Pediatric Inherited Retinal Degeneration Center
Making a Difference for Children with Devastating Blinding Eye Diseases
The Commitment: $1,176,151
The Retina Foundation of the Southwest is a world-renowned research institute working to prevent vision loss and restore sight through innovative research and treatment. One focus of the Retina Foundation is sight-saving research into the causes of and treatments and cures for inherited eye disorders. Though rare, these disorders cause severe vision loss, especially in children. Early diagnosis is crucial to improving outcomes in vision, education, motor development, and quality of life. However, diagnosing and treating inherited eye diseases is challenging, requiring specialized equipment and techniques.
Through funding for medical equipment and personnel, Crystal Charity will establish the first examination suite in Texas and the southwest dedicated to children with inherited retinal degenerative diseases. Providing a compassionate, supportive environment for children facing the challenges of vision loss, the pediatric examination suite at the Retina Foundation will enable health care professionals to examine, diagnose, and treat these children with cutting edge treatments such as gene therapy, gene editing, and stem cell therapy, all at no cost to families. The Retina Foundation will care for 100 Dallas County children aged 0-18 in each of the next three years.
