Who We Are
The National Keratoconus Foundation (NKCF) is an outreach program of Gavin Herbert Eye Institute at UC-Irvine. We are dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding of keratoconus (KC), and aim to provide resources to individuals with KC. We unfortunately do not provide financial assistance. Please browse our website to find out more about KC.
World KC Day is November 10th
On November 10th we celebrate World KC Day, a national awareness day sponsored by the National Keratoconus Foundation. This day is dedicated to raise awareness about keratoconus (KC), as well as to support and advocate for those living with KC. Learn how you can Spread the Word through our Toolkit and Photo Contest.
Click HERE to learn more about World KC Day
Introducing: Chang Reaction!
National Keratoconus Foundation is pleased to host Chang Reaction, a monthly broadcast where Dr. Clark Chang, OD will offer his expert opinion about all things keratoconus. An active author, researcher, and clinician, Dr. Chang is an in-demand speaker for eyecare professionals. In 2020, Dr. Chang was named “Top Doc” by the NKCF in recognition of his outstanding care to patients with keratoconus.
On the first day of each month, NKCF will release a new ~20-minute episode of Chang Reaction. He will be joined by Taylor Young, Assistant Director of NKCF, and the occasional guest to offer advice, insight, and answers.
Click here to learn more.
Watch Our Latest Webinar!
“Eye Drops for Treatment of Keratoconus”
with Dr. Bala Ambati, MD, PhD, MBA
Dr. Bala Ambati MD, PhD, MBA company co-founder of iVeena Delivery Systems and research professor at the Univ. of Oregon Knight Campus joins us for an update on a novel potential treatment for keratoconus.
Dr. Ambati discusses NIH-supported research still in early clinical trials. iVeena, based in Salt Lake City, is developing a pharmaceutical intervention that stiffens and stabilizes corneal collagen: in effect, crosslinking for keratoconus using eye drops.
This webinar is moderated by Dr. Gloria Chiu, OD, of the USC Roski Eye Institute.
To watch, click HERE.
COVID-19 and Corrective Lens Wear
Since the recent declaration of the pandemic of COVID-19 by the World Health Organization, many false rumors and inaccurate suggestions have arisen regarding corrective lens wear. Click to read statements by contact lens experts about corrective lens recommendations as they relate to COVID-19. Watch a recording of our webinar “What You Should Know: KC & COVID-19” hosted by NKCF with guest speakers Dr. Stephanie Woo, OD and Dr. Joseph Ciolino, MD.
Quick Resources
NKCF is the world’s premier organization offering information about keratoconus. Click here to learn more about resources available to you – either in print or on-line – including Living with Keratoconus, What is KC?, Corneal Transplant Surgery, and our regular e-newsletter.
You are not alone. The NKCF is here to provide support and information about KC, including a registry of eyecare professionals in the U.S. who have a special interest and expertise in the management of keratoconus. Click here to find a KC expert near you.
Be a part of the KC community
Your story may inspire or reassure someone new to the KC community. Whether you were diagnosed last week or thirty years ago, you have insights about life with KC that are meaningful to others. Join our private message board, KC-Link to ask and answer questions.
What’s New?
Catch up on all the latest going on with KC research, breakthroughs, NKCF newsletters, and more.
Life With KC
In My Own Words: Keratoconus Life Lessons
Originally published in NKCF Update (May 2022) Meet Jim Herschenbach of Libertyville, IL. Jim grew up […]
2021 World KC Day Photo Contest Winners
On the behalf of National Keratoconus Foundation (NKCF), Keratoconus Australia, and UK-based Keratoconus group, we would […]
About Us
The National Keratoconus Foundation (NKCF) is an outreach program of The Gavin Herbert Eye Institute, UC Irvine.
The NKCF is dedicated to increasing the awareness and understanding of keratoconus and the support of scientific research into the cause and treatment of keratoconus.
What is Keratoconus?
