Clinical Focus 2026

Refer a Patient

Where Glaucoma Innovation Meets Clinical Judgment

At the Alan S. Crandall Center for Glaucoma Innovation, Director Iqbal Ike K. Ahmed, MD, FRCSC, and Associate Director Ian F. Pitha, MD, PhD, evaluate and advance new approaches to glaucoma care alongside their day-to-day clinical practices.

We asked Drs. Ahmed and Pitha to share their perspectives on modern glaucoma care, emerging technologies, and how clinical judgment, data, education, and real-world constraints influence which innovations ultimately make a difference for patients.

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Drs. Ahmed and Pitha discuss their work in a Crandall Center lab.

Message From the Chair

“Moran’s role is not simply to introduce innovation, but to define how it is evaluated, integrated, and applied.”
Jeff Pettey MD, MBA
Read Dr. Pettey's Full Message

Glaucoma Research and Education Roundup

Novel Therapies and Research from David Krizaj, PhD

Research imaging depicts mitochondria in trabecular meshwork cells. These organelles power cellular energy metabolism and are sensitive to changes in intraocular pressure. Acquired by Jus Zavbi, Krizaj Laboratory.
Research imaging depicts mitochondria in trabecular meshwork cells. These organelles power cellular energy metabolism and are sensitive to changes in intraocular pressure. Acquired by Jus Zavbi, Krizaj Laboratory.

Crandall Center Associate Director of Science David Krizaj, PhD, is conducting preclinical research for a novel neuroprotective therapy derived from an impressive and growing body of work studying TRPV4 TREK-1, calcium- and potassium-permeable, stretch-activated ion channels that play a critical role in how cells regulate and respond to intraocular pressure.  

His research shows that TRPV4 activity is required for intraocular pressure elevation in different animal models of glaucoma, and that TRPV4 overactivation drives progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells in the optic nerve, together with inflammation and irreversible vision loss. 

Collaborating with the University of Utah Department of Chemistry and the University of California, San Francisco, he has developed first-in-class small-molecule drugs that selectively modulate the activity of TRPV4 and other mechanosensitive channels. Their slow-release platform technology can lower IOP for several months, without the need for daily administration. 

Learn More About the Krizaj Lab

Publications

Recent research highlights from Crandall Center faculty collaborators. 

More Publications From Crandall Center Faculty Researchers

Pre-Residency Glaucoma Research Fellowship

This one-year pre-residency fellowship offers a uniquely immersive experience for recent medical graduates preparing to enter ophthalmology residency. Fellows work closely with Ike Ahmed, MD, FRCSC, Ian Pitha, MD, PhD, Brian Stagg, MD, Austin Nakatsuka, MD, and many other clinician-scientists at the forefront of glaucoma innovation to gain hands-on training in translational research and clinical investigation.  

Through direct mentorship, structured research projects, and exposure to patient care, fellows develop the scientific and analytical skills needed to contribute meaningfully to vision science and clinical advancement.

Graduates emerge with a competitive research portfolio, strong academic foundations, and a deep appreciation for the intersection of discovery and patient impact that defines modern ophthalmology.

The 2025-2026 fellows are Lieu Nguyen Lowrie, MD, a graduate of the University of Kansas School of Medicine, and Charissa Tan, MD, a graduate of the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine.

More Information About the Fellowship
From left, Glaucoma research fellows Charissa Tan, MD, and Lieu Nguyen Lowrie, MD, Ike Ahmed, MD, FRCSC, medical student Earl “Parker” Scott, and Ian Pitha, MD, PhD.
From left, glaucoma research fellows Charissa Tan, MD, and Lieu Nguyen Lowrie, MD, Ike Ahmed, MD, FRCSC, medical student Earl “Parker” Scott, and Ian Pitha, MD, PhD.

Moran Eye Center at a Glance FY2025

188,582 Patient Visits

10,786 Surgeries Performed

$9.8 Million in Research Grants

90 Clinical Trials/Studies

175+ Publications

No. 9 Nationwide for Best Hospitals for Ophthalmology - U.S. News & World Report

No. 6 Nationwide for Residency Education & No. 1 in the West - Doximity

Clinical Focus Archive

    Clinical Research Update

    Shaping the Future of Ophthalmic Care

    Clinician-scientists at the John A. Moran Eye Center offer their latest studies and perspectives to inform your practice. 

    Complications

    Keeping an eye on GLP-1 drug patients and preventing Toxic Anterior Segment Syndrome.

