#United States #San Francisco #Cynthia Steel #Glaucoma Research Foundation #SCF

Glaucoma Research Foundation Welcomes Dr. Cynthia Steel as Chief Scientific Officer

The Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF) has made a significant leadership appointment by announcing Dr. Cynthia Steel as its new Chief Scientific Officer (CSO), effective August 11, 2025. With over 20 years of experience in glaucoma research and translational science, Dr. Steel's role will be instrumental in shaping the scientific strategy of the Foundation and advancing innovation in glaucoma therapies.

Dr. Steel brings a wealth of knowledge and a decade-long relationship with GRF to her new position. Initially honored with a Shaffer Grant for Innovative Glaucoma Research, she has been involved in various capacities, including as an industry partner and as a key member of GRF's Research Committee. Her extensive background aligns perfectly with the Foundation's mission to cure glaucoma and restore vision.

Thomas M. Brunner, the President and CEO of GRF, expressed enthusiasm about Dr. Steel's appointment, stating, "We are thrilled to welcome Cynthia in this new leadership role as we expand our research investment to achieve our mission of curing glaucoma and restoring vision. Her deep expertise in translational research and drug development will be critical to advancing real-world therapies for patients."

In her role as CSO, Dr. Steel will be responsible for leading GRF's scientific programs and directing its research strategy. Another key aspect of her role will be assessing the impact of various programs while strengthening relationships with the global scientific community. Moreover, she will be expected to communicate complex research insights in a way that is accessible to donors, patients, and stakeholders alike.

Dr. Steel shares in the excitement about her new role, stating, "I am so excited to join the GRF team after so many years of collaborating. I am confident that my unique bench-to-bedside fluency will help shape GRF's scientific trajectory, and I am eager to guide its vision for the future with scientific mission-driven leadership."

An accomplished vision scientist, Dr. Steel specializes in trabecular meshwork cell biology. She has dedicated her career to translating laboratory discoveries into effective treatments for glaucoma. Her academic credentials include a PhD in Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy from Loyola University Chicago, followed by an Executive MBA from the University of South Florida Muma College of Business.

In the private sector, Dr. Steel has held significant scientific leadership roles at prominent companies like Bausch + Lomb, Qlaris Bio, and Glaukos. Her experience in these roles has equipped her with a robust understanding of drug development and commercialization processes. Alongside her work at GRF, she will continue serving as a contracted Science, Engineering, and Technical Advisor for the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H).

Founded in 1978 in San Francisco, the Glaucoma Research Foundation is recognized as the nation’s oldest institution solely dedicated to curing glaucoma through innovative research. The Foundation is actively engaged in advancing research and clinical practice to provide vision-restoring therapies. As Dr. Steel steps into this pivotal role, the Foundation aims to build upon its rich history while making groundbreaking strides in the field of glaucoma research.

For those interested in learning more about GRF, including ongoing research initiatives and patient resources, visit www.glaucoma.org.