2022-2023 Foundation Annual Report - American Academy of Ophthalmology

Over the past 40 years, the American Academy of Ophthalmology Foundation has raised critical funds to help launch some of the most groundbreaking educational, quality-of-care and service programs in all of medicine. Whether it’s through innovative education, data mining or public service, every initiative enables us as ophthalmologists to provide better quality of care, and ultimately, better results for our patients. In this report, you will witness the positive impact of your donations and the transformational effect the Academy’s programs have had on the lives of the patients we serve. Through your gifts, you are protecting sight and empowering lives.

Letter From the CEO

Dear Friends and Colleagues:

We are pleased to share with you our Foundation Annual Report and the importance and impact of your support. The American Academy of Ophthalmology delivers on its commitment to protecting sight and empowering lives for our patients through the support of education across the entire span of training and practice, quality of care and the research that informs it, professional development for our community and our leadership in public health and public policy. It is the Foundation that helps to sustain these programs and allows us to innovate and develop the initiatives that lead us into new and important areas of service.

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This report highlights some of the key programs and initiatives for which the Foundation has been so critical: the continued growth of the Ophthalmic News and Education (ONE^®) Network, the impact of our Minority Ophthalmology Mentoring Program, the successful launch of the Truhlsen-Marmor Museum of the Eye^®, and the legacy of community service through EyeCare America^®, to name but a few. Generous support of the Academy Foundation has allowed us to imagine improved facilities for meeting and collaboration in our plans for the Parke Center in honor of David W. Parke II, MD, new ways to incorporate technology into learning with our Pediatric Ophthalmology Virtual Reality Simulation Program inspired by the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, and an expansion of EyeCare America’s mission to better serve our patients in need.

As we look to the future with programs that aim to bring further innovation to education, expand our research activities to close knowledge gaps important for patient care, and promote true equity of the highest quality for all, we know we will have to draw upon the generosity of so many who have demonstrated their shared commitment to these goals through their support of the Foundation. We are deeply grateful for this support: Together we can achieve great things — and we thank you.

Sincerely,
Stephen D. McLeod, MD
CEO, American Academy of Ophthalmology

Letter From the Chair

Dear Friends and Colleagues:

As physicians and ophthalmologists, we do what we do because, very simply, we want to make a difference in the lives of our patients, to impact the young physicians whom we train, to give back to our beloved profession, and to serve organizations that help accomplish all of this. I can think of no professional entities more impactful than the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Foundation that help the Academy fulfill its noble mission.

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Thanks to the support of the Academy Foundation and the generous and innovative spirit of ophthalmologists and our industry and philanthropic partners, programs such as the ONE Network and IRIS^® Registry (Intelligent Research in Sight) continue to influence our educational and patient care-related programs on a daily basis. A $5 million gift from the Knights Templar Eye Foundation (KTEF) in 2022 (the largest gift in the history of the Academy Foundation) will transform ophthalmic education with the development of the KTEF Pediatric Ophthalmology Virtual Reality Simulation Program. EyeCare America and our global outreach programs remain vital in our service to the underserved.

The success of the Minority Ophthalmology Mentoring Program has been extraordinary. In the most recent ophthalmology match, 17 of 17 candidates supported by the mentoring program matched into ophthalmology! Because of the early completion of a $1 million campaign for this program, the Academy has been able to further expand the services provided by this highly important initiative.

At the Academy’s headquarters in San Francisco, the Truhlsen-Marmor Museum of the Eye continues to draw a steady flow of visitors, and we are excited that plans are being finalized for the Parke Center. This will be a state-of-the art conference facility, which will honor David W. Parke II, MD, the Academy’s chief executive officer from 2009 to 2022. Thanks to very generous lead gifts from the Ophthalmic Mutual Insurance Co. (OMIC) and the David and Molly Pyott Foundation, as well as 51 other early gifts, we have already raised more than $1.4 million towards the $2.5 million campaign.

