Circle of Sight Lecture Series

Shiley Eye Center’s Circle of Sight members attended a Vision Research Lecture discussing latest advancements entitled, “New Treatments for Macular Degeneration: What Works and What Doesn’t.” Dr. William Freeman spoke to an impressively large group of Circle of Sight members on March 13, 2003. Dr. Freeman, Director of the Jacobs Retina Research Center, and Dr. Michael Goldbaum, a Shiley Eye Center retina specialist, are among the world’s leading physicians studying the affects of Macular Degeneration and testing new drugs that may regress bleeding blood vessels that cause blindness in patients with Macular Degeneration.

The afternoon lecture was followed by a reception, attended by Shiley faculty members: Dr. Stuart Brown, Ophthalmology Department Chair, Dr. William Freeman, as well as Barbara Brody, Director, Division of Community Ophthalmology. Other attendees included: Dr. Homer Peabody and his wife Betty, Dr. Alice Cox, David and Christine Baldwin, Walter and Anne Dempsey, Lewis and Pat Fry, Howard and Joan Kontje, Robert and Jeane Mc Kay, Robert and Joany Mosher, James and Dolly Poet, Jack and Lizanne Statz and Martin and Dodie Lynn. At the reception, guests had the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about Shiley Eye Center’s significant contributions to research and the psychosocial impacts of Macular Degeneration. It was an opportunity for members to meet others who share the same concerns about the disease.

In eight years, Circle of Sight has grown to over 200 members. The group’s dedication has assisted the Department of Ophthalmology in many ways including support of the Macular Degeneration Registry for those with Macular Degeneration around San Diego County. Circle of Sight also serves to educate its members and provide them closer access to their physicians.

Other Circle Of Sight members in attendance included: Charles and Leah Zibbell, Frank and Louise Pokorny, Janet Anderson, William Baker, Josephine Cree, Sophie Flores, Carol Ennis, George Brock, Jeff Karchin, Nomi Hunter, Ralph Lewin, Helen Lang, Betty Jean Norwich, Mary Jo Plumbtree, Helen Zimmerman, Joan Schmitten, Jeanette Rubin Burnett, Arthur Marks, as well as Van Blackie Cooke, Lanna Cheng-Lewin, Marianne Barbano, Gil Klecak, and Tony Weaver.

Circle of Sight lectures highlighting various topics will continue to bring the latest research to members. If you would like to become a member of Circle of Sight or would like more information, please contact Karen Jellison in the Community Relations Department at Shiley Eye Center. (858) 534-8017.