David Calkins

VEI receives grant from Research to Prevent Blindness for research and education

The Vanderbilt Eye Institute recently received a grant for $115,000 from Research to Prevent Blindness, placing the total award amount for unrestricted grants from the organization at $860,000.

Retinal neuron survival in glaucoma

Understanding how the protein TRPV1 helps neurons survive after glaucoma-related stressors could lead to new therapeutic strategies for glaucoma and other neurodegenerative conditions.

Regenerative visual neuroscience effort launched

Vanderbilt University has launched a regenerative visual neuroscience initiative to develop new ways of treating — and restoring sight to — people who have been blinded by glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and eye injuries.

By Bill Snyder

March 14, 2014

Protein boosts retinal neuron survival

An ion channel protein called TRIPV1 helps retinal neurons survive the elevated eye pressure associated with glaucoma.

By Leigh MacMillan

September 19, 2013

Team tracking new options to treat glaucoma

Three years ago, a team of researchers led by David Calkins, Ph.D., vice chair and director of Research at the Vanderbilt Eye Institute, showed that the first sign of injury in glaucoma, the leading cause of blindness in the United States, occurs in the brain.