Dr. James P. McCulley

Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB), which supports eye research aimed at prevention, treatment, or eradication of all diseases that threaten vision, has awarded Ophthalmology at UT Southwestern Medical Center a $115,000 grant to support efforts in the Department.

A frequent recipient for RPB’s largesse since 1982, Ophthalmology has received $4.9 million from the organization, including the latest award. Since it was founded in 1960, RPB has channeled more the $345 million into eye research and, as a result, the group has been identified with virtually every major breakthrough in vision research during that time.

“We are extremely grateful to RPB, whose support has facilitated exciting research developments in the department. Unrestricted departmental grants are provided to fewer than half the departments of Ophthalmology in the country,” said Dr. James P. McCulley, Chairman of Ophthalmology and Director of the Jean H. and John T. Walter Jr. Center for Research in Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Key research developments aided by RPB funding include:

• Understanding the effect of aging on the growth and metastasis of intraocular melanomas.
• Examining the immune mechanisms that cause rejection of corneal transplants.
• Investigating the causes of dry eye, and why some individuals with the condition actually produce a normal to excessive amount of tears.
• Identifying the genetic cause of a common type of macular degeneration.
• Gaining insight into the retinal response to light damage and oxidative stress.

UT Southwestern is currently among just 38 Departments of Ophthalmology in the nation that hold unrestricted grants from RPB.

Dr. McCulley holds the David Bruton Jr. Chair in Ophthalmology