#United States #Cincinnati #Holland Foundation #Marjan Farid #James Mazzo

New Beginnings at Holland Foundation for Sight Restoration

The Holland Foundation for Sight Restoration is taking significant strides forward in their mission to help those suffering from Severe Ocular Surface Disease (OSD). Recently, the foundation announced the appointment of two prominent figures, Dr. Marjan Farid and Mr. James Mazzo, to its Board of Directors.

Who Are the New Directors?

Dr. Marjan Farid brings invaluable expertise to the board as a distinguished corneal surgeon and the Director of Cornea, Cataract, and Refractive Surgery at the UCI Health Gavin Herbert Eye Institute. With extensive experience in innovative surgical techniques and an emphasis on advancing the application of femtosecond laser technology for corneal transplantation, Dr. Farid is recognized internationally in her field. In her role, she has already established the first Center of Excellence extension site of the Holland Foundation at the University of California, Irvine, which aims to elevate standards in treating patients with complex corneal conditions.

Mr. James Mazzo, on the other hand, has over four decades of executive experience in the ophthalmic industry. His formidable background includes serving as the Executive Chair at Neurotech Pharmaceuticals and previously leading Allergan’s North American and European eye care divisions, along with numerous other high-profile positions. His wealth of knowledge and rich contacts will serve to bolster the foundation's outreach and influence significantly.

The Foundation's Mission

Established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Holland Foundation seeks to transform the lives of those grappling with Severe OSD, including conditions like limbal stem cell deficiency that can result in severe complications, including blindness. They have set up several Centers of Excellence across the country to facilitate advanced treatment protocols and provide the necessary education for healthcare providers on best practices, particularly The Cincinnati Protocol™, which has proved instrumental in treatment. These centers are critical in delivering specialized care and advancing research innovative practices in ocular healthcare.

The recent appointments are timely and align with the foundation's broader goal of improving the standard of care and delivering groundbreaking treatments. Stephen Lane, M.D., the Executive Chairman and President of the Holland Foundation, expressed his enthusiasm regarding this development, emphasizing that Farid’s clinical acumen and Mazzo’s business insights will substantially advance the foundation's initiatives.

Looking Ahead: The Light After Darkness Campaign

In addition to the important changes in leadership, the Holland Foundation has also initiated the Light After Darkness fundraising campaign, aimed at raising $5 million over the next five years. This campaign intends to elevate surgical care for patients with corneal blindness and further research innovation in the field.

Those interested in supporting the mission of the Holland Foundation can visit their website to learn more about donating or participating in various initiatives.

As the Holland Foundation for Sight Restoration enters this new chapter with Farid and Mazzo at the helm, it eagerly anticipates making wider impacts in the sphere of ocular healthcare, one patient at a time.