      "Ophthalmic Complications Associated with the Antidiabetic Drugs Semaglutide and Tirzepatide" (JAMA Ophthalmology)
      Bradley Katz, MD, PhD
      “Further studies are needed to test our hypothesis that rapid correction of hyperglycemia could induce ophthalmic complications. However, this is an important issue for ophthalmologists as we monitor usage of these drugs and how to best be in communication with our patients about them.”
      Bradley J. Katz MD, PhD
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      "Toxic Anterior Segment Syndrome: A 2012-2022 Update on the Most Common Causes" (Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery)

      “An acute postoperative non-infectious inflammatory reaction known as toxic anterior segment syndrome (TASS) can occur after cataract surgery and other ocular surgical procedures. In this study, we analyzed data from survey questionnaires received between 2012 and 2022 from surgical centers around the world that experienced TASS in order to analyze the trends in terms of the most common causes of this complication. The results demonstrated that issues involving instrument cleaning and sterilization continue to be the most common cause associated with TASS. However, both incidences of TASS and several common practices that increase the risk of TASS cases have decreased significantly over time, as we raise the awareness about this complication.”

      — Nick Mamalis, MD and Liliana Werner, MD, PhD, co-directors, Intermountain Ocular Research Center

      Read More

      Liliana Werner, MD, PhD
      Liliana Werner, MD, PhD
      Nick Mamalis, MD
      Nick Mamalis, MD

      Retina and Uveitis

      Learning about a new treatment for macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel) patients, rethinking age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and comparing uveitis treatments.

        CNTF-Secreting Cells for Treatment of Macular Telangiectasia Type 2 (MacTel)
        Paul S. Bernstein, MD, PhD
        “I was the principal investigator for a large multi-center trial for a novel treatment to slow vision loss from macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel). Our positive results for the Neurotech NT-501 CNTF implant were submitted to the FDA, which approved the treatment for clinical use nationwide in March. We hope to be a major site for this treatment because we have so many MacTel patients.”
        Paul S. Bernstein MD, PhD, Vice-Chair for Clinical and Basic Science Research
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        Implant Announcement
        Federal Research Advancing the Understanding of AMD

        The Impact of Non-Exudative Type 1 Macular Neovascularization on AMD Progression (R01EY033365)

        Monika Fleckenstein, MD
        “This NIH-funded research project challenges the current concept of AMD. Demonstrating that a specific neovascular subtype of AMD actually prevents disease progression in the sense of an intrinsic ‘rescue mechanism’ would not only provide essential information for currently tested treatment approaches but also provide a rationale for new therapeutic strategies in AMD to prevent vision loss. Our Impact of Non-Exudative Type 1 MNV on AMD Progression clinical trial has recruited 75 patients and is in its third year. We will present the first data during the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) 2025 annual meeting in Salt Lake City with two posters and one presentation.”
        Monika Fleckenstein MD
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        Clinical Trial Information

        The Progression of Early Atrophic Lesions in Age-related Macular Degeneration (R01EY034965)

        Steffen Schmitz-Valckenberg, MD
        “This ongoing NIH-funded study will add to our understanding of disease progression in AMD and to select which upcoming treatment options for patients might be beneficial. The Progression of Early Atrophic Lesions clinical trial is still recruiting, with a goal of 125 patients (approximately 70 have already been recruited). We will present the first data with two posters at the ARVO annual meeting in May in Salt Lake City.”
        Steffen Schmitz-Valckenberg MD, Director, Utah Retinal Reading Center
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        Clinical Trial Information
        "Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Review" (JAMA)

        This review in the Journal of the American Medical Association, co-authored by Moran Eye Center experts Monika Fleckenstein, MD, and Steffen Schmitz-Valckenberg, MD, director, Utah Retinal Reading Center, provides an up-to-date, evidence-based overview that outlines: 

        • Changes that occur in the eye during AMD.
        • Risk factors, including genetics and smoking.
        • Diagnosis.
        • Treatment options, from vitamins to procedures.

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        Monika Fleckenstein, MD
        Monika Fleckenstein, MD
        Steffen Schmitz-Valckenberg, MD
        Steffen Schmitz-Valckenberg, MD
        Disclosing AMD Genetic Risks to Patients

        The Moran AMD Genetic Testing Assessment Study (MAGENTA)

        Paul S. Bernstein, MD, PhD
        “We recently completed the MAGENTA study, an NIH-sponsored randomized clinical trial that examined whether disclosure of genetic risk for eventual vision loss from AMD would spur healthy lifestyle changes. Although we were not able to achieve our primary endpoint, we were able to show that disclosing AMD risk did not induce anxiety or depression and was greatly appreciated by the subjects even if they learned that they had a high risk of AMD later in life.”
        Paul S. Bernstein MD, PhD, Vice-Chair for Clinical and Basic Science Research
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        Uveitis Treatment Developments

        "Macular Edema Ranibizumab versus Intravitreal Anti-inflammatory Therapy Trial: 24-Week Outcomes of Uveitic Macular Edema Re-treatment" (Ophthalmology)

