Retina Foundation receives $2.5M to advance inherited vision loss disease research

The Retina Foundation in Dallas, Texas, has received a $2.5 million endowment from Debbie and Steve Gray to establish a chair focused on inherited retinal degeneration disorders, including retinitis pigmentosa, a rare, genetic eye disease. The gift will boost research talent recruitment and accelerate treatment and potential cure development for IRD-related diseases. Inaugural chair Dr. Mark Pennesi leads the foundation’s IRD laboratory and clinic, which has served more than 1,000 patients. Debbie Gray was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa in 2008 and participated in a clinical study that included regular check-ups at the Retina Foundation.