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Blogs

Education Retina Medical imaging

Employing Portable Fundus Photography Cameras to Enhance On-Call Imaging

Ophthalmology residents at the University of Colorado School of Medicine never know exactly what kind of eye or vision complaints will land in their care while on-call in a hospital, but they’re prepared for almost anything.

Patient Care    Inclusion

CU Eye Doctors Prioritize the Power of Name Pronunciation in Health Care

When Erin Major, OD, a pediatric optometrist in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, sees a patient at Children’s Hospital Colorado for the first time, she starts with a simple question: How do you say your name?


Author Kara Mason | Publish Date March 27, 2024
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Patient Care    Awareness    Autoimmune disease

New Diagnostic Criteria for MOGAD Distinguishes the Disease from MS and NMOSD

While there are many clinical commonalities among multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optical spectrum disorder (NMOSD), and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease (MOGAD), researchers now agree that the three autoimmune disorders are distinct and warrant different diagnostic criteria.


Author Kara Mason | Publish Date March 19, 2024
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Research    Patient Care    Cataracts

Investigating Sex-Based Differences in Cataract Surgery

Men undergoing cataract surgery typically have more pre-operative comorbidities than women and face higher rates of some complications, according to a new study by faculty members in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.


Author Kara Mason | Publish Date March 07, 2024
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Education    Retina    Medical imaging

Employing Portable Fundus Photography Cameras to Enhance On-Call Imaging

Ophthalmology residents at the University of Colorado School of Medicine never know exactly what kind of eye or vision complaints will land in their care while on-call in a hospital, but they’re prepared for almost anything.


Author Kara Mason | Publish Date February 27, 2024
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Patient Care    Awareness    Low Vision Rehabilitation

5 Ways to Support a Family Member Adjust to Living with Low Vision

In the low vision rehabilitation clinic at the Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, specialists help patients regain some of their daily lives. Oftentimes, that means helping and educating caregivers, too. 


Author Kara Mason | Publish Date February 22, 2024
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Research    Uveitis & Ocular Immunology    rare disease

Why Defining Ocular Sarcoidosis Could Be Helpful to Doctors and Patients

Doctors often describe sarcoidosis as a diagnosis of exclusion.


Author Kara Mason | Publish Date February 15, 2024
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Patient Care    Awareness    Drug Development

What is Retinitis Pigmentosa?

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) can be described as an umbrella term, says Marc Mathias, MD, associate professor of ophthalmology and retina specialist at the Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center.


Author Kara Mason | Publish Date February 13, 2024
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Patient Care    Awareness    Diabetic retinopathy

Ocular Health: A Window Into the Heart

What’s good for the heart is generally good for ocular health.


Author Kara Mason | Publish Date February 06, 2024
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Press Releases   

Voting for U.S. News & World Report Hospitals Ranking

The University of Colorado School of Medicine is proud of our faculty's work that contributes to UCHealth's annual rankings on the U.S. News & World Report's Best Hospitals. These rankings are important as many students, residents, faculty, and patients consider these rankings when deciding where to train, practice and receive care.


Author School of Medicine | Publish Date February 01, 2024
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Patient Care    Awareness    Mental Health

Warning Signs and Treatment for Thyroid Eye Disease

Historically, there have been few treatment options for patients with active thyroid eye disease (TED), but new research and clinical trials are revealing a new horizon for managing the rare autoimmune disease that causes tissue behind the eye to become inflamed.


Author Kara Mason | Publish Date January 25, 2024
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Research    Community    Pediatric Ophthalmology

CU Ophthalmologists Bring Ocular Health Expertise to Denver’s Anchor Center for Blind and Visually Impaired Children

For the past year, clinicians in the University of Colorado Department of Ophthalmology have been helping craft a unique experience for visually impaired and blind children and their families.


Author Kara Mason | Publish Date January 18, 2024
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Patient Care    Glaucoma

Healthy Lifestyle Changes To Help Fight Glaucoma

Being diagnosed with glaucoma is often a life-changing event. With no current cure, the disease, which results in damages to the optic nerve causing irreversible vision loss, is expected to affect up to 112 million people worldwide by 2040.


Author Kara Mason | Publish Date January 16, 2024
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Community    Cornea    Dry Eye

How Cold Winter Weather Affects the Eyes

Winter is a busy season for Kaleb Abbott, OD, MS, FAAO, assistant professor of ophthalmology and dry eye specialist at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.


Author Kara Mason | Publish Date January 09, 2024
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Patient Care    Education    Community

CU Department of Ophthalmology Top Stories of 2023

It’s been another remarkable year full of noteworthy research, impressive innovation, and inspiring patient success stories for the Department of Ophthalmology.

The communications staff in the University of Colorado School of Medicine Dean’s Office covered a variety of stories from the Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center that captured the exceptional care, effort, and time faculty members, research staff, and trainees put in each day.


Author Kara Mason | Publish Date December 15, 2023
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Community    Pediatric Ophthalmology    Retina

Maintaining Healthy Eyes Throughout the Holidays

This time of year can bring lots of joy, but it can also lead to many hazards for ocular health, says Rebecca Edwards Mayhew, MD, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.


Author Kara Mason | Publish Date December 14, 2023
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Community   

‘We Are All Artists’ Exhibit Features Work By CU Anschutz Campus Artists 

The hopes, dreams, fears, and anxieties of health care workers across Colorado, including the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, are now on display in the lobby of Children’s Hospital Colorado


Author Greg Glasgow | Publish Date December 13, 2023
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Research    Alzheimer's

Can a Vision Test Detect a Brain Disease?

