December 1, 2003
Expert in inherited eye disease joins UM Kellogg Eye Center
 |
Ann Arbor -- John R. Heckenlively, M.D., a retinal specialist and vision scientist known widely for his research on inherited retinal disease, will join the faculty of the UM Kellogg Eye Center as the Paul R. Lichter Professor of Ophthalmic Genetics. Dr. Heckenlively is recognized among fellow clinicians and scientists as having made significant contributions to the study of clinical retinal degenerations, ophthalmic genetics, retinal electrophysiology and research in mouse models of human eye disease.
Dr. Heckenlively's overriding goal is to conduct research that will lead to treatments for patients with macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, and other degenerative retinal diseases.
Paul R. Lichter, M.D., Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology and Director of the Kellogg Eye Center, observes that Dr. Heckenlively is among the most outstanding experts on inherited retinal dystrophies in the country. "We are pleased that he will join the Department, which established its own reputation in retinal genetic research beginning in the early 1940s," said Dr. Lichter. "He also will be part of a clinical team dedicated to providing high-level care to patients with unusual retinal disorders."
Dr. Heckenlively earned his medical degree from the University of Colorado and completed his residency at the University of Kentucky. He went on to complete two fellowships, first, in vitreoretinal diseases at the UCLA School of Medicine, Jules Stein Eye Institute; and second, in ophthalmic genetics at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Wilmer Ophthalmologic Institute and Moore Clinic. He comes to the Kellogg Eye Center from his dual position as Chair, Vision Genetic Center, and Co-Director of the Visual Physiology Laboratory, Jules Stein Eye Institute. He currently holds the Vernon O. Underwood Family Chair of Ophthalmology at UCLA.
Dr. Heckenlively has published widely in the scientific literature, having written nearly 200 articles and chapters. He also has written several texts, including two that are considered standards for the field, Retinitis Pigmentosa (J.B. Lippincott, 1988) and Principles and Practices of Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision (Mosby-Yearbook Publishers, 1991, currently under revision). He was the founding editor for the Documenta Ophthalmologica ISCEV electrophysiology journal. Dr. Heckenlively has been a reviewer or consultant for many of the leading journals in ophthalmology. He has held a R01 NIH grant to investigate eye diseases in mouse models continuously for the last 15 years.
Dr. Heckenlively has received research support from the National Eye Institute, and from various foundations, including Research to Prevent Blindness, Foundation Fighting Blindness, and the National Retinitis Pigmentosa Foundation.
Among his many awards and honors, Dr. Heckenlively has received an Honor Award from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, 1986; Distinguished Senior Scientist Award and the Clinician-Scientist Award from Research to Prevent Blindness (1995, 2000); and the RP International, Jules Stein Living Tribute Award, 1986. He also was named a Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists in London, 1988; and was elected to the American Ophthalmological Society in 1987.
Dr. Heckenlively is interested in pursuing molecular based research projects that will lead to effective treatments for macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. As a start, he attempts to establish a molecular diagnosis for all patients with inherited diseases, and to interface his patients with on-going research that will better elucidate their disease process. Mouse models of these same diseases are used to look at pathologic mechanisms, since human eye tissue is not routinely available for study. He states that by joining the faculty at the Kellogg Eye Center his efforts to find effective new treatments for patients will be substantially enhanced.
For appointments with Dr. Heckenlively, please call or email:
Jill Oversier, 734-763-2280
jillo@umich.edu
Contact: Betsy Nisbet, 734.647.5586, bsnisbet@umich.edu.
