2025 Eversight Eye & Vision Research grants were awarded to investigators at Loyola University Chicago, University of Houston, University of Illinois Chicago and University of Michigan to advance promising eye and vision research. Recipients were announced and presented with award certificates.
Scroll down or click on each investigator’s name to learn more about their research.
- Simon Kaja, PhD
- Sudhir
Verma, PhD - Hamed Hatami-Marbini, PhD
- Vinay Aakalu, MD
Applications for the 2026 Eversight Eye & Vision Research Grant program cycle will be accepted starting summer 2025. Learn more at eversightvision.org/grants.
Simon Kaja, PhD
Dr. Kaja is investigating the development of a novel experimental system that will use choroidal tissue from human donor eyes to stimulate blood vessel growth experimentally using factors that have been linked to the pathophysiology of both wet AMD and proliferative diabetic retinopathy. This ex-vivo system will then be used to evaluate drugs that target aberrant blood vessel growth.
The development of this model could provide a more physiologically relevant way to study disease mechanisms and test potential treatments. It may help identify new drug targets and improve the development of therapies for these vision-threatening conditions.
Sudhir Verma, PhD
Dr. Verma is investigating the characterization of the composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) within the limbal stem cell niche and thereafter investigate whether the supplementation of the key ECM components could be used to support limbal epithelial stem cells within human donor corneas during hypothermic storage.
This research could improve donor cornea preservation and enhance limbal epithelial stem cell viability, potentially benefiting corneal transplantation and regenerative therapies.
Hamed Hatami-Marbini, PhD
Dr. Hatami-Marbini is investigating the composition and microstructure of normal human and keratoconus corneal extracellular matrix (ECM). The long-term goal of this work is to alter the proteoglycans (PG) content in vitro and in vivo in a controlled way so that the structural functions of PGs in microstructure and biomechanical properties are fully understood.
Findings could contribute to the development of targeted treatments for keratoconus, such as therapies that restore or enhance corneal biomechanics, potentially improving vision outcomes for affected individuals.
Vinay Aakalu, MD
Dr. Aakalu is investigating testing molecules that target a specific pathway that is important in driving ocular surface squamous neoplasia and may be better tolerated by patients. This work will support the development of novel and more effective and safer treatments for ocular surface squamous neoplasia.
This research could lead to improved patient outcomes and reduced side effects, ultimately advancing treatment options for this vision-threatening disease.
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