Erie Retina Research

07/19/2026

Recognition That Reflects a Team

Dr. David Almeida has been named to *The Ophthalmologist Power List 2026*, an annual recognition celebrating influential leaders who are driving change and innovation in ophthalmology worldwide.

For Dr. Almeida, however, this recognition extends far beyond one individual. It reflects the dedication of the entire team working to improve access to advanced treatments, conduct meaningful clinical research, and keep patients at the center of every decision.

Through Erie Retina Research and CASEX, that work reaches from Erie to communities around the world. Clinical research programs, international collaborations, and new technologies are helping teams better understand diseases, improve productivity, and bring potential treatments to patients more efficiently.

The mission remains deeply personal: leave every place better than you found it.

Recognition may bring a larger spotlight, but it also brings greater responsibility to continue learning, evolving, and embracing positive change.

Congratulations to Dr. Almeida and the entire team whose trust, collaboration, and commitment make this work possible.

Learn more at ErieRetinaResearch.com.

07/17/2026

Some of the biggest names in retina. One stage. One conversation about what’s next.
From the ASRS 2026 Annual Meeting in Montreal, where leading retina specialists and ophthalmologists came together to share the latest advances shaping patient care, surgical innovation, and the future of retina.
Featuring Dr. David Almeida, Dr. Michael A. Singer, and Dr. Thai-Chu Yeh, as the conversations continue throughout one of ophthalmology’s most important meetings.

07/14/2026

Global innovation in eye care came together right here in Erie.

Last May, Erie Retina Research welcomed leading ophthalmologists, researchers, and innovators from across the United States, China, and Hong Kong for a summit focused on collaboration, clinical research, artificial intelligence, advanced imaging, genetics, and the future of ophthalmology.

The conversations went far beyond sharing ideas. Experts explored how global perspectives can improve clinical trials, accelerate new technologies, strengthen surgical training, and help physicians deliver better care to patients everywhere.

From artificial intelligence in medical imaging to Near-Real Surgical Specimens and community-based eye screenings, every discussion shared one common purpose: putting patients first.

Because the future of eye care is not shaped by one person, one institution, or one country. It is built through collaboration.

Learn more at ErieRetinaResearch.com.

07/12/2026

Clinical research is helping open new doors for patients with retinal disease.

Dr. Barak shares how clinical trials at Erie Retina Research can provide eligible patients with access to advanced imaging, innovative treatments, surgical care, and long-term follow-up, often at no cost to the patient.

With research conducted across the United States and around the world, these studies help physicians understand how new treatments work across diverse patient populations.

Early detection is also critical. Some changes caused by retinal disease may be irreversible, which is why patients experiencing vision problems should not delay an evaluation.

At Erie Retina Research, patients have access to a dedicated clinical team, advanced technology, and world-class research opportunities, all in one facility.

Learn more about available clinical trials and patient evaluations at ErieRetinaResearch.com.

06/18/2026

**IN THE SPOTLIGHT FROM ACRP 2026**

Patient recruitment and community engagement took center stage at ACRP 2026, highlighting one of the most important challenges in clinical research: how to connect the right patients with the right studies while improving site efficiency and data quality.

We’re proud to see Dr. David Almeida featured in ACRP’s recap for his presentation on **Optimizing Site Resources and Data Quality Through Focused Enrollment Blocks**.

His approach centers on a hyper-focused enrollment strategy designed to rethink how clinical trial sites manage recruitment, resources, and ex*****on.

Read the full ACRP - Association of Clinical Research Professionals article to learn more.

https://acrpnet.org/2026/06/17/patient-recruitment-and-community-engagement-issues-in-the-spotlight-from-acrp-2026?_zs=OhDqe&_zl=mCp25

06/17/2026

Meet Eunice Gil, one of our featured interns at Erie Retina Research.

Eunice is a Neuroscience and Psychology double major at Allegheny College, Class of 2028. Her long-term goal is to attend medical school and pursue a career as a trauma surgeon.

Born in Zulia, Venezuela, and currently living in Delaware, Eunice brings curiosity, dedication, and a strong passion for learning to the ERR team.

Fun fact: she loves coffee and books.

We’re excited to spotlight Eunice and have her as part of Erie Retina Research.nicee

06/11/2026

Most patients tell you how a treatment made them feel. One of our OCU400 patients explained how it works.
Harmon went on YouTube in April and walked through the mechanism of gene rescue himself — then made the economic case for a one-time treatment versus a lifetime of chronic injections. Not our talking points. His.
I think about this a lot. When a patient understands the science well enough to teach it back, it tells you something about the site, not just the patient. It means the conversations were real, the time was taken, and nobody rushed him through informed consent to hit an enrollment number.
He also described the subretinal injection process as a "well-oiled machine" — 15 minutes for the procedure, 30 minutes door-to-door. By the end he was so at ease he asked to be wheeled into the next patient's pre-op room to reassure them.
You can build operational throughput. You can't fake a patient who chooses to become an advocate. That part is earned.

👉 Harmon's full breakdown is on YouTube — search OCU400 patient experience.

"When you have a bad day, give up. Go home and sleep. F*ck it. Try ...

06/09/2026

Meet Akida Nooha, one of our featured interns at Erie Retina Research.

Akida is a Neuroscience major with minors in English and Arabic at Allegheny College, Class of 2027. Her future goal is to become a clinical researcher, bringing curiosity, discipline, and a strong passion for learning into the world of medical research.

Originally from Dhaka, Bangladesh, Akida also knows five languages and is currently learning her sixth.

We’re excited to have her as part of the ERR team and look forward to seeing all she continues to accomplish.

Akida Bintee Islam

05/24/2026

ERR was proud to see Dr. Almeida represent us at the Bright China Myopia Conference / International Myopia Forum in Nanjing, China.
His talk, “From Genetics to Gene Therapy: Future Therapeutic Frontiers in Pathologic Myopia,” reflected the kind of innovation and collaboration we value in advancing eye care.
Thank you to the organizers for the invitation and the warm welcome.

05/22/2026

Having trouble reading, driving at night, or seeing clearly? Cataracts may be part of the reason.
Erie Retina Research is currently studying a non-surgical approach for vision affected by age-related cataracts. Qualified participants may receive no-cost eye exams, compensation may be available, and your participation may help advance future eye care research.
Participation is voluntary and confidential, and choosing not to participate will not affect your regular eye care.
Learn more at erieretinaresearch.com