A vision problem might not always be in the eyes – sometimes it's the brain.


Author Kara Mason | Publish Date December 11, 2023
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Research    Retina   

CellSight Contributes Light-Sensitive Retinal Organoids and RPE Cells to New AMD Study

A partnership between ophthalmology researchers at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and Johns Hopkins University expands the understanding of how oxidative stress contributes to the development of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).


Author Kara Mason | Publish Date December 06, 2023
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Research    Plastic Surgery    Retina

What’s the Future of Eye Transplantation?

Doctors in New York this month announced the world’s first successful whole-eye and partial face transplant, a feat Kia Washington, MD, professor of plastic and reconstructive surgery at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, says sets the stage for further advancement in the field and shows promise that patients may one day regain vision after an eye transplant.


Author Kara Mason | Publish Date November 16, 2023
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Research    Glaucoma    Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Can AI Reliably Diagnose Glaucoma?

Large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, have skyrocketed in popularity in the last year due to their ability to utilize vast amounts of information, but could they be used to diagnose ocular disease?


Author Kara Mason | Publish Date November 07, 2023
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Clinical Research    Medical imaging    Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The Eyes May Hold the Key to Early Parkinson’s Disease Detection

For some, the eyes are a window into the soul. But for Jayashree Kalpathy-Cramer, PhD, professor of ophthalmology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, they're a window into human health.


Author Kara Mason | Publish Date November 01, 2023
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Community    Clinics    Awareness

Improving Vision Care for Patients with Down Syndrome

Every fourth Tuesday, Michael Puente, MD, assistant professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, dedicates his schedule to serving patients with developmental disabilities in the UCHealth Pediatric-Adult Ophthalmology Transition Clinic.  


Author Kara Mason | Publish Date October 26, 2023
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Education    Community    CU Medicine Today   

How Artificial Intelligence is Changing Health Care

In nearly every corner of the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus – in clinics, in classrooms, in offices, and in laboratories – faculty members and students are thinking about the power artificial intelligence, or AI, holds in health care, from finding treatments for rare diseases to developing machine learning standards to helping ophthalmologists assess patients.


Author Kara Mason | Publish Date October 25, 2023
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Research    Dry Eye

Prolonged Face Mask Wearing May Intensify Dry Eye Symptoms for Hospital Workers

For hospital workers, face masks are a part of daily life, but prolonged use and ill-fitting masks may be the reason for dry eye symptoms.


Author Kara Mason | Publish Date October 22, 2023
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Research    Diabetes    Diabetic retinopathy

Early Screenings Are Vital in Management of Diabetic Retinopathy

New research from the University of Colorado Department of Ophthalmology elevates the importance for diabetic retinopathy screenings targeting populations at risk of delayed presentation of diabetes-related eye disease.


Author Kara Mason | Publish Date October 15, 2023
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Community    Retina

How to Protect Your Vision While Viewing a Solar Eclipse

During a solar eclipse, the sky turns a bit dimmer as the moon passes in front of the sun. Typically viewable by millions, a solar eclipse can be a magnificent spectacle, but the event should come with caution, experts say. 


Author Kara Mason | Publish Date October 12, 2023
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Research    Patient Care    Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Can AI Chatbots Give Medical Advice As Accurate As Ophthalmologists?

It's not uncommon for patients to consult the internet with ocular symptoms before a physician, says Karen Christopher, MD, assistant professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.


Author Kara Mason | Publish Date October 03, 2023
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Research    Awards    Dry Eye

CU Ophthalmology Researcher Awarded Funding to Further Study Dry Eye Disease

Alison Suhsun Liu, MD, PhD, assistant research professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, has been named the recipient of the 2023 Philip and Elaine Ellis New Investigator in Ophthalmology Research Award, a $40,000 grant to support her work studying dry eye disease.


Author Kara Mason | Publish Date September 25, 2023
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Innovation    Patient Care    Glaucoma

XEN Gel Stents: The Glaucoma Treatment Gaining Popularity

About once a month, Deidre St. Peter, MD, assistant professor of ophthalmology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, performs a XEN Gel Stent surgery, implanting a tiny tube-like structure into the eye to reduce pressure and prevent vision loss associated with open-angle glaucoma.


Author Kara Mason | Publish Date September 19, 2023
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Patient Care    Drug Development

Evolving Thyroid Eye Disease Treatments Empower Patients

Daniel Ozzello, MD, assistant professor of ophthalmology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, sometimes compares treating thyroid eye disease, an autoimmune disease that affects muscles and tissue behind the eye, to a flood.


Author Kara Mason | Publish Date September 12, 2023
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Research    COVID-19

A Look at How Pandemic Response Impacted Eye Health

Researchers have linked plenty of eye symptoms with the SARS COV-2 infection — red, itchy, gunky eyes and cornea infections among them — but a growing body of scientific literature is also pointing to societal changes during the COVID-19 pandemic as having significant impact on ocular health.


