May 15, 2017

Trevor McGill, Ph.D., research assistant professor of ophthalmology, OHSU School of Medicine, was among five scientists recently recognized by the BrightFocus Foundation. Dr. McGill, whose research on retinal degeneration and stem cell and gene therapy is conducted at Casey Eye Institute, was awarded the Carolyn K. McGillvray Award for Macular Degeneration Research.

The five scientists recognized are among a group of 31 scientists who will collectively receive nearly $5 million in vision research grants this year from BrightFocus. The awards, named in honor of leaders in vision research and advocacy, were presented at a Baltimore breakfast event coinciding with the annual meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology.

"These scientists are pursuing groundbreaking research that may help us better understand and ultimately end macular degeneration and glaucoma. Their bold, innovative efforts to save sight are a great honor to the legacies of those for whom the awards are named," said Stacy Haller, president and CEO of BrightFocus.

The awards are as follows:

• Brad Fortune, O.D., Ph.D., of the Devers Eye Institute received The Thomas R. Lee Award for Glaucoma Research
• Cristhian Ildefonso, Ph.D., of the University of Florida received The Helen Juanita Reed Award for Macular Degeneration Research
• Trevor McGill, Ph.D., of Oregon Health and Science University received The Carolyn K. McGillvray Award for Macular Degeneration Research
• Sheldon Rowan, Ph.D., of Tufts University received The Elizabeth Anderson Award for Macular Degeneration Research
• Derek Welsbie, M.D., Ph.D., of the University of California, San Diego received The Dr. Douglas H. Johnson Award for Glaucoma Research

Maryland-based BrightFocus Foundation supports innovative research worldwide and promotes public awareness of Alzheimer's disease, macular degeneration and glaucoma.