The VitreoRetinal Surgery Foundation (VRSF)
The VitreoRetinal Surgery Foundation (VRSF) strives to promote education and research related to retinal and macular diseases. We support research by funding awards for young investigators with a potential for a career devoted to retinal disease and research. We promote professional education by sponsoring courses designed for medical professionals including ophthalmologists, optometrists, residents, fellows, technicians and students. We promote community outreach education by raising awareness of retinal diseases, treatment options, and available resources.
Research
The VRSF has established a competitive Research Award/Fellowship to encourage young physicians to pursue a career in retinal disease. Projects with a potential for additional funding, presentation and publication are encouraged. The Research Award/Fellowship is open to residents, fellows, medical students and undergraduates under the supervision of university based ophthalmologists, retina specialists or basic science investigators. The Research Award/Fellowship includes grant support for research as well as travel funds for presentation at national meetings.
Education
The VRSF organizes and supports the annual Retinal Update meeting designed for ophthalmologists, optometrists, residents, fellows, technicians and students. The meeting features presentations by nationally recognized retina experts, representatives from the academic community and the physicians of Retina Consultants of Minnesota. Program topics are selected to highlight new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to retinal diseases as well as the results of current clinical retina research.
Community Outreach
The VRSF organizes and supports seminars and awareness campaigns throughout the state and our local community. These presentations are designed to inform the public concerning retinal and macular diseases, treatment options and available resources. The VRSF develops educational materials that eye care professionals can use in the clinical setting. The VRSF disseminates information concerning retinal disease through local media releases, brochures and newsletter articles.
Organization
The VRSF is organized as a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit public charity. The VRSF Board is composed of representative physicians from Retina Consultants of Minnesota, academic and community ophthalmologists, as well as non-physician community leaders. The VRSF is completely separate from Retina Consultants of Minnesota.
Donations
The VRSF solicits donations from professional colleagues, patients and families affected by retinal disease and the general public. Educational grants are also solicited from the ophthalmic business community to support courses and seminars. All donations to the VRSF are tax deductible.
Board of Directors
- Herbert L. Cantrill, MD, Retina Specialist, Retina Consultants of Minnesota
- Ananth Sastry, M.D., Retina Specialist, Retina Consultants of Minnesota
- John B. Davies, MD, Retina Specialist, Retina Consultants of Minnesota
- Peter H. Tang, MD, PhD, Retina Specialist, Retina Consultants of Minnesota
- Timothy Olsen, MD, Professor, Ophthalmology and Senior Associate Consultant, Mayo Clinic
- Heidi Wilson, Esq, Business Executive and General Counsel
- Karen Armbrust, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis VA Health Care System
