Integrative Innovation: The Scientist's Challenge

Eye disease is a devastating illness with multiple complications and a steady march to blindness. Normally even with aggressive interventions, eye disease tends to progress. Given the increasing number of patients with eye disease, and according to the mission of VISION 2020 (The Right to Sight), it is imperative to find solutions to prevent the loss of vision and its complications. VISION 2020 program is the global initiative for the elimination of avoidable blindness, a joint program of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB). According to the WHO, it has been estimated that the number of blind people will rise to 76 million by 2020. Close to 75% of this blindness is avoidable. Meeting these crucial goals can be only accomplished through research. Early detection and interventions to slow down the progression of eye disease are urgently and critically needed.