A two-day event focused on combat-related eye injuries, one of the most common yet least publicized types of war injuries, kicked off this week with opening remarks from BVA Executive Director Donald D. Overton, Jr. (US Army, Ret.). 

 “Innovation and Unmet Needs for Ocular Injury” was the subject of the 8th Military Vision Symposium March 2-3 in Boston. The program brought together military leaders, clinicians, and scientists with the goal of driving innovative research leading to improved treatment and prevention strategies for combat-related eye injuries. BVA Immediate Past National President Dr. Tom Zampieri also attended and participated in the symposium.

“The program featured some wonderful presentations offering hope for improved outcomes after military ocular trauma,” Don said. “Thank you, Schepens Eye Research Institute of Harvard Medical School, for allowing me the honor and privilege of opening the Military Vision Symposium representing the Blinded Veterans Association.”

Following Don’s remarks over the two days were panel discussions, lectures, and lightning speeches encompassing a variety of topics that covered diagnosis, mitigation, and regenerative medicine aspects of eye injuries. The symposium also addressed Department of Defense and National Institutes of Health funding of vision research programs.

For a look at the symposium’s agenda, speakers, and sponsors, click here.