Halting Nearsightedness Epidemic Goal of UH Vision Scientist

Researchers at the University of Houston College of Optometry are working hard to prevent that from happening. Dr. Earl L. Smith, Greeman-Petty Professor in Vision Development and dean of the College of Optometry, is at the forefront of myopia research, with his pioneering work in developing treatments to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children. Smith was recently awarded a $1.9 million grant from the NIH’s National Eye Institute to provide a better understanding of the causes of common forms of myopia, more commonly known as nearsightedness, and to develop effective treatment strategies for it.