Dedication

Roy H. Steinberg, M.D., Ph.D.

Not long after the creation of the National Eye Institute (NEI) by Congress in 1968, a young, promising vision research scientist named Roy Steinberg received one of the first NEI Research Career Development Awards. This marked the beginning of a long and productive association between the NEI and a researcher who served the vision community in many ways.

With his great breadth of knowledge and sharp mind, Roy had a clearer grasp than most of the many facets of retinal research, both clinical and laboratory. Most productive scientists establish a single theme to their research program during their career. Roy was different, adapting to new ideas and seeking challenging new avenues through which to pursue his numerous research interests. His early work led to a greater understanding of the complex active and passive ionic mechanisms governing retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell transport properties.  He showed how the RPE contributes to the electroretinogram and controls the environment surrounding the photoreceptor cells.

In the late 1980's, while maintaining an interest in retinal physiology, Roy and his colleagues at the University of California at San Francisco became interested in growth factors and their potential use in slowing or preventing retinal degenerations. Roy was instrumental in demonstrating that basic fibroblastic growth factors could act as a survival promoting neurotrophic factor in hereditary retinal degenerations. At the time of his death, Roy was involved in experiments he believed could lead to treatment of blinding diseases like retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration.

Roy's great intellect, careful experimental approach, and keen scientific insights earned him the MERIT Award from the NEI and the Friedenwald Award from the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology. While maintaining an active and vigorous vision research program, Roy also found time to serve as an adviser to the National Institutes of Health and the NEI. He was a member and later Chair of the Visual Disorders Study Section, the forerunner of today's Visual Sciences C. He served as Chair of the Retinal Diseases Panel for the NEI's Vision Research—A National Plan: 1987 Evaluation and Update and as a consultant to the 1978—1982 and the 1994—1998 national plans. He authored the highlights and recommendations from two NEI sponsored workshops—the first on the Cell Biology of Retinal Detachment in 1986, and the second on Repair and Replacement to Restore Sight in 1991. In 1994, he was appointed to the National Advisory Eye Council, where he served with great distinction until his death.

The NEI and the vision community have lost a dear friend. We are deeply indebted to Roy for his unselfish service and loyalty. The NEI is proud to dedicate Vision Research—A National Plan: 1999—2003 in his memory.

Carl Kupfer, M.D.
Director
National Eye Institute