on the net
Site offers information on vision research

On the Net has wanted to feature the Web site of the world-renowned Schepens Eye Institute for some time, but we held back because the information wasn't being regularly updated. That's all changed now. In late September, the Schepens, which is the largest independent eye research institute in the United States, unveiled a new, attractive and completely updated site at a new address, www.schepens.org.

Both you and your patients can benefit from the information provided. For patients, there are clear explanations (some with animated graphics) of common eye conditions and diseases. The Schepens, which is affiliated with the Department of Ophthalmology of the Harvard Medical School, also has a unique resource in patient liaison Rich Godfrey, who was diagnosed with AMD at age 37. Godfrey invites calls and e-mails from patients, and personally answers their questions concerning common eye diseases, related research and low-vision resources.

For eyecare professionals, the Schepens site offers a wealth of information on how basic vision research is conducted at a center that's one of the top recipients of grant funding from the National Eye Institute. At the beginning of this year, 59 fellows from 17 different countries were working on research projects at the Institute. Journal articles published by Schepens researchers are listed on the site. Soon, the site will also preview lectures and seminars that ophthalmologists can attend.

Schepens has two basic missions: exploring the cause and prevention of selected blinding eye diseases, and finding new devices and strategies to restore the quality of life for the visually impaired. You can delve into the site to find more detail about Schepens scientists' research into such areas as diabetic retinopathy, AMD, ocular inflammation, ocular gene therapy and retinal transplantation.

A visit to the new site will give you a better understanding of how basic vision research is the cornerstone of many of the most important advances in eye care.

Visit: www.schepens.org

If you've discovered a Web site or service that's been useful to you in practice or at home, we'd like to know about it. E-mail Jerry Helzner at helznergi@boucher1.com  or call him at (215) 643-8013.