Abstract
Purpose::
The military community faces the same problems in caring for the eye as the population at large (age related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, etc.), however, because we are a nation at war we focus heavily on battlefield casualties.
Methods::
Foster innovative and military relevant research by funding broad agency announcement (BAA) proposals based on areas of research focus; guide congressionally funded research efforts toward areas of research focus within legislative specifications; promote awareness and stimulate the environment of collaboration between military/military and military/civilian colleagues and their respective research; and provide financial oversight of the research funds program.
Results::
We have established five major areas of research focus. 1) modulating ocular response to injury and disease, 2) ocular and visual restoration, 3) refractive surgery, 4) tele-robotics and simulation, and 5) novel projects. For example, in the first focus area we want to alter conrea injury response, minimize retinal laser injury, study anterior segment dry eye and examine surgical wound healing.
Conclusions::
Our goal is to present a clear and consistent vison of future ocular health research goals while remaining receptive to innovative and creative ideas. The accomplishment of this goal will be publicized through presentations at professional meetings such as ARVO, Advanced Briefing for Industry, American Telemedicine Association, Medicine Meets Virtual Reality and the Academy of Ophthalmology.
Keywords: trauma • wound healing • ocular irritants