Initiative Objectives
Iqbal Ike K. Ahmed, MD, FRCSC, leads this initiative to develop safer and more effective surgical therapeutics for patients worldwide.
Assisting companies with device development, testing, and research, Dr. Ahmed conducts independent preclinical, clinical, complications-related, and comparative research focusing on micro-invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) devices.
This research will lead to rapid advancements in the field of MIGS, which uses microscopic devices to lower high pressure in the eye, and greater insights into the best ways to use MIGS devices.
Unique Expertise
Dr. Ahmed draws upon unique expertise in surgical device development. He has served as the principal investigator for numerous research studies and served as a medical monitor for many pivotal clinical trials. He also consults for many companies and manufacturers, especially pertaining to the development of new devices and technologies. He sits on numerous scientific advisory boards and is a consultant to over 50 medical companies.
This research has already advanced the field as Dr. Ahmed has published more than 170 peer-reviewed papers and several books on glaucoma, intraocular lenses, and advanced anterior segment surgeries.
Research Collaborations
Pitha Laboratory
Ian F. Pitha, MD, PhD, Crandall Center associate director, focuses on improving care for glaucoma patients by developing effective and safe therapeutics that eliminate the need for multiple prescription eye drops several times a day.
Dr. Pitha has helped industry partners design and conduct foundational studies on novel approaches to glaucoma therapeutics and surgical implants.
His lab studies the fundamental processes that underlie remodeling of the sclera — the white part of the eye — in glaucoma. Progress in this field could lead to therapies that create a protective barrier that shields the eye from high pressures in glaucoma. This novel therapeutic approach, called scleral neuroprotection, would be a paradigm shift in treatment because it could stop vision loss from glaucoma at its earliest stages.
Ophthalmic Pathology Laboratory
The initiative works with Moran's Ophthalmic Pathology Laboratory, directed by Nick Mamalis, MD.
