UC Davis Eye Center

02/07/2026

Novel stem cell therapy to treat central retinal vein occlusion

At the UC Davis Eye Center, Susanna S. Park is advancing regenerative retinal care by leading the largest clinical trial to date investigating the use of patients’ own CD34+ stem cells to treat vision loss caused by central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), a common and often devastating retinal vascular disease.

To learn more, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/novel-stem-cell-therapy-treat-central-retinal-vein-vt2kc

National Eye Institute

02/07/2026

Integrating mental health into ophthalmic care: Dr. Thiran Jayasundera’s research advances holistic vision of medicine

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/integrating-mental-health-ophthalmic-care-dr-thiran-wm01c

02/03/2026

Our senior resident Christine Xu, M.D. presented at the United Kingdom Pediatric Glaucoma Society Meeting in London on January 23. Her talk, “Analysis of Late-Diagnosed Pediatric Glaucoma Cases at Two Academic Institutions,” sparked great discussion and highlighted important insights into pediatric glaucoma care.

Congratulations, Christine, on representing our institution on an international stage!

01/29/2026

We are thrilled to announce the results of this year’s residency match—huge congratulations to our incoming ophthalmology residents! We are so excited to welcome this outstanding group and can’t wait to see all that you will accomplish.

Jonathan Bindi — TCU – Texas Christian University
Jesse Most — UC San Diego School of Medicine
Uyen (Tu) Nguyen — UC Davis School of Medicine
Jaipreet Virk — UC Davis School of Medicine

01/27/2026

Congratulations to Drs. Jeffrey Caspar, Jennifer Li, Mark Mannis, Mathew Margolis and Andrew Nelson on receiving the FY26 Q1 distinguished 𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗼𝗰 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 from UC Davis Health for excellence in patient-centered care. Based solely on patient experience surveys, this honor recognizes providers who rank in the top 10% for attentive listening, clear communication and fostering respectful, collaborative relationships.

01/21/2026

Please join us in welcoming our new Vice Chancellor of Human Health Sciences, Mark Rosenblatt, M.D., Ph.D, MBA, MHA!

“It’s amazing to be back,” Rosenblatt said. “I know how much UC Davis and UC Davis Health mean to Californians. It is such an important fixture, being the only academic medical center in this part of California. It is a huge responsibility, but also, of course, a huge privilege.”

Rosenblatt began his academic career at UC Davis in 2005 as an assistant professor of ophthalmology and vision science, splitting his time between research in Davis and clinical care in Sacramento.

Before joining us, Rosenblatt brings a distinguished record as a clinician-scientist and academic health leader, having spent the last decade at the University of Illinois Chicago.

Image description:
Mark Rosenblatt stands smiling at the camera in a suit, with the UC Davis Health campus in the background.

12/17/2025

Nancy Rickey Keltner was born Jan. 8, 1940, to Wesley Branch Rickey Jr., and Mary Iams Rickey and left us suddenly on Oct. 17, 2025.

She is survived by her husband John; sons John, Brent, and Carter; her siblings Caroline Hughes and Branch Rickey III; six grandchildren Ben, Aiden, John Henry, Anna, Kai, and Kiana; not to mention countless additional family members and dear friends.

Nancy was born in St. Louis, raised in Pittsburgh, and graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University. She married John a year after graduation and began a life committed to family, service, and adventure.

Nancy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, friend, and community advocate.

In the nearly 50 years that Nancy and John lived in Davis, she devoted herself to countless community causes. Her work on the “Send Our Strings to Vienna” campaign for the Davis High Orchestra participation in an international music festival, co-founding of the consignment shop All Things Right and Relevant, with profits donated to local mental health organizations, as well as board roles with the Yolo Community Care Continuum and other mental health agencies, were among the most noteworthy.

For six years, Nancy wrote a column for The Davis Enterprise answering teen questions. Her many contributions to the community were recognized in 1992 when she was chosen “Davis Citizen of the Year.”

