EYE ON THE FUTURE
Support Our Mission
For the past 50 years, we have been a leader in the mission to improve vision-related quality of life for people across the globe. Your generous support makes it possible to continue this work, as well as advance research and grow the educational opportunities available to our medical students, residents, fellows, doctoral and post-doctoral students. Together, we can lead clinical care and vision research for years to come.
Your gift of any size helps us remain learner-focused and mission-driven. Gifts to our department are made through our philanthropic entity, the University of Wisconsin Foundation. To help advance a current priority need, consider making a gift to the Carl and Mary Ann Berg Education Fund.
CARL AND MARY ANN BERG EDUCATION FUND
Supports the greatest needs of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences residents, fellows, and medical students including improving the teaching-learning experience and promoting a sense of community and wellness.
To support in areas that matter most to you, explore the funds below.
EDUCATION
Carl and Mary Ann Berg Education Fund
Supports the greatest needs of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences residents, fellows, and medical students including improving the teaching-learning experience and promoting a sense of community and wellness.
Carl and Mary Ann Berg Global Ophthalmology Fund
Supports the knowledge and experience of learners in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences and their established global partners in academic global ophthalmology through various local and global learning activities.
RESEARCH
Albert E. and Florence Koch Endowed Ophthalmology Research Fund
Supports medical research relating to glaucoma, Parkinson’s disease, and macular degeneration.
DOVS has several research programs in glaucoma including work to prevent the death of retinal ganglion cells which are the cause of vision loss in this disease, projects in glaucoma genetics and how mutations affect mechanisms that lead to elevated intraocular pressure, the role of high pressure affecting optic nerve head changes, and therapeutic approaches using gene therapy. We conduct macular degeneration studies using artificial intelligence (AI) methods for the diagnoses, prognosis, and analysis of treatment modality effects. AI is being used to better understand how new retinal blood vessels grow. We have projects in adaptive optics which allow visualization of single retinal cells within the living eye. This type of imaging has proven highly useful in assessing cell and tissue status in patients with glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration.
Arra and James Madisen Research Fund
Supports the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences eye research.
In addition to the programs listed above, researchers are studying the development of neuronal circuits in the retina, their disruption in several diseases, and the effect of these alterations on vision. We have groups studying mechanisms involved in the pathology and immunology of eye infections, and the development and testing of novel therapeutic measures for infections. Working closely with our Inherited Retinal Disease Clinical patient program, one of our research groups uses induced pluripotent stem cells to generate retinal organoids to study inherited retinal diseases. This stem cell group is also actively engaged in developing cell, gene therapy, and gene editing strategies to treat retinal degenerative disease. We are also engaged in several clinical trials for multiple eye diseases.
CLINICAL
Louise D. Manthey Ophthalmology Patients Fund
Provides financial assistance to patients in need, who require eye care and/or surgery at the University Hospitals.
Ophthalmology Department Building Fund
Supports construction of a new eye building or reconstruction of existing space for the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences.
DEPARTMENTAL
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Annual Forward Fund
Supports strategic investments in programs, projects, and activities that enhance, expand, and advance the department’s overall mission.
Continue the Conversation
If you would like to make a donation to the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences that is not included on this list, please contact:
Cecil Martin
Director of Development
cecil.martin@supportuw.org