April 2, 2010

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Christine A. Curcio, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) has been elevated to Gold Fellow status by the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO).

Curcio was among the group of members so honored this year in recognition of their ongoing accomplishments, leadership and contributions to the vision science and the association. The ARVO Fellows will be officially inducted at the association's annual meeting this May.

ARVO's two levels of Fellows, Gold and Silver, are determined by a rigorous point system. ARVO anticipates that Fellows will continue to serve as role models and mentors for individuals pursuing careers in vision and ophthalmology research and to further ARVO's vision to facilitate the advancement of vision research and the prevention and cure of disorders of the visual system worldwide. This includes advancing basic and clinical knowledge and serving as the leading international forum for vision research and the primary advocate for vision science worldwide.

"These are individuals with extraordinary records of service and leadership," said ARVO President Nick Delamere, Ph.D. "The Fellows each have displayed an admirable degree of commitment and loyalty to ARVO and have been instrumental in creating a sense of community within the association."

Curcio was named a Silver Fellow in 2009 along with UAB faculty Cynthia Owsley, Ph.D., professor of ophthalmology; Thomas T. Norton, Ph.D., professor of vision science; Kent T. Keyser, Ph.D., professor of vision science.  She has attended 26 consecutive ARVO meetings and is a member of the editorial board of the association's journal, Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science.

Her research focuses on aging and age-related macular degeneration, a major cause of vision loss in the elderly that affects more Americans than cancer or Alzheimer disease.  Through a relationship with the Alabama Eye Bank, she has contributed unique observations on human eyes with this disease, including identifying the most affected photoreceptors, discovering an LDL-like lipoprotein made by the eye and characterizing lesions specific to the disease. 

About the UAB Department of Ophthalmology

The UAB Department of Ophthalmology serves the eye-health needs of the people of Alabama and beyond through excellence in patient care, research and education.