Reshaping Glaucoma Education With a $2 Million Gift
David Pyott’s gift will enable millions of glaucoma patients around the world to live fuller, healthier lives.
Glaucoma is the leading cause of preventable blindness worldwide, with the highest rates of the disease affecting populations in Asia and Africa. By 2020, the number of people with glaucoma is expected to grow to 76 million. To address this alarming global issue, David E. I. Pyott has demonstrated his commitment to protecting sight with a $2 million donation through his foundation. This generous contribution — the largest gift ever received by the Academy Foundation — will establish the David E. I. Pyott Glaucoma Education Center on the ONE Network.
Expected to launch at the end of 2017, the Pyott Center will set a new standard for glaucoma education, physician training and online collaboration. The center will significantly expand ONE Network content to include interactive cases and simulations; an extensive searchable online library of clinical support materials and surgical videos; and a wide range of patient education resources. It will also connect the worldwide ophthalmic community through a peer network where practitioners can discuss and manage challenging cases with their colleagues.
This greater access to evidence-based medicine, surgical advancements and quality-of-care improvements will equip ophthalmologists around the globe to provide patients with the highest quality glaucoma care, enabling them to lead fuller, more productive lives.
David Pyott’s gift will enable millions of glaucoma patients around the world to live fuller, healthier lives.
“ This is my way of giving back. I am delighted to continue a long and rewarding heritage of helping physicians everywhere speed improvements in patient outcomes.”
DAVID E. I. PYOTT, CBE, MD(HON)
Mr. Pyott’s endowment follows a long history of significant contributions to ophthalmology. During his tenure as chairman of the board and chief executive officer at Allergan (1998–2015), he transformed the company into a leader in the global specialty pharmaceutical and medical device arena, with sales topping $7 billion in 2014.
“Having served as Allergan’s CEO for 17 years, I have an intimate connection with the glaucoma community,” said Mr. Pyott. “This is my way of giving back. I am delighted to continue a long and rewarding heritage of helping physicians everywhere speed improvements in patient outcomes.”
“David Pyott is an extraordinary philanthropist,” said David W. Parke II, MD, Academy CEO. “He is knowledgeable and personally experienced and engaged in the problem of treatable global blindness. This endowment will serve as a legacy gift for decades to come — helping current and future physicians around the globe, as well as providing resources for their patients. The Academy is deeply grateful for his steadfast generosity that enhances our capability to protect sight and empower lives.”
Mr. Pyott has served on the Academy Foundation Advisory Board since 2002, and helped to guide its efforts to fund groundbreaking initiatives to deliver the highest standards in clinical education and patient care. His many honors and distinctions include Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, bestowed by Her Majesty the Queen in 2006; an honorary degree in medicine from the University of Edinburgh; the UCI Medal and the Moacyr Gold Medal for services to Brazilian ophthalmology; and the Semper Fidelis Award from the U.S. Marine Corps.
The Foundation is deeply grateful for Mr. Pyott’s exceptional contribution, which will make a tremendous impact on the eye health of millions of glaucoma patients the world over.
"This endowment will serve as a legacy gift for decades to come — helping current and future physicians around the globe, as well as providing resources for their patients."
DAVID W. PARKE II, MD