The Foundation Receives Major Grants: Major Initiatives Begin
News and Notes From the Foundation
Summer 2007
By Roy Levit, MD
Alcon Endorsement Program
At the ARF board of directors meeting held April 22, 2007, a representative from Alcon officially notified the ARF that the company intends to discontinue the ICaps-related endorsement program. This not only includes the endorsement of specific products, but it also has a public service element including the development of the AMD patient education kits and associated public outreach efforts.
Although the endorsement agreement is in discussion, it will likely end on June 30, 2007. If there is no sustaining agreement in place with Alcon regarding the kits, the distribution of ICaps vitamins with the ARF logo will cease and program kits distribution will fall solely on the ARF as of July 1, 2007. The ARF board is continuing to seek negotiation on specific public and patient outreach considerations.
ARF PSA Now in Print
Alcon worked with the Foundation to develop the PSA-style advertorial that appeared in the June Edition of Reader's Digest Mature and in large-print editions. Thus, over 5,000,000 readers received information created by the ARF with the assistance of Alcon. The public service announcement appears in a section of the magazine devoted to eye health and disease prevention, perfectly positioned to attract readers.
The announcement describes AMD and explains the health risk it presents. It offers tips on prevention and lists warning signs of AMD. Finally, it directs readers to the ARF and ASRS websites for further information. We are pleased to have conducted this important service to the public and hope to continue such outreach efforts.
ARF Board Report
AMD Grant Award Update: The AMD Research Grant Program has been allotted $50,000 in funds by the ARF Board. We hope to support smaller, unrecognized programs that show promise with initial seed money. The program began in January of this year and has approved the one application received to date. Help us spread awareness of this grant to any researchers you know who might be idea recipients.
Genentech Grant Program: The Foundation has applied to Genentech to administer a small grant program to fund regional medical education programs. The status of this grant is pending a decision from Genentech and a decision is expected this summer.
Fellow Travel Grant: The board noted that the 2006 travel grant winner did not attend the Cannes meeting. However, his funding ($2,000) is intact should he seek to attend the Palm Springs meeting. The 2007 winner is Eric Thomas, MD, who will be provided a $2,000 check when he arrives at the Palm Springs meeting this December.
New Brochure/Review Book: The Board reviewed the updated General Grant Support/Brochure and Donation Review 2006 booklet. It was reported that the Foundation received $26,410 in donations from ASRS members and the public in 2007.
2007 Annual Meeting and Silent Auction: The 2006 Silent Auction in Cannes was not financially successful. Many of the high-value items, although offered half price, never received a bid. It was decided that items donated and other items could be part of a raffle. Sales of tickets will start during the summer of 2007 and the drawing will be held at the Gala Dinner. The Foundation will have a booth at the 2007 meeting. It was noted that the Foundation would sponsor the 2007 Walk/Run at the Palm Springs meeting in December. We will be seeking corporate sponsors help raise money for this effort.
NIH/NEHEP Diabetic Retinopathy Education Program: Thanks to the assistance of Dr. Suber Huang, the ARF received a $205,000 grant to conduct a two-hour education program and enduring webcast for primary care physicians on Diabetic Retinopathy and Glaucoma. Support for the program is from the National Institutes of Health, National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP). The program will take place as a Satellite Symposium at the American Academy of Family Physicians, October 2, 2007 from 6-9 pm at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.
Board Nomination: The ASRS Board accepted the re-nomination of Dr. Johanna Seddon to return for a three-year term.