UF receives $3 million from Florida rancher for eye disease research

August 16, 2006

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Charlie Mack Overstreet may have trouble seeing straight ahead, but he wants to make sure he sees a bright future for those who share his struggle with macular degeneration. The Central Florida property owner and rancher recently contributed $3 million to efforts being made at the University of Florida in finding a cure for the common eye disease.

The C.M. Overstreet Retinal Eye Disease Research Fund was established in the College of Medicine’s department of ophthalmology to support research in macular degeneration, which affects the macula – the central area of the retina that allows “straight-ahead” vision. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss among Americans 60 years of age and older, according to the National Eye Institute.

Dr. Shalesh Kaushal, assistant professor of ophthalmology and lead AMD investigator at UF, said the Overstreet gift will enhance existing programs, boosting the department to the forefront of research into the treatment of AMD.

“We are grateful to Mr. Overstreet for his gift,” he said. “Age-related macular degeneration is a far-reaching problem. If we could come up with a cure for this disorder it could potentially help millions of Americans.”

Overstreet, whose blurred vision and blind spots prevent him from many daily activities including driving and reading, said the disease has cost him his independence and disables millions of Americans.

“It is amazing to me to think of how many people are basically blind because of macular degeneration,” said Overstreet.

Overstreet’s relationship with the College of Medicine goes back several decades. In 1980, his family funded two chairs in the department of neurosurgery to support spinal cord regeneration research. But it wasn’t until two years ago when he began being treated by Kaushal for his eye disorder that Overstreet became familiar with the ophthalmology department’s inroads into AMD research.

“Dr. Kaushal was so certain that a cure is out there. He definitely convinced me,” said the Polk County landowner. “I believe Dr. Kaushal’s lab is on the right track – they are knocking on the right doors.”

Approximately 1.8 million Americans age 40 and older have advanced AMD, and another 7.3 million people with intermediate AMD are at substantial risk for vision loss.

The government estimates that by 2020 there will be 2.9 million people with advanced AMD.

The macula is located at the center of the retina, which is responsible for sending light to the brain. AMD causes deterioration of the macula resulting in the development of blind spots and blurred or distorted vision. Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels behind the retina start to grow under the macula, often leaking blood and fluid. With wet AMD, loss of central vision can occur quickly. Dry AMD occurs when the light-sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down, gradually blurring central vision in the affected eye.

Kaushal, director of UF’s vitreoretinal service, is studying the cellular mechanisms that cause the macula to weaken.

“Our plan is to develop novel drug therapies based on our understanding of the cellular pathways affected by the disease,” Kaushal explained. “Mr. Overstreet’s gift allows us to accelerate the development process.”

Kaushal explained that his lab has identified 40 to 45 new molecules and is systematically testing each one in animal models. With added funding, he will be able to hire more researchers and lab technicians, speeding up the progress.

Dr. William Driebe, professor and interim chairman of the department of ophthalmology, said the department would apply for matching funds from the State of Florida Major Gift Trust Fund, ultimately creating a $6 million endowment from the Overstreet gift.