Author Kara Mason | Publish Date September 11, 2023
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Patient Care    Drug Development    Retina    rare disease

CU Ophthalmologists Administer Novel Treatment for Single Patient Facing Rare Genetic Condition

Thirteen-year-old Grace Hoyt received potentially the best birthday gift ever this month when pediatric ophthalmologists at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children’s Hospital Colorado administered the first treatment designed specifically to slow her vision loss associated with posterior column ataxia with retinitis pigmentosa (PCARP), a rare genetic condition that affects vision and the nervous system.


Author Kara Mason | Publish Date September 06, 2023
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Community    Awareness    Dry Eye

How Hormones May Be Affecting Your Eyes

Hormone fluctuations can influence and impact health in a variety of ways, especially ocular health and vision.


Author Kara Mason | Publish Date August 28, 2023
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Community    Awareness    Pediatric Ophthalmology

Back to School: Keeping Young Eyes Healthy

As students return to the classroom, it’s important not to lose sight of the significance of eye health.


Author Kara Mason | Publish Date August 21, 2023
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Research

Outlining Cosmetics’ Impact on Eye Health

Concealers, serums, primers, liners, mascaras, powders, gels, toners, glues, removers. They’re a regular part of many make-up routines around the world and intended to be worn on or near the eyes. While common, researchers are pointing to a bevy of ways these products and more can affect vision and eye health.


Author Kara Mason | Publish Date August 15, 2023
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Neuroscience   

What Is Prosopagnosia? An Odd Condition That Can Steal Your Face

In “The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat,” the “man,” identified as Mr. P., visits neurologist and author of the book, Oliver Sacks, MD, for a vision problem that has been perplexing his other doctors. On his way out, Mr. P. grabs his wife’s head, thinking it’s his hat, ultimately and unknowingly introducing the lay world to face blindness.


Author Debra Melani | Publish Date August 07, 2023
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Patient Care    Awareness    Pediatric Cancer    Retina

From Beating Retinoblastoma to Batting with Big Leaguers

This summer, six-year-old Coleman Tawresey will go more than 12 consecutive weeks without a doctor’s appointment – something he hasn’t been able to do since being diagnosed with retinoblastoma when he was two.


Author Kara Mason | Publish Date August 07, 2023
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Patient Care    Pediatrics

New Tool in Epic Helps Track Eye Care for Premature Babies

Pediatric ophthalmologists now have a tool to help ensure babies with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) are receiving necessary follow-up care as the eye condition evolves in the weeks and months after birth. 


Author Kara Mason | Publish Date August 01, 2023
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Patient Care    Community   

More Than 200 CU Faculty Members Recognized as 5280 Magazine Top Doctors for 2023

Denver-area magazine 5280 released its list of top doctors for 2023, and CU School of Medicine faculty members continue to be ranked among the best. Congratulations to the more than 200 CU School of Medicine faculty members honored with the title "Top Doctor."


Author School of Medicine | Publish Date July 31, 2023
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Awareness    Dry Eye

How a CU Ophthalmologist Treats Her Dry Eye

Colorado boasts more than 300 days of sunshine each year and a semi-arid climate that can make the summer heat a bit more bearable, but those conditions are also ripe for exacerbating dry eye, which affects up to 50 million people across the country.


Author Kara Mason | Publish Date July 09, 2023
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Education    COVID-19    Students    Graduation

CU Ophthalmology Celebrates 2023 Graduates

The University of Colorado Department of Ophthalmology is celebrating the graduation of six fellows and six residents, who have spent their time with the department focusing on patients, honing their skills, and serving on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic.


Author Kara Mason | Publish Date June 19, 2023
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Community    Cornea    Artificial Intelligence (AI)

All Eyes On Apple Vision Pro and Virtual Reality Headsets

Apple’s newest product addition, Vision Pro, a mixed reality headset that utilizes an eye-tracking system, is making waves in the technology community.


Author Kara Mason | Publish Date June 13, 2023
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Research    Advancement    Glaucoma

CU Ophthalmology Researchers Create Company to Advance Glaucoma Treatment

Ram Nagaraj, PhD, professor in the University of Colorado Department of Ophthalmology, envisions a future where ophthalmologists can prevent vision loss associated with glaucoma, the second leading cause of blindness in the world.


Author Kara Mason | Publish Date June 07, 2023
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Research    Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Social Media: The Next Frontier for Recruiting Ophthalmology Research Patients

When Anne Lynch, MD, MSPH, professor and director of the Division of Ophthalmic Epidemiology in the University of Colorado Department of Ophthalmology, wanted to recruit more patients with early and intermediate age-related macular degeneration for research, she and a team of researchers turned to social media to engage the community.


Author Kara Mason | Publish Date May 23, 2023
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Patient Care    Awareness    Cancer

Retinoblastoma Survivor Looks to the Skies with Help from CU Ophthalmologist

Jack Schaef wants to fly as a pilot someday, but it might just be water that helps make that dream come true.


Author Kara Mason | Publish Date May 15, 2023
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Research    Education    Mental Health

Elevating Mental Health with Ophthalmology Resident Wellness Program

Faculty in the University of Colorado Department of Ophthalmology are working to prevent physician burnout before it even begins through a new resident wellness program. 


Author Kara Mason | Publish Date May 08, 2023
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Community

CU Ophthalmology Team Helps the Colorado Avalanche Keep Their Eyes on the Prize 

If you see Richard Davidson, MD, jump out of his seat at the next Colorado Avalanche game, it doesn’t necessarily mean the team just scored a goal. As the lead team ophthalmologist for the Denver-based hockey squad, Davidson might be headed back to the locker room to tend to a player who just took a blow to the head or a stick to the eye. 


