Prof. Cursiefen appointed visionary of the Quarter 2/2019

Expert made corneal transplantation more successful

Univ.-Prof. Dr. Claus Cursiefen, chair of the Department of Ophthalmology and speaker of DFG Research Unit 2240, has been appointed by the European Vision Institute (EVI), as “Visionary of the quarter 2/2019.” The EVI is a European “think tank” coordinating and supporting eye research in Europe (http://www.vision-research.eu/index.php?id=1226).
Since 2008 the EVI honors outstanding scientists and their achievements in the field of ophthalmology with the title “Visionary of the Quarter”. Prof. Cursiefen received this prestigious title for his clinical and scientific work in improving current therapeutic approach against corneal neovascularization and to improve corneal transplantation.

The Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Cologne is one of the largest corneal transplantation centers in Europe carrying out more than 800 operations per year – which makes 10% of all transplantations in Germany. Clinical advancements in the field of corneal grafting are supported by the research activities of the DFG-funded Research Unit FOR 2240. These involve the rejection reaction post-transplantation, wound healing and the role of limbal stem cells.