In an exciting development for the field of ophthalmology, The Glaucoma Foundation (TGF) has partnered with Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB) to establish new fellowships aimed at enhancing diversity within glaucoma research. Starting in 2021, this initiative aims to bridge the gap in representation among researchers tackling this critical eye health issue.

The newly established TGF/RPB Fellowships in Glaucoma provide a one-year, $10,000 supplemental award designed specifically for under-represented racial and ethnic minorities, as recognized by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). These fellowships target individuals who are currently fellows in ophthalmology departments and are actively engaged in significant research projects related to glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide.

In December, two exceptional awardees were selected for this prestigious fellowship. Both are distinguished epidemiologists specializing in the field of ophthalmic research.

Meet the Awardees:

Patrice Marie Hicks, PhD, MPH

Dr. Hicks serves in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Michigan Medical School. Her ambitious research agenda seeks to establish a comprehensive understanding of how social determinants of health impact vision outcomes. By addressing these factors, her work aims to inform policies and interventions that improve patient care. Among her notable projects, she is investigating the barriers and facilitators affecting glaucoma medication adherence among patients. Additionally, Dr. Hicks is scrutinizing the representation of sex, gender, race, and ethnicity in artificial intelligence applications within ophthalmology, with the goal of ensuring equitable access to high-quality care.

Bushra Usmani, MD

Dr. Usmani, affiliated with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine’s Department of Ophthalmology, focuses her research on the epidemiology of blinding ocular conditions. With a keen interest in preventable vision loss, she conducts long-term studies to identify the risk factors, healthcare costs, and disparities associated with these diseases. Over the next decade, her work aims to illuminate trends that will guide effective strategies to protect individuals from preventable blindness, ultimately striving to alleviate the burden of these conditions on affected populations.

The Impact of The Glaucoma Foundation

Founded in 1984, The Glaucoma Foundation has been at the forefront of enhancing the lives of individuals affected by glaucoma. With a mission to support innovative research and disseminate valuable information regarding the causes and treatments of this complex disease, the foundation plays a crucial role in educating patients, families, and communities. Their extensive outreach efforts aim to empower individuals at risk to proactively manage their health and prevent severe visual impairment.

This strategic partnership and the introduction of these fellowships not only promise to foster diversity among researchers but also to unlock new insights and strategies that could revolutionize glaucoma care and improve patient outcomes. Stay tuned for more developments as these groundbreaking projects unfold!