fort Knox and at West Point.
Orbital and Facial Cosmetic Surgery Service.
Once Dr. Cho completes his fellowship at Kellogg
Kellogg’s fellowship programs, among the best
in 2009, he will go to one of the Army’s academic
in the nation, allow physicians to train in a clinical
medical centers to train residents and handle the oculo-
program known for depth and excellence in each sub-
plastics needs of the Army, including reconstructive
specialty. During the two-year oculoplastics program,
eye surgeries for soldiers returning from combat.
fellows gain extensive experience in diagnosis, surgical
management, pre- and postoperative care and manage-
ment of patients with eye plastic and orbital disorders
and diseases.
“This fellowship at Kellogg has been a perfect fit
for me,” says Dr. Cho. “I am particularly grateful for
the time and effort which all of the faculty continually
invest in my development as an oculoplastic surgeon.
It has been an excellent program which will undoubt-
edly prepare me for the cases I will see in the future.”
That training has included unusual and complex cases
referred to Kellogg from far and wide.
Dr. Cho’s mentors and colleagues at Kellogg are
quick to praise him. “He is a compassionate physician,
superb surgeon and has a humanitarian outlook,” says
Christine C. Nelson, M.D., associate professor. “He is
an inspiration to us all. His calm demeanor is refresh-
ing, he is a pleasure to work with, and he is a wonderful
teacher and mentor to the residents.”
West Point graduate, Dr. Raymond Cho, served in Iraq before joining Kellogg
Before coming to Kellogg, Dr. Cho chose to follow
for his two-year ophthalmic plastics fellowship.
the path of his father and brother and enrolled in the
United States Military Academy at West Point for his
INVESTING IN eDUcatIon 11

14. RETINADx GOES LIVE
An educational web site also
invites dialogue
Looking back at their residency training, most
ophthalmologists remember, somewhat fondly,
the “fluorescein conference” as an effective way
to learn about retinal diseases. At professional
meetings, retina specialists have found the same
kind of forum to be among the most popular
and thought-provoking. Physicians present in- Dr. Zacks created a web program where doctors can review complex retinal cases,
teresting cases of retinal disease and then engage as well as submit their own.
in animated discussions on possible diagnoses
and treatments. An additional unforeseen benefit is the ease with
David N. Zacks, M.D., Ph.D., a retina specialist at which physicians will be able to collaborate on publica-
the Kellogg Eye Center, is creating the same spirit on tions. As clusters of cases on rare conditions appear
a new web site — RetinaDx — with nearly 140 retina on RetinaDx, the contributing doctors could seek out
cases accompanied by spectacular images. For each case each other and collaborate on case reports for ophthal-
there is a brief history and presentation of findings, fol- mology journals.
lowed by retina photographs The site has grown since fall 2005 when Dr. Zacks
and diagnostic images and first asked residents to submit cases during their rota-
“So often physicians see studies. In addition to the tion in Kellogg’s Retina Clinic. As favorable feedback
diagnosis and the differen- came in, Dr. Zacks sought ways to make the site bigger
a rare, isolated case and
tial diagnosis, key teach- and better. He reached out to his colleagues in other
would benefit by talking ing points — that is, “take ophthalmology departments and has gathered an im-
home” messages that can pressive Advisory Board. With feedback from the Board
with others who have be applied when the physi- and users of the site, he expects RetinaDx to generate
cian encounters patients discussion and serve as a central gathering place for the
encountered the same.”
with similar symptoms — are retina community.
— DAVID N. ZACKS, M.D., PH.D. included. Each case also has Students, trainees and ophthalmologists are encour-
a section where users can aged to view the site and to join in the discussion by
post their comments. offering feedback and posting comments on cases at
Dr. Zacks’ original intent was to create an educa- www.kellogg.umich.edu/retinadx.
tional site for medical students, residents and retina
fellows. He believed that a comprehensive review of
retina cases would be especially helpful during their
training or when studying for Boards.
But as the site evolved he envisioned yet another
use — a forum where specialists could share insights
and problem cases. “So often physicians see a rare,
isolated case and would benefit by talking with others
who have encountered the same,” he says. “Now they
can submit the one-of-a-kind case and invite comments
from their peers.”
This fundus photograph shows the uncommon combination of choroidal
neovascularization, angioid streaks and optic nerve head drusen that
led to the diagnosis of pseudoxanthoma elasticum.
12 UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN kellogg eye center

