Dedication of the Frances and Stephen Foster Center for Ocular Immunology

The Duke Eye Center dedicated the Frances and Stephen Foster Center for Ocular Immunology on October 9, 2018. This is a historic milestone for Duke Eye Center, as it is the first center of its kind in the world. Led by Victor Perez, MD, the Frances and Stephen Foster Center for Ocular Immunology will offer evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment for patients with uveitis and other inflammatory eye diseases, and conduct research to uncover new understanding of the basic mechanisms of inflammation in and around the eye and translate this knowledge into effective treatments.

Frances and Stephen Foster; Vistor PerezThe Center was made possible by the generous philanthropy and strategic vision of Dr. and Mrs. Foster.

The mission of the Frances and Stephen Foster Center for Ocular Immunology is to investigate and understand the mechanisms by which the immune system affects the eye to facilitate the development of novel therapies that are specific, effective, and safe for our patients – and that save vision. This unique center will help revolutionize how inflammatory diseases of the eye are treated. 

Translational research will provide the ability to take observations from the clinic to the lab to create a personalized immunological signature to guide treatment for each patient.

And the ophthalmologists that will be trained – at Duke and around the world – in this important specialty will have a far-reaching impact on global eye care for future generations.

Stephen Foster is a world leader in the field of ocular immunology--he founded the Massachusetts Eye Research and Surgery Institution (MERSI) and its Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Foundation. Frances Foster is a nurse practitioner and manager at MERSI. Together, they are a powerful force in advancing their mission of increasing education and awareness of uveitis and other inflammatory eye diseases.

Duke Eye Center is incredibly fortunate to be the beneficiary of their generous philanthropy. Their gift has created a legacy that will improve the lives of patients here and elsewhere for years to come.

October 9, 2018