Author Greg Glasgow | Publish Date April 26, 2023
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Patient Care    Clinical Research

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Survivor Set to Attend CU School of Medicine After Receiving Pioneering Treatment

While some of his grade school classmates looked up to famous athletes or television characters, Will Osier’s childhood superhero was his ophthalmologist. Now, more than 15 years later, Osier is set to attend the University of Colorado School of Medicine where his doctor pioneered a treatment that saved his vision.


Author Kara Mason | Publish Date April 25, 2023
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Community    Awareness

Women’s Eye Health: The Role of Representation and Wellness Practices

In health care, both being and feeling seen can make a world of difference. That’s especially true for women, who face higher risks of eye disease and make up two-thirds of people experiencing blindness across the world.


Author Kara Mason | Publish Date April 18, 2023
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Innovation    Clinical Research    Cataracts    Glaucoma

Drug Delivery Platform Developed by CU Ophthalmologist Shows Promise for Glaucoma Patients

A new drug delivery platform developed by Malik Y. Kahook, MD, professor of ophthalmology and the Slater Family Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, shows promise for the future of glaucoma care after six months of follow up in the first human study.  


Author Kara Mason | Publish Date April 11, 2023
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Patient Care    Advancement    Low Vision Rehabilitation

Removing Barriers from Low Vision Rehabilitation

Although vision impairments affect people of all ages and backgrounds, the cost of an initial low vision rehabilitation evaluation can prevent patients from getting the comprehensive care they need.


Author Rachel Wittel | Publish Date March 13, 2023
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Patient Care    Community    Advancement    Oculofacial Plastic & Orbital Surgery

Patient-Centered Care Inspires Award of Endowed Chair to Department of Ophthalmology Professor

Many patients have been touched by the compassionate care they receive at University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Sometimes, the families of these patients honor that care posthumously. Sophie Liao, MD, associate professor of ophthalmology at CU School of Medicine, was named the inaugural Robert H. Bell Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology in gratitude for the care she delivered to one such patient in 2021.


Author Toni Lapp | Publish Date February 10, 2023
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Awareness    Glaucoma    Diabetic retinopathy    Equity Diversity and Inclusion

Improved Prevention and Screening is Vital for Diseases that Disproportionately Affect Black Americans

Although Black Americans are the second-largest minority population in the United States, they remain underrepresented in vision health research. They also carry the highest burden of eye disease ranging from general visual impairment to glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and blindness.


Author Rachel Wittel | Publish Date February 06, 2023
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Community    Climate Science    Cornea    Dry Eye

Is Climate Change Harming Your Eyes?

Ocular problems stemming from environmental factors appear to be significant, says Malik Y. Kahook, MD, vice chair of translational research and the Slater Family Endowed Chair in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. He served as senior author on a global review published in Reviews on Environmental Health that focused on the effects of climate change and air pollution on eye health.


Author Toni Lapp | Publish Date January 30, 2023
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Research    Clinical Research    Cornea    Fuchs' dystrophy

Improved Treatment Technique for Fuchs’ Dystrophy Shows Promise

A newer technique for preparing corneal tissue for transplantation has been shown to be safe and effective, while providing a faster and smoother process than the traditional technique, according to researchers in the Department of Ophthalmology at University of Colorado School of Medicine.


Author Toni Lapp | Publish Date January 18, 2023
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Community    Refractive Surgery (LASIK)

He Wasn't a Candidate for LASIK, But There Was an Alternative

When Alex Ford tells people he’s seeing the world with new eyes, he means it. Ford has had severe myopia, or nearsightedness, since childhood. For almost as long as he can remember, his day would begin by stumbling out of bed and fumbling to find his glasses or contact lens kit.


Author Toni Lapp | Publish Date January 11, 2023
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Community    Awareness    Dry Eye

Habits for Healthy Vision in 2023

We all know that your eyes are a window to your soul, but they also provide insight into your overall health. Getting enough rest, staying active, and consuming a well-balanced diet are just as important to maintaining healthy eyes as the rest of your body. And if you have eye diseases, lifestyle factors take on even more importance.


Author Toni Lapp | Publish Date January 04, 2023
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Patient Care    Education    Community    Students

CU Department of Ophthalmology Top Stories of 2022

As we close the books on 2022, it’s worth looking back to see how far we have come this year. The communications staff in the University of Colorado School of Medicine Dean’s Office covered a variety of stories from the Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, from welcoming new faculty to sending off the next generation of eye doctors into the field, pioneering new treatments for blinding diseases, and winning recognition for groundbreaking research.


Author Department of Ophthalmology | Publish Date December 16, 2022
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Patient Care    Advancement    Autoimmune disease    Uveitis & Ocular Immunology

Sight-Saving Care Inspires Gift of Hope

Caleb Hebel was in his mid-30s, the prime of his life, with two active children and one on the way, when his mysterious ailment started. “I was go, go, go,” he recalls. “I played hockey, golf, and lifted weights. Our kids were involved in sports, so we were always going places.” On top of that, he was the chief financial officer of a real estate development company and principal of a family business.


