I have always been Penn Proud. I was fortunate that I attended medical school here, and I loved it. Rotating at the Scheie Eye Institute as a student in the late 1990s was pivotal in directing me into what I truly believe is the best field in medicine. At that time, Dr. Stuart Fine was leading an amazing group of renowned faculty who excelled in research, education, and clinical care, and I was inspired. But never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that I would be back at Penn 24 years after graduating, and with the opportunity to succeed a long line of luminaries to help lead our department into the future.
Last year’s issue of our annual report was a celebration of both the prior 150 years of our department and of the last 50 years of the Scheie Eye Institute, and these landmark events were expertly and caringly curated by our immediate past chair, Dr. Joan O’Brien, and her team. None of our accomplishments going forward would be possible without the tremendous efforts of those who came before us, so I wanted to take this opportunity to thank all the current and past faculty and staff of the Department for setting us up for success going into the next 150 years!
These last two years have been extremely exciting. We truly have undergone a 360-degree expansion with explosive growth and innovations in our research, clinical, and educational arenas. On the research front, we have developed our SMART—Scheie Mechanisms of Aging and Rejuvenation Therapy—initiative to guide our research efforts at the F.M. Kirby Center, which celebrated its 30th year since its founding in 1994. We have recruited two outstanding basic and translational scientists to join us, adding expertise in transcriptomics and gene editing. In addition, our current scientist and clinician-scientist faculty have continued their successful research programs, securing extensive extramural funding which has contributed to our significant increase in NIH funding this year. We were also fortunate to receive a five-year renewal of our unrestricted grant from Research to Prevent Blindness. Furthermore, we also filled all four of our available K12 scholar slots as we continue our commitment to foster young investigators to start and succeed in research careers.
On the clinical side, our growth in the last two years has been tremendous. To date, we have brought 14 faculty into our family—seven of these new faculty will be starting next year—and we added three satellite offices, with a fourth one coming soon.
Our patient volumes in the clinic have continued to increase year over year, and we are now far above pre-pandemic levels. Our surgical volume has increased by over 50%. We have also secured a commitment in partnership with Penn Medicine to renovate part of our Scheie building to create more clinical space. And we have initiated an aggressive quality and patient safety campaign with the goal of being a national leader in providing the highest quality of patient-centric care.
Our educational programs have also continued to thrive. Our undergraduate medical education program remains outstanding with all 16 students over the last two years matching into top-tier residency programs across the country. Four of our current faculty have appointments in the Dean’s office, which is quite remarkable for a field that is often marginalized at some medical schools. Our residency program continues to attract and match with the brightest, most talented, and diverse students from around the country. This year, we created a research track for our residency called iPOWER, innovative Program in Ophthalmology With Exceptional Research, and we matched for our first resident to start this summer. To go along with our established fellowship programs, we also started a cornea fellowship, with our first fellow also starting this summer. Finally, the past year culminated with the opening of the Measey Surgical Innovations Core at Scheie—MSICS. This state-of-the-art surgical simulation facility is equipped with 11 microscope stations. It is designed for the very best wet lab training, which will greatly enhance our surgical education program and, importantly, result in even better patient outcomes.
With all of these initiatives and innovations, I hope you can see that our department has truly undergone a 360-degree expansion, and I hope that this brief overview has piqued your interest to read more about each of these in this annual report. Please keep in mind that none of this would have been possible without the accomplishments of the past, the hard work and dedication of our current faculty and staff, and the support of Penn Medicine; it is truly a team effort, and I am deeply honored to be a part of this team.
As I noted in the beginning, I have always been Penn Proud—but now, I am and will always be Scheie Proud as well! I hope you enjoy this issue, and I look forward to seeing and hearing from you.
With best regards,
Bennie H. Jeng, MD, MS
William F. Norris and George E. de Schweinitz Professor
Director, Scheie Eye Institute
Bennie.Jeng@pennmedicine.upenn.edu
Departmental news
Please join the Department of Ophthalmology and the Scheie Eye Institute in thanking our esteemed guest speakers for the Fiscal Year 2025:
Richard G. Campbell Endowed Lecture
May 22nd, 2025
Steven J. Gedde, MD
Professor of Ophthalmology
John G. Clarkson Chair in Ophthalmology
Executive Vice Chair and Vice Chair of Education
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Bascom Palmer
Eye Institute
The David M. Kozart Memorial Lecture
May 31st, 2025
R. V. Paul Chan, MD, MSc, MBA, FACS
John H. Panton, MD Professor and UIC Distinguished Professor
Chair, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Director, Pediatric Retina and ROP Services
Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences
Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary at the University of Illinois
College of Medicine
The Alan M. Laties, MD Lecture in Ophthalmology
May 31st, 2025
Nicholas Mahoney, MD
Associate Professor of Ophthalmology
Chief, Oculoplastics Division
The Wilmer Eye Institute at the Johns Hopkins University
School of Medicine
During the Department of Ophthalmology’s annual holiday celebration for faculty and staff, the 2024-2025 Service Excellence Awards recognized various individuals for their outstanding qualities and actions. Honorees’ roles ranged from administrative assistants to technical support and clinical research coordination—each playing a crucial part in the smooth operation of the Department and the well-being of the patients. Through their empathy and leadership, these employees contribute to enhancing patients’ experiences at the Scheie Eye Institute’s various locations.
We also celebrate Shaka Draper, Ophthalmic Diagnostic Imaging staff and recipient of the 2024 CPUP Advocacy Award.
Service Excellence Awards Recipients
- Lisa Albaladejo-Lopez, Surgical Services Associate
- Shalonda Hairston, Diagnostic Imaging Specialist
- Joy Hernandez, Administrative Assistant - Kirby Center
- Emma Iacobucci, Clinical Research Coordinator
- Jasmin Jackson, Surgical Services Associate
- Cathy Lawn, Lead Ophthalmic Technician - Radnor
- Phyllis Robinson, Sr. Surgical Services Associate
- Joy Santos, Ophthalmic Technician - PCAM
- Janeen Strozier, Patient Services Associate - Media
- Shareese Thompson, Ophthalmic Technician - Scheie (Supervisor)
- Michael Weissman, Scheie OR Coordinator
by Maressa Park
The Department of Ophthalmology and the Scheie Eye Institute are charting an exciting course of growth, as evidenced by its expanding geographic footprint spanning multiple new locations across both Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Scheie holds to a vision of an inclusive health system that prioritizes access—offering cutting-edge care across ever-expanding landscapes and communities:
Scheie Eye Institute at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center (PPMC)
Penn Presbyterian Medical Center
51 N 39th St
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Scheie Eye Institute at the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine (PCAM)
Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine
3400 Civic Center Blvd
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Scheie Eye Institute at Penn Medicine Radnor (PMR)
145 King of Prussia Road
Radnor, PA 19087
Scheie Eye Institute at Media
605 West State Street
Media, PA 19063
Scheie Eye Institute at Newtown
115 Pheasant Run Suite 114
Newtown, PA 18940
Scheie Eye Institute at Vineland
1318 S. Main Road Building 2, Unit A
Vineland, NJ 08360
Coming Soon:
Scheie Eye Institute at Rittenhouse
1840 South Street, 2nd Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19146
Scheie Eye Institute at South Jersey (Formerly the Scheie Eye Institute at Marlton)
1940 State Highway 70, 1st Floor
Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
by Maressa Park
The Department of Ophthalmology takes immense pride in announcing that three of our faculty members have been honored with the prestigious Helen Keller Prize for Vision Research. This accolade, bestowed by the Helen Keller Foundation in collaboration with the BrightFocus Foundation, recognizes individuals whose research has significantly advanced the field of vision science—embodying Helen Keller's lifelong mission to eliminate preventable blindness.
The late Samuel G. Jacobson, MD, PhD; Jean Bennett, MD, PhD; and Albert M. Maguire, MD—all from the Department of Ophthalmology—have been named the 2023 Helen Keller Laureates alongside Gustavo D. Aguirre, VMD, PhD, from Penn’s School of Veterinary Medicine, and T. Michael Redmond, PhD, from the National Institute of Health. Their incredible scientific contributions were celebrated at the annual meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology in New Orleans, marking a historic moment for Penn and the broader vision science community.
The late Dr. Jacobson, remembered as the William C. Frayer Professor Emeritus of Ophthalmology and the founding director of Penn’s Center for Hereditary Retinal Degenerations, left a profound mark on the field. His pioneering work in developing gene and RNA therapies for various forms of retinitis pigmentosa and other retinal diseases has paved the way for future breakthroughs. Jacobson's legacy continues to inspire our department and the vision research community at large.
Jean Bennett, MD, PhD, the F.M. Kirby Emeritus Professor of Ophthalmology and Cell and Developmental Biology, is celebrated for her groundbreaking advancements in gene therapy aimed at restoring sight in the blind. Bennett's work, including the development of Luxturna—the first FDA-approved in vivo gene therapy for Leber congenital amaurosis—highlights the Department's commitment to transforming lives through science and gene therapy.
Albert M. Maguire, the F.M. Kirby Professor of Molecular Ophthalmology, was instrumental in the surgical management of the gene therapy trials, contributing to the development of Luxturna.
To learn more about the contributions of our faculty and their impact on vision science, please visit the Helen Keller Foundation and BrightFocus Foundation websites.
by Maressa Park
A mega-analysis led by Joan O’Brien, MD, Rebecca Salowe, MSE, Shefali Setia Verma, PhD, and Marylyn Ritchie, PhD, at Penn Medicine—involving over 11,200 people of African ancestry—was published in 2024, identifying three gene variants associated with glaucoma. Published in the prestigious journal Cell, the Primary Open-Angle African American Glaucoma Genetics (POAAGG) study highlights the importance of diversity in genetic research and aims to fill knowledge gaps and guide clinical decisions for a group particularly vulnerable to developing glaucoma.
From Joan O’Brien, MD: “We are sharing our genetic database with other researchers across departments and schools that are studying diseases that over-affect African-ancestry populations. These collaborations are resulting in much more research on the health of an historically understudied population.”
From Rebecca Salowe, MSE: "Glaucoma is a highly familial disease, so premature and irreversible vision loss can affect multiple family members, contributing both to adverse health and economic outcomes. With current treatments for glaucoma having limited success, there is an urgent need for large genetic studies to identify novel targets for screening and therapeutic intervention in African ancestry individuals.”
From Shefali Setia Verma, PhD: "This work highlights the essential role of diversity in genetic research. Without our focus on this specific ancestry group, these unique and critical insights might have remained lost, and we would not have been able to substantially enhance our understanding of the genetics behind primary open-angle glaucoma in this overaffected population."
From Marylyn Ritchie, PhD: “To enhance our work, we were able to identify patients in the Penn Medicine BioBank with glaucoma to validate the genetic effects we gleaned from the initial cohort we analyzed. Without that resource, it would have been much more difficult to produce such strong work.”
Read more at Penn Medicine's “Mega-analysis identifies gene variants associated with glaucoma in people of African ancestry."
Explore the numerous articles on the POAAGG team’s work—from the Philadelphia Inquirer to Ophthalmology Times.
By Maressa Park
In writing this column, I found myself humming the tune to the Circle of Life as it seems apropos. I reflect on my relationship to Scheie and Scheie to me. This addition of the newsletter focuses on the "360º Expansion of Scheie," highlighting the complete approach to growth throughout the past year in which Scheie has expanded faculty, facilities, locations, technology, and fellowship opportunities to serve the community and advance education and research in ophthalmology.
Like the Institute, my career in some ways has progressed 360º. I first came to these hallowed halls as a medical student when I did research with Drs. Orlin, Sulewski, and Tratler in 1995 hoping to learn about ophthalmology and leaving inspired. I returned after internship in July 1996 for residency, served as a chief resident, completed my fellowship in 2002 with Drs. Katowitz and Gausas and then joined the faculty, overseeing medical student education and working hand in hand with Penn students and Scheie residents. Now, after years in private practice and 15 years of part time teaching across town, I have recently returned in a volunteer capacity to help with trauma call and teach residents once again.
It's also a wonderful circular moment to see the new Measey Surgical Innovation Core come to life 25 years after scraping together old microscopes and instruments as a chief resident to help build a rudimentary surgical lab in the old animal research corridor in the basement of Scheie (which is still there—a time capsule of the 20th century). This new state of the art facility is a game changer in surgical procedures education. Thank you to all who contributed to the lab.
I have always admired the work of our leaders and colleagues that have worked tirelessly to expand the Department and make it one of the premier places to learn, perform research and care for patients. It was inspiring to see Drs. Yanoff, Fine, O'Brien, and Jeng all present for our alumni weekend as well as past trainees. I have admired those that walked these halls and gone on to do great things with their careers. We have successful clinicians & surgeons caring for patients on the front lines, productive researchers enhancing our therapies to restore or preserve vision, residency program directors, chairs of departments, past presidents of state societies, leaders of national ophthalmic organizations, and more.
In the circular nature of life, we always somehow seem to find our way back to the beginning. Dr. Jeng's tenure as our new chair highlights this point. Listening to Jacque Duncan, MD, give the 2024 alumni lecture was a good reminder that we stand on the shoulders of those who trained us (she completed her medical retina fellowship my chief year of residency 1999-2000). I was struck by how far we have all come, how much the world of ophthalmology has evolved in the last 30 years since I walked through the front doors, and how the bonds of our time at Scheie remain unbroken. I am proud of my roots and proud to be part of this accomplished family. I know you are, too!
Scott M. Goldstein, MD, FASOPRS, Resident '00, Fellow '02
Pediatric & Adult Oculo-Facial Plastic Surgeon | Tri-Century Eye Care, P.C.
Medical Director | Tri-County Surgery Center, LLC
Adj Associate Prof of Ophthal | Scheie Eye Inst, Univ of Pennsylvania
Finance Director | American Soc of Ophthal Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
President | Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology
The Scheie Eye Institute is continuing its long history of innovation leading to better vision for people around the world.
I'll summarize briefly, starting in the 1960s with the Institute's founder, Harold G. Scheie, MD, who was the developer of new surgical techniques for congenital cataract and glaucoma, the discoverer of a metabolic disease that clouds the cornea (Scheie syndrome), and inventor of tests for a tonic pupil and myasthenia gravis. Former Scheie Chair Stuart Fine, MD, along with Maureen Maguire, PhD, led a multicenter NIH-sponsored clinical trial (CATT) proving that intraocular injection of bevacizumab was safe and non-inferior to ranibizumab. This discovery has saved the sight of countless patients around the world and the health system billions of dollars. Dr. Fine had recruited Jean Bennett, MD, PhD, her husband Al Maguire, MD, Samuel Jacobson, MD, PhD, Artur Cideciyan, PhD, and Tomas Aleman, MD, to develop research programs in molecular ophthalmology and to perform gene therapy to bring sight to those suffering from inherited retinal degenerations. Bennett and Maguire, working in Scheie’s FM Kirby Center for Molecular Ophthalmology, were among the first to find that adeno-associated virus (AAV) could efficiently deliver genes to the retina. AAV was used in two independent clinical trials performed by the Bennett and Jacobson groups to improve vision in children born blind. The first FDA-approved gene therapy, Luxturna, was a direct result of Bennett's laboratory and clinical research. Now, AAV is a platform being used internationally to develop gene therapy for a wide range of inherited and acquired ocular diseases. Recently, Aleman completed the first clinical trial of retinal gene editing to correct a mutation in patients with childhood blindness. This study, recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine, used CRISPR/Cas9 to perform the genetic “nanosurgery.” Also this year, former Scheie Chair Joan O'Brien, MD, and her Primary Open Angle African American Glaucoma Genetics (POAAGG) study team recently discovered new genes conferring risk for glaucoma, focusing on residents of West Philadelphia.
These breakthroughs were driven by teamwork, persistence, and the vision of Scheie's Chairs who have recruited and supported talented faculty. To continue this strong tradition of teamwork, we now have the monthly Vision Research Club and annual Vision Research Day Symposium. In addition to talks by many Scheie faculty, this year's keynote speaker was Nobel Laureate Drew Weissman, MD, PhD.
Now, fueled by the tremendous support and ambition of our Chair, Bennie Jeng, MD, our investigators are hard at work on the next round of discoveries. We are nurturing and recruiting the next generation of Scheie innovators. Four junior faculty members are being mentored toward independence in our NIH-funded K12 Vision Clinician Scientist program. The inaugural resident-investigator in iPOWER has started his research year. We are continuing to leverage our research strengths in retina and glaucoma while pursuing the Scheie Mechanisms of Aging and Rejuvenation Therapy (SMART) initiative and the latest technologies in imaging, AI, transcriptomics, and proteomics.
I can’t wait to see the next set of advances made by the Scheie team!
Sincerely,
Josh Dunaief, PhD, MD
Adele Niessen Professor of Ophthalmology
Vice Chair for Research