15. “We have one of the top residency programs in the country,
and enhancing our teaching environment
will help us build on that.”
— Shahzad I. Mian, M.D.
A CENTER FOR ExCELLENCE • Laboratory space for research and educational
training
Kellogg expansion leads to dedicated, • A residents lounge and work area
high-tech space for residents • Close proximity to Kellogg’s John W. Henderson
Library and to the residency program’s
With a goal of providing the best possible education to administrative offices
future ophthalmologists, the Department’s residency “The teaching part of this center, including the
training program is designing a new 2,000-square-foot surgical skills laboratory and surgery simulator, will be
center that will feature state-of-the-art educational and very helpful during all aspects of a resident’s training,”
communications technology as well as spaces to learn says Sunir J. Garg, M.D., who completed his training at
and interact with colleagues. Kellogg in 2002 and now serves on the Department’s
“This project will create a cohesive, comprehensive Alumni Advisory Board. He is an assistant professor of
space for resident education, and that’s important,” says ophthalmology at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia.
Residency Director Shahzad I. Mian, M.D. “We have “Faculty members always appreciate when residents
one of the top residency programs in the country, and invest time in their own surgical development and
enhancing our teaching environment will help us build on research efforts.”
that. We are bringing together resources and technology The new center also includes a comfortable space
that will enable residents to get the most out of for independent study or small group meetings as well as
their training here.” space for rest during on-call duty. The residents lounge
The Resident Education Center, which will be housed will have a direct video link to Kellogg’s operating rooms,
on the sixth floor of the current Kellogg Eye Center so residents can view surgeries at any time, without
tower, will include: having to add traffic to the operating room environment.
• A large conference room equipped with a variety “Part of the experience of a residency is making
of communication technologies and flexible fur- friends with your classmates, many of whom you will
nishings that will accommodate conference table, see at meetings for the next 35 years,” Dr. Garg says.
classroom, or lecture-style seating “Having a place to congregate as a group, both to trade
• A surgical skills laboratory and surgery simulator notes on diagnostic and surgical techniques, and to
• A pathology teaching laboratory have a chance to relax, makes training that much more
memorable.”
Newly designed space for residents and fellows can be adapted for a variety of learning experiences and will include state-of-the-art instructional laboratories.
INVESTING IN eDUcatIon 13

16. .
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17. tes, M.D.
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the National Univers

18. Advancing Patient Care
Our patients have come to expect
exceptional care and access to
the newest and best treatments
for eye disease. At Kellogg they
will find doctors who are leaders
in their subspecialties and who
also have time to offer a smile
and words of encouragement.
Erika M. Levin, M.D.

