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Eye Love Rock N’ Roll event addresses corneal blindness

Healio Optometry4h ago1 min read

WASHINGTON — The Holland Foundation for Sight Restoration is dedicated to treating patients with severe ocular surface disease with stem cell deficiency.According to Edward J. Holland, MD, the foundation’s cofounder, less than 1% of patients diagnosed with the condition receive treatment, making it one of the largest areas of unmet need in ophthalmology. To address this gap, the foundation created a treatment protocol: The Cincinnati Protocol.{{VIDEO}}“We’ve shown that we have very safe treatment options with ocular surface stem cell transplantation and systemic image suppression,” he told

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AI Summary

Quick Take

The Holland Foundation for Sight Restoration is highlighting a critical gap in ophthalmic care, noting that less than 1% of patients with severe ocular surface disease and stem cell deficiency currently receive treatment. To address this, Dr. Edward J. Holland and the foundation are promoting the 'Cincinnati Protocol,' which utilizes ocular surface stem cell transplantation and systemic suppression to restore sight.

Why It Matters

Severe ocular surface disease with stem cell deficiency represents one of the most significant unmet needs in modern ophthalmology, often leading to total corneal blindness if left untreated. While traditional corneal transplants fail in these patients due to the lack of healthy host stem cells, the Cincinnati Protocol offers a viable pathway to restoration. The stark reality that 99% of these patients remain untreated suggests a major need for better referral networks and clinician education regarding the safety and efficacy of modern stem cell grafting and systemic management.

Key Details

The 'Cincinnati Protocol' was developed as a standardized treatment for patients with severe ocular surface disease and stem cell deficiency.
The treatment protocol involves a combination of ocular surface stem cell transplantation and systemic suppression to ensure graft survival.
Current data indicates that less than 1% of the patient population diagnosed with these conditions is receiving the necessary surgical intervention.
The Holland Foundation for Sight Restoration was established to specifically address this unmet need and expand access to these specialized procedures.

Practice Implications

Clinicians should re-evaluate patients with end-stage ocular surface disease who have previously been told they are not candidates for standard corneal surgery. Identifying stem cell deficiency early and referring to centers utilizing the Cincinnati Protocol may offer a chance at sight restoration for patients who were previously considered untreatable.

Who's Affected

Cornea SpecialistsOphthalmologistsOptometristsOcular Surface Disease Specialists

Evidence StrengthModerate

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