Mark Pennesi, M.D., Ph.D., FARVO, Director of Ophthalmic Genetics, celebrates first year with the Retina Foundation
Dr. Mark Pennesi, an expert in inherited retinal diseases, is marking a significant milestone as he celebrates his one-year anniversary at the Retina Foundation of the Southwest. Returning to the Foundation, where he first began his career as an intern under Dr. David Birch, Dr. Pennesi has already made a profound impact. His biggest accomplishment this year has been getting the inherited retinal degeneration clinic up and running. The clinic has since seen an overwhelming increase in referrals, not only from the Dallas area but also from across the country and even internationally.
Dr. Pennesi’s excitement for the future is evident as he witnesses the clinic’s growth and the progress being made in the field. One of the most rewarding aspects of his work is witnessing the positive impact on patients. Dr. Pennesi recognizes the emotional and personal struggles patients face, particularly around the fear of passing on genetic conditions to their children. Yet, he also highlights the immense joy of seeing patients improve their vision, particularly through clinical trials, which have brought hope to those living with previously untreatable conditions. “We’re starting to see improvements in vision, and that’s something we never saw before,” he shares, underscoring the promise of advancements in the field.
Looking forward to 2025, Dr. Pennesi is committed to expanding the Foundation’s clinical trial offerings. As the number of trials continues to grow exponentially, he aims to ensure that patients have access to every viable treatment option. His goal is to increase the Foundation’s clinical trial activity by 25 to 50%, giving patients the best chance to maintain or restore their vision. Another key focus for the upcoming year is expanding services to younger patients, particularly those under five, which requires specialized equipment and expertise. Dr. Pennesi’s vision is to ensure that more children, including those with complex genetic conditions, receive the care they need.
Beyond the clinical and research advances, Dr. Pennesi is deeply invested in providing holistic support to patients and their families. One of Dr. Pennesi’s biggest accomplishments at the Foundation is the stress alleviated by providing free care to all referred patients. Additionally, the Foundation offers personalized care, ensuring patients have ample time to ask questions and receive the support they need. Dr. Pennesi also works to connect patients with valuable resources, such as vision rehabilitation services and genetic testing.
His biggest wish for the Foundation is for every patient with an inherited retinal degeneration to visit the Foundation at least once for a thorough diagnosis and to build a lasting relationship with the staff. He hopes that the Foundation’s work will continue to expand, not only offering cutting-edge treatments but also providing a compassionate, supportive environment for those facing the challenges of vision loss.
