The Robert Machemer Foundation has awarded the 2022 Robert Machemer MD and International Retinal Research Foundation Fellowship to The Shiley Eye Institute in support of Christopher Brian Toomey, MD, PhD with the mentorship of Professor Jeffrey D. Esko. Dr. Toomey’s research project is entitled, Ultrastructural Glycomics Analysis of Bruch’s Membrane in Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) ⁴. The Fellowship Awardee was selected based on Dr. Toomey’s clear commitment to applying research to the challenges of vitreoretinal diseases and surgery, as well as a demonstration of his potential for mentored transition to independent research to improve knowledge of the causes and treatment of vitreoretinal diseases ⁴.
Dr. Toomey is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Ophthalmology at UC San Diego, Shiley Eye Institute, Viterbi Family Department of Ophthalmology and the Glycobiology Research and Training Center, who has an active medical and surgical practice specializing in adult vitreoretinal disease ⁴. He has been recognized for his contributions to the field of ophthalmology and his dedication to improving the lives of patients with vitreoretinal diseases.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a common eye condition that affects millions of people worldwide ⁴. It is a leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 50 and can significantly impact a person’s quality of life ⁴. Dr. Toomey’s research project aims to improve our understanding of the causes and treatment of AMD by analyzing the structure of Bruch’s membrane, which is a layer of tissue in the eye that plays a critical role in the development of the disease ⁴.
The Robert Machemer Foundation is dedicated to advancing research and education in the field of vitreoretinal surgery and disease ³. The Foundation provides scholarships and grants to support research activities of retina fellows and early career researchers ². The goal is to improve our understanding of the causes and treatment of vitreoretinal diseases and to advance techniques and cures to treat these diseases ³.
(1) 2022 Robert Machemer MD and International Retinal Research Foundation.
(2) The Robert Machemer Foundation.
(3) Robert Machemer Foundation Research Scholarships.
(4) SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS | mysite.