Dr. Alison McDermott.
​
ORLANDO, Fla.—The American Academy of Optometry Foundation (AAOF), in partnership with the Allergan Foundation, announced Dr. Alison McDermott and her team is the recipient of the 2018-2019 Allergan Research Grant., according to the Foundation. A partnership for five years between Allergan and the AAOF, the highly competitive grant is, “awarded to a talented optometrist and/or vision scientist, who is an AAOF member, and is currently undertaking cutting edge research in the areas of glaucoma and/or the anterior segment.”

Professor of Molecular Sciences from Northumbria University, Dr. McDermott, was awarded the $60,000 grant for her project, “Therapeutic Potential of Medicinal Maggot Secretions for Ocular Surface Disease.” Dr. McDermott and her investigative team, Dr. William Cheung, scientific officer of Metabolomics/Proteomics at Northumbria, will be honored for their findings at the annual AAOF Celebration Luncheon during Academy 2019 Orlando to be held from Oct. 23 to 28.

The AAOF said, “The American Academy of Optometry Foundation is pleased to partner with the Allergan Foundation to recognize individuals whose work will contribute to the future of optometric care.” AAOF president David Kirschen, OD, PhD said, “We congratulate Dr. McDermott and her team on her award and cutting edge research that will improve our patients eye health.”