Again, please accept our deepest gratitude for all that you do in support of our Academy, the Foundation, and the profession of ophthalmology. Together, we are making a difference!

With warmest regards,

Gregory L. Skuta, MD
Chair, Foundation Advisory Board

Letter From the President

Dear Friends and Colleagues:

As the former chairman and CEO of Allergan and a member of many corporate boards, I have had the opportunity to work with many medical societies in the United States and around the world. I am sure that you are gratified to learn that my experience is that the Academy is the best managed organization with which I have had the privilege to work. The Academy has on many occasions been ahead of its time to initiate important focused projects to provide new educational opportunities, and improve ophthalmic patient care while investing in the underpinning research. Examples of pioneering work were the creation of the ONE Network, the largest and still growing repository of ophthalmic knowledge and educational materials in the world; and the IRIS Registry, the largest registry of medical cases globally that informs on ways to improve practice, techniques, and patient care. These initiatives and others build on our legacy of providing eyecare to those in need through our EyeCare America program.

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At the Foundation, we recognized early on the need to bring more minorities into the profession and so created the Minority Ophthalmology Mentoring Program in collaboration with the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology. Members of our Ophthalmic Business Council immediately grasped the potential impact and came forward with financial commitments. We have also received generous support from all the state, subspecialty, and specialized interest groups in eyecare. In 2022 the Foundation raised half of the funds that we had envisaged for the first five years of this high impact project, which portends well for its continued expansion. The program has expanded from supporting 25 students in 2018-19 to supporting 234 students, representing 107 U.S. allopathic and osteopathic medical schools, in the 2022-23 academic year. Since the program's inception, 39 students have successfully matched into 33 U.S. ophthalmology residency programs. The program is achieving significantly higher match rates than the national match rate among all U.S. students. I wish to extend a special thanks to the indispensable assistance of many volunteers who act as mentors.

Another example of cutting-edge work, building on rich experiences, stimulated by the pandemic, in providing virtual education and learning is our investment in a Virtual Reality Simulation program. This is funded by a generous grant from our long-standing partners, the Knights Templar Eye Foundation. The Knights’ significant and historic generosity will innovate to provide the best in pediatric vision care, targeted on pediatric eye disease, including retinopathy of prematurity. We are in the process of selecting vendors from the world of simulation technology.

Beach Street, San Francisco, the home office of the Academy, has been further anchored by the establishment of the Truhlsen-Marmor Museum of the Eye, open to the public. Building out our facility as a hub of ophthalmic education, a major focus of our current fundraising efforts is to complete our campaign to finance a state-of-the-art conference center, to be named the Parke Center, in recognition of Dr. David Parke’s considerable contributions to the many successes of the Academy during his tenure.

It is an honor and privilege to work with so many great ophthalmologists in many spheres of the work of the Academy and its Foundation.

Sincerely,

David Pyott, CBE, MD (Hon)
President, Foundation Advisory Board

$5 Million Gift to Establish VR Training Program

In August 2022, the Knights Templar Eye Foundation (KTEF) gifted the Academy $5 million — the largest gift ever made to the Foundation — to establish the KTEF Pediatric Ophthalmology Virtual Reality (VR) Simulation Program. This first-of-its-kind educational initiative builds on the success of the web-based simulators for strabismus and retinoscopy that the KTEF supports on the ONE Network. The new program will offer free, cutting-edge simulation training to ophthalmologists worldwide through the use of widely available VR headsets and web browsers.

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The new VR Simulation Program will initially serve the needs of residents and trainees, providing a safe environment and individualized learning paths that ensure learners can practice at their own pace and master critical skills before encountering real patients.

Thanks to this generous support, the Academy is developing both a virtual 3D ecosystem and the first simulated patient encounters designed specifically for children’s eye care. Retinopathy of prematurity diagnosis and management will be addressed first, with modules for strabismus and other disorders planned for years ahead. The initial release is expected in early 2024.