19. GETTING IT STRAIGHTENED OUT
Pediatric ophthalmologist improves
the vision of Kellogg’s youngest patients
No parents want to hear that their child needs surgery.
However, when a child has strabismus — a visual disor-
der in which the eyes are misaligned and point in differ-
ent directions — sometimes surgery is the only treatment
that works. Such was the case for Derek and Rebecca
Najarian and their 21-month-old daughter, Olivia, from
Pinckney, Michigan.
“It was the first surgery on our first child and we
were scared,” says Mrs. Najarian. “But Dr. Levin treated Dr. Levin heard “proof positve” of the successful surgery. When Olivia and her parents
us well every step of the way. She answered every ques- went to Disney World, her improved vision allowed Olivia to see Mickey Mouse
tion and explained each step of the process. We grew “jump” out of the 3-D movie and greet the children.
more and more comfortable, and, in the end, she really
put our minds at ease.” early increases the chances of developing or regaining
Erika M. Levin, M.D., a pediatric ophthalmologist stereoscopic vision. If glasses aren’t effective, surgery —
at Kellogg, first saw Olivia in May 2003, when she was or a combination of glasses and surgery — is recom-
just 16 months old. Olivia’s pediatrician noticed the mended.
strabismus at her 15-month well-child visit and referred In September 2003,
when Olivia was 21 months
“It was the first surgery
her to Dr. Levin in Kellogg’s Brighton office.
“When I first met Olivia, she was crying,” says old, she underwent success- on our first child and
Dr. Levin. “I wasn’t sure if she was nervous or scared, ful strabismus surgery with
but we were able to work through the tears. I sang to Dr. Levin repositioning her we were scared. But
her, worked quickly and we got the job done.” inner eye muscles. She went
Even though Olivia was too young to read an eye home the same day, with- Dr. Levin treated us
chart, Dr. Levin was able to examine her using finger out any special bandages
well every step of the
puppets, mechanical toys and other equipment. Olivia or patches, and returned to
had esotropia (inward turning of the eyes), amblyopia (a normal activities within a way, and, in the end,
“lazy eye” or poorly-seeing eye) and some far-sightedness. few days. Two months later,
Dr. Levin first recommended glasses because they Olivia’s eyes were perfectly she really put our minds
can sometimes help straighten the eyes in children with aligned. Her amblyopia
hadn’t returned so she didn’t
at ease.”
esotropia and farsightedness. This was not the case with
Olivia. Dr. Levin also patched Olivia’s stronger eye to require further patching.
— MS. REBECCA NAJARIAN
strengthen the vision in her weaker eye. Once her vision Now, at 6 years old,
was equal and her misalignment was stable, Olivia was Olivia sees 20/30 in each
ready for surgery. eye without glasses and her eyes remain straight. She
The goal in treating strabismus — a condition returns to Kellogg once a year for a follow-up appoint-
affecting 4 percent of children in the United States — ment, a visit Dr. Levin eagerly awaits.
is to straighten the eyes so they can be used together. “One of the best things about being a pediatric oph-
With normal alignment, both eyes aim at the same spot. thalmologist is seeing patients like Olivia grow and de-
When one eye is out of alignment, two different images velop over the years,” says Dr. Levin. “It’s so rewarding
are sent to the brain. While adults would suffer from to know that I’ve had a positive impact on my patients’
double vision, a child’s brain simply ignores the image lives and on their families’ lives, too. I’m thrilled I can
from the misaligned eye. Correcting the misalignment do that for them.”
ADVANCING PatIent care 17

20. THE ROAD TO INDEPENDENCE
Low Vision Clinic helps patients make the
most of their limited vision
In 1992, Jeff Crawford came to the U-M Kellogg Eye
Center’s Low Vision Clinic with one goal: he wanted to
improve his vision so he could earn his driver’s license.
He was tired of taking the bus or relying on family
and friends to drive him where he needed to go. After
working with low vision specialist Donna M. Wicker,
O.D., Mr. Crawford achieved his goal and — at age
28 — obtained his first license. He promptly bought a
bright yellow Jeep Wrangler. “I figured that if I had
any trouble seeing other drivers, at least they would
be able to see me,” Mr. Crawford says, laughing.
Kellogg’s Low Vision Clinic helps patients with
vision loss ranging from mild impairment to legal
Jeff Crawford credits Dr. Wicker for helping him live and work on his own terms.
blindness. These people typically suffer from macu-
lar degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and
retinitis pigmentosa. Mr. Crawford is typical of many ture telescopes attached to the top of his eyeglasses —
patients with low vision — a term that denotes vision to help him drive.
that is 20/70 or less with the best conventional glasses The low vision specialists see about 20 patients
prescription. each week, most referred by Kellogg’s clinics and com-
Many come to their first appointment with specific munity offices. “Kellogg embraces a multi-disciplinary
goals, such as improving their ability to tackle tasks approach to the treatment of low vision,” explains
like meal preparation, reading, driving, writing checks Dr. Wicker. “We have a team of ophthalmologists,
and paying bills. optometrists and occupational therapists working
“When patients come to our clinic, we discuss together to meet each patient’s needs.”
specific tasks they would like to accomplish or the ones A low vision patient typically has one to four
that give them trouble,” explains Dr. Wicker. “Our job appointments. The last is an optional in-home visit
then is to test their vision and optimize their remaining by occupational therapist Karen Murphy, who helps
functional vision with the use of optical devices, elec- patients with lighting, safety, contrast and organization.
tronic devices and training techniques.” Mr. Crawford, now 44, returns to Kellogg each
What patients need most are devices that can mag- year for a check-up with his ophthalmologist and sees
nify the objects and material they encounter every day. Dr. Wicker if his vision has changed.
Among these are high-power reading glasses, telescopes, “Dr. Wicker and the low vision staff are very pro-
and handheld and stand magnifiers. Other devices fessional and friendly and always are concerned about
include special telephones and modified closed circuit your well-being,” says Mr. Crawford. “The honesty
televisions that enlarge reading material and project it and integrity at Kellogg are phenomenal.”
onto a TV monitor. Non-optical devices include large- Thanks to Kellogg, Mr. Crawford can drive to his
print items and talking clocks and watches. job of 14 years. He is a machine operator for Edwards
It was the telescope that allowed Mr. Crawford to Brothers, a book and journal manufacturing company
get that first driver’s license. Because he is legally blind in Ann Arbor.
due to congenital cataracts and aniridia (an absent or “Kellogg gave me back my freedom and indepen-
partially absent iris), he uses bioptic telescopes — minia- dence,” he states, proudly.
18 UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN kellogg eye center