Nancy and John considered themselves “part-time” Canadians. They loved nothing more than to spend their summers surrounded by grandchildren and extended family in the Georgian Bay and on Vancouver Island.

In addition to her volunteer passion and commitment to family, Nancy will be remembered for her energy, her smile, her laughter and her desire to leave the world a better place.

Nancy hoped that in her memory we do any simple act of kindness for someone and embrace one of her favorite sayings: “Always believe that something wonderful is about to happen.”

At her request memorial donations may be made for nero-ophthalmological research to the UC Davis Eye Institute, Nancy Keltner Memorial Research Fund by mail or online.

Mail: Please make a check payable to UC Davis Foundation and mail it to: UC Davis Health Sciences Development & Alumni Relations PO Box 160186 Sacramento, CA 95816, and write Nancy Keltner Memorial Research Fund in memo line.

Online: Please visit the website at give.ucdavis.edu/go/NancyKeltner.

A celebration of Nancy’s Life will be held at the Veteran’s Memorial Center on Jan. 17 from 1 to 4 p.m.

11/25/2025

11/04/2025

Pediatric ICU nurse Christine Lichti's life and career were profoundly impacted by corneal disease. At just 25, she received corneal transplants in both eyes thanks to the generosity of a donor.

“Thanks to my donors and their families, I can now drive to work safely, enjoy a sunny day in the snow or at the lake, and even watch fireworks — all things I couldn’t do before," Christine said.

Every November, Eye Donation Month honors the heroes who make these miracles possible.

“Everyone can be a hero through donation,” said Christine. “By becoming a donor, you’re leaving the ultimate legacy.”

Learn how you can become a donor: https://health.ucdavis.edu/news/headlines/cornea-recipient-shares-journey-gratitude-during-eye-donation-month/2025/11

Image Description:
Two people are standing outdoors in front of a scenic backdrop of trees and snow-capped mountains under a cloudy sky. One person is wearing a dark blue jacket and a wide-brimmed hat. The other person is wearing a bright green fleece pullover.

09/18/2025

Only 1 day left to help us reach our goal! Thanks to your support, we’ve raised 77% of our $5,000 goal to ensure kids at UC Davis Eye Center get the vision care they need, like glasses, contacts, and specialty lenses.

Every gift helps a child see clearly, learn confidently, and thrive.

Give today and help us reach our goal: https://giveto.ucdavis.edu/schools/UniversityofCaliforniaDavis/children-s-health-2025/pages/ophthalmology/?a=1

09/12/2025

We’re almost halfway there! Thanks to your support, we’ve raised 49% of our $5,000 goal to ensure kids at UC Davis Eye Center get the vision care they need, like glasses, contacts, and specialty lenses.

Every gift helps a child see clearly, learn confidently, and thrive.

Give today and help us reach our goal: https://giveto.ucdavis.edu/schools/UniversityofCaliforniaDavis/children-s-health-2025/pages/ophthalmology/?a=1

09/03/2025

We're thrilled to share that Kanishka Thiran Jayasundera has been appointed professor and chair of the Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science at the UC Davis School of Medicine! He will also serve as the Fosse Endowed Chair in Vision Science Research.

Jayasundera specializes in retinal diseases and is known internationally for inherited retinal diseases. He built his distinguished career by focusing on improving treatments and providing mental health support for patients with inherited retinal diseases.

"Dr. Jayasundera’s clinical expertise and compassionate care have placed him at the forefront of vision restoration, including pioneering work in gene therapy and retinal prostheses," said Susan Murin, dean of the UC Davis School of Medicine. "Under his leadership, we're excited to further advance our nationally recognized ophthalmology care and research programs, benefiting our community."

Learn more about Dr. Jayasundera:

Kanishka Thiran Jayasundera has been appointed professor and chair of the Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science in the UC Davis School of Medicine.