Maria Grant, M.D., Professor and Eivor and Alston Callahan, M.D., Endowed Chair in Ophthalmology and UAB Comprehensive Diabetes Center scientist, was awarded the Research to Prevent Blindness (RPB) David F. Weeks Award for Outstanding Vision Research at the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology (AUPO) annual meeting.

The award celebrates exceptional vision researchers whose work significantly advances the understanding and treatment of potentially blinding eye diseases.

Grant’s groundbreaking research funded by the NEI focuses on the link between the gut microbiome and diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes that damages the blood vessels in the retina and can cause blindness.

“The UCDC congratulates Dr. Grant on receiving this esteemed award for her innovative work in vision research that holds promise for advancing our understanding of diabetic retinopathy,” said UCDC Director Anath Shalev, M.D. “Her important discoveries could lead to future treatments and prevention of diabetes-induced blindness.”

Read the full story about Grant’s recent award and AUPO lecture on the UAB Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences website here.

Photo: From left, Brian Hofland, Ph.D., President of Research to Prevent Blindness; Maria Grant, M.D.; and Paul Sternberg Jr., M.D., Chief Executive Officer, Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology. Photo credit: AUPO