21. RECONSTRUCTING THE ORBIT — see the light at the end of the tunnel,” says Dr. Kahana.
Then Taiwo went on to see Gregory Dootz, Kellogg’s
and a Young BoY’S FuTurE ocularist who has been creating and fitting prosthetic
Oculoplastics service built on teamwork, eyes for Kellogg patients for some 29 years.
tough cases One of three surgeons on Kellogg’s Eye Plastic,
Orbital and Facial Cosmetic Surgery service,
Taiwo Bilesanmi, now a teenager, lost his eye to cancer Dr. Kahana credits his colleagues with having built
when he was just one year old and living in Nigeria. His a strong practice that serves
family did not have access to a surgeon who could re- as a major referral center for
build the child’s orbit, the bones and muscles that form difficult eye plastic surgery. “Orbital reconstruction
the eye’s support. The proper supporting structure was Then too, there is the fore-
sight of recently retired ser-
can be easy to do but
essential if Taiwo were, one day, to have a new pros-
thetic eye created for him. vice chief, Bartley R. Frueh, hard to do well.”
Reconstructive surgery can make a big difference M.D., who came to the
in people’s lives, observes Kellogg oculoplastic surgeon Department to start the Eye — ALON KAHANA, M.D., PH.D.
Alon Kahana, M.D., Ph.D. At first, Taiwo was too Plastic Service nearly thirty
young to care about the loss of his eye, according to years ago. One of his early
his father. But as he grew older, he became sensitive to decisions was to hire Gregory Dootz, says Dr. Kahana.
comments from his friends about his appearance. By the “Dr. Frueh was an accomplished surgeon who knew
time Taiwo came to the Kellogg Eye Center for orbital that to do orbital reconstruction well it was essential
reconstruction, the young boy was anxious, but ready to have an expert ocularist on staff and then work
for surgery that would allow him to have a new eye. together as a team.”
Dr. Kahana was aware the surgery would not be simple. Despite many doctor’s appointments and surgeries,
Taiwo, whose family now lives in Detroit, had gone for Taiwo is very positive. His father offered strong encour-
some 12 years without an eye or prosthesis, and as a agement, and Taiwo, now 15 years of age, says, “It was
result, the orbit had become malformed. Much of the easy except for the surgery. It’s all OK now.”
supporting tissue was lost, and the bony structure had
grown inward, displacing a silicone implant from an
earlier surgery and making it impossible to fit a pros-
thetic eye.
There was one more obstacle, this one concerned
with safety. Before Dr. Kahana would consider surgery,
he insisted that Taiwo begin to wear polycarbonate
glasses. Like his Kellogg colleagues, Dr. Kahana tells
his patients they must protect their “good” eye with
shatter-resistant lenses.
Dr. Kahana then presented his plan: replace the ear-
lier implant with tissue from Taiwo’s thigh to create the
supporting structure. There are several techniques a sur-
geon can use to reshape the orbit, and many nuances in
performing the surgery, says Dr. Kahana. “The ultimate
goal is to have good reconstruction that is long lasting
and allows for a good prosthetic fit,” he says. “Orbital
reconstruction can be easy to do but hard to do well.”
After surgery, Dr. Kahana was pleased at last to see
a smile on his patient’s face. “I think he finally could Taiwo Bilesanmi at a follow-up visit with Dr. Kahana.
ADVANCING PatIent care 19

