Houston Methodist Department of Ophthalmology — Blanton Eye Institute

The Blanton Eye Institute team partners with clinical and faculty colleagues at Houston Methodist in neuroimaging, radiation therapy and oncology are leading the way in novel and exciting treatments for intraocular cancer. 

The team has also partnered with Retina Consultants of Texas (RCTX) to participate in several national clinical trials. One unique trial explores the treatment of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy using intravitreal injections of a novel, silencing RNA molecule.

Additionally, in partnership with NASA, members of the Blanton Eye Institute engage in research around Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS)—the effects of long-duration space flight on the eye. This has been an area of clinical and research interest for many members of the Blanton Eye Institute.

Departmental vice chair for research, David Brown, MD, from RCTX, and department chair, Andrew G. Lee, serve key members of NASA’s research advisory panel for SANS, which works to prevent the effects of long-term space travel in preparation for future manned missions, including missions to Mars.

The Department of Ophthalmology — in collaboration with its 22 academic partners with joint appointments from institutions such as Texas A&M College of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and others — builds upon a strong foundation in research and education.

Faculty academic credentials include society and clinical trial leadership, national podium presentations and lecture invitations from around the globe. Their faculty also dedicate time to the hands-on training of fellows, and they coordinate hundreds of educational opportunities each year, including conferences, seminars, weekly Grand Rounds and more.