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.
This donation will help a lot to achieve our mission. We'll be able to promote:
Research
The goal of our research program is to support young investigators who may be interested in a career in retinal disease and research. Our research program is open to medical students, ophthalmology residents and fellows, and PhD candidates working in any of our affiliated training programs.
Education
The VRSF sponsors 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 research.
Community Outreach
Retinal disease is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the United States today. The VRSF seeks to raise awareness of retinal disease, treatment options and available resources for the general public. The foundation provides information about the most common conditions affecting the retina. We offer information about risk factors, early warning signs and diagnostic testing for retinal disease. The foundation serves as a resource for public assistance programs and vision rehabilitation services. Finally, we promote clinical trials of new treatments, drugs and surgical procedures which may improve the care of patients with retinal disease in the future.
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
All donations to the VitreoRetinal Surgery Foundation are tax deductible. You will receive a confirmation of your donation which can be used as a receipt.
Donations are accepted via the form linked below. We also accept donations by check mailed to:
VitreoRetinal Surgery Foundation
3601 W 76th Street, Suite 300
Edina, MN 55345
If you have questions, contact Sara Rheaume via email at sarar@retinamn.com, via phone 952-259-4275 or Allison Winkelman via email at awinkelman@retinamn.com, via phone 952-259-4273.
Thank you for supporting the VitreoRetinal Surgery Foundation!
Board of Directors
- Herbert L. Cantrill MD, Retina Consultants of Minnesota
- Peter J. Belin MD, Retina Consultants of Minnesota
- Karen Armbrust MD PhD, Assistant Professor, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis VA Health Care System
- Geoffrey Emerson MD PhD, Retina Consultants of Minnesota
- Christopher Hwang MD PhD, Retina Consultants of Minnesota
- Matthew Starr MD, Assistant Professor, Ophthalmology and Residency Program Director, Mayo Clinic
- Brian Palmer JD, Retired Partner, Dorsey & Whitney LLP
- Edwin H. Ryan Jr MD, Retina Consultants of Minnesota