Minority Ophthalmology Mentoring: Increasing Diversity to Improve Patient Care

The Minority Ophthalmology Mentoring program aims to increase diversity in ophthalmology by helping qualified students who are underrepresented in medicine become competitive ophthalmology residency applicants. Although underrepresented minorities account for 32% of the U.S. population, they comprise only 6% of practicing ophthalmologists. The program helps build an ophthalmology workforce that more accurately reflects the demographics of the patients we serve — protecting more patients’ sight and empowering lives across a broader spectrum of groups.

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Our immersive engagement program is sparking an early interest in ophthalmology from students. Dedicated ophthalmologist mentors, an online community and personalized match-prep workshops ensure students are empowered to pursue a career in ophthalmology. This year program participants achieved a significantly higher match rate than the national match rate among all U.S. students. All 17 mentoring program students who participated in the 2022-23 residency match successfully matched into ophthalmology programs!

Through the Academy Foundation’s support, more than 230 medical students are active in the program.

With Your Support, the Parke Center Will Mark a New Era for Academy Meetings

The Parke Center will be named for David W. Parke II, MD, the Academy’s CEO from 2009 to 2022, in honor of his leadership at the Academy and throughout his career, and for his deep commitment to ophthalmology. The multi-conference room facility will occupy a wing of the ground floor of Academy headquarters, adjacent to the Truhlsen-Marmor Museum of the Eye.

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This state-of-the-art center will be a hub for ophthalmic collaboration and partnerships as academic researchers and other partners use the space for teaching and conferences, and will offer a model for learning through the use of cutting-edge technology accessed across the globe.

We are grateful to the donors who stepped up early to fund $1.4 million of the $2.5 million needed to begin construction this fall. Support includes anchor gifts from the Ophthalmic Mutual Insurance Co. under the leadership of Tim Padovese and the OMIC Board of Directors, and the David and Molly Pyott Foundation. We are grateful to over 50 generous donors who joined with OMIC and the Pyotts to launch the fundraising campaign. View donors.

The Museum of the Eye Welcomes Thousands of Visitors

The Truhlsen-Marmor Museum of the Eye had an exciting second year as a free, public access museum. As one of San Francisco’s newest cultural attractions, the museum was invited to participate in Free Museum Weekend last December. Along with 21 other local art museums and science centers, the museum hosted a two-day event that broke all previous attendance records.

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Two other initiatives will have an even longer impact. First, the museum added "alt text" to all seven of its social media platforms, including Instagram, Facebook and X (formerly Twitter). Alt text is a description of an image that can be read by text-to-speech applications. This helps people with low or no vision understand the museum's content better. Next, the museum’s exhibits were translated into three languages — Spanish, Mandarin and Tagalog — the top three spoken in San Francisco after English. Translations were uploaded as a tour in the museum app and printed in large type for use inside the galleries. The museum was excited to institute these changes to make a more meaningful impact with visitors.

EyeCare America: Continuing a Legacy of Service in Our Local Communities

EyeCare America helps preserve the sight of seniors and those at increased risk of glaucoma. The program's amazing ophthalmologist volunteers have helped over 2.2 million people. Last year, 4,813 patients were referred to EyeCare America volunteers for medical eye exams.

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Ninety-four percent of patients stated their experience was excellent or good overall. This satisfaction is illustrated by Porsche Lahey of North Carolina, who wrote, “The entire staff was very respectful, kind and considerate. They operated in a timely fashion and went above and beyond to make a difference. The doctor was very humble and explained things in terms that were easily understood. I would highly recommend EyeCare America to everyone.”

But it is not only the patients who are rewarded. Laura K. Green, MD, of Maryland said, “EyeCare America gives me a way to give back to the community. It helps patients find doctors when they need them the most. I enjoy volunteering because it allows me to help patients receive much needed care."

