Dastgheib Pioneer Award Lecture Highlights Advances in Glaucoma Drug Discovery

Guest lectures with Dr. Dastgheib

Duke Eye Center hosted the 2026 Dastgheib Pioneer Award in Ocular Innovation Lecture on September 22.

The lecture, “Mechanism-Based Drug Discovery in Glaucoma: The Rho Kinase Story,” was presented by Casey Kopczynski, PhD, BioPharma consultant and former chief scientific officer and co-founder of Aerie Pharmaceuticals, and P. Vasantha Rao, PhD, Richard and Kit Barkhouser Professor of Ophthalmology and Professor of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology at Duke University.

Drawing on their respective experiences in drug development and vision research, Drs. Kopczynski and Rao discussed the scientific discoveries that led to the development of Rho kinase inhibitors and demonstrated how mechanism-based research can drive new treatment options for patients with glaucoma. Their presentations highlighted the importance of collaboration between academic research and industry in translating scientific discoveries into therapies that improve patient care.

The Dastgheib Pioneer Award in Ocular Innovation Lecture was established in 2014 through the generosity of Kourosh A. Dastgheib, MDto recognize pioneering advances in ophthalmic research and innovation.

Held in the AERI Auditorium, the event brought together faculty, trainees, staff, and guests to explore the impact of innovative research on the future of ophthalmic care.

  • Speaker at podium
    Dr. Kopczynski presenting at podium
  • Speaker at podium
    Dr. Rao presenting at podium
  • Group photo with Dr. Dastgheib
    Dr. Dastgheib with distinguished guest lecturers, Dr. Kopczynski and Dr. Rao, and Dr. Challa and Dr. Owete

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