        Albert Vitale, MD
        “Uveitic macular edema is the most common cause of visual loss in eyes with uveitis, even among those with well-controlled intraocular inflammation. At 24 weeks, the dexamethasone intravitreal implant was more effective than the non-steroidal alternatives, intravitreal methotrexate and ranibizumab, for the treatment of persistent or recurrent uveitic macular edema with manageable side effects.”
        Albert T. Vitale MD
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        "Stopping of Adalimumab in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis-associated Uveitis (ADJUST): A Multicentre, Doublemasked, Randomized Controlled Trial" (The Lancet)

        Albert Vitale, MD
        “Adalimumab, a tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi), is the most common biologic agent approved for the treatment of intermediate, posterior, and pan-uveitis, as well as arthritis in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA); however, no guidelines exist for its discontinuation in either disease. Abrupt discontinuation of adalimumab resulted in significantly higher rates of recurrent uveitis, arthritis, or both in patients with previously controlled JIA-associated uveitis. Fortunately, all patients with treatment failure successfully regained control of inflammation after restarting adalimumab by the end of this 48-week study.”
        Albert T. Vitale MD
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        Fluorescein Angiography Findings

        "Utility of Fluorescein Angiography for Early Detection of Familial Exudative Vitreoretinopathy in Neurodevelopmental Disorder With Spastic Diplegia and Visual Defects due to CTNNB1 Variants" (Journal of Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus)

        Eileen Hwang, MD, PhD
        “My lab collaborated with a student from the University of Puerto Rico, Guillermo Requejo Figueroa, on a study that showed it is important for all patients with a rare disease, neurodevelopmental disorder with spastic diplegia and visual defects, to get fluorescein angiography testing to identify which patients need to be treated to prevent vision loss.”
        Eileen S. Hwang MD, PHD
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        Retinal Surgery Robot

        The Future of Eye Surgery

        "Head-mounted Surgical Robots are an Enabling Technology for Subretinal Injections" (Science Robotics)

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        Watch a Video

        Cataract Surgery

        Understanding the impacts of energy in phaco and the next phase of accommodating lenses.

          Phacoemulsification Refinements

          "Discrepancies in CDE and Measured Phaco Tip Energy: Comparison of Energy Produced in Longitudinal and Torsional Ultrasound Using Calorimetry" (Medical Devices: Evidence and Research)

          Jeff Pettey, MD, MBA
          “Cumulative dissipated energy (CDE) is one measure of energy delivered to an eye, however, it can vary depending on the settings on the machine. Our study showed the absolute measurement of energy delivered to the eye varied from the reported CDE, which has important implications on how we understand the damage ultrasound may have on intraocular structures.”
          Jeff Pettey MD, MBA, Vice-Chair of Clinical Affairs
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          "Comparison of Ultrasound Energy Delivered to the Anterior Segment Across Different Phacoemulsification Surgical Platforms" (Medical Devices: Evidence and Research)

          Jeff Pettey, MD, MBA
          “This second study showed a significant range of energy delivery to the eye, despite the machines with identical power settings across three machines. Surgeons should not assume the same ultrasound settings deliver the same amount of potentially harmful energy to eye tissues when their settings are identical across platforms.”
          Jeff Pettey MD, MBA, Vice-Chair of Clinical Affairs
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          Pre-Clinical Study: Accommodating Intraocular Lenses

          “We have been evaluating in our laboratory a series of prototypes of accommodating intraocular lenses, which basically function by mimicking the mechanism of accommodation of the young human eye, with excellent quality of vision at all distances. The development of a truly accommodating intraocular lens will have a significant impact on clinical practices all over the world, considering the widespread prevalence of presbyopia, a common age-related condition that affects the ability to focus on close objects. Currently used presbyopia-correction lenses include multifocal lenses, as well as extended depth of focus lenses, which may be associated with visual disturbances related to their more complex optics.”

          —Liliana Werner, MD, PhD, and Nick Mamalis, MD, co-directors, Intermountain Ocular Research Center

          Liliana Werner, MD, PhD
          Liliana Werner, MD, PhD
          Nick Mamalis, MD
          Nick Mamalis, MD
            Previous Publications on Accommodating Lenses

            Glaucoma

            Evaluating promising new surgical devices and materials, and evolving research on intraocular pressure (IOP).

              Alan S. Crandall Center for Glaucoma Innovation

              Glaucoma Therapeutics Initiative

              Ike Ahmed, MD, FRCSC
              "At the Crandall Center, we’re very excited about the work we are doing evaluating potential new surgical therapeutics and devices that we hope can increase surgical precision and provide better outcomes for patients. For example, we’ve recently evaluated promising new devices and materials from ViaLase, Myra Vision, Elios Vision, and W.L. Gore & Associates."
              Iqbal Ike K. Ahmed MD, FRCSC, Director, Alan S. Crandall Center for Glaucoma Innovation
              Learn More About the Crandall Center
              ViaLase
              Myra Vision Calibreye System
              Elios Vision
              Gore
              New IOP Perspectives

              "The Relationship Between Intraocular Pressure and Glaucoma: An Evolving Concept"

              "IOP and Glaucoma Damage: The Essential Role of Optic Nerve Head and Retinal Mechanosensors"

              “Each of these publications appears in Progress in Retinal and Eye Research, which is one of the main journals in ophthalmology for ‘statement’ reviews. They explore the ways in which eye pressure causes glaucoma — which is something that we need to know more about.”

