Pfizer CEO gets glaucoma award

The Glaucoma Research Foundation's highest honour, the Catalyst Award, has been given to Jeffrey B. Kindler, chief executive officer and chairman of the Board of Pfizer Inc. The award recognizes outstanding accomplishments in research and education in support of those affected by glaucoma.

“Our Annual Benefit draws attention to the looming global epidemic of blindness due to glaucoma and the importance of innovative research to find a cure before it“s too late,” said Thomas M. Brunner, President and CEO of the Glaucoma Research Foundation.

At this year's benefit, the principal investigators in the Catalyst for a Cure consortium funded by the Glaucoma Research Foundation updated attendees on their latest results. Their research has led to a better understanding of glaucoma as a neurodegenerative disease and could open the door to treatments that actually treat the underlying disease rather than current treatments that lower intraocular pressure as a means of reducing disease progression.

“Nationally, there continues to be a marked shortage of funding for the innovative research needed to find a cure for this leading cause of blindness,” said Mr. Brunner. “We simply must continue to raise the funds necessary to keep up the momentum of this productive research, as well as to provide invaluable educational resources needed to help patients and raise public awareness.”

Located in San Francisco, the Glaucoma Research Foundation is America's most experienced foundation dedicated solely to glaucoma research and education. In addition to funding innovative research like the Catalyst For a Cure research consortium and its Shaffer Grants for Innovative Glaucoma Research, Glaucoma Research Foundation provides free education material, including the definitive reference for newly diagnosed patients, Understanding and Living with Glaucoma (available in both English and Spanish editions); brochures serving those at highest risk, including African-Americans and Latinos; and a free phone, ++01-800-826-6693, staffed during office hours with an information specialist to answer questions about glaucoma.