TORONTO, March 28, 2014 /CNW/ - CNIB presented the CNIB Chanchlani Global Vision Research Award to Dr. King-Wai Yau as part of the Toronto Visions Gala at the Granite Club on Friday, February 28, 2014.
"I am tremendously honoured to be chosen for this prestigious award. I am equally impressed by the long history of CNIB and its dedicated and passionate mission of helping people with vision loss overcome their disability through education, community support, rehabilitation, and research. Vision research is undergoing major and rapid advances and it is anticipated that this will translate into great benefits in the not-so-distant future," said Dr. Yau.
Dr. Yau, who is Professor of Neuroscience and Ophthalmology at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, has made significant contributions in the field of retinal research. His findings have led to the understanding of how light triggers the electrical response in the retinal cells (rods and cones), and his work has guided all subsequent research in the field for the past 30 years.
Dr. Yau has pinpointed the correlation between hereditary diseases that affect retinal cells and vision loss, which has had a positive impact on clinical ophthalmology. He can also explain why some individuals who are totally blind are able to synchronize their biological clock to the ambient light-dark cycle to adapt to jetlag.
"This research is a major step forward in enabling scientists to explore the causes of blindness and vision loss, potential cures, treatments, how our eyes work and what we need to do to maintain our vision," said John M. Rafferty, President and CEO of CNIB.
The CNIB Chanchlani Global Vision Research Award was established by Vasu and Dr. Jayshree Chanchlani in collaboration with the Toronto Netralya Lions Club and the Toronto Doctors Lions Club to support best research in the field of vision science and rehabilitation, worldwide. Valued at $25,000, the award reinforces CNIB's dedication to promote vital, world-class research to explore the causes of blindness and vision loss, potential cures, treatments and prevention.
About CNIB
CNIB is a registered charity, passionately providing community-based support, knowledge and a national voice to ensure Canadians who are blind or partially sighted have the confidence, skills and opportunities to fully participate in life. To learn more, visit cnib.ca or call the toll-free CNIB Helpline at 1-800-563-2642.
Image with caption: "Dr. King Wai Yau (left) and Dr. Jaya Chanchlani (CNW Group/Chanchlani Foundation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140328_C7546_PHOTO_EN_38460.jpg
Image with caption: "From left to right Mr. Len Baker VP CNIB, Premier of Ontario Kathleen Wynne, Dr. King Wai Yau and Dr. Jaya Chanchlani (CNW Group/Chanchlani Foundation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140328_C7546_PHOTO_EN_38461.jpg
Image with caption: "President CNIB John Rafferty, Dr Keith Gordon VP Research CNIB, Prof. Hugh Taylor (First Receipient of the Award), Vasu Chanchlani and Dr Jaya Chanchlani (CNW Group/Chanchlani Foundation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140328_C7546_PHOTO_EN_38462.jpg
SOURCE: Chanchlani Foundation
Shannon Simpson, Communications Specialist
519-685-8420 ext. 5147
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