Message from the Foundation Chair
by Rafal Farjo, PhD, FARVO
As I step into the role of chair of the ARVO Foundation for Eye Research, I am filled with immense pride and a deep sense of responsibility. My esteemed predecessors have laid a strong groundwork for our organization with their vision and invaluable contributions. I am honored to build upon their legacy as we move forward together.
The mission of the ARVO Foundation is straightforward yet profound: To raise funds for vision research. This mission is not merely a statement but a steadfast commitment to advancing ophthalmology and making a tangible difference in the lives of millions affected by vision impairments and blindness. Each year, the ARVO Foundation awards numerous travel grants and research awards, totaling over $400,000 in annual funding provided to our members.
One of my primary goals as Chair is to expand and introduce new research awards to support our Members-in-Training who are embarking on their careers. Building upon the recently developed ARVO Foundation Research Catalyst Awards, we aim to establish new research awards that would provide meaningful funds to members in training who are developing research programs at the early stage of their career. Specifically, our goal is to create multiple research awards that provide at least $50,000 in single-year funding to these emerging researchers, giving them the resources they need to pursue innovative projects and establish research programs that will contribute to the future of vision science.
To fund such programs, the Foundation must embark on new and dynamic fundraising efforts that engage the general public. Vision loss and blindness are critical issues that impact our entire society, especially as the prevalence of age-related diseases increases with our aging population. We plan to launch a national campaign to raise awareness and funds, broadening our reach and generating support for these new research awards. Public support is crucial to our success, and we will work tirelessly to highlight the importance of our mission and the significant impact of our members’ work.
In addition to our traditional fundraising efforts, we are also exploring other avenues designed to engage and inspire our communities, such as family-friendly sporting tournaments and other local meet and greet events. These events will not only help us gather financial support but also foster a sense of community and shared purpose among our supporters.
Together, we can drive forward the research that will lead to new treatments, technologies, and cures. Your continued support and engagement are vital to our success and I am confident that, with your help, we will achieve our goals and more.
Thank you for your dedication to our shared mission. I look forward to working with all of you to advance the ARVO Foundation for Eye Research and make a lasting difference in the world of vision science.
- Rafal
About Rafal Farjo, PhD, FARVO
Involved in ocular research for over 25 years, Rafal Farjo, PhD, FARVO, received his bachelor's degree in cell and molecular biology from the University of Michigan and his PhD in cell biology from the University of Oklahoma. During his time at the University of Michigan, he worked to establish one of the first genomics core facilities at the University with a special emphasis on discovering genes and pathways associated with Age-related Macular Degeneration. At the University of Oklahoma, Farjo's research focused on the characterization of macular disease models and the development of new treatment options. During this tenure, he published the first study demonstrating the feasibility of using non-viral DNA nanoparticles as a method for gene therapy to ocular cells. He has published also in several prestigious journals, including the Journal of Cell Biology, Genome Biology, and Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences. Farjo has raised over $10M for research programs from non- dilutive federal and state funding. He is currently CEO of EyeCRO, a contract research organization that conducts preclinical pharmacology, toxicology and pharmacokinetic studies to help clients advance new ophthalmic therapeutics.
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