Author Toni Lapp | Publish Date December 02, 2022
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Research    Mental Health    Low Vision Rehabilitation    Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

CU Ophthalmology Researchers Link Age-Related Macular Degeneration Vision Loss with Depression

Researchers in the Division of Ophthalmic Epidemiology in the University of Colorado Department of Ophthalmology have confirmed an association between vision loss from advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) with depression, following a study of patient data collected over seven years. This finding will help bring visibility into the impact of the disease, which is a leading cause of vision loss for older adults.


Author Toni Lapp | Publish Date November 10, 2022
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Patient Care    Awareness    Cornea

Winter Weather Brings Risks of Snow Blindness

As winter weather moves into Colorado, so do health risks related to snow blindness. Whether you are hiking or snowshoeing at higher elevations, skiing, or skating on a frozen lake, you should protect your eyes from this condition, also known as photokeratitis.


Author Rachel Wittel | Publish Date November 04, 2022
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Research    Cornea    Retina    Diabetic retinopathy

Seeing the Opportunities of AI in Ophthalmology

The state of modern AI is really exciting for health care. With increasing computing capabilities and access to vast datasets, new algorithms are being developed every day. In that sense, the technology has arrived, but there are many remaining challenges in implementing AI in clinical settings.


Author Toni Lapp | Publish Date November 01, 2022
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Awareness    Low Vision Rehabilitation

Tech Tools to Help with Vision Impairment

Not many health care providers encourage their patients to break out their smartphones during office visits, but David Simpson, OD, an optometrist at the Low Vision Rehabilitation Service at the Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center on the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, prefers that they do. He treats patients dealing with a variety of vision-related diagnoses – the most common being age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.


Author Toni Lapp | Publish Date October 13, 2022
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Patient Care    Clinical    Dry Eye

Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center Rolls Out Intense Pulsed Light Therapy for Dry Eye Disease

At first glance, dry eyes may seem like a minor complaint, but eye care providers at the Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center on the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus know that severe cases can be difficult to treat, often stemming from multiple factors. Left untreated, dry eye disease can impair vision and affect quality of life.


Author Toni Lapp | Publish Date October 10, 2022
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Cornea    Fuchs' dystrophy

The Future of Fuchs' Dystrophy

As one of the largest eye centers in the country, the Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center on the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus treats many complicated ocular conditions. One is Fuchs’ dystrophy, an inherited disease that affects the cornea ­– the clear covering of the eye. The disease causes cell death in the endothelium, the innermost layer of the cornea. Although death of these cells is a normal part of aging, Fuchs’ accelerates the process and causes vision impairment and discomfort.


Author Toni Lapp | Publish Date September 28, 2022
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Press Releases    Advancement    Neuro-Ophthalmology

CU School of Medicine Names Inaugural Endowed Chair in Department of Ophthalmology

Prem Subramanian, MD, PhD, professor and vice chair for academic affairs in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, has been named the inaugural Clifford R. and Janice N. Merrill Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology.


Author Toni Lapp | Publish Date September 23, 2022
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Research    Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)    Retina   

CellSight Surpasses Benchmarks Toward Making Retinal Transplants a Reality

Generating retinas from stem cells and transplant technologies to restore human sight felt like just a dream for Valeria Canto-Soler, PhD, associate professor of ophthalmology in the University of Colorado School of Medicine. When she joined the CU Department of Ophthalmology faculty in 2017, she signed on as the inaugural director of CellSight, the department’s ocular stem cell and regeneration research program, setting benchmarks 15 years in the future.


Author Rachel Wittel | Publish Date September 12, 2022
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Patient Care    Dry Eye

Nasal Spray Provides a Novel Approach to Treatment of Dry Eyes

For over 20 years, 61-year-old Annette Sandoval struggled with dry eyes, a condition many Coloradans experience given the state’s arid climate. Allergies can also trigger dry eyes, as well as frequent computer use, medication side effects, and numerous health conditions. In many cases, the condition can significantly affect quality of life, as it did for Sandoval.


Author Toni Lapp | Publish Date September 09, 2022
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Research    Funding    Advancement

National Eye Institute Awards $5 Million for CU Anschutz-based Cochrane Eyes and Vision US Project

The National Eye Institute (NEI) has awarded a $5 million grant to Tianjing Li, PhD, associate professor of ophthalmology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, in a continuation of the NEI’s support of the Cochrane Eyes and Vision US Satellite (CEV US Satellite) at the Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center.


Author Toni Lapp | Publish Date September 06, 2022
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Research    Retina    Awards   

CellSight Teams Clinch Top Two of Three Awards in National Eye Institute Competition

The University of Colorado Department of Ophthalmology’s ocular stem cell and regeneration research program, CellSight, was awarded the top two prizes in the National Eye Institute’s 3D Retinal Organoid Challenge (NEI 3D ROC). The NEI, part of the National Institutes of Health, launched the three-phase challenge in 2017 to stimulate research using retina organoids. These organoids are similar to human retinas but are grown in a lab from stem cells, enabling researchers to study eye diseases and treatments noninvasively.


Author Toni Lapp | Publish Date September 01, 2022
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Research    Neuro-Ophthalmology    Retina    Awards

ASPIRE Grant Awarded to Study Vision Loss Following Traumatic Brain Injury

A $200,000 grant from the University of Colorado School of Medicine's Program to Advance Physician Scientists and Translational Research (CU ASPIRE) will support researchers to develop new, targeted therapies for those who have experienced vision loss following traumatic brain injuries.


