View Annual Report - Jules Stein Eye Institute

Macular Disease Center
The Macular Disease Center, under the direction of
Dr. Steven D. Schwartz, was created in 1994 in
response to the growing, national incidence of macular
degeneration. The Center’s mission is threefold: provide
high-quality patient care, utilizing standard and devel-
oping treatments; offer associated rehabilitation ser-
vices, such as low-vision aids and counseling, in order
to enhance quality of life for patients; and promote
collaborative translational research between clinicians
and basic science researchers into the cause of
macular disease.
Patients with the atrophic or dry form of macular
disease are evaluated and often considered for clinical
trials, such as the stem cell programs, and their cases
are followed at the Macular Disease Center in conjunction
with services offered by the Vision Rehabilitation
Center. Patients with the exudative or wet form of
macular disease are diagnosed and treated with
cutting-edge therapies. Treatment options for wet
macular disease include therapy and participation in
clinical studies that are matched to the patient’s disease
status. A patient coordinator is available to answer ques-
tions and provide information on an ongoing basis.
Ocular Inflammatory Disease Center
The Ocular Inflammatory Disease Center, under the
direction of Dr. Gary N. Holland, was established in
1985 to coordinate research, educational activities, and
patient-care services related to a broad spectrum of
inflammatory eye disorders, including uveitis, infectious
corneal ulcers, endophthalmitis, autoimmune diseases
of the cornea and ocular surface, and the ophthalmic
manifestations of HIV disease. The Center has a long
history of participating in clinical studies and drug-
therapy investigations that have furthered the understanding
and treatment of these diseases.
Center faculty members were the first to describe
cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis as an ophthalmic
manifestation of AIDS; today the Center is a nationally
recognized site of expertise for AIDS-related ophthalmic
disease. Other special programs have been developed
in the following areas: ocular toxoplasmosis, uveitis in
children, birdshot chorioretinopathy, immunogenetics of
inflammatory eye diseases, unusual corneal infections,
and chemical mediators of intraocular inflammation.
82 Programs | Research and Treatment Centers
Ophthalmic Oncology Center
The Ophthalmic Oncology Center, under the direction of
Dr. Tara A. McCannel, is renowned for its expertise in
teaching, research, and clinical management of adult
posterior segment tumors. Established in the early
1980s by the Institute’s Founding Director, Dr. Bradley
R. Straatsma, the Center is internationally recognized
for the diagnosis and management of ocular melanoma.
The Center serves as a hub for national, long-term
studies investigating ocular melanoma, and played an
important role in the Collaborative Ocular Melanoma
Study (COMS) sponsored by the National Eye Institute.
The Center’s clinical goal is successful treatment of
the primary eye tumor. Patients diagnosed with ocular
melanoma may be offered highly sophisticated treatment
plans coordinated with UCLA radiation physicists
and radiation oncologists. Patients may also qualify to
participate in clinical research studies in partnership
with the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center.
The Center’s primary research goal is to gain a fundamental
understanding of the molecular biology of
metastatic ocular melanoma. In addition to providing
genetic prognostic information to patients on their risk
of tumor metastasis, the Center has identified key
genes associated with metastatic tumors.
Optic Neuropathy Center
Under the direction of Dr. Anthony C. Arnold, the
Optic Neuropathy Center provides multidisciplinary
consultation, diagnosis, and treatment for patients with
complex diseases involving the optic nerve. Established
in 1991, the Center incorporates specialized facilities
and equipment for diagnostic testing and offers con-
sultation from neuro-ophthalmologists, orbital surgeons,
neurologists, neuroradiologists, and neurosurgeons.
Patients referred to the Optic Neuropathy Center
receive advanced diagnostic testing of the orbit and
optic nerve to assist in evaluation. Extensive analysis
of diagnostic data, together with information from the
patient’s medical history and comprehensive physical
examination, enables Center physicians to determine
the nature of the disease and devise a treatment plan.
Treatment may be medical or surgical depending on the
nature of the referral and the patient’s disease status.
As part of the Center’s clinical research effort, physicians
are refining disease classifications along with
diagnostic and treatment approaches to further the field
of optic neuropathy and improve options for patients
with these complex disorders.