The Chicago Center for Vision Research (CCVR) is a non-profit organization started in 1998 to support ophthalmology research and education. The mission of the CCVR is to advance new ocular therapies, support education of future glaucoma specialists and expand public awareness about glaucoma. CCVR is sponsored by generous contributions from patients and corporate groups. All donations go directly to research and education.
Research
CCVR has focused on supporting clinical research for glaucoma. Many eye conditions including glaucoma develop slowly, and patients are often unaware they are affected until they have significant vision loss. For example, CCVR organized a study involving twelve eye centers around the country which evaluated the treatment of glaucoma patients with normal eye pressures compared to the typical patient with elevated eye pressure. This study provided important clinical data about the management of low-pressure glaucoma patients and possible methods to prevent further loss of vision.
Education
CCVR promotes the training of glaucoma specialists through a glaucoma fellowship. Fellows have completed their ophthalmology residency and have sought out University Eye Specialists to further their training in the subspecialty of glaucoma. Fellows enhance the quality of patient care as they assist and learn from their preceptors. Patients appreciate glaucoma fellows who often spend a considerable amount of time thoroughly explaining the causes of glaucoma and counseling the patient through their treatment.
Over the past 25 years, University Eye Specialists doctors have trained more than 35 fellows. These physicians practice in over 10 states and 4 countries and work in various settings including academia, private practice, and government agencies. Providing first-rate glaucoma fellowship training is important to help ensure quality care is more accessible to patients everywhere.
Education and research is supported by generous donations to The Chicago Center for Vision Research. If you would like to make a donation please contact Fiona Higgins at 1-312-475-1000. Download a contribution form here: CCVR Contribution form (pdf).