The National Keratoconus Foundation, a program of the Discovery Eye Foundation, has been serving the keratoconus (KC) community for over 27 years. They have been a leading source of information on KC, while also providing support and educational programs, such as the OC Keratoconus Seminar this Saturday, March 14th. One of the reasons for the timely, quality information they are able to share, are their relationships with leading eye care professionals around the world.



We are happy to report that a new professional organization for eye care professionals treating KC and other forms of corneal ectasia has been formed, the International Keratoconus Academy of Eye Care Professionals. It is our hope that we can join together in in providing accurate information on KC as well as find future treatments and cures, defining the future of keratoconus. Here is more information about the new organization.

Establishment of the International Keratoconus Academy of Eye Care Professionals

The International Keratoconus Academy of Eye Care Professionals (IKA) was recently established to promote ongoing professional education and scientific development in the area of keratoconus and other forms of corneal ectasia. Its mission is to promote and develop the knowledge base and awareness of the state of the art pertaining to the diagnosis and management of keratoconus and other forms of corneal ectasia. And further to promote the awareness and understanding of the most appropriate and effective treatment strategies for the management of these diseases. According to S. Barry Eiden, OD, FAAO, co-founder and president,” I.K.A. is dedicated to providing comprehensive education to the eye care professions and to foster ongoing clinical research in order to improve the lives of patients suffering from these diseases. “

I.K.A. will accomplish its mission by providing an array of educational initiatives which will include live events, web-based education, social media activities and publications in the professional literature. It will also be dedicated to supporting ongoing clinical research. I.K.A. will function as a complementary entity to other organizations that support patients with these diseases such as the National Keratoconus Foundation (NKCF). These organizations will work cooperatively to establish a comprehensive effort to advance knowledge, awareness and quality of care.

The founding executive board of the International Keratoconus Academy of Eye Care Professionals is comprised of a group of highly regarded experts in the field including:

S. Barry Eiden, OD, FAAO

Andrew Morgenstern, OD, FAAO

Timothy McMahon, OD, FAAO

Joseph Barr, OD, FAAO

William Tullo, OD, FAAO

Clark Chang, OD, FAAO

Eric Donnenfeld, MD

Yaron Rabinowitz, MD

An international physician’s advisory board comprised of expert optometrists and ophthalmologists is being formed. For more information or questions about IKA, please contact them at info@keratoconusacademy.com.

3/10/15

Susan DeRemer

Vice President of Development

Discovery Eye Foundation