Donor Spotlight

Christie L. Morse, MD

Sometimes, support for the Academy Foundation comes not only as financial donations, but as gifts of time. Christie L. Morse, MD, is an extraordinary leader, mentor and innovator in ophthalmology who has dedicated both to Academy programs.

Dr. Morse dotes on her pediatric patients at the clinic she founded, the Concord Eye Center in New Hampshire. She passionately believes in pediatric ophthalmology, shaping patient care by sitting on numerous boards and committees, all to preserve sight and extend vision-saving treatments.

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For two years, Christie has served as chair of the Foundation’s fundraiser, The Orbital (formerly the Orbital Gala). She leads by example, giving her time and talent and generously supporting each Orbital event with creativity, style and fun. Orbital Committee members and her co-workers appreciate Christie’s “love, love, love.” In her own words, "Supporting the Foundation is an investment in a brighter future for ophthalmology, where innovation, ethics and excellence shine. Together, we can bring the gift of sight to the world."

Knights Templar Sir Knight David Dixon Goodwin, GCT, Most Eminent Past Grand Master, summed it up nicely: “As demonstrated by the many responsibilities she has taken on professionally, Christie is simply one of the best and the brightest. We, at the Knights Templar Eye Foundation, are humbled to have her leadership and expertise shine brightly on behalf of the Foundation, where support for our members results in the best care of patients everywhere. We thank you, Christie!"

Why I Give to the Foundation

Kenya M. Williams, MD

Both the Academy and Tamara Fountain, MD, have made a tremendous impact on me professionally. The Honor a Mentor campaign was the perfect way to pay tribute to Dr. Fountain while also contributing to the Minority Ophthalmology Mentoring program — a real win-win-win!

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Professionally, she helped in so many ways. “Tamara, thank you for listening, sharing and encouraging me over the years. You ultimately opened doors that changed the trajectory of my career. You saw me, and for that, I am eternally grateful.”

The Academy Foundation funds critical programs such as the Minority Ophthalmology Mentoring program, ophthalmic education and EyeCare America. Although we all have our medical school alma maters, the ongoing education and programs provided by the Academy truly makes it our alma mater for life!

Thank You, Donors

The Academy Foundation is extremely grateful for the generous support we receive from our individual and corporate donors. We celebrate your devotion to championing our educational, quality-of-care and research programs globally. The fruits of your patronage are reflected in the appreciative patients our members serve every day.

View the list of our donors (PDF)

View the list of our corporate and institutional supporters (PDF)

Financial Contributions & Statements

Fiscal Year End 2023 (April 1, 2022 – March 31, 2023)

Foundation Contributions — FYE 2023

Statement of Financial Position

Statement of Activity and Changes in Net Assets

View all (PDF)

Give the Gift of Sight

Eight out of 10 Americans fear losing their sight, and for many people, sight is the sense they would most hate to lose. Our donors make it possible for the Academy to deliver best-in-class ophthalmic education and services to protect sight and empower lives. Eighty cents of every dollar are dedicated to Academy programs. Join us by making a gift today.

Donate Now

The Foundation can help you meet your charitable-giving needs through your support of the Academy and its important mission. Contact Foundation staff to discuss outright cash gifts, pledges, matching gifts, donor-advised fund gifts, securities, real estate, life insurance or financial/estate planning.

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Letter From the CEO

Letter From the Chair

Letter From the President

$5 Million Gift to Establish VR Training Program

Minority Ophthalmology Mentoring: Increasing Diversity to Improve Patient Care

With Your Support, the Parke Center Will Mark a New Era for Academy Meetings

The Museum of the Eye Welcomes Thousands of Visitors

EyeCare America: Continuing a Legacy of Service in Our Local Communities

Christie L. Morse, MD

Why I Give to the Foundation

Kenya M. Williams, MD

Thank You, Donors

Financial Contributions & Statements

Give the Gift of Sight

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