Dr. Daniel will test whether blocking an enzyme called GSK3 can lower harmful fibulin-3 levels and help restore healthy tissue structure. By studying cells and animal models, Dr. Daniel will show that correcting this tissue imbalance can improve fluid drainage and reduce eye pressure.
Read MoreDr. Choi aims to develop a new therapeutic strategy that corrects the underlying genetic variants responsible for STGD1. Using a highly precise gene-editing tool known as a ‘prime editor,’ he will repair the disease-causing mutations directly within the cells of the retina.
Read MoreDr. Cao’s recent research discovered mutations in FSD1L in six patients with early-onset retinitis pigmentosa (RP), indicating FSD1L as a newly IRD associated gene. However, very little is known about the function of FSD1L in the retina or how these genetic changes might lead to degeneration of photoreceptors, the cells responsible for capturing light.
Read MoreAkron Children’s has received a $2 million research endowment from the Knights Templar Eye Foundation (KTEF) to expand its research in pediatric eye disorders. In tandem with the foundation’s philanthropic support, Akron Children’s will match the gift with an additional $2 million for a total of $4 million.
Read MoreA $2 million gift from the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, Inc. (KTEF), has forged a partnership with the W.K. Kellogg Eye Center at Michigan Medicine’s Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, establishing the Knights Templar Eye Foundation Endowed Pediatric Research Fund.
Read MoreDr. Zaidi is studying whether Apolipoprotein A1 can reduce inflammation and abnormal blood vessel growth in retinopathy of prematurity. The research could point toward safer ways to protect vision in premature infants.
Read MoreFor the second year in a row, we received more contributions than any previous year. Contributions totaled $1,938,951. That is an increase of $61,357 or 3.3% over the prior Campaign. Two record setting years in a row. The Knights of the Grand Encampment are reaching deep and making a difference in this world.
Read MoreDr. Wu is using advanced retinal imaging to study how juvenile myopia and related complications damage the retina. Her work aims to improve early detection and monitoring before permanent vision loss occurs.
Read MoreDr. Wang is investigating Toxoplasma gondii, a parasite that can be acquired through contaminated food or exposure to contaminated soil or cat feces and can also be passed from mother to child during pregnancy. Her research focuses on how chronic cysts from the parasite form, persist, and reactivate in the eye, potentially leading to new treatments that prevent recurring eye damage and vision loss.
Read MoreDr. Vemula is studying the role of VEGF-A in infantile nystagmus, particularly in patients with albinism. His work could help determine whether an existing class of eye drugs may offer a new therapeutic approach.
Read MoreShe anticipates that these studies will provide important insight into mechanisms that drive Stargardt disease and find ways to treat this currently untreatable condition.
Read MoreThe Knights Templar Eye Foundation awarded a record number of fourteen Swords of Merit in FY 2025–2026. Each Sword of Merit is awarded for a donation totaling $25,000 or more, achieved either as a single gift or through the accumulation of twenty-five Grand Master Clubs. Additionally, during the same time frame, the Foundation awarded eleven Golden Chalices, each representing a single contribution of $10,000.
Read MoreIn 2015, the Foundation began funding Travel Grants. In that first year, only 59 grants were awarded. Today, with annual funding increased to $100,000, the Foundation was able to award 95 Travel Grants this year alone.
Read MoreThe Officers and Directors of the Knights Templar Eye Foundation wish to thank all Grand Commanderies that have become either 100% or 200% Life Sponsors within their jurisdiction and to those Grand Commanderies that are actively working towards the 100% goal.
Read MoreDr. Szczepan will test this hypothesis using genetically modified mouse lines and disease models with two aims: (1) to determine whether glial c-Fos controls the development of abnormal retinal neovascularization in an ROP mouse model; and (2) to determine what controls glial activation and glia mediated-retinal inflammation during retinal neovascularization. Successful completion of the proposed research will strengthen her understanding of ROP disease and lead to new therapeutic strategies.
Read MoreDr. Rossen will complete gene-disease associations and variant curation guidelines for the thirteen Crystallin genes, which are associated with approximately half of all isolated pediatric cataracts, by standard methods and compare them to an accelerated Artificial Intelligence (AI)-supported workflow that she will create. The AI-supported workflow, once validated, will be employed for other ocular gene curation work.
Read MoreIn this research project, Dr. Ramshekar, focuses on the role of VEGF signaling in the development of retinal ganglion cells – a specific type of retinal neuron. He predicts that VEGF signaling is needed not only for retinal blood vessel growth but also for retinal ganglion cell development in the retina. The data from this project will better define the role of VEGF signaling in the development of retinal neurons. This research has the potential to provide new insights into how doctors can better treat and prevent vision loss in children affected by ROP.
Read MoreIn Greek mythology, an example of regeneration is the Lernean Hydra, a giant water snake-like monster with nine heads, that regenerated each head when cut off. In recent times, the best example of a fictional regeneration figure is Wolverine, a superhero in X-Men comics. Wolverine’s superpower is not to control minds or the ability to shoot rays; his superpower is too simple: to be able to heal and regenerate fast. Thus, regeneration makes Hydra and Wolverine almost immortal beings that do not develop diseases. Newts are animals that, like Hydra, can form a new structure of the eye after being cut off and heal their eye after an injury, just like Wolverine does. Thus, by studying newts, Dr. Perez-Estrada could learn from their regenerative superpower and apply it to humans to cure diseases.
Read MoreDr. Lou’s research will increase understanding of the role of bright light exposure and dopamine in myopia development and provide important insight into optimization of potential light treatment strategies to prevent or reduce myopia in children.
Read MoreAutosomal dominant optic atrophy and cataracts (ADOAC) or 3-Methylglutaconic aciduria type III (MGA3), also knownas Costeff syndrome, are caused by mutations in the OPA3 gene. Affected patients present with an early onset complex blinding disease, typically before the age of five for MGA3 and around 10-year-old for ADOAC, characterized by optic atrophy along with other symptoms such as peripheral neuropathy, cognitive impairment, and dysmotility. There currently is no treatment for these devastating diseases. Lima de Carvalho’s long-term goal is to work on both gene therapy and drug screening to prevent blindness and reduce morbidity in affected infants.
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