Preservation and Restoration of Vision:

Vision for the Future, Part 2: Research in Ophthalmology and Vision: Policy Statement

Alfred Sommer, MD, M.H.S., Goal Chairman
Rosario Brancato, MD, Goal Co-Chairman

Tens of millions of people can see, carry out their daily tasks and enjoy life more fully because ophthalmic research has provided new and better ways to treat and prevent major causes of visual impairment and blindness.

Ophthalmologists employ effective tools and techniques undreamt of a generation ago.

Despite these achievements, the number of blind in the world keeps growing, in part because techniques generated by past research are too expensive and complicated to be applied in poorer parts of the world, and in part because the world's population is living longer and suffering from chronic blinding conditions for which we do not yet have effective treatments.

It is therefore important that ophthalmology continue to advance its capacity to treat and prevent visual disability and blindness through commitment to, involvement in, and support of a vigorous global research program.

Those societies with a sophisticated basic research infrastructure should apply the revolutions in molecular and cellular biology, genomics and computational power to tackle complex diseases, like age-related macular degeneration, for which we do not yet have any effective treatment or means of prevention; and diseases like primary open angle glaucoma, for which existing therapy is of limited value.

All countries, rich and poor alike, will benefit from new, more efficient and practical ways to apply technologies and insights already at hand. These include strategies for eradicating blinding entities, like trachoma, that were vanquished from wealthier nations; as well as less costly ways to achieve high quality outcomes from the treatment of cataract, diabetic retinopathy and similar afflictions now achieved with more expensive tools and techniques.

Ophthalmology has achieved extraordinary professional progress through a robust research enterprise.

The profession has aggressively searched for better solutions to well-recognized old diseases and emerging new diseases and disabilities that effect the eye and visual system.

As a global profession, we must redouble our research efforts to better serve those who can benefit from ophthalmic knowledge and practice.

January 3, 2000

Next: International Ophthalmology Strategic Planning Group

Also see: Table of Contents for Vision for the Future