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.

The National Keratoconus Foundation (NKCF), the world’s oldest and largest organization dedicated to increasing awareness of keratoconus has named NASCAR driver Joey Gase as Ambassador.

Gase, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, discovered his lifelong passion when he won the first of many Go-Kart races at age 8.  By 18, Joey had been signed as a professional driver and was competing in the NASCAR Nationwide Series.  Today, Joey is driver and co-owner of Emerling-Gase Motorsports and has competed in more than 350 NASCAR events.

Visual acuity for NASCAR drivers can be no worse than 20/40.  Joey had worn glasses and contact lenses for vision correction for most of his life, but three years ago, he felt his vision was diminishing and visited his eye doctor who diagnosed him with keratoconus.

Conversations with the National Keratoconus Foundation led him to the Ophthalmology Department at the University of Iowa Medical Center where Gase was fit with impression-molded, custom contact lenses (EyeFitPRO) that improved his vision by compensating for the irregular shape of his cornea.  With his vision improved to 20/10, Joey is more assured in his role as driver/owner.  “In racing, you need to have confidence in your vision.  Driving 200 mph around a 2.5 mile track, I need to clearly see the imprints, grooves and marks, as well as any debris on the track.”  Gase added, “And, like any businessman, I spend hours each day in front of the computer.  I am now able to see the screen clearly and don’t experience headaches as I did in the past.”

Now based in North Carolina, Joey Gase and his wife Caitlin have twin sons, Carson and Jace.  Gase has devoted significant effort to promoting organ, tissue and eye donation and has been recognized by various organ procurement organizations for his charitable work.  He is happy to add keratoconus awareness to his list of causes.

Mary Prudden, Executive Director of NKCF, was honored to welcome Gase as an Ambassador for the organization.  “Joey’s history is like so many other individuals with keratoconus.  He grew up believing he just had ‘bad’ eyesight when in fact he had a condition where his cornea was changing shape and his vision was becoming impaired.”

Prudden added, “Because of Joey’s history with transplant agencies, he is happy to spread the word that early detection and intervention can save eyesight and eliminate the need for a corneal transplant.  Joey’s success as a NASCAR driver should be an inspiration to others who find that keratoconus is getting in the way of achieving their career goals.”

Did you miss our latest webinar?

Watch the video of Hybrid Contact Lenses here

In this hour-long presentation for individuals affected by keratoconus, Dr. Louise Sclafani OD, FAAO, FSLS discusses contact lens options with a focus on hybrid contact lenses.  She reviews how your doctor will take data points from diagnostic tests to determine the kind of contact lenses that are most likely to be successful based on  your vision and lifestyle needs.  She goes over cleaning and lens care, and gives tips on putting in and removing lenses.

Dr. Louise Sclafani is a graduate of the Illinois College of Optometry and is a member of the teaching faculty there.  Since 2017, she has been the Vice President for Professional Affairs at SynergEyes, the company that makes hybrid contact lenses in the US.  In that role she teaches doctors and students how to fit contact lenses and advises company leadership on the vision needs of patients.  Dr. Sclafani maintains a private contact lens practice (SoLo Eyes) in the Loop in Chicago.   

NKCF now produces a podcast, Clearly KC, featuring information about life with this eye disease.  Each month, Dr. Melissa Barnett, OD, a leading authority shares valuable insights, speaks with medical professionals who treat this condition and listens to patients and families affected by KC.  We wan to share information that will help you manage your keratoconus, seek out the best treatment options and life a full and productive life.  Clearly KC is for patients, family members, and medical professionals interested in learning more about keratoconus.  Clearly KC can be found on several listening platforms.  To find one, visit Clearly KC Podcast | a podcast by nationalkeratoconusfoundation (podbean.com)

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