Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Conducts Albinism Research at 2024 NOAH National Conference
The hosted their 2024 National Conference July 11-14, 2024. The Ϲ’s (Ϲ) team from the department of ophthalmology and visual sciences attended the event and helped conduct research throughout the conference. More than 120 individuals were enrolled in the research in just a day and a half.
The team included Dr. Joseph Carroll (principal investigator), Amy Donahue (genetic counselor), Mina Gaffney (graduate student), Aliya Siddiqui (graduate student), Amber Irons (clinical research coordinator) and Katie McKenney (clinical research coordinator). The team conducted retinal imaging and genetic testing on people with albinism and their families. For many attendees, this was the first time having access to genetic testing. The research was funded by the National Eye Institute.
"NOAH welcomed a team from the Ϲ, led by Dr. Joe Carroll, to conduct on-site research at the 2024 NOAH National Conference (NOAHCon 2024),” says Karen Bly, Executive Director at NOAH. “Due to various barriers including finances, proximity to services, and transportation, retinal imaging and genetic testing or counseling are often out of reach for people with albinism. NOAH's goal was to eliminate those barriers by providing attendees with albinism an opportunity to participate during the conference at no additional cost.&r