The study aims to understand how shortened EYS proteins function in a zebrafish model with EYS-related mutations and to develop a method for delivering the EYS gene using dual vectors. These efforts could lead to gene therapy treatments for EYS related retinal diseases, addressing challenges linked to gene size and model limitations and contributing to advancements in understanding and treating these conditions.
Read MoreFor more than two decades, the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc. (KTEF) has supported Boston Children's researchers working to treat, cure, and prevent vision loss. Now, through a $2million gift matched by the Children’s Hospital Ophthalmology Foundation, Boston Children’s Hospital has established the KTEF Research Endowment.
Read MoreHe aims to answer the question: How does impaired protein glutamylation, observed in our mouse model for CCP5-linked blindness, affect photoreceptor function? With the knowledge gained, he proposes to identify novel therapies for blindness resulting from genetic mutations that disrupt the removal of glutamate residues (deglutamylation).
Read MoreDr. Abdelrahman aims to study a mouse model of ROP to understand how the tissue regulate the clearance process and what are the differences between the cells in the ability to clear up the corpses. He also has successfully designed a unique molecule that help cells to clear the corpses faster and with better outcome.
Read MoreAs Knights Templar we spread the news of the Light of the World by the way we live our lives and by spreading the Gospels to anyone in need. We bring physical light by providing funding to improve vision through research, education, and supporting access to care. Somewhere in the world, someone goes blind every 5 seconds. I ask you to continue to support the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc. in its mission. Bring the light to those that sit in darkness. Continue the miracles of Jesus Christ by contributing to the 57th Voluntary Campaign. During your next Christmas Observance, pass the plate to collect for the Foundation. Your dollars provide light.
Read MoreThe Knights Templar Eye Foundation Inc. has announced a Pediatric Ophthalmology Research Grant Award Program of $3 Million. The Knights Templar Eye Foundation Inc. (KTEF) invites eligible investigators (clinician scientists and basic research scientists) to submit applications for Pediatric Ophthalmology Career-Starter Research Grants for the next award period of July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.
Read MoreThe Children’s Eye Foundation of the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmologists and Strabismus (AAPOS) has received funding from the Knights Templar Eye Foundation (KTEF) to support educational outreach programs. KTEF awarded $250,000 to CEF’s Stop Infant Blindness in Africa (SIBA) program, as well as $100,000 to the Global Education & Training program.
Read MoreCongratulations to Thomas C. Lee, MD on receiving the Grand Encampment Knights Templar USA National Award for his dedicated work fighting childhood blindness and his service to the Knights Templar Eye Foundation.
Read MoreBased on this study, he can repurpose this approved medicine for a clinical trial in ROP infants. He hopes this medicine will help the infants recover from such a blinding disease and let them see well again.
Read MoreDr. Young’s focus is on developing new techniques which combine gene therapy with drug treatment to prevent retinal ganglion cell death in an animal model of NF1. He will also evaluate their effectiveness in maintaining vision.
Read MoreBecause there is now access to cutting edge cameras which can produce 3D representations of the retina and vessels with high resolution, Dr. Young aims to precisely define the rate of vessel growth in prematurity and ROP, as well as characterize microvascular changes at the edge of ROP, with the goal to provide novel avenues to predict disease.
Read MoreDr. Wang proposed a new strategy to perform gene editing in the eye using circular RNAs, a class of highly stable RNA molecules, delivered into retinal cells by nanoparticles. He envisions that this work will lead to safer treatments for childhood retinal diseases, and potentially other vision disorders.
Read MoreEmerging evidence suggests that sensory symptoms of autism are caused, at least in part, by changes in sensory organs, in addition to changes in the brain. This includes the retina, which is the entry point to the visual system and is critical for sight and a wide variety of other visual functions, like regulating the sleep-wake cycle. However, little is known about how the retina is affected and whether changes in the retina contribute to visual symptoms in autism or Fragile X syndrome.
Read MoreBy completing this study, Dr. Tworak would like to prove that by this approach it is possible to stop development of the disease and stop the vision loss. The obtained data could be used as a starting point to design a clinical trial to test the therapy in humans.
Read MoreKTEF funded $75,000 which enabled 48 medical students and ophthalmology residents to attend this meeting which has a significant impact on these young professionals, enhancing their education and fostering their development into the field of pediatric ophthalmology. The experience these professionals gain by attending is invaluable, offering attendees the opportunity to engage with leading experts, participate in cutting edge workshops and network with peers and mentors.
Read MoreThis study endorses the theory of ‘1+1 is greater than 1’ for effective treatment strategies. Morphological, functional, and genetic analysis will be performed to thoroughly assess the treatment outcomes. The findings will be applicable to other preclinical trials of gene therapy dealing with early-age vision loss.
Read MoreThe 56th Annual Voluntary Campaign Final Report is now available at: https://www.ktef.org/campaign-reports
Read MoreThis year ARVO awarded 95 travel grants to help student/trainee members attend the 2024 annual meeting. These funds from the KTEF represent 25.5% of the total travel grants awarded by ARVO and the ARVO Foundation annually. In total, ARVO and the ARVO Foundation supported 373 travel grants in 2024.
Read MoreDr. Srivastava is studying the molecular mechanism of cooperation between NRL and CRX by structural and biophysical methods. A molecular-level understanding of the function and regulation of NRL and CRX will help to design better therapeutic interventions for these genetic diseases.
Read MoreAt the end of the review process thirty-two Competitive Renewal & Career Starter grants for a total of $2,876,396.00 were recommended by the SAC Committee and later approved by the KTEF officers.
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