Advancing corneal transplantation requires more than innovative research—it requires investing in the physicians who will lead the field in the years ahead.
Through Eversight Academy, Eversight partners with the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center to sponsor a supplemental eye banking and vision research fellowship. The program provides protected research time, mentorship and access to specialized resources that help emerging cornea specialists advance eye banking research while preparing for careers in academic medicine.
Meet Joanna Silverman, MD
Joanna Silverman, MD, is an Associate Professor at the University of Iowa and recently completed her term as the Kellogg Eversight Cornea Fellow in Eversight Academy’s supplemental eye banking and vision research fellowship.
She earned her medical degree from The Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine at the University of Iowa.
“I have found immense personal fulfillment in my experiences with ophthalmic curriculum development and educational innovation,” Dr. Silverman said. “As such, my future career objective is to contribute to the cornea subspecialty by practicing as an academic clinician, advancing the field through clinical research, and supporting the next generation of physicians through dedicated work in medical education.”
Dr. Silverman has authored nine peer-reviewed publications spanning ophthalmology, ocular surface disease, inflammatory disorders and medical innovation. Her scholarly work reflects a longstanding commitment to research that improves patient care and advances the field.
Advancing ophthalmology through research
As part of the fellowship, Dr. Silverman received advanced training in research, clinical practice and education related to corneal transplantation and eye banking. This program combines mentorship with access to Eversight’s research resources, allowing fellows to pursue projects that address real-world challenges in corneal care.
“I was initially drawn to ophthalmology for its intricate surgeries, technological advancements, and clear impact on a patient’s quality of life,” Dr. Silverman said. “However, it was a serendipitous connection with my mentor, Dr. Mark Greiner, that sparked my love for the cornea subspecialty. As he shared the varied pathology within the world of cornea, I quickly came to appreciate the deep relationship between corneal anatomy, optics, and physiology, as well as the intellectual and technical challenge of how this relationship informs surgical skill, and ultimately, the quality of vision we can afford to patients.”
Dr. Silverman’s research project focused on the use of 25% sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gas to address bubble egress during Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) in eyes with prior glaucoma filtering surgeries. The project seeks to improve surgical outcomes for patients whose previous glaucoma procedures can make endothelial keratoplasty more complex.
Investing in the future of corneal care
Through Eversight Academy, fellows receive protected research time away from clinical responsibilities along with supplemental funding for salary, research, travel and laboratory supplies. Participants also have access to the Eversight Center for Vision and Eye Banking Research in Cleveland and mentorship from Eversight’s scientific and clinical experts.
“Through this fellowship, we’re investing in the future of eye banking and corneal care by supporting emerging leaders like Dr. Silverman,” said Ebony Johnson, Eversight Senior Partner Relations Director. “Dr. Silverman brings a strong commitment to research, education and patient impact, and we’re excited to see how her work will help advance the field and ultimately improve outcomes for patients.”
Interested in supporting future fellows and advancing vision research? Consider making a gift to Eversight.