Dr. Alice R. McPherson
The first full-time female vitreoretinal specialist in the world and founder of the Retina Research Foundation, died on January 16, 2023, at the age of 96. “Dr. McPherson was a remarkable individual whose leadership and generosity made a lasting mark on our profession”, said Stephen D. McLeod, MD, Chief Executive Officer. “Her support of the Foundation over many years through the Retina Research Foundation has made a significant impact on Academy programs”, said Tina McGovern, Executive Director, Foundation.
David E. I. Pyott Establishes Glaucoma Education Center
A $2 million gift will fund the groundbreaking Pyott Center on the ONE Network, transforming glaucoma education and peer-to-peer networking.
Knights Templar Fund Pediatric Ophthalmology Education Center
This first-of-its-kind center on the ONE Network was made possible by a $1 million gift from the Knights Templar Eye Foundation. The center will "make a difference and improve the outcomes in eye care for children worldwide," said KTEF President Duane L. Vaught.
Dr. Allan D. and Claire S. Jensen Establish Redmond Center
With a $500,000 donation to the Foundation, the Jensens have established the Michael R. Redmond, MD Professionalism and Ethics Education Center. The Redmond Center provides a global resource center for these key components of ophthalmic practice.
Dr. Charles R. and Judith G. Munnerlyn Give $1 Million
This generous gift has established a state-of-the-art center on the ONE Network to advance laser surgery education for ophthalmologists around the world.
Why I Give
“With increased funding, the Foundation can develop additional innovative resources that address the educational needs of future ophthalmologists. I encourage other members to contribute to the Foundation so that our profession can continue to stay up to date on the latest clinical advancements.”
- Christina J. Flaxel, MD, Portland, Ore.
“The Foundation’s mission reminds me why I wanted to be a doctor – to help and give to others. One of the best ways to accomplish this is through donations, particularly at the Partners for Sight level. I am proud to be an ophthalmologist and am excited to contribute to the advancement of the field.”
- Christopher F. Blodi, MD, West Des Moines, Ia.
“I financially support the Foundation because I am grateful. From the moment I started my residency at the Bethesda Naval Hospital, the Academy has played an important role in my lifelong education as an ophthalmologist. I want current and future ophthalmologists to be stimulated by career-spanning enrichment of knowledge, just as I have."
- David J. Harris Jr., MD, FACS, Knoxville, Tenn.
“The Foundation creates a better future for our patients and all of us by supporting the development of state-of-the-art educational resources.”
- Paul P. Lee, MD, JD, Ann Arbor, Mich.
"I give to the Foundation because I like supporting an organization that promotes worldwide programs in education, quality of care research and service. Academy educational resources like the ONE Network helps me prepare for complex surgeries, achieve the best possible outcomes and change patients’ lives in a positive way."
- Linda M. Tsai, MD, St. Louis, Mo.
“It is my great pleasure to support the Academy Foundation for all of the wonderful ways in which they educate ophthalmologists worldwide. Key initiatives like the Robert A. Copeland Jr., MD, Advocacy Education Fund ensure that ophthalmologists everywhere better understand the importance of engaging in advocacy efforts to promote the health and well-being of our patients.”
- Sonny D. Goel, MD, Clarksville, Md.
"I have supported the Museum of Vision because of its many programs to preserve the history of ophthalmology and the Academy. The museum puts all these materials at your fingertips. It's a marvelous thing."
- Stanley M. Truhlsen, MD, Omaha, Neb.
“I am very happy to share the Foundation’s commitment to advancing ophthalmic education. By giving, I’m paying it forward to future generations of ophthalmologists.”
- Leela V. Raju, MD, New York, N.Y.
"I'm proud of the Academy's high standards and its resources, like the ONE Network, that promote those standards. These initiatives help all ophthalmologists in providing the best care for our patients. They would not exist without the Foundation's support. We must continue to ensure that ophthalmologists are well trained to provide the highest level of service possible to our communities."
- Andrew Westfall, MD, Salem, Ore.
"The Academy has an important mission to educate ophthalmologists so that we can provide the highest quality care to our patients. The Academy has developed an incredible wealth of educational resources for professionals. I particularly enjoy the offerings of the ONE Network. Thanks to the Foundation's support, the Academy can provide these materials at no extra cost to its members."
- Katherine A. Lee, MD, PhD, Boise, ID
"I have supported the Academy Foundation for years, and I will continue to do so, because the Foundation is dedicated to ensuring that our patients have access to the best eye care anywhere in the world. The Foundation supports my education, and that of my patients. Maintenance of vision sustains a high quality of life, enables people to work and promotes independent living. What could be better?"
- Aaron P. Weingeist, MD, Seattle, Wash.
“Lifelong education is of utmost importance so we can provide the best and most current treatments. The Academy Foundation’s mission supports our education, and we should, in turn, support the Foundation.”
- Shigemi Sugiki, MD, FACS, Honolulu, HI
"The Foundation helps all ophthalmologists, whether they are just starting their careers or have been practicing for many years. The Academy does admirable work indeed, and we should continue to support it!"
- Claes H. Dohlman, MD, PhD, Boston, Mass.
Why do you support the Foundation? Share your story!
Email us at faao@aao.org.