OLERF 2023

January 1, 2023 OHIO LIONS EYE RESEARCH FOUNDATION (OLERF)

This year marks 71 years since formation of the initial Ohio Lions Eye Research Committee and 66 years since obtaining 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. The Ohio Lions Eye Research Foundation (OLERF) has been committed to finding treatments and cures for blinding retinal diseases. With your support, we have been able to develop new breakthroughs and fund groundbreaking research that provides hope to those living with blinding retinal diseases through our grants and fellowships. However, there is still much more work to be done in the fight against blindness, and we cannot do it without you. Now is the time to renew/continue your dedication to ending blindness and vision loss here and around the world.

You can help OLERF find treatments and cures by continuing your commitment as a supporter to those affected by retinal diseases. Just look at what we have been able to accomplish together however, there is still more work to be done and we will not stop until we have eradicated blinding retinal diseases and restored vision across the world.

All funds received by OLERF remain in Ohio for research
$646,386 committed last year for 14 research projects
Over $7 million dollars have been provided to Ohio researchers by OLERF

More than 10 million Americans - and millions more worldwide - live with blinding retinal diseases. Your support brings hope for therapies, treatments, and cures. Each District in Ohio has an OLERF member. Contact them for more information or to donate.

February 15, 2023 OLERF Meeting

A meeting of OLERF was conducted as planned for 15 February 2023 at 7:00 PM. The meeting was conducted using Zoom.

May 19, 2023 OLERF Organizational Trustee Meeting

OLERF conducted an Organizational OLERF Trustee meeting at the MD-13 State Convention.

2023 Organizational Meeting

May 19, 2023 Luncheon Meeting and Presentation

- Speaker: Katelyn Swindle-Reilly, PhD - Topic: Innovative Biomaterials Solutions to Preserve Vision - Presentation

Dr. Katelyn Swindle-Reilly had received the Lois Hagelberger-Huebner Young Investigator Award from the Ohio Lions Eye Research Foundation. The proposal was titled “Sustained Release Bevacizumab Injectable for the Treatment of Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration." The award was for $107,000 per year for two years, September 15, 2017 to September 14, 2019.

The Luncheon was opened by OLERF Executive Director, PCC Lydia Houser

Introductions by Katelyn Swindle-Reilly, PhD

OLERF Scientific Advisor - Dr. Deborah Grzybowski

May 20, 2023 OLERF Annual Membership Meeting

OLERF conducted the Annual Membership Meeting at the MD-13 State Convention. Report

August 5, 2023 Allocation Meeting and First meeting of the new Lions year.

The Ohio Lions Eye Research (OLERF) held their first meeting of the Lions year, hosted the 2VDGs to a tour/briefing of the OLERF laboratory at The Ohio State University by OSU lab staff and took the 2VDGs to dinner. Pictured is Colleen M. Cebulla, MD, PHD, setting up in the background and the OLERF Executive Director, PCC Lydia Houser, transitioning us into technical presentations by OSU Investigators and Researchers. The picture to the right and below are examples of laboratory space used for research in the Ohio Lions Eye Research Foundation Laboratory.