22. ON THE ROAD AGAIN
Big Ten eye doctors go to Vietnam
In March, five-year-old Vee, who lives in a small village
outside Da Nang, Vietnam, had surgery to correct a
tendency for his eyes to turn inward and upward. Vee’s
surgeon was pediatric ophthalmologist Monte A. Del
Monte, M.D., who had come to Vietnam with ORBIS,
an organization that brings a Flying Eye Hospital and Representatives from the Big Ten on the tarmack in Da Nang: Keith Carter, M.D.,
ophthalmologists to countries where eye care and mod- Derek Del Monte, M.D., Wanda Martinez, M.D., Monte Del Monte, M.D.,
ern techniques are scarce. and Hua Gao, M.D., Ph.D.
There was added commotion, as cameras followed
Vee and Dr. Del Monte to film a televised special featur- Dr. Del Monte. “But when we use this technique, we
ing ophthalmologists from Big Ten universities teaching see kids opening their eyes and smiling immediately
local ophthalmologists and providing surgical treatment after surgery. They have less pain, and they can be
in developing countries. outside playing the next day.”
Michigan was represented Sure enough, when Dr. Del Monte visited Vee in
Training local doctors is by Dr. Del Monte and his home after the surgery, the young boy was doing
vital in a country like alumnus Keith C. Carter, just fine, playing with a friend.
M.D., who completed his When not performing surgery, Dr. Del Monte
Vietnam where just 10 residency at Kellogg and lectured to ophthalmologists who had come from all
today is chair of the Univer- over the country. Again stressing its educational mis-
ophthalmologists are sity of Iowa’s Department sion, ORBIS asks volunteer physicians to bring several
of Ophthalmology. educational lectures when they travel.
available per million
By the end of the Dr. Del Monte has participated in a number of
people. week, Dr. Del Monte had international programs, but this one had special mean-
performed 15 surgeries on ing for him. His son, Derek, who completed his medical
children and adults with training at Michigan and is now a first-year ophthal-
strabismus, a condition in which the eyes are not mology resident at Duke University, accompanied him
properly aligned. His young patient Vee had a form on the trip. “The experience sold him on the excitement
of strabismus called esotropia with overacting inferior and rewards of international ophthalmology, and in
oblique muscles, causing inward turning or crossing and a few years I expect to see him pursue the ORBIS
vertical upshooting of his eyes, the most common con- program for third-year residents.”
dition Dr. Del Monte saw during his stay in Da Nang. “One of the greatest rewards is that the families
At the heart of ORBIS is the goal of training local are so grateful,” adds Dr. Del Monte. “You know how
doctors, nurses, and other health workers in state-of- frightened the patients are before surgery, and then you
the-art ophthalmic diagnostic and surgical techniques. see big smiles on their faces after they become aware
This is vital in a country like Vietnam where just 10 of the results.” Dr. Del Monte was especially touched
ophthalmologists are available per million people. by a unique personal gift he received from several of
Assisted by a local ophthalmologist during Vee’s his patients’ families: an intricately carved marble tray,
surgery, Dr. Del Monte was able to demonstrate a new dragon pitcher and matching cups, each engraved with
surgical technique, a stitchless self-closing incision the name of one of his surgical patients.
underneath the eyelid in a way that eliminates external Dr. Del Monte will be featured in a televised special
stitches. “It is very comfortable for the patient, but to air this fall. Check our web site for details.
technically more difficult for the surgeon,” says
20 UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN kellogg eye center

23. “You know how frightened the patients are before surgery,
and then you see big smiles on their faces after they
become aware of the results.”
— Monte A. Del Monte, M.D.
Dr. Del Monte teaching local ophthalmologists in the O.R. Five-year-old Vee before his surgery. Vee and his parents after his surgery.
Hua Imperial Palace, Hua, Vietnam. Sanpan water taxi, Hoi An, Vietnam.
Dr. Carter examines a patient’s x-ray. Dr. Del Monte with his local trainees: Dr. Ngoc, Dr. Huang, and Dr. Tan.

