News and Events

The FDA has approved a new light delivery system termed photobiomodulation for treating intermediate dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a major cause of vision loss in people over 55. This is the first FDA-approved treatment for vision loss in dry AMD patients. The therapy has shown to improve vision by more than 5 letters on an eye chart over 24 months. This non-invasive treatment offers a new option for patients to improve their vision earlier in the disease process.

Professor of Ophthalmology, Paloma Liton, PhD, FARVO, served as editor, along with Tatjana Jakobs, MD, for the newly released Second Edition of “Glaucoma: Methods and Protocols”. This updated volume explores the latest methodologies for studying glaucoma neurodegeneration, with a special focus on ocular hypertension and its role in the disease’s pathogenesis.

The Benign Essential Blepharospasm Research Foundation held its annual symposium November 1-2, 2024 at Duke Eye Center. The program was led by Professor of Ophthalmology, Julie Woodward, MD. Attendees learned about blepharospasm, Meige, and other related disorders and had the opportunity to hear from experts in the field, connect with other patients and caregivers, and participate in Q&A sessions.

The Council of Vision Editors Fellowship program, led by Michael Chiang, MD, Director of the National Eye Institute, and editors from seven leading journals in ophthalmology, optometry, and vision science, has been established to provide structured, mentored training in review and editorial practices.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) Annual Meeting will be held October 18 - 20, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. This year, the event promises to be particularly enriching, with over 65 presentations, posters, and symposiums that Duke Eye Center faculty, residents, and fellows will present throughout the course of the meeting covering a broad range of ophthalmic advancements and innovations.

Duke Eye Center is proud to announce five promotions in the Department of Ophthalmology: 

After a bachelor’s degree in visual journalism and 15 years working as a freelance photographer shooting portraits, events, sports, and food and beverages, Kathleen Warren never imagined herself in a medical field. But in 2013, a friend from college encouraged her to join him at the New England Eye Care Center as an ophthalmic photographer. When she investigated it, she liked the possibilities.

Professor of Ophthalmology, Pratap Challa, MD was honored with the Straatsma Award for Excellence in Resident Education.

The 36th Annual Duke Glaucoma Symposium was held on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at Duke Eye Center.

Lloyd Williams, MD, PhD traveled to Yogyakarta, Indonesia on the latest Duke Global Ophthalmology mission to collaborate with Dr Sardjito Hospital. While there, he performed 16 ICL surgeries and 23 corneal transplants.