The Holland Foundation for Sight Restoration has officially announced the commencement of its five-year, $5 million fundraising initiative called “Light After Darkness.” This campaign aims to tackle the pressing medical needs of patients suffering from corneal blindness caused by Severe Ocular Surface Disease (OSD).
Established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Holland Foundation is dedicated to changing the lives of those impacted by Severe OSD. The organization provides training for surgeons and establishes Centers of Excellence to implement The Cincinnati Protocol™, a surgical procedure designed by the renowned ophthalmologist Edward J. Holland, M.D., focused on restoring vision for patients afflicted by this debilitating condition.
Currently, the Foundation has set up four Centers of Excellence located at the Cincinnati Eye Institute, University of California Irvine, Virginia Eye Consultants in Norfolk, and Mass Eye and Ear in Boston. These centers are staffed by specialists who are trained in Dr. Holland”s methods and are actively providing advanced care to patients diagnosed with Severe OSD.
Dr. Holland emphasized the importance of the Light After Darkness campaign, stating, “This initiative marks a significant step forward in our mission to restore sight to individuals suffering from Severe OSD. These patients have long endured a combination of limited access to specialized care and delayed diagnoses, which can be crucial in determining their vision outcomes.” He further explained that expanding the Centers of Excellence across the nation is about more than just opening new facilities; it is about creating a network of hope that will provide transformative treatment to countless patients currently facing blindness.
Dr. Marjan Farid, M.D., who oversees the Center of Excellence at the University of California Irvine Health Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, shared the impact of their work, stating, “Each patient we treat represents a life changed, someone who has truly found light after darkness. The Light After Darkness campaign underscores our commitment to extending this vital care beyond our current facilities, making sure that specialized treatment is available to patients throughout the country.”
In conjunction with the fundraising campaign, the Foundation plans to host the Annual Ocular Surface Stem Cell Transplantation Education Symposium on November 14-15, 2025, in Greater Cincinnati. This event will educate participants on identifying limbal stem cell deficiency, selecting candidates for ocular surface stem cell transplantation, and mastering key surgical techniques, alongside sharing insights from real-world patient results and long-term follow-ups.
For those interested in supporting the Light After Darkness campaign or seeking further information, the Foundation encourages visiting their website.
About the Holland Foundation for Sight Restoration: The Holland Foundation for Sight Restoration is a unique nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals impacted by Severe Ocular Surface Disease, including limbal stem cell deficiency. Co-founded by Robert J. Dempsey and Dr. Edward J. Holland, the Foundation addresses the significant unmet need for corneal transplantation in patients facing blindness due to Severe OSD. It is dedicated to standardizing medical and surgical care for these patients and providing educational resources to ensure the implementation of The Cincinnati Protocol while establishing Centers of Excellence globally.
About The Cincinnati Protocol™: The Cincinnati Protocol is an integrative approach designed to restore sight to patients suffering from severe ocular surface disease caused by limbal stem cell failure. This protocol emphasizes collaboration among various specialties, including glaucoma, retina, oculoplastics, and nephrology, to guide corneal surgeons in managing patient transplantation. Since its establishment in 2021, the Cincinnati Protocol has undergone validation and publication in respected peer-reviewed medical journals, establishing a strong evidence base for its effectiveness.
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Photos related to this announcement can be accessed here and here.
