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.
Our Top Docs of 2021!
NKCF Update readers submitted stories about their doctor as part of our annual celebration honoring eye doctors. NKCF selects one optometrist and ophthalmologist to represent the entire group of nominees. Introducing the Top Docs of 2021:
Dr. Tiffany Gates, OD of Visionary Eyecare in Broomfield, CO and Dr. David Hardten, MD, co-founder of Minnesota Eye Consultants.
National Keratoconus Foundation is pleased to recognize these two outstanding doctors as the Top Docs of 2021.
To read more, and to view the full list of the other 45 doctors from 26 other states who were nominated, click here.
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 Mary Prudden, Executive Director of NKCF, and the occasional guest to offer advice, insight, and answers.
Click here to learn more.
Did You Watch Our Latest Webinar?
“An Ophthalmologist’s Experience as a CXL Patient” with Dr. James Loden, MD
Have you ever felt that although your eye doctors are knowledgeable and compassionate, they just don’t seem to understand your perspective as a patient?
James Loden, MD will share his experience as an ophthalmologist and a keratoconus patient who underwent corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL).
Join speaker, Dr. James Loden of Loden Vision in Nashville as he describes the CXL decision process from the perspective of both a physician and patient. After getting diagnosed with keratoconus at the age of 23, he attended medical school and trained as an ophthalmologist. At the age of 52, he underwent CXL surgery. Dr. Loden will dive into the details of his keratoconus journey and answer listener questions during this live webinar.
This webinar is moderated by Dr. Jason Marsack, PhD, of the Univ. of Houston College of Optometry research faculty.
To watch the webinar, 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
What Happens After CXL? Results from an NKCF Update Survey
In the February NKCF Update, we asked those who had corneal crosslinking (CXL) about their experience. Seventeen […]
TOP DOCS of 2021
TOP DOCS OF 2021 NKCF Update readers submitted stories about their doctor as part of our […]
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?
