December 2024

The mission of the Retina Foundation of the Southwest is to prevent vision loss and restore sight through innovative research and treatment for pediatric eye conditions, inherited eye diseases, and age-related macular degeneration.

A Message

from

Dr. Karl Csaky

As we enter the season of giving, I want to take a moment to reflect on the profound impact our mission has on the lives of those affected by vision loss. Many of these conditions remain untreatable, creating unique challenges not only for individuals but for entire families who navigate life together in the face of uncertainty.

This time of year is about more than giving—it’s about hope. Thanks to your support, we’re advancing groundbreaking research, providing vital resources, and moving closer to life-changing treatments for those living with pediatric, inherited, and age-related eye conditions. Our work ensures that children and adults impacted by vision loss have the opportunity to thrive despite their challenges.

As we launch our year-end appeal, we are spotlighting the transformative impact your generosity has on families and individuals touched by inherited retinal diseases (IRDs). Your contributions directly support genetic testing, innovative therapies, and the development of new clinical trials—tools that offer the promise of a brighter tomorrow.

We invite you to join us in this season of hope and renewal by supporting our mission. Together, we can continue to change lives, one vision at a time.

Thank you for being a part of our journey. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and meaningful holiday season.

From left to right: Dr. Srinivasa Sripathi with the Retina Foundation; Amy Johnson with the Retina Foundation; Carmel Borders with Tapestry Foundation; Betsy Abell with Buena Vista Foundation; Jeanne Klein, participant in the AMD Stem Cell Sibling Study; Samantha Borders with Tapestry Foundation; Diane Boddy, participant in the AMD Stem Cell Sibling Study; and Dr. Karl Csaky with the Retina Foundation.

AUSTIN, TX – The Retina Foundation introduced its Eye on Innovation, The Series event for the first time to Austinites at Westwood Country Club, bringing together supporters, donors, and leaders to celebrate groundbreaking advancements in vision-saving research. This event highlighted Retina Foundation’s pioneering work in degenerative retinal diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

The focal point of the evening was the final tally of the $250,000 AMD Challenge Match which was generously provided by Betsy Abell from the Buena Vista Foundation and Carmel Borders from the Tapestry Foundation. This initiative inspired donors to match the gift dollar-for-dollar, resulting in a total of over $500,000 raised to support the Retina Foundation’s innovative research.

“We are deeply grateful for the generosity of our new and returning donors, whose unwavering support makes groundbreaking research possible,” said Austin resident Jeanne Klein who is a part of the first-of-its-kind AMD sibling study with her sister. “Each contribution, no matter the size, represents hope for 18 million people with AMD and the countless millions of people with other vision disorders.”

From left: Doug and Laurie Dotter, Susan and Craig Litherland, Cliff and Edda Litherland, Dylan Dotter.

Fogg Charitable Trust Supports Genetic Testing and Pediatric Vision Care

The Edward C. Fogg, III & Lisbeth A. Fogg Charitable Trust has approved a grant to the Retina Foundation to provide genetic testing and equipment for visual function testing for children with inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) at no cost to their families.

However, diagnosing and treating IRDs is challenging. With more than 300 genes that can cause these conditions, genetic testing is essential for accurate diagnosis and determining eligibility for gene therapy trials. Unfortunately, insurance often does not cover the cost of genetic testing for diseases without FDA-approved therapies. In addition, pediatric vision assessments frequently require specialized equipment and techniques, as many exams must be performed under sedation.

The Retina Foundation is preparing to enroll pediatric patients in a clinical trial for a new drug to treat Stargardt dystrophy, the most common form of juvenile macular dystrophy. The Foundation is also gearing up for additional gene therapy trials targeting Leber congenital amaurosis, X-linked retinoschisis, blue cone monochromacy, and retinitis pigmentosa.

Thanks to the generous support of the Fogg Charitable Trust, the Retina Foundation can continue to advance its mission of improving the lives of children with IRDs through cutting-edge research and compassionate care.

Please help the Retina Foundation continue to lead research and save sight in 2025.

Thanks to support from individuals like you, the Retina Foundation is a world leader in research for pediatric eye conditions, inherited retinal diseases, and age-related macular degeneration. The Retina Foundation’s research remains as critical as ever and we need your help to keep advancing science in 2025. Please consider donating to continue the fight against visually impairing diseases.

Make Your Year End Gift Today