Author Toni Lapp | Publish Date August 24, 2022
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Patient Care    Education

Ophthalmic Assistant Academy Celebrates First Cohort Graduation

Looking for ways to introduce new ophthalmic technicians to a supportive career development path, the University of Colorado Department of Ophthalmology in partnership with UCHealth Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center created the Ophthalmic Assistant (OA) Academy, a clinical mentorship program.


Author Rachel Wittel | Publish Date August 17, 2022
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Research    Advancement    Pediatric Ophthalmology

Children's Hospital Colorado Names CU Ophthalmology Associate Professor as Endowed Chair for Pediatric Ophthalmology

Emily McCourt, MD, chief of pediatric ophthalmology at the Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center and Children’s Hospital Colorado, has been named the inaugural Ponzio Family Chair for Pediatric Ophthalmology at Children’s Colorado.


Author Toni Lapp | Publish Date August 10, 2022
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Patient Care    Pediatric Ophthalmology    Retina

First Telemedicine Service Launched in Colorado for Infants with Retinopathy of Prematurity

A new service in Colorado will strengthen care and comfort for infants with retinopathy of prematurity through a hybrid in-person and telemedicine approach. Many infants born prematurely face the risks of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a potentially blinding eye disease that occurs because blood vessels in the back of the eye are not fully developed and could grow abnormally after premature birth.


Author Rachel Wittel | Publish Date August 05, 2022
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Patient Care    Community   

193 CU Faculty Recognized as 5280 Magazine Top Doctors for 2022

Denver-area magazine 5280 recently published its list of top doctors for 2022. On this year’s list, CU School of Medicine faculty members continue to be ranked among the best. We're proud to congratulate the 193 CU School of Medicine faculty members honored with the title "Top Doctor."


Author School of Medicine | Publish Date August 02, 2022
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Patient Care    Community    Cataracts

Veteran Gains Perfect Vision After Cataract Surgery

“You can’t hurt steel.”

Phil Cusimano means it, too. While fixing his roof a few months ago, the 74-year-old veteran fell through and onto his patio – getting right up with nothing but a scratch.

Cusimano is known for his strength, from excelling in track and field during his high school days to enlisting in 1967 to serve in the Vietnam War. His kryptonite seemed to be his eyes.


Author Rachel Wittel | Publish Date June 23, 2022
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Education    COVID-19    Students

CU Ophthalmology Residents and Fellows Celebrate 2022 Graduation

Residency and fellowship program directors in the University of Colorado Department of Ophthalmology described the Class of 2022 as incredibly resilient. The graduating class, comprised of six residents and five fellows, has withstood frequent changes in training, hospital protocols, and personal milestones amid the COVID-19 pandemic.


Author Rachel Wittel | Publish Date June 19, 2022
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Community    COVID-19    Cataracts    Cornea

How Did the COVID-19 Pandemic Affect Your Eyes?

The COVID-19 pandemic found many of us spending more time in isolation, exercising less, and eating and drinking more. All of that caused negative effects on physical and mental health, but what did the pandemic mean for our eye health? As it turns out, plenty — from the effects of increasing screen time to skipping routine eye exams due to COVID-related health concerns.


Author Greg Glasgow | Publish Date June 19, 2022
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Community   

The Rare Disorder That Paralyzed Half of Justin Bieber’s Face 

Pop singer Justin Bieber shocked fans last week when he posted a video on Instagram in which he explained he had been diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, a condition that causes paralysis on one side of the face. 


Author Greg Glasgow | Publish Date June 14, 2022
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Patient Care    Clinical Trials    CU Medicine Today   

Treating Metastatic Uveal Melanoma

Brigette Douglass lives by the 10% rule: To avoid losing sight of the big picture of her life, she never lets anything consume more than 10% of her focus.

This approach has allowed a full embrace of family, career, and world travel adventures while also becoming one of the longest-participating patients in a clinical trial for metastatic uveal melanoma.


Author Rachel Wittel | Publish Date April 27, 2022
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Patient Care    Advancement    Cataracts    Glaucoma

Artist Gives Back After Sight-Saving Surgery

Philip Tarlow’s inspiration to pursue art was sparked at an early age. He recalls a kindergarten teacher noticing his fascination with construction workers, which ultimately became the subject matter of his creations 30 years later. 


Author Rachel Wittel | Publish Date April 13, 2022
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Innovation    Press Releases    Health Sciences   

Jayashree Kalpathy-Cramer, PhD, Named Chief of Artificial Medical Intelligence in Ophthalmology

Jayashree Kalpathy-Cramer, PhD, has been named chief of the new Division of Artificial Medical Intelligence in Ophthalmology at the University of Colorado (CU) School of Medicine. In her new role, Kalpathy-Cramer will translate novel artificial intelligence (AI) methods into effective patient care practices at the Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center.


Author Rachel Wittel | Publish Date March 17, 2022
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Patient Care    Awareness    Low Vision Rehabilitation

Driving Dreams Come True at Age 52

By the time Karre Wakefield’s friends and classmates turned 16 and got behind the wheel, she had accepted riding as only a passenger. Wakefield was born with hydrocephalus, or excess fluid in her brain, which damaged her optic nerve and rendered her ineligible for a driver’s license in the state of Colorado.