24. Celebrating Philanthropy
By endowing professorships,
providing support for expansion,
and making annual gifts
to research, individuals and
foundations are helping the
Kellogg Eye Center reach new
levels of excellence.
22 UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN kellogg eye center Victor M. Elner, M.D., Ph.D.

25. ENDOWING A LEGACY
Ophthalmic pathologist Dr. Victor
Elner honored as Ravitz Foundation
establishes a professorship that
recognizes a little-known specialty
When Detroit native Edward Ravitz began a
Foundation to help improve the health of his
fellow citizens, he decided to support efforts
that sought good over glory, says Burton R.
Shifman, president of the Ravitz Foundation.
Mr. Shifman and his fellow trustees fol-
Taking time to celebrate: Ravitz Foundation board members Lawrence F. Handler, M.D.,
lowed that mission in establishing the Ravitz
Bruce D. Gelbaugh, Burton R. Shifman, and Arnold J. Shifman with Kellogg’s
Foundation Professorship in Ophthalmology and Paul R. Lichter, M.D., (center left) and Victor M. Elner, M.D., Ph.D. (center right).
Visual Sciences at the Kellogg Eye Center this year.
Victor M. Elner, M.D., Ph.D., is the first to hold the art camera system that detects eye disease long before
professorship. His specialty of ophthalmic pathology the first symptoms occur (see p. 7).
is essential to treating and understanding eye disease, Dr. Elner’s clinical specialties include the evaluation
but it receives little notice. There are only ten ophthal- and treatment of eyelid and orbital tumors, thyroid eye
mic pathologists in the U.S., working to identify the disease and disorders affecting the eyelid and tear ducts.
correct source of disease. He has published more than 150 articles on pathologic
“In many ways, it’s a dying area of expertise, and entities and advances in eye plastic surgery.
I commend the Ravitz Foundation for recognizing its Mr. Ravitz, a businessman who oversaw the build-
importance and working to ensure it continues to ing of more than 25,000 single-family homes and
benefit patients,” Dr. Elner says. apartments in Michigan and other states, would have
As an ophthalmologist and a pathologist, Dr. Elner appreciated the steady, groundbreaking progress Dr.
examines eye tissue to draw connections between the Elner has made. From his hardworking immigrant
underlying disease process and the most effective ap- parents, Mr. Ravitz learned ethics and responsibility.
proaches to diagnosis and treatment. He plays a central He became a decorated combat army officer in World
role in training new ophthalmologists. “His appoint- War II, after which he overcame many obstacles in
ment as Ravitz Professor will benefit both our Depart- building a company that ultimately grew to 600 indi-
ment and the entire field of ophthalmology,” says viduals. Though Mr. Ravitz passed away in 1999, his
Paul R. Lichter, chair of the U-M Department of Foundation continues to pursue his vision of supporting
Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. medical research and initiatives that eliminate prejudice
Dr. Elner has been on the Kellogg faculty since and further a sense of community and shared humanity.
1988. He received his medical degree, residency train- At U-M, gifts from the Ravitz Foundation have
ing, and fellowship training in pathology from the established a professorship in the U-M Department of
University of Chicago and completed additional fel- Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases and the Ravitz
lowships in pathology and ophthalmic plastic and Foundation Phase 1 / Translational Research Center at
reconstructive surgery. His research has shown that the U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center. The Founda-
inflammation is often a cause of eye disease or its com- tion has also supported C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital,
plications, and he has described the chain of events the U-M Depression Center, the Medical School, the
that results in the destruction of cells leading to vision School of Public Health, the Dental School, the Depart-
loss. He also collaborated with Kellogg scientist ment of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, and the
Howard R. Petty, Ph.D., in developing a state-of-the- Division of Kinesiology.
CELEBRATING PhIlanthroPy 23