View Annual Report - Jules Stein Eye Institute

17th Annual Vision Science
Conference
The 17th annual Vision Science
Conference, co- sponsored by the
National Institutes of Health/
National Eye Institute Vision
Science Training Grant and the
Jules Stein Eye Institute, was held
October 28–30, 2011. More than
80 basic scientists and clinical
researchers gathered at UCLA’s
Lake Arrowhead Conference
Center to participate in scientific
discussions and memorable
networking events. Guest speakers
presented a variety of fascinating
topics. Scientific Keynote Speaker
Andrew Huberman, PhD, from the
Department of Neurosciences and
Neurobiology at the University of
California at San Diego, gave an
informative lecture entitled,
“Genetic Approaches: Understanding
How the Visual System Wires
up, Works, and Can be Repaired”;
Valentyna Abramenko, PhD, from
the Big Bear Solar Observatory,
presented a fascinating talk about
what we know about our closest
star; and Laurie Shaker-Irwin,
PhD, MS, stimulated discussion
with her topic, “Responsible
Conduct of Research—Ethics
and Oversight.”
12 Highlights | Education
Aesthetic Eyelid and
Facial Rejuvenation Course
The Orbital and Oculoplastic
Surgery Division held its “Aesthetic
Eyelid and Facial Rejuvenation”
course June 15–16, 2012, at
the Jules Stein Eye Institute. The
event attracted ophthalmologists,
dermatologists, and cosmetic
surgeons from around the world.
The two-day event combined
surgical demonstrations, a cadaver
dissection, and didactic lectures
that informed participants of the
latest advances in the field of
aesthetic and reconstructive
surgery for the eyelids and face.
Don Kikkawa, MD, Shiley Eye
Center, professor of Clinical
Ophthalmology, division chief of
Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive
Surgery, gave this year’s
Robert Axelrod, MD, Memorial
Lecture, “Perfecting Your Skills
with the Aesthetic Patient.”
Dr. Kikkawa conducted his
residency at the Jules Stein
Eye Institute.
Fall Medical Forum
Discusses Pediatric
Blindness
On September 20, 2011, Sherwin
J. Isenberg, MD, Laraine and David
Gerber Professor of Ophthalmology,
discussed issues affecting
childhood eye health in a medical
forum held at the Jules Stein Eye
Institute. In his lecture, “Fighting
Blindness in Children.” Dr. Isenberg
explained that for the 1.4 million
children who are blind throughout
the world, at least 40% of the
cases are preventable. Two of the
main causes of pediatric vision
loss—corneal scarring and retinopathy
of prematurity—are avoidable
with proper treatment. Dr. Isenberg
spoke about the development of
an effective, inexpensive, and
available eyedrop that can prevent
and treat many of the infections
that cause corneal scarring and
how he and his team are establishing
protocols in Ethiopia to
deliver this medicine to children
with trachoma, the number-one
cause of infectious blindness.
Faculty, fellows, and graduate students at the 17th Annual Vision Science Conference at UCLA’s Lake Arrowhead Conference Center.