University of Nebraska Medical Center eye researcher, Wallace Thoreson,
Ph.D., associate professor of ophthalmology and pharmacology, has received
a $180,000 Career Development Award from Research to Prevent Blindness.
The grant, provided over a four-year period, is awarded to attract university
scientists and physicians to eye research.
Research to Prevent Blindness is the world’s leading voluntary organization
in support of eye research. At 56 medical institutions nationwide, it supports
investigations into all blinding eye diseases.
Dr. Thoreson said he will use the award to do research and purchase
supplies and equipment. Im thrilled to have it. It will provide a nice
base to fund research, he said.
His research involves studying nerves in the eye and retina and how
mechanisms of sight communicate with the brain. He works with colleagues,
Iqbal Ahmad, Ph.D. and David Chacko, M.D., Ph.D., to study macular degeneration,
a leading cause of blindness in people over 75 years old.
The researchers have isolated cells in the retinas of embryonic rats
in what appears to be a major step in eventually allowing retinal transplants
to be performed in humans. The transplants could correct vision loss caused
by macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa, two of the most common
diseases causing blindness.
It is estimated that 10 million Americans suffer from macular degeneration.
It is more common in advanced ages, as nearly a quarter of people age 65
and older have some manifestations of the disease. With the Baby Boom Generation
in America growing older, the incidence of macular degeneration is expected
to increase dramatically.
Dr. Thoreson earned his bachelors degree in biology in 1981 from Carleton
College in Northfield, Minn., and received his doctoral degree in physiology
and neuroscience in 1989 from the University of Minnesota. He joined UNMC
in 1993 and was named assistant professor with appointments in the departments
of ophthalmology and pharmacology. In 1999, he was named associate professor
for both departments. Prior to joining UNMC, he worked nine years in various
research capacities at the University of Minnesota.
UNMC is the only public academic health science center in the state.
Through its commitment to research, education, outreach and patient care,
UNMC has established itself as one of the country’s leading centers for
cancer research and treatment and solid organ transplantation. Nearly $31
million in research grants and contracts were awarded to UNMC scientists
during the past fiscal year. In addition, UNMCs educational programs are
responsible for training more health professionals practicing in Nebraska
than any other institution.