Knights Templar Eye Foundation Center for Pediatric Vision Research

A young girl getting her eyes examined by an ophthalmologist

Partnering to Protect Children’s Vision Health

To establish a permanent engine for scientific discovery, the Dean McGee Eye Institute Foundation (DMEIF) created a $4 million endowment dedicated exclusively to pediatric vision research. This transformational fund was made possible by a monumental $2 million grant from the Knights Templar Eye Foundation (KTEF).

The KTEF grant was matched by $2 million from DMEIF, a commitment that was further supported by a $1 million award from the Children’s Health Foundation of Oklahoma. Proceeds from this endowment are used exclusively to support advanced research into pediatric eye diseases.

“We are greatly honored and humbled by the trust KTEF has placed in us,” states R. Michael Siatkowski, MD, MBA, Edward L. Gaylord Professor and Chair of the University of Oklahoma Dean McGee Department of Ophthalmology. “OU Health DMEI is only the second organization to receive this type of grant from KTEF, and it is transformational in terms of our ability to push the boundaries of research into eye diseases that afflict our pediatric patients. Distributions from the endowment will be used to support postdoctoral fellows and research assistants, perform biostatistical analysis and genetic testing, underwrite clinical trials of new procedures or treatments, and purchase necessary equipment. With this type of support, pediatric vision research will accelerate at OU Health DMEI.”
A young girl with pigtails smiles softly
A young boy gets a retinal scan by an ophthalmologist
KTEF President David J. Kussman notes, “Since our inception, the KTEF has always given special attention and emphasis to pediatrics, with the goal of producing the greatest good for humanity. We are excited to have a research endowment with DMEIF. Through the research that the Dean McGee Department of Ophthalmology at OU Health DMEI is doing, they are making a tremendous difference in the lives of children and helping KTEF fulfill its mission to improve vision through research, education, and supporting access to care. Through their research, they are helping to prevent blindness or restore vision to a child, thereby enhancing the child’s quality of life and allowing that person to become a more productive member of society.”
A young boy smiles
A young girl with pink glasses looks up to the sky while holding a stuffed animal
An ophthalmologist gets a close up of a young girl's eye during an exam

Protect the Next Generation

The vision-saving treatments of tomorrow depend on the visionary partnerships of today. Join us in supporting the specialized resources and dedicated research needed to eradicate pediatric eye diseases in Oklahoma and beyond.

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