UCI Giving Day 2023

Gavin Herbert Eye Institute 20/20 Society Challenge: 25 gifts to unlock a $5,000 gift from April Steinert

From clinical research that explores late-stage macular degeneration therapies to our next bold move of establishing a Severe Ocular Surface Disease Program of Excellence — Gavin Herbert Eye Institute researchers are 100 percent focused on finding treatments for diseases and vision disorders. What we learn could preserve or restore sight for someone who matters to you.

This year, funds raised during Giving Day will further the work of the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute’s 20/20 Society, which provides funding for pilot grants to our researchers, enabling them to test new scientific inquiries and advance our understanding of complex eye diseases. Philanthropic support of the 20/20 Society by this visionary group of friends, patients, faculty, staff, community and industry, is crucial in providing our scientists the resources needed to further research that will one day eradicate preventable blindness.

A note from our dear friend April Steinert: 

Just shy of 20 years ago, Roger and I visited UCI for the first time to meet with the department of ophthalmology regarding his potential recruitment as a cornea specialist. Neither of us had ever lived outside of Massachusetts, and Roger's practice in Boston was thriving, so the idea of moving across the country seemed a bit crazy. However, the warmth and genuine welcome we received from UCI's faculty and staff made us feel instantly at ease and erased any doubts we had about such a significant move. It felt like a family. We were also impressed with the extraordinary skill and competence of the faculty, so when discussions moved to their desire to create a world-class eye institute on campus, that sealed the deal for Roger. On our flight home we talked about nothing but new beginnings and the endless possibilities such a move would bring for our future and the future of the proposed eye institute, which would one day become the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute.

The late Roger Steinert, MD, was the former chair of the UCI School of Medicine's Department of Ophthalmology and founding director of the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute. Steinert was an extraordinary academic leader and researcher, paving the way for the use of refractive lasers in ophthalmology, and pioneering new laser surgery techniques to stave off blindness and strengthen eyesight. He is remembered for his bold vision, inspiring research and devotion to his colleagues, students and patients – a vital legacy that his wife, April, has remained committed to supporting.

Steinert’s critical contributions continue to flourish under the transformational leadership of the current Chair of the Department of Ophthalmology and Director of the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, Baruch D. Kuppermann, MD, PhD. A renowned teacher, lecturer and clinical researcher, Kuppermann is committed to providing resources and support to research faculty. Seed funding from the 20/20 Society enables our vision scientists to pursue big ideas and initiate bold research that paves the way for long-term successes—and most importantly, advances new and innovative treatments and therapies for our patients.

At the Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, we will not stop until preventable blindness is a thing of the past. Thanks to the support of friends like April and many of you, we have made great progress, but there is still so much to be done. 

Help us rise to the challenge and unlock a $5,000 gift from April Steinert by being one of the first 25 gifts!