Past Research
Title: Trachoma Project – Tanzania, Africa
P.I.: Sheila West
Funding:
Summary: Some of the aims of the early project were to develop a simple system for the assessment of Trachoma, and chlamydial ocular infection, and determine the role of ongoing infection in causing late complications.
Title: ProjectoVer – Southern Arizona
P.I.: Sheila West
Funding:
Summary: To examine prevalence and causes of visual impairment and blindness. The leading cause of blindness Open Angle Glaucoma, and the leading cause of visual impairment was cataract, followed by Macular Degeneration, and Diabetic Retinopathy.
Title: Baltimore Eye Survey- Baltimore, Maryland
P.I.: James Tielsch
Funding:
Summary: The Baltimore Eye study examined 5,000 black and white citizens in neighborhoods surrounding The Hopkins Hospital for the prevalence of eye disorders. This study showed high rates of glaucoma and untreated cataract among the urban poor, especially African-Americans. The study was a landmark, as the first detailed study of a population in the U.S. with modern ophthalmic examination techniques, setting a standard for several subsequent studies. A follow-up of these persons 8 years later has been completed to evaluate changes in care delivery and development rates for new disease.
Title: Hoffberger Program for the Prevention of Blindness (“Sight N’ Soul”)
Baltimore, Maryland (Johns Hopkins, Sinai, and University of Maryland Hospitals)
P.I.: Harry Quigley
Funding: Matching Grant from the Hoffberger Foundation and the Robert Woods Johnson Foundation
Summary: This program coordinated by Dr. Harry Quigley screened 3,500 elderly city residents yearly and facilitated their eye care, eyeglasses, and surgery. This pilot program provided examinations, treatment: eyeglasses and surgery and follow-up care in three local hospitals, non-profit community organizations and inner city churches.
Title: Salisbury Eye Study(‘S.E.E. Study”)—Salisbury, Maryland
P.I.: Sheila West
Funding: National Institute of Aging and National Eye Institute
Summary: This population-based study of 3,000 persons over 65 years of age evaluated visual impairment and functional status in senior Americans, including risk factors for eye diseases and the relation of vision to independent living capabilities. The results will show association between vitamin intake and eye health, as well as determinants of driving safety and the value to visual rehabilitation to improve quality of life for the elderly.