              —Ian F. Pitha, MD, PhD

              Ian Pitha, MD, PhD
              Outcomes Review: Bio-Interventional Cyclodialysis with Allograft Scleral Reinforcement

              "Surgical Outcomes, Ocular Safety and Tolerability of Bio-Interventional Cyclodialysis with Allograft Scleral Reinforcement: Clinical Experience of More than 240 Cases" (Journal of Clinical Medicine)

              Craig J. Chaya, MD
              "This study demonstrated that using scleral allograft material can be processed and applied to create a safe and effective supraciliary glaucoma procedure, which is another important option for patients who may not be ideal candidates for traditional incisional glaucoma surgery or micro-invasive glaucoma surgery." 
              Craig J. Chaya MD
              Read More

              Additional Research Highlights

                Cataract Surgery
                Glaucoma
                Retina
                Other Subspecialties

                Physician Referral Services

                Eye Exam

                The John A. Moran Eye Center provides care in all ophthalmic specialties and is a major referral center performing 150,000 patient visits and 8,000 surgeries annually at 11 locations. We look forward to partnering with you to provide the best possible outcomes for your patients.

                Learn More 

                Educational Resources

                Clinical Ophthalmology Resource for Education

                Moran’s online Clinical Ophthalmology Resource for Education (CORE) offers worldwide access to high-quality, peer-reviewed ophthalmic learning materials, including surgical instructional videos, lectures, and grand rounds presentations. Moran produces the site, which recorded more than 575,000 users in 224 countries in 2024, in partnership with the Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library at the University of Utah.

                MoranCORE.Utah.edu

                Top 10 Most Watched Moran CORE Videos on YouTube in 2024

                Moran CORE Most Viewed Videos Card
                1. The Orbital Exam
                2. The Neuro-ophthalmology Exam: Neuro
                3. The Neuro-ophthalmology Exam: Pupils; Color; Eye Movements; Prism
                4. The Ophthalmic Exam: Retina and Posterior Segment
                5. Hemifacial Spasm
                6. Learning the Ophthalmoscope
                7. Using Subjective Refraction to Calculate Glasses Prescription and Fit a Contact Lens
                8. Blepharospasm
                9. Relative Afferent Pupillary Defect - Medical Student Education
                10. Convergence Retraction Nystagmus (Parinaud's Syndrome)
                Moran CORE on YouTube

                More Educational Information

                Neuro-Ophthalmology Virtual Education Library
                Webvision: The Organization of the Retina and Visual System
                University of Utah Continuing Medical Education Information
                Read More Annual Reports From the Moran Eye Center
                Dead Bag Syndrome
                Clinical Focus 2023 Cover

                Unraveling the Mysteries of Dead Bag Syndrome

                Since the early 2000s, ophthalmologists have been reporting something mysterious in their practices: patients—years after their routine cataract surgeries—presenting with dislocated intraocular lenses (IOLs). In these cases, the capsular bag appeared to be clear and had become diaphanous and floppy—unable to support the IOL within it.

                Working with colleagues across the country, Drs. Nick Mamalis, MD, and Liliana Werner, MD, PhD, are zeroing in on potential causes using histopathologic and immunohistochemical analysis. 

                Read More
                Glaucoma Innovations
                Clinical Focus Glaucoma Innovations 2022

                Alan S. Crandall Center for Glaucoma Innovation: Doing Glaucoma Differently

                This edition of Clinical Focus highlights many ways our team at the John A. Moran Eye Center is advancing glaucoma care and research, including an overview of the Alan S. Crandall Center for Glaucoma Innovation, led by Iqbal “Ike” K. Ahmed, MD, FRCSC. 

                If anyone has championed innovation for the benefit of their patients, it has been Dr. Ahmed—widely known as one of the top ophthalmic surgeons in the world and at the forefront in the development of micro-invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS).

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                Advances in Uveitis Care
                clinical focus card

                Care. Education. Research. A Center of Excellence for Uveitis

                The overarching mission of the Moran Eye Center’s Uveitis Division consists of three parts: to provide state-of-the-art, comprehensive, timely, and compassionate care to patients suffering from uveitis; to serve as leaders in the clinical education of uveitis locally, nationally, and internationally; and to contribute to the field through collaborative and investigator-initiated clinical research.

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