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.

In case you missed it:

“Tommy Pham’s Journey”

Dr. Edward Bennett, OD, Professor Emeritus at the Univ. of Missouri St. Louis conducts a one-on-one interview with Tommy Pham, outfielder for the San Diego Padres in this World KC Day webinar.

Tommy shares his experience as a professional baseball player living with keratoconus. He talks about his diagnosis, subsequent treatments, and how he copes with this vision disorder while excelling in a career that requires sharp vision. Tommy is one of the most dedicated athletes in Major League Baseball. Hearing his story will inspire you. 

This webinar is moderated by Dr. Jason Marsack, PhD, of the Univ. of Houston College of Optometry research faculty.

To watch a recording of the webinar, click HERE.

BEST OF THE BEST: Our TOP DOCS of 2020

Dr. Michael Raizman, MD is truly Best of the Best.  He has been nominated as an NKCF Top Doc in previous years and this year his nomination came from his patient, CF, of Westborough, MA.  She wrote, “Dr. Raizman not only gave me back my life, as other doctors may have done, he also stayed by my side and comforted me through it all.”

One name that comes up frequently when lists of keratoconus experts are compiled is Clark Chang.  Dr. Chang is Director of Specialty Lenses for the cornea service at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia.  The mother of a 21-year-old patient, MR, of Bangor, PA wrote in her nomination, “My son was diagnosed with KC when he was 15; he never wore contacts so everything was completely new to him…  Dr. Chang always takes his time and speaks directly to my son.  Dr. Chang makes this disease bearable.”  Another patient, EA, from Lincoln, RI wrote, “Dr. Chang takes the time to know his patients, their goals, their struggles and incorporates those into their care.”

In addition to these Best of the Best, 70 other doctors from 24 states were nominated by their patients.   Some of the doctors are university faculty members, others are members of private practices that specialize in the care of individuals with keratoconus.  Still others are primary care eye doctors who show kindness and empathy toward their patients.  One quality almost universally noted in the nominations was the ability to listen to their patients and work tirelessly to save or restore vision.  We salute these the Top Doc nominees for 2020.

To read more about Dr. Raizman and Dr. Chang, along with the complete list of nominees, 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.

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