Knights Templar Eye Foundation

05/25/2026

On Memorial Day, we remember and honor the fallen who sacrificed for our freedom.

05/06/2026

Dr. 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.

Dr. 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 med

04/29/2026

Her work will improve genetic diagnosis and subsequent care and treatment for children with cataracts.

Dr. 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 workfl

04/22/2026

In 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.

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

04/05/2026

Happy Easter from the Knights Templar Eye Foundation!

03/23/2026

In 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.

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.

02/23/2026

Dr. Lou will examine whether the protective effect of bright light on the development of myopia is dependent on the time of day of exposure and the role of retinal dopamine, a molecule that is thought to be a “stop signal” for refractive eye growth, in this effect. She will also compare the effects of short-term and long-term exposure to bright light on retinal dopamine levels at different times of day. Dr. 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.

Dr. 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.

01/12/2026

Autosomal 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.

Autosomal 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

01/01/2026

Happy New Year from the Knights Templar Eye Foundation!

12/25/2025

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas!