Ho u s t o n Ey E As s o c i At E s Fo u n d At i o n 1

VISIONVISION Houston Eye Associates Foundation Newsletter

Fall 2013

HEA Foundation is committed to providing the necessary eye care services for adults and children to preserve and restore their vision, as well as their independence. Physicians and medical profes-sionals donate their time and services while financial support from grateful patients, local private foundations and special events provide the funding to pay for surgery center fees, medications, prosthetics and any other ancillary services required by the patient to have restored vision.

“I am 22 years old and have been struggling with my eyesight since I was 15. I decided to go back to school and study Dietetics. A few weeks into the semester, my vision began to diminish tremendously. I did not know what to do. I was committed to attending school full time and continuing my part time job at a clothing store; withdrawing from school was not an option,” states Ms. Wilson. “I took the chance and finished my semester. I could not read my text-books, a computer screen or the overhead projectors. I got through my first semester basically by listening and web searching. When exams came up, I struggled reading the forms.

At work I was moved from a front end supervisor to passing out numbers in the fitting rooms, meaning less hours, all due to my vision impairment. The spring semester improved significantly because I learned about my school’s disability program. It was still challenging. I needed to provide care for my infant daughter, maintain passing grades, and work part-time. My mother provided great support as she would drive me to work and school, assist with my daughter; while working two jobs herself. I was referred to a uveitis specialist, Dr. Susan Wittenberg, for further medical treatment. Since I was uninsured, a full-time student, and unable to afford the necessary medical and surgical eye care services I needed to manage my debilitating eye disease, Dr. Wittenberg informed me of the Houston Eye Associates Foundation, and her staff guided me through the application process.

I qualified for the HEA Foundation program, and it provided me with the medications, medical services and necessary lab work that led to my miraculous visual restoration! I am so very thankful to the HEA Foundation and Dr. Wittenberg. I learned from the HEA Foundation program that Dr. Wittenberg was donating her office time and surgery skills to ensure my inflammation was under control and my vision was restored. Now I am back in school, literally with a completely different view on things.”

Ms. Wilson no longer requires assistance through the HEA Foundation. She has her own coverage and continues to see Dr. Wittenberg for her lifelong eye condition.

Many thanks to the hundreds of Visionaries that made it possible for Ms. Wilson to receive the medical and surgical eye services she needed to have restored vision, support her goal to progress with her education and continue providing for her daughter and herself.

A Lifetime of Sight Ahead

Dr. Susan Wittenberg & Ms. Wilson

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Many thanks to thefollowing “Visionary” physicians who

donate their surgery andoffice time to those less fortunate.

GeneralLarry P. Alexander, MD

Belu A. Allam, MDJeffrey B. Arnoult, MD, FACS

William S. Banks III, MD, FACSVictor Y. Chang, MD

Prajay Dhir, MDM. Dolores Diaz, MDSteven H. Dunn, MDSamih Elchahal, MD

Susan K. Fish, MD, FACSAllan Fradkin, MDSol Hamburg, MD

Lindsey D. Harris, MDDaniel E. Jenkins III, MD

Mark S. Jenkins, MD, FACSKevin Y. Jong, MDSherif Khalil, MD

Timmy A. Kovoor, MDJohn M. Lim, MD, FACS

Alison Lin, MDBernard A. Milstein, MD

Richard J. Ou, MD, FACSPaula J. Phillips, MD

Mitchell M. Porias, DOC. Downey Price, MD, FACSWilliam H. Quayle, MD, MS

Hayne J. Sheffield, MDW. Colby Stewart, MD, FACS

Justus W. Thomas, MDRichard G. Urso, MDElaine G. Thung, MD

Da-Thuy Van, DOLouis E. Verstringhe III, MD

Mark C. Vital, MDAndy Watkins, MD

Fiaz Zaman, MDStewart L. Zuckerbrod, MD

Cornea & External DiseasesVictor Y. Chang, MDSamih Elchahal, MDJohn D. Goosey, MD

Mark S. Jenkins, MD, FACSTimmy A. Kovoor, MD

Jeffrey D. Lanier, MD, FACSAlison Lin, MD

Justus W. Thomas, MDLouis E. Verstringhe III, MD

Mark C. Vital, MD

GlaucomaJeffrey B. Arnoult, MD, FACS

Prajay Dhir, MDRichard L. Kimbrough, MD, FACS

Elaine G. Thung, MDFiaz Zaman, MD

OculoplasticsKenneth J. Hyde, MD

Daniel E. Jenkins III, MDSherif Khalil, MD

Richard G. Urso, MDRobert B. Wilkins, MD, FACS

PediatricCarlos A. Gonzales, MD

James Z. Lai, MDMalcolm L. Mazow, MD, FACS

Aaron M. Miller, MDKathryn H. Musgrove, MD

Refractive/LASIKVictor Y. Chang, MDSamih Elchahal, MD

Susan K. Fish, MDJohn D. Goosey, MD

Kevin Y. Jong, MDTimmy A. Kovoor, MD

Bernard A. Milstein, MDRichard J. Ou, MD

William H. Quayle, MD, MSW. Colby Stewart, MDJustus W. Thomas, MDRichard G. Urso, MD

Da-Thuy Van, DOLouis E. Verstringhe III, MD

Fiaz Zaman, MDStewart L. Zuckerbrod, MD

Retina Michael A. Bloome, MD, FACS

Carolyn Chen, MD Lindsey D. Harris, MDAndrew C. Kopel, MD

Bailey L. Lee, MDPaul C. Salmonsen, MD, FACS

Uveitis/ImmunologyKelly L. Larkin, MD

Susan E. Wittenberg, MD

Neuro-OphthalmologistAndrew G. Lee, MD

Susan Yalamanchili, MD

OptometristsTia N. Budde, ODChloe F. Butts, OD

Deanna Pena Garcia, ODMonica L. Gonzales-Deliganis, OD

Mark F. Klaff, ODMatthew Lahmeyer, OD

Michelle R. Levin, ODMichael A. Pickering, OD

Julie J. Yi, OD

Dear Visionaries:Even with the implementation of the Affordable Care Act effective 2014, it

is estimated that millions of adults in the United States will continue to lack access to medical and surgical services. The number of patients we serve stands to persistently increase. Houston Eye Associates Foundation pledges to continue to work on behalf of those who will remain uninsured or underinsured for medical and surgical eye care services. We have a stable foundation that insures we will be present for those in need.

We have many partners in our mission. Houston Eye Associates Foundation is pleased to recognize the network of ambulatory surgery centers that generously accept HEA Foundation patients. As ophthalmologists and anesthesiologists donate their time and services, surgery centers throughout the Houston and South Texas region donate a significant portion of their facility fees.

We appreciate these surgery centers for continuing to support our efforts by providing surgical facilities at significantly reduced rates.

Doctors Outpatient Surgicenter Gramercy Outpatient Surgery Center

Houston Eye Associates Ambulatory Surgery Center

These partnering surgery centers and their staff help complete the circle of allowing HEA Foundation to provide medical and surgical eye care services for those less fortunate. Many thanks to these surgical centers!

Your financial support will continue to significantly impact the lives of hundreds of adults and children as their vision and independence is restored. My sincerest thanks to everyone that helps HEA Foundation help others!

At Houston Eye Associates Foundation we want our patients to know, “Your Sight Is Our Focus.”

Sightfully yours,

Mark Vital, MD

“Thank you so much for restoring our faith in mankind and reassuring us there are still people out

there who care about others.” Linda D.

Ho u s t o n Ey E As s o c i At E s Fo u n d At i o n 3

The Houston Eye Associates Foundation hosted an iOS Blind Users Group (iBUG) seminar in September to raise awareness of the many smartphone applications designed for low vision individuals. Michael McCulloch and his iBUG team of experts shared various types of iPhone applications that have helped them within their personal and professional lives.

Next iBUG seminars are scheduled for January 11, 2014,

from 9 to 11 am and July 20, 2014, from 2 to 4 pm.

Location: 7155 Old Katy Road, Suite N100, Houston, 77024.

Pre-registration is required for the seminars; please email heaf@houstoneye.com to register.

On your mark, Get Set…GO!!!!

Gather your team and register for the upcoming 29th Annual “Lookin’ Good” Shamrock Strut Fun Run 10K, 5K and Kids K run/walk on Satur-

day, March 15, 2014. Houston Eye Associates Foundation is proud to have the leadership of

FOX-26 Meteorologist Mike Iscovitz for this annual event. He and his family understand the importance of vision and the challenges of visual impairments. Please join him and his family in helping to provide more medical and surgical services to those in need within the community, the underserved and unin-sured working population on the verge of losing their eyesight.

How can you help? There are many ways to support this cause. Register for the race! Start a team! Set a goal to fundraise! Volunteer!

After the race, join in the fun Post-Race Party festivities. Music provided by 104.1 KRBE, great food provided by My Fit Foods, Kolache Factory, Three Brothers Bakery, Chick-Fil-A, and much more. Kids will enjoy face painting, moonwalks, eyeglass craft table, Hula Hoop station and interactive booths provided by Chick-Fil-A and other participating vendors.

Registration opens on Monday, December 9. Watch for early registration incen-tives by Dromgoole’s Fine Writing Instruments and Stationery, My Fit Foods, Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Indoor Waterpark, Prima Pasta Restaurant and Houston Optical.

New for 2014! “Lookin’ Good” Shamrock Strut Fun Run• Moisture-wick running shirts will be available for an additional cost when registering online. $15 each.• Top Team and Top Individual to raise the most funds will be recognized during the Post-Race Party.

Good Luck, and we hope to see you at the race! Make sure to show your GREEN IRISH PRIDE.

In Kind VendorsHouston AstrosLuke’s Locker

Event Underwriters

• Byrd Interior Construction• BBVA Compass• Adidas• Gramercy Outpatient Surgery Center• Houseman/Wilkins Ophthalmology Foundation

Schlitterbahn Galveston Island Indoor WaterparkWalgreensWest University Wellness Center

Register at: www.houstoneye.com/foundation

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q I would like to support HEA Foundation on a continual basisPlease charge my credit card $_______ each Month (last day business day of the month) or$_______ Quarterly (March/June/Sept/Dec, last business day of each quarter)

q $25 q $50 q $100 q $250 q $500 q $1000 q $5000 q Other__________

q Check (payable to HEAF) q Visa q MasterCard q AMEX q Discover

Card Number Exp. Date

Name on card

Signatureq My company has a matching gift program and I am enclosing the appropriate completed form.

q Please send me information on planned giving. q I wish to remain anonymous.

Thank You for Becoming a Visionary!

Address:_____________________________________________

City:______________________State: _____Zip:____________

Phone: (H)___________________(W)______________________

Cell:________________ Email:___________________________q Please email me future newsletters

HEA Physician:________________________________________q In Honor of q In Memory of_____________________________________________________

Address:______________________________________________

YES, I WANT TO GIVE THE GIFT OF SIGHT!

Name(s) for Recognition

Tax deductible to theextent allowed by law

NEWDonorCardQUARK_Layout 1 5/13/12 10:19 AM Page 1

Fall 2013Mail To HEAF: 7155 Old Katy Road, Suite N100 • Houston, TX 77024

Will You SponSor A...? $ 100 Vision saving medication $ 240 Pair of medically necessary specialty lenses $ 400 Prosthetic eye $ 965 Cataract removal surgery $ 1000 Glaucoma surgery $ 1200 Corneal or strabismus surgery $ 1500 Retinal detachment surgery $ 2500 Corneal transplant tissue

Physician and Medical Professionals’ time and services are donated.Surgery, facilities, medications, tissue & lens costs may vary based on patients’ needs.

Thank you for helping us help others with surgical eye care services!

Help us be GREEN by receiving this

newsletter electronicallyProvide us with your email address and the next issue will be emailed to you directly!

Send an email request to heaf@houstoneye.com and

list in the subject line, EMAIL NEWSLETTER.

Seeking volunteerS!The Houston Eye Associates Foundation hosts various

community-based events throughout the year.

Join us as a volunteer for the iBUG seminars, the “Lookin’ Good” Shamrock Strut Fun Run or if you would like to assist in a leadership role within our

various task forces (Marketing, Special Events, Audit, Social Media and others) please contact us,

heaf@houstoneye.com or (713) 558-8740.

Houston Eye Associates Foundation took part in a successful health fair for adults and children within the Spring Branch community on Saturday, September 21. Houston Eye Associates

Foundation volunteers provided basic vision screenings, and onsite ophthalmologists, Dr. Victor Chang, Dr. Prajay Dhir, Dr. Elaine Thung and Dr. Fiaz Zaman provided a more comprehensive eye exam. Many thanks to all the volunteers for supporting this community-based effort!

Need a gift idea for the holidays, a birthday, an anniversary, a special

occasion, or in memory/honor of someone? Give the gift of restoring a person’s sight by making a donation to the HEA Foundation.

Save paper and time. Make Your Donations Online! www.houstoneye.com/foundation

Ho u s t o n Ey E As s o c i At E s Fo u n d At i o n 5

EYE BALL – The Place To Be SeenThe Houston Eye Associates Foundation and Prevent Blindness Texas, two non-profit organizations committed to preserving and restoring sight, are proud to recognize Karen and Bob Aspromonte as the honorees at the 5th Annual Houston EYE BALL.

Vision and eye health are important to the Aspromontes. As a former fashion consultant, Karen relied on her sight to create

fashion masterpieces. Bob, Texas Baseball Hall of Fame Member, and former Houston Astro, will share his very personal experience on how vision has impacted his life. They are both committed to raising awareness and funds for the hundreds of adults and children that will benefit from eye screenings, eye safety education, and medical and surgical eye care services. We appreciate the support from the following underwriters: Byrd Interior Construction • Nancy and Kenneth Spitler • SYSCO

Since 2010, more than $1.1 million has been raised through the annual EYE BALL events. If you would like to learn more about the EYE BALL 2014, please call Claudia McCabe at (713) 558-8740.

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Will you consider listing the Houston Eye Associates Foundation within your estate planning? Please call (713) 558-8740 to request the necessary information to ensure the Houston Eye Associates Foundation is listed within your plan. Your gift will help adults and children have restored vision and independence.

After falling 27 times last year due to my decreased vision that began seven years ago, my son was committed to finding help for my eyes. He came across the HEA Foundation. We downloaded the ap-plication and shortly thereafer, I was accepted into the program.

Finally, after years of waiting, I was getting help! Dr. Samih Elchahal performed cataract surgery on both eyes, and now, I am able to drive and have the ability to be independent again. Words cannot express the gratitude I feel and will continue to feel, for the rest of my days. Thanks to everyone that supports the Foundation with time and donations. – L. Martin

Your Support Helps HEAF Help Others

Join Houston Eye Associates Foundation at the 2nd Annual Health Awareness Fair

Location: Tellepsen Family YMCA, 808 Pease, 77002Date: Saturday, February 8, 2014Time: 9 am to 1 pmCost: FREE!

Park Plaza Hospital healthcare providers will provide educational seminars, while vendorswill showcase a variety of community health resources, products, and services.

Guests can also receive free preventive screenings:• Blood pressure • Cholesterol • Hearing and vision • Glucose

Honorees Bob and Karen Aspromonte, HEAF Board Member Mrs. Rose Cullen

and HEAF Board President Mark Vital, MD.

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N N Gifts Made froM May 1, 2013 to septeMber 30, 2013 N NVISIONARIESIN MEMORY OF

Ms. Vilma J. Andreason Mr. Henry E. Anglin Ms. Hilda Aron Baby, a special man’s best friend Ms. Michelle Loftin Bronstrop Ms. Millie Dampf Mr. Bob French Mr. Lee Krakaur Mr. John I. Lovejoy Mr. Kevin Lowry Y. Burt Olive, Jr. Mr. Johnny Manuel Ramos, Sr. Ms. Lupita Romero Mr. Ramon Sauceda Robert H. Stewart, M.D.Mr. Danny Weber

Jeffrey B. Arnoult, M.D., F.A.C.S. William S. Banks, III, M.D., F.A.C.S. Michael A. Bloome M.D., F.A.C.S. Ina Bonner Mr. Drue French Boyles Ms. Jeree Bunch-Story Steven H. Dunn, M.D. John D. Goosey, M.D. Lindsey D. Harris, M.D., F.A.C.S. Richard L. Kimbrough, M.D., F.A.C.S. Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey D. Lanier Bailey L. Lee, M.D. Malcolm L. Mazow, M.D., F.A.C.S. William H. Quayle, M.D., M.S. Charles E. Russo, M.D. Paul C. Salmonsen, M.D., F.A.C.S. Ms. Marie Tindall Mark C. Vital, M.D. Susan E. Wittenberg, M.D.

AIG Matching Grants ProgramMs. Carol J. BakerMr. Rick CanadyAndrew Delaney FoundationThe Ellwood FoundationMr. Dale L. Fridley/Fridley Family FundDeanna Pena Garcia, OD and Mr. Gilbert A. GarciaGramercy Outpatient Surgery CenterFaye B. and Carl D. GregoryMr. and Mrs. Gordon HollowayMr. Calvin C. Mann, Jr. John P. McGovern FoundationMr. Leonard J. RejcekNancy and Kenneth F. SpitlerJustus W. Thomas, M.D.Mr. George H. ThomasKatherine Diase, MD and Mark C. Vital, MDDiana and Conrad Weil, Jr. Family Foundation

Mrs. Gervaisa M. AnglinMr. and Mrs. Jose J. AriasMs. Delia AtteberyJanet M. Balke, PhD and Mr. Trent A. BalkeMrs. Grace K. BivenGlenda Sue and Jack M. BlackburnJoan Melasky and Karl E. BlomquistMr. Jim BourneMr. Thompson Boyd III

Gifts $1000 & Up

IN HONOR OF

VISIONARIES

Gifts $100 - $999

Mr. David BoylesMs. Liana CaciulaCameron International CorporationMr. and Mrs. L.W. Carpenter IIIMr. John D. Carrara, Jr.Ms. Raquel CedilloJohn and Mary ChamberlainMs. M.C. CharltonChevron Humankind Matching Gift ProgramMs. Dorothy L. ClarkConroe Woodlands Eye ClinicMr. and Mrs. D.P. DampfMs. Jenny M. DunphyCarolyn and Russell EganEOG Resources, Inc.Mr. Lee EppesMr. Giorgio FaniJackie and Bill Fletcher Nan and Larry ForneyMs. Rachel FrazierEd and Cheryl GaudeMs. Charlene GeissMs. Lila Gene GeorgeMs. Virginia P. GidleyMr. James M. GreenJoyce and Dennis GreggMaryAnn and Victor GuerreroMrs. Geraldine GurleyLindsey D. Harris, M.D., F.A.C.S.Mr. Lonnie HawkinsMr. and Mrs. Mark W. HeathcoteMs. Joy HuntingtonMr. James A. JacksonMary and Billy JerniganMrs. Arthur J. JohnsonMs. Nancy R. JohnsonMr. Don G. JonesMrs. Gay R. Juengerman Ms. Mary G. KaeppelMr. Sam KamalMr. Robert L. KiberGeorgia and Lee KnessDr. Michael F. Koehl Dr. and Mrs. Richard B. KrakaurEleanor and George KurtzSarah and Michael LivingstonJune and Tommy LottMs. Ellen MarinoMr. Will MazeConnie and Willis McCammonAnn and Bill McCullochJeane and Rudy MichalkMs. Gloria J. MorrisMs. Suzanne K. MorrisMs. Sydonia MuscatJ.E. Norris, M.D.Richard Ou, M.D., F.A.C.S.Mr. and Mrs. Forrest Pace, Sr.Verianne and Leon PalmerSusan and Jerry ParishRebecca and Jeff ParsonsBobbye and Andrew ParsonsDeborah and Bob PateMr. Gary Pearce/Pearce Industries, Inc.Kathy and Rick PlaegerGrace Ann and Leonard PottsMs. Cindy RaimondMs. Hamsa RamakrishnanDr. Lalitha and Mr. S. Venkat RamanMr. Richard Rankin

Ms. Joan C. ReadMs. Lynn C. RizzoMs. Patricia J. RobinMrs. Sybil F. RoosPatricia and David RosenbergBrenda and Mansel RubensteinSafeway Inc.Ms. Cynthia R. SandersMr. C.E. SandersMr. John SchomakerMr. Gail J. SerrellMr. Louis Skidmore, Jr. Ms. Annie Bell SmithAlison Lin, MD and Mr. Steven SpearsMr. Patrick E. StepchinskiPaula and James SuchmaMs. Gaylene TaylorDenece and Charles ThibodeauxDot and Bill ThompsonMs. Anh TranMr. Jeffrey H. WeissMrs. Lanier WhildenMonica S. and Thomas W. WhiteYvonne and Dalton WhiteGeorgiann and Jerry WilmotCarol and Barry WilsonMr. Jospeh C. WinklerDr. Susan E. WittenbergMs. Pamela Wren

The Howard Acton FamilyMr. Zulfiqar AhmadMr. and Mrs. Syed AjmaliEunice and Robert Anderson Ms. Karen J. AndreasonMr. Mohammed AnsariChristina and Carl D. ArnoldMs. Lela Jo Barkley Mr. Leonardo BarrJohn R. and Longina M. BarreraMr. Edward BauerleMs. Caroline Sue BeardMr. Michael M. BeldingNancy and Edwene BellMr. Ted BergeronSylvia and Henry BertiDr. and Mrs. Michael A. BloomeMr. and Mrs. George Bobbitt Ms. Billie Jo BrackeenBrenda and Ralph BronstropMs. Betty BuieMr. Noe CardenasWilma and Ray CarlenoMr. Eduardo Castro Jr. Ms. Barbara B. ClarkeMr. Charlene and Gary CraigMs. Patricia N. DialMs. Mary S. DixMr. Han Van DoanMs. Mary E. Doran Ms. Patricia D. DoyleCecilia and Bonimar DucoMs. Alicia FarfanMr. Richard E. FlanneryMr. Ruben E. FloresMs. Noel ForemanMs. Linda G. Forman Mr. Edwin H. Frank, Jr.

continued on pg 7...

Gifts $99 and below

Ho u s t o n Ey E As s o c i At E s Fo u n d At i o n 7

VISIONARIES (continued)

Dr. John J. Fraser, Jr.Ms. Kathleen A. FriskMs. Mary R. FroelichMs. Lucille H. GallmanMs. Carmen Garcia Wing and Henry GeeMs. June W. GillmanMr. Edward GlaserRev. and Mrs. Oscar GonzalesNonya and Jonathan GrenaderMs. Ruth D. GuestDr. Gordon G. Guillery Mr. Loyd S. HaleyMr. James M. HamlinGeneva and George HarrellMs. Maria Ysabel HernandezWillene and David HoffmanMr. Charles HolmanHouston Eye Associates

Barbara and James HumlickMs. Marcia JacksonMs. Deborah JosephMr. and Mrs. Dan KessnerMr. Henry KohlerHenry and Henriette KrauseP.G. and George F.B. Lehman, IIIMs. Anne G. LevinMr. Edeltraud K. LloydMs. Nan H. LovejoyMr. Herbert LumMs. Evelyn J. LundeMr. Jose R. MaciasMs. Marianne MartinMs. JoAnn McEwanMr. Charles L. MesslerMs. Margaret MihaloMs. Jamie M. MillsMs. Helen F. Mintz

Gloria T. and George J. MundineMr. and Mrs. Earl G. NewmanMr. Daniel O’ConnorDr. John C. O’LearyMrs. Carlita A. OliveMs. Joann PalieriMr. D.W. PamplinMr. and Mrs. John F. PearceAJ and CM PiperiMs. Mary A. PlattMrs. Delores QuinMr. Jose L. RamirezMr. James R. Ramsey Elva and Dwight RaulstonMs. Teresa ReynoldsMs. Mary L. RobertsBrenda and Henry RojasMr. Anthony RojasMs. Jane Henson Russell

Ms. Mary Ann ScardinoMr. Carl W. Schumacher, Jr.Ms. Dessie Rae ShadowensNora and Alfred ShireMary S. and Bob SingletonMs. Patricia M. SmithMs. Catherine D. SmithCarole and James SydowMr. and Mrs. J. E. Tant IIIBurnham and Joan C. TerrellMr. and Mrs. Richard S. ThomasMs. Tina TillesMichelene G. and John J. ToomeyTillie and Jerone VacekMs. Vickie W. WeberMs. Dorothy WhyteBarbara E. and Harold L. Wolff, Jr.Joan and Roy WoodMr. Sik Bun Yuen

Uveitis is inflammation inside the eye, specifically affecting one or more of the three parts of the eye that make up the uvea: the iris, the ciliary body, and the choroid. Inflammation of the uvea may occur as a consequence of diverse stimuli. These can be broadly classified according to the following mecha-nisms: immunologic, infectious, traumatic, and so-called masquerade. Uveitis is cat-egorized according to the anatomical location where the inflammation occurs within the eye. Anterior uveitis is the most common form of uveitis, followed by posterior or panuve-itis. Intermediate uveitis is the least common form but still comprises a significant number of cases (4% to 17% of all cases of uveitis).

Uveitis may affect individuals of any age from infancy on. It also affects people from all parts of the world, and it is a highly significant cause of blindness, accounting for 10-15% of all blindness in the United States. Many patients in the pediatric age group, younger than 16 years, suffer devastating complica-tions of uveitis. The average age at presentation is approximately 40 years. The incidence of uveitis in the United States is approximately 15 cases per 100,000 population per year, or a total of some 38,000 new cases per year.

Uveitis is a serious ocular condition. It is the third leading cause of blindness worldwide, accounting in the United States for 10-15% of all blindness. Untreated or under-treated uveitis, or repeated episodes of inflammation within the eye, can lead to scarring and blinding consequences. Uveitis is a treatable condition. Patients are urged to seek consultation with a uveitis specialist, a physician with advanced training in inflammatory eye disease, who can perform a thorough workup for a possible underlying as-sociated systemic disorder and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Treatment may include drops, oral medications, injections, or infusion therapy. Steroids and immunosuppressive medications are frequently prescribed to treat and control the inflammation. These medications can have serious side effects but are often necessary to preserve vision and maintain long-term control of the uveitis. When taking steroids and immunosuppressive medications, it is extremely important to follow your doctor’s dosage instructions carefully, obtain the requested laboratory monitoring, and keep all recommended visits so he or she can closely monitor the progress of treatment.

Uveitis

• Mission Statement • Houston Eye Associates Foundation is committed to preserving and restoring sight with comprehensive eyecare surgeries, medications, and ancillary services for individuals in financial hardship; and supporting education and research initiatives for the benefit of the community.Physicians of Houston Eye Associates and other partnering medical professionals donate their office time and surgical skills and Houston Eye Associates Foundation pays for hospital and surgical facility fees, vision-saving medications, medically necessary lenses, eye glasses, cornea tissue, laboratory services, prosthetics and other ancillary services.

8 Ho u s t o n Ey E As s o c i At E s Fo u n d At i o n

Non-profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDHouston, TexasPermit No. 42557155 Old Katy Road

Suite N100Houston, TX 77024

Board of Directors

Mark C. Vital, MD, PresidentJanet Balke, PhDGenie ByrdRosanette S. CullenJerry DeutserDeanna Pena Garcia, ODCarlos A. Gonzales, MDLindsey D. Harris, MD, FACSCarol Holloway, SecretaryMarc N. Longo, MD, FACSRichard J. Ou, MD, FACSRebecca ParsonsWilliam H. Quayle, MD, MSLynn RizzoSteven G. Spears, TreasurerKenneth SpitlerJustus W. Thomas, MDS. Conrad Weil, Jr.Lanier Whilden Susan E. Wittenberg, MD

Executive Director:Claudia McCabe

“I can now read the large green signs on the freeway and the speedometer in my car. Previously I could not see anything from my right eye. Now I can! Thank you for your kindness and much needed help.”

- James R.

A Special Thank You Message – Our mission cannot be fulfilled without the support from generous donors, and the many partnering physicians and medical professionals who provide the comprehensive eyecare surgeries and services required by our patients. Our goal is to preserve and restore vision so patients can once again be self-sufficient and independent.

Thank you - Houston Eye Associates Foundation