Author Rachel Wittel | Publish Date February 04, 2022
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Research    Innovation    Glaucoma

Gliding Into a New Decade of Minimally Invasive Glaucoma Treatment

Procedures to alleviate eye pressure associated with blinding diseases such as glaucoma date back over a century. Although glaucoma, a condition that damages the eye’s optic nerve, allows for a number of treatment options prior to surgery, including drops and lasers, research has shown traditional surgical techniques could result in higher risks of vision complications, longer recovery times, and higher associated costs. Identifying this disconnect, Malik Y. Kahook, MD, professor of ophthalmology and the Slater Family Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, sought out a more accessible and practical solution to propel glaucoma treatment into the 21st century.


Author Rachel Wittel | Publish Date January 31, 2022
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Press Releases    Community    Faculty

CU Ophthalmology Professor Named Chair of the Orbis Medical Advisory Committee

Malik Y. Kahook, MD, professor of ophthalmology and the Slater Family Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, has been named chair of the Orbis Medical Advisory Committee. A global non-profit, Orbis International focuses on prevention and treatment of avoidable blindness through training, education, and advocacy, especially in low- and middle-income countries.


Author Rachel Wittel | Publish Date January 25, 2022
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Research    Patient Care    Awareness

Telemedicine Strengthens Glaucoma Diagnosis and Management

For more than a decade, Tom Poindexter managed his glaucoma with drops as routinely as brushing his teeth. Catching it early, he was diagnosed with open-angle glaucoma, the most common form, in his 50s.


Author Rachel Wittel | Publish Date January 14, 2022
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Research    Community   

Keeping An Eye Out for Diabetes

Although early warning signs are often out of sight, patients with any type of diabetes are at risk of developing diabetic eye disease. Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of vision loss or blindness for people who have diabetes, but it’s not the only type of diabetic eye disease.


Author Rachel Wittel | Publish Date November 29, 2021
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Research    Press Releases    Advancement    Epidemiology   

CU Researcher Receives First-Time Award to Support Ophthalmic Database Development

Jennifer Patnaik, PhD, researcher at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, received the first-ever Philip and Elaine Ellis New Investigator in Ophthalmology Research Award. The gift provides independent research funding to new ophthalmic investigators.


Author Rachel Wittel | Publish Date November 23, 2021
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Press Releases    Funding    Advancement   

CU School of Medicine Names New Endowed Chair in Retinal Diseases

Scott Oliver, MD, chief of the Retina Service and director of the Eye Cancer Program at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, has been named the inaugural Vitale-Schlessman Endowed Chair in Retinal Diseases at the Sue Anschutz-Rodgers Eye Center, effective Nov. 1, 2021. 


Author Rachel Wittel | Publish Date November 16, 2021
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Research    Press Releases   

CU Researchers Provide First Evidence Linking Extracellular Vesicles with Drusen Formation and Age-Related Macular Degeneration

CellSight researchers at the University of Colorado School of Medicine are offering the first evidence connecting drusen formation, or yellowish deposits that accumulate under the retina, with extracellular vesicles and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).


Author Rachel Wittel | Publish Date November 12, 2021
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Research    Press Releases   

CU Epidemiology Researchers Receive First NIH Grant to Study Inflammatory Biomarkers of Intermediate Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Researchers at the University of Colorado School of Medicine have been awarded a $1.6 million, four-year grant by the National Eye Institute of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to study systemic biomarkers of inflammation that signal the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).


Author Rachel Wittel | Publish Date November 08, 2021
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Patient Care    Community   

Protect Your Eyes from Spooky Infections this Halloween

If you think ghosts, goblins, and vampires are spooky, then beware of the terrors that can result from wearing costume contact lenses that have not been properly prescribed or fitted. Studies show people wearing cosmetic contacts have an increased risk for infections.


Author Rachel Wittel | Publish Date October 26, 2021
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Research    Patient Care    Community    CU Medicine Today   

Challenging Outdated FDA Policy

The death of a 16-year-old boy who was bullied for being gay inspired Michael A. Puente, MD, assistant professor of ophthalmology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, to campaign to change a 27-year-old federal regulation restricting the ability of gay and bisexual men to donate their corneas in the United States.


Author Chanthy Na | Publish Date October 21, 2021
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Patient Care    Community   

Multidisciplinary Approach Offers Unified Ocular Inflammation Management

Kathryn Mayer was sitting outside with friends one evening when she experienced a strange sensation that caused her right eye to feel very blurry. She went to bed that night thinking it must be an issue with her contact lenses and carried on normally the next day.


Author Rachel Wittel | Publish Date September 30, 2021
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Patient Care    Clinical Research   

Newly Approved Alzheimer’s Drug Spurs Hope and Controversy

As controversy swirls around the first disease-modifying Alzheimer’s drug ever approved, top experts at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus see the move – for the most part – as a step forward.


Author Debra Melani | Publish Date June 15, 2021
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Research    COVID-19   

Researchers Delve Into Why COVID-19 Targets the Sense of Smell

Diego Restrepo, PhD, professor of cell and developmental biology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, is leading a National Institutes of Health-funded grant into why people infected with SARS-CoV-2 often lose their sense of smell. It’s frequently one of the first symptoms of the infection.


Author Chris Casey | Publish Date March 23, 2021
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Research    Press Releases   

CU Researchers Win Prize from National Eye Institute

Natalia Vergara, PhD, assistant professor of ophthalmology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, has been awarded a 3D ROC prize by the National Eye Institute (NEI) for her research team’s work to create better models to accelerate the development of new therapies for retinal diseases.


Author School of Medicine | Publish Date February 03, 2021
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Patient Care    COVID-19   

CU Anschutz Experts Break COVID-19 Effects Down by Body Part

During the months-long pandemic, healthcare providers have seen a lot of things, often on levels they have never seen before. From brain fog and loss of smell to leg clots and purple toes, what began as a mysterious pulmonary disease has shown the world that its destructive powers far transcend the lungs.


Author Debra Melani | Publish Date January 21, 2021
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Research    Press Releases   

Outdated Corneal Donation Policies Prevent Sight-Restoring Surgery

Some forms of blindness and visual impairment can be cured with a corneal transplant surgery using donated eye tissue. However, federal regulations in the United States and Canada severely restrict the ability of sexually active gay and bisexual men from donating their eye tissue.


Author School of Medicine | Publish Date September 24, 2020
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Patient Care    Community   

5280 Magazine Top Doctors Includes More Than 160 CU Faculty

Each year, Denver-area magazine 5280 publishes its list of top doctors. The annual list was recently released, and year after year, our CU School of Medicine faculty members were ranked among the best. We're proud to congratulate the more than 160 CU School of Medicine faculty members honored with the title top doctor.


Author School of Medicine | Publish Date August 12, 2020
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Research    Press Releases    COVID-19   

CU Anschutz Researchers Win Grant to Study COVID-19 Impact on Sense of Smell

Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus have won a grant to study why many infected with COVID-19 lose their sense of smell.


Author David Kelly | Publish Date July 21, 2020
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Press Releases   

CU Anschutz Awarded Grant to Drive Commercialization of Academic Discoveries

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus has been awarded $4 million over the next four years from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Research Evaluation and Commercialization Hubs (REACH) grant. As a result, the university is now part of a national network of research institutions sharing best practices around commercialization of academic discoveries.


Author Staff | Publish Date October 23, 2019
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Press Releases   

University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus launches first-ever national marketing campaign

United by a mission to remove barriers, advance research and improve lives, the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus with its hospital partners, Children’s Hospital Colorado and UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital, today launched its first-ever marketing campaign: This Is Breakthrough.


Author Staff | Publish Date September 30, 2019
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Campus Life   

This is BREAKTHROUGH: Telling our story to the world

When an academic medical campus attracts the best minds in science and unleashes them on the biggest challenges in health care, barriers simply don’t stand a chance.


Author Staff | Publish Date September 15, 2019
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Innovation   

AI Offers Real-World Benefits to Healthcare

In contrast to the science fiction portrayal of evil computers plotting to overthrow humankind, artificial intelligence (AI) in fact seems poised to help improve human health in a multitude of ways, including flagging suspicious moles for dermatologist follow-up, monitoring blood volume in military field personnel and tracking flu outbreaks via Twitter.


Author Guest Contributor | Publish Date September 03, 2019
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Canto-Soler brings visionary aspirations to Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine

When Valeria Canto-Soler, Ph.D., was a biology student in Argentina, she dreamed of a career studying elephants and other African wildlife in their natural habitat.


Author Kathleen Bohland | Publish Date August 30, 2017
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MS, macular degeneration and nanoparticle researchers win Gates grants

The Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine and CU Innovations have awarded three researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus $350,000 grants with the hope they will strike scientific gold.


Author Michael Davidson | Publish Date April 18, 2017
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CU designed device performs safer cataract surgery

AURORA, Colo. – A new device designed to perform safer, more effective cataract surgery is going on the market following a licensing agreement between the University of Colorado and Mile High Ophthalmics LLC.


Author Staff | Publish Date January 26, 2015
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Patent granted for novel antibody-based approach to prevent or treat Type 1 Diabetes

The CU Technology Transfer Office reports researchers from CU Anschutz have been granted two new patents.


Author Danielle Zieg | Publish Date April 14, 2014
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Agreement to commercialize implantable glaucoma treatment device

AURORA, Colo.– Galaxy Ophthalmics and CU have completed an exclusive option agreement to allow the company to commercialize an implantable medical device to help prevent loss of vision resulting from glaucoma.


Author Staff | Publish Date November 04, 2013
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See Us In the News

Optometry Advisor

Navigating the Dry Eye Dilemma in Glaucoma Requires Skilled Eye Drop Management

news outletOptometry Advisor
Publish DateMarch 28, 2024
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HCP Live

Personalizing Dry Eye Disease Management

news outletHCP Live
Publish DateMarch 28, 2024

Cecilia Koetting, OD, an instructor in the Department of Ophthalmology, discusses the management of dry eye using conventional and new pharmacological treatments, as well as strategies for tailoring treatment approaches to individual patient characteristics.

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Sterling Journal-Advocate

Sterling Lions Club receives award from Rocky Mountain Eye Institute Foundation

news outletSterling Journal-Advocate
Publish DateMarch 12, 2024

On March 5, the Sterling Lions Club received an award of appreciation from the Rocky Mountain Eye Institute Foundation for its generous gift of $5,000 over the past five years. The institute operates under the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. 

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Medriva

Revolutionizing Glaucoma Treatment: 360-Degree Trabeculotomy Outperforms 180-Degree Approach in International Study

news outletMedriva
Publish DateMarch 11, 2024

Leo Seibold, MD, professor of ophthalmology, emphasizes the importance of these findings, highlighting the robust sample size and the pivotal role this research plays in the ongoing debate on the optimal size of trabeculotomy for glaucoma treatment.

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