We are pleased to announce the opening of the Frances and Stephen Foster Center for Ocular Immunology. This is a historic milestone for Duke Eye Center, as the Center is the first of its kind in the world. The Frances & Stephen Foster Center for Ocular Immunology, led by Victor Perez, MD will offer evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment for patients with uveitis and other inflammatory eye diseases, and conduct research to uncover new understanding of the basic mechanisms of inflammation in and around the eye and translate this knowledge into effective treatments.
The Center was made possible by the generous philanthropy and strategic vision of Dr. and Mrs. Foster.
This unique center will help change how inflammatory diseases of the eye are treated. The mission for The Frances & Stephen Foster Center for Ocular Immunology is to investigate and understand the mechanisms by which the immune system affects the eye, so we can develop novel therapies that are specific, effective, and safe for our patients – and that save vision.
The translational research will enable the ability to take observations from the clinic into the lab, so we can create a personalized immunological signature to guide treatment for each patient.
And the ophthalmologists we will train – at Duke and around the world – in this important specialty will make an impact on global eye care for years to come.
The name Stephen Foster is synonymous with ocular immunology; he founded the Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institution (MERSI) and its Ocular Immunology & Uveitis Foundation. Dr. Foster is a world leader in the field of ocular immunology; Mrs. Foster is a nurse practitioner and manager at MERSI. Together, they are a powerful force in advancing their mission to increase education and awareness of uveitis and other inflammatory eye diseases.
Duke Eye Center is incredibly fortunate to be the beneficiary of their generous philanthropy. Their gift has created a legacy that will improve the lives of patients here and elsewhere for years to come.