Blind World

April 19, 2004.
KSL TV.
KSL.com.

Utah researchers today applauded the beginnings of a new multi-million dollar eye research center at the University of Utah,

Ed Yeates says seeing is believing - so let's take a look.

Up there on the hill - the OLD Moran Eye Center - filled to capacity - running out of room.

But soon to rise from this hole in the ground - a NEW majestic 53-million dollar Moran Eye Center.

When completed by the summer of 2006, architects say the building's six story atrium will look like a slice of light pointing to the sky.

But even more impressive - what will happen inside. With 200 thousand square feet, eye clinicians and researchers for the first time will come together in one place - all with the same vision.

A lot of people, here for today's groundbreaking, also hold that same vision for the future.

RANDOM OSLO, M.D., DIRECTOR, JOHN A. MORAN EYE CENTER: "THE FIRST BIG BREAKTHROUGH THAT WE'RE GOING TO SEE - WE'RE NOT TALKING YEARS, BUT MONTHS - IS A TREATMENT FOR THE FIRST TIME FOR RETINITIS PIGMENTOSA AND OTHER DEGENERATIVE DISEASES WHERE A TRANSPLANT OF THE PATIENTS OWN CELLS - ENGINEERED AND CHANGED - WILL ALLOW THE TISSUE TO QUIT DETERIORATING."

Also not too far away - the first human experiments on the University of Utah's new artificial eye project, which might eventually restore limited vision to the blind.

From transplants and implants to gene therapy - the people inside this new center will do it all.

Clinical rooms and surgical suites will have the latest technology - all designed specifically for repairs and